(Verse)
Listen to the strain
It plays once more for us
There it is again
The past in store for us
Wake
In memory some forgotten song
To break
The rhythm driving us along
And make
Harmony again a last encore for us

(Chorus)
Play, orchestra, play
Play something sweet and light and gay
For we must have music
We must have music
To drive our fears away
While our illusions
Swiftly fade for us
Let's have an orchestra score
In the confusions
The years have made for us
Serenade for us
Just once more
Life needn't be gray
Although it's changing day by day
Though a few old dreams may decay
Play, orchestra, play