Lyrics I'd Rather Lead a Band - Loudon Wainwright III, Vince Giordano, The Nighthawks

I'd Rather Lead a Band

You know that 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
I’m rich as old Croesus
My ev’ry care ceases
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
Saxophone!
A slide trombone!
A bass fiddle and a drum
I got a piano who maks it hum!
A violin!
Yeah, a clarinet!
A hot trumpet and guitar
I lad with a baton and there you are!
(Orchestra)
I’m touched like King Midas—
You don’t dare deny us!
If Josephine had left Napoleon and climbed in my lap
I’d say, «Go back to Nap»
I’d rather lead a band