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
Mmmmmm, you talk about you and only you
and the things that you do for you.
You say you're not a lean cuisine.
So I wanna see whatcha got on the menu.
Now, if you think you're the man the only man
with an exterior you feel is superior,
just give Miss B a little peek
and see if you really can deliver.
Your tendencies are short, my expectations are long.
And as I see it now, there's not much to go on.
It seems you dug a hole that you can't crawl out.
Now I truly see what you're all about.
Don't brag about the diamond rings
or the expensive clothes you wear,
'cause I could care less for what you possess
and your attitude needs repair.
Don't brag about your body, baby,
and say that you're packin' a lot,
'cause all I see besides your big feet
is that you got big socks.
Let's just say that there's something lackin'.
A flea shouldn't have the nerve to be braggin'.
So pack up your little gift and get to steppin'.
Return it back and put it in the kiddie section.
Full figured in a place that can deliver?
Ha ha, not from what I've seen.
I can't trace what's below your waist.
There's too much space to be inside those jeans.
Don't brag about the diamond rings
or the expensive clothes you wear,
'cause I could care less for what you possess
and your attitude needs repair.
Don't brag about your body, baby,
and say that you're packin' a lot,
'cause all I see besides your big feet
is that you got big socks.
Bye bye, baby, bye bye.
It's time to wave the white flag
now that the kitten has been let out the bag.
Don't brag about the diamond rings
or the expensive clothes you wear,
'cause I could care less for what you possess
and your attitude needs repair.
Don't brag about your body, baby,
and say that you're packin' a lot,
'cause all I see besides your big feet
is that you got big socks.
Don't brag about the dia