Come Follow the Band

The name of this first number we'

Re gonna do for you is Come Follow the Band

It starts out in the lobby of the theatre, long before the show begins

It begins with one instrument, a tuba, starting down the aisle

He's joined by another instrument coming in from the box

Another coming down from the balcony

Until we build up to the full company

And finally to Barnum himself as he sings the song

Come follow the band (Ba bada da bum)

Wherever it's at (Ba bada da bum)

Let both of your feet beat time to the drum

And feel your heart go rat-a-tat-tat

A flag in your hand (Ba bada da bum)

A plume in your hat (Ba bada da bum)

Battalions of brass pass and catch the light

Is there a sight that's sweeter than that?

See the pretty lady toss that baton high

Ain't she cute as a daisy?

Watch the fellow with the big bass drum go by

Ain't you glad that you stayed?

Hear the tuba play that oom-pah-pah, oh my

Ain't it driving you crazy?

Don't you be so darn lazy

Better hurry and join that big parade

Up out of your seat (Ba bada da bum)

Down off of the stand (Ba bada da bum)

So sweet in your ear, hear those hip parade

The happy laughter when the music plays

And when you see the leader proudly raise his hand

Just follow the band

Hear the trumpet blast, hear the tuba blare

Hear the boom of the bass and the rattle of the snare

With the sweetest burst of melody, I know, goes the piccolo

Hear the silver tone of the xylophone

Hear the glide and the bellow of the slide trombone

Then a burst of crystal, listen to it peal, it's the glockenspiel

With a most majestic manner you'll remember all your life

Comes the mellophone, comes saxophone, comes sousaphone, comes fife

Then the brass sing out, the woodwinds sigh

The trumpets shout and the drums reply

With a crash and a clang as the whole shebang goes by

Two upright pianos out on stage for the instrumental