[Verse 1]
I smiled like Herbert Hoover when they played
I dreamed of bankers' daughters, better days
Care to dance, my lady, live near here?
They certainly sound in fine form, do you care?

[Chorus 1]
I am quite partial
Broke, spent, I still marshal

[Verse 2]
Follow me, my lady, to my home
See my large collection, some on loan
Of every big band record ever made
I had to sell my heater, so don't shake

[Chorus 2]
I am quite partial
Broke, spent, I still marshal
All my strength when big bands blare

[Instrumental Break]

[Refrain]
I smile like Herbert Hoover when the big bands played
I dreamed of bankers' daughters, better days
[Chorus 2]
For I am quite partial
Broke, spent, I marshal
All my strength when big bands play

[Bridge]
Knowing of their flair for filling empty stomachs, empty hearts
They're not so far apart, they're not so far apart
And if you can't sleep late all night
It sure ain't your coffee, well, it's the bunk

[Chorus 3]
Well honey, I am quite partial
Broke, spent, I still marshal all my strength!

[Verse 3]
I smile like Herbert Hoover when the big bands play
I frequent the dance halls most every night into the day
I know the name of every trombone player that exists
They don't know I used to blow before the crash had hit our land
(Before the Crash)

[Verse 4]
I find it so much warmer in the ballroom than at home
A common bond unites us so we're really not alone
Sure, we've got our problems, but tonight we won't admit it
Take my hand my lady friend, we'll make it seem like we were there tonight