The High School Band

There is a hill where the old men sit
And watch the parade go by
Every September’s third Saturday
Before the game is played that night

They watch as the children they dance
The king and the queen holding hands
They cover their hearts
As the Stripes and the Stars
Lead the way for the High School Band

There’s Stanley the butcher
Who closed his shop
‘Cause there’s a Kroger across town
His wife, MaryAnn, the librarian
Who was selling Avon now
They lost their oldest to Vietnam
Their youngest to go play drums
And their Katie she stayed
And she gave them their Amy
Who was marching in the High School Band

And the trumpets sing and the cymbals ring
It’s good to hear young ones
Playing the old songs
Marching in the High School Band

Frank used to pastor the Baptist church
Before they tried to run him out
He said “Jesus, the righteous one
Thrrew no stones”
So he wasn’t starting now
When that trailer girl first showed up
He’d said she needed a little love
And he’d hold her black baby
And pray for him daily
Now he’s marching in the High School band

And Michael Brown
Who came to town in 1981
To teach at the college his second wife
Margaret attended before they split up
NOw he’s on number for
And he’s tired and sore
And figures their time has passed
But it’s a beautiful day
And he can get away
When he’s listening to the High School Band

And the trumpets sing and the cymbals ring
It’s good to hear young ones
Playing the old songs
Marching in the High School Band