[Verse:]
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I haven't ambitions for lofty positions
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That wind up with the wealth of the land
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I'll give you the throne that a king sat on
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For just a small baton
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Providing you included a band
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[Refrain:]
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If I could be the wealthy owner of a large industry
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I would say, "Not for me"
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I'd rather lead a band
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If I could be a politician with a chance to dictate
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I would say, "Let it wait"
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I'd rather lead a band
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My ev'ry care ceases
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I'm rich as old Croesus
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When I've got ten pieces
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In hand
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If I could have a millionairess with a whole flock of banks
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I would just whisper "Thanks
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I'd rather lead a band"
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[2nd refrain:]
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Give me a band, yes sir
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And not a thing lesser
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To be that professor
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Is grand
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If Josephine had left Napoleon and climbed in my lap
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I'd say, "Go back to Nap"
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I'd rather lead a band
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[Patter:]
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A saxophone, a slide trombone
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A bass fiddle and a drum
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A guy at the piano who makes it hum
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A violin, a clarinet
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A hot trumpet and guitar
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And me with the baton and there you are
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-----------------
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I'd Rather Lead A Band
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| Irving Berlin |
