I want to be a sideman
Just an ordinary sideman
A go along for the ride man
Responsibility free
I wanna fill behind the vocal
Double on flute
Jam on the blues
I wanna go and join the local
Buy a dark suit
Stock payin' dues
I want to maintain my book
In neatly numbered order
I wanna listen to Lester Young
On my recorder
I want to play while the people dance
I wanna press my own coat and pants
I wanna ask for an advance
I wanna be a sideman
I wanna be a sideman
Just a highly qualified man
A real professional pride man
Old indispensible me
Now I can cut whatever comes up
Fake and transpose
Won't make a fuss
I wanna set the vibes and drums up
Sightread the shows
Sleep on the bus
I want to spend all my time
With music and musicians
I wanna go out and grab a smoke
On intermissions
I want to sleep in the afternoons
And let the leader call all the tunes
I wanna be young
I wanna have fun
I want to be a sideman
I wanna work for a superstar
I wanna hang in the hotel bar
I wanna be young
I wanna have fun
I want to be a sideman
