Irving Berlin
Lyric guide

I'd Rather Lead A Band

Read I'd Rather Lead A Band lyrics by Irving Berlin on LyroVerse, with linked artist context and related song paths.

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Page type: lyric reference Artist: Irving Berlin Canonical path: /irving-berlin/i-d-rather-lead-a-band Related lyric paths: 6
Lyrics

I'd Rather Lead A Band

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[Verse:]

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

[Refrain:]

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"

[2nd refrain:]

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

[Patter:]

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

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Who performs "I'd Rather Lead A Band"?

Irving Berlin performs "I'd Rather Lead A Band", and this lyric page sits inside the Irving Berlin catalog on LyroVerse.

Are there related songs to explore after "I'd Rather Lead A Band"?

Yes. The related section below points to (I'll See You In) C-U-B-A and (I've Got) Plenty To Be Thankful For with a short reason for opening each page next.

Where can I find more songs by Irving Berlin?

Use the artist link near the top of the page or the related paths section below to keep moving through Irving Berlin's lyric pages.

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