From the Music “HELLO, DOLLY!” 1964.
Words and Music by Jerry Herman.
Copyright ©5 Mar 1964. 1st Printing.
The sheet music:
Lyrics:
Before the parade passes by
I’m gonna get in step
While there’s still time left
Before the parade passes by
Before it all moves on
And only I’m left
[Trumpet … …]
While I have one
“I’m still in my prime” left
Before the parade passes by
I’m gonna go and taste Saturday’s high life
Before the parade passes by
I’m gonna get some life back into my life
I’m ready to move out in front. I’ve had enough of just passing by life
With the rest of them, with the best of them, I’m gonna hold my head up high!
I’ve got a goal again
I’ve got a drive again
I’m gonna feel my heart coming alive again
Before the parade passes by
Look at that crowd up ahead
Listen and hear that brass harmony growing
Look at the crowd up ahead
Pardon me if my old spirit is showing
All of those lights over there
seem to be telling me where I’m going
When the whistles blow and the cymbals crash
And the sparklers light the sky
I’m gonna raise the roof
I’m gonna carry on
Give me an old trombone, give me an old baton
Before the parade passes by