Strike up the Band Lyrics

Strike Up the Band
Tony Bennett
Written by George and Ira Gershwin

From his "Strike Up the Band" LP with Count Basie: Roulette 25231
This version did not chart but
In 1930, two versions did chart: Red Nichols and His Five Pennies at # 7 and the
Arden-Ohman Orchestra at # 12
Title song from the Broadway musical

Let the drums roll out
Let the trumpet call
While the people shout "Strike up the band"

Hear the cymbals ring
Callin' one and all
To the martial swing, strike up the band

There is work to be done, to be done
Let's have fun, fun, fun
You son of a gun of a gun, take your stand

Form a line, oh, oh
Come on, let's go
Hey, leader, strike up the band!

There is work to be done, to be done
Let's have fun, fun, fun
Come on, son of a gun of a gun, take your stand

Form a line, oh, oh
Come on, let's go
Hey, Mr. Leader,
Hey, Mr. Leader,
Please strike up the band