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