Watching the Big Parade Go By

Beautiful, balmy day

Everyone's on display

Marchin', marchin'

Struttin' a little and gettin' the glory 'n'

Here on the porch am I

Watchin' the big parade go by

Somebody leads 'em on

Bouncin' a big baton

Twirlin', twirlin'

Tossin' and catchin' it over his shoulder 'n'

Oh, does he hold my eye

Watchin' the big parade go by

Look at the people go wild

When cavalry, three by three

Gives 'em a sight to see

Doin' their drill, provin' their skill

Thrillin' the person who's watchin' from up in a tree

Me

After the crowd is gone

Often I linger on

Wavin', wavin'

Keepin' the beat of a faraway tempo 'n'

Sighin' an empty sigh

Watchin' the big parade go by

Watching it from the side

Always there's gotta be somebody watchin' the show

Somebody lovin' the mummers 'n' letting 'em know

Any actor's gotta attract applause

Those are the laws

They wanna be liked a bit

That's why I'm perfectly glad to be cheerin' the bands

Millions of people like me gotta fill up the stands

So when the house lights dim, give me a call

And I'll be there givin' my all

And when the drums roll out, think about me

There's gotta be me

If I like it, I will cheer it

Cheer it loud and let 'em hear it

How can there be a parade without a crowd?

Proudly the music comes

Bugles and fifes and drums

Blarin', blarin'

Smashin' the air with the crash of the cymbals 'n'

Lord, how it makes me cry

Watchin' the big parade go by

Look at the people all turn and giggle and shout with glee

At the funniest sight you'll see

Is it a clown whizzin' around?

No, just some pitiful fool who fell out of a tree

Me

Why do I linger on

After the crowd is gone?

Wavin', wavin'

Hopin' to savor a faraway echo but

Hearin' the music die

Watchin' the big parade go by

Always an empty sigh

Watchin' the big parade go by

Watchin' the big parade go by