I'd Rather Lead a Band - Fred Astaire, Ирвинг Берлин

I haven’t ambitions for lofty positions

That wind up with the wealth of the land

I’ll give you the throne that a king sat on For just a small baton

Providing you included a band

If I could be the wealthy owner of a large industry

I would say, «Not for me»

I’d rather lead a band

If I could be a politician with a chance to dictate

I would say, «Let it wait»

I’d rather lead a band

My ev’ry care ceases

I’m rich as old Croesus

When I’ve got ten pieces

In hand

If I could have a millionairess with a whole flock of banks

I would just whisper «Thanks

I’d rather lead a band»

Give me a band, yes sir

And not a thing lesser

To be that professor

Is grand

If Josephine had left Napoleon and climbed in my lap

I’d say, «Go back to Nap»

I’d rather lead a band

A saxophone, a slide trombone

A bass fiddle and a drum

A guy at the piano who makes it hum

A violin, a clarinet

A hot trumpet and guitar

And me with the baton and there you are