Before the Parade Passes By
Bette Midler & 2017 Broadway Cast of Hello Dolly! Lyrics
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I'm gonna get in step while there's still time left
Before the parade passes by
Mrs. Levi, come along!
Cornelius is taking us down to see the Fourteenth Street parade
Everybody will be marching
Oh, Dolly, the world is full of wonderful things
Come with us, Dolly
I will, Irene, I will!
Before the parade passes by
I'm gonna go and taste Saturday's high life
Before the parade passes by
I'm going to 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 can hold my head up high
For I've got to go again
I've got to drive again
I've got to feel my heart coming alive again
Before the parade passes by
Look at the 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
Seems to be telling me where I'm going
When the whistles blow
And the cymbals crash
And the sparklers light the sky
I'm going to raise the roof
I'm going to carry on
Give me an old trombone
Give me an old baton
Before the parade passes by
Before the parade passes by
Listen and hear that brass harmony growing
When the parade passes by
Pardon me if my old spirit is showing
All of those lights over there
Seems to be telling me where I'm going
When the whistles blow
And the cymbals crash
And the sparklers light the sky
I'm going to raise the roof
I'm going to carry on
Give me an old trombone
Give me an old baton
Before the parade passes by
I'm going to raise the roof
I'm going to carry on
Give me an old trombone
Give me an old baton
Before the parade passes by
"Before the Parade Passes By" is a spirited and uplifting song from the musical Hello Dolly!. It is sung by the character of Dolly Levi, who is determined to make the most of life and seize every opportunity before it passes her by. The lyrics express her desire to participate fully in the festivities and excitement of the parade before it is too late.
The song starts with Dolly proclaiming that she wants to get in step and join the parade while there is still time left. She invites Mrs. Levi and Cornelius to accompany her to the Fourteenth Street parade, where she believes everyone will be marching. Irene, one of the characters, is moved to tears by the beauty of the world, to which Dolly affirms her willingness to join them.
Dolly sings about wanting to experience the joy and vitality of life. She wants to taste the excitement and liveliness of Saturday's high life. She is tired of merely observing and passing by life and wants to actively participate, holding her head high and regaining a sense of purpose. The song builds up the anticipation of the parade, with Dolly feeling the spirit and energy of the crowd around her. The lights and the music guide her towards her destination, symbolizing a new beginning and a path she is determined to follow.
As the whistles blow, the cymbals crash, and the sparklers light up the sky, Dolly is ready to celebrate and embrace life with enthusiasm. She expresses her intention to raise the roof and carry on, asking for an old trombone and baton to symbolize her readiness to join the festivities and take a leading role before the parade passes by.
Line by Line Meaning
Before the parade passes by
I want to take action before it's too late
I'm gonna get in step while there's still time left
I will align myself with others before it becomes impossible
Mrs. Levi, come along!
Please join me, Mrs. Levi
Cornelius is taking us down to see the Fourteenth Street parade
Cornelius is leading us to witness the parade on Fourteenth Street
Everybody will be marching
Everyone will be participating in the parade
Why, Irene, you're crying
Irene, I see that you're emotional
Oh, Dolly, the world is full of wonderful things
Dolly, there are countless amazing things in the world
Come with us, Dolly
Join us, Dolly
I will, Irene, I will!
I promise, Irene, I will join
I'm gonna go and taste Saturday's high life
I will indulge in the excitement of Saturday's vibrant lifestyle
I'm going to get some life back into my life
I'm going to reinvigorate my existence
I'm ready to move out in front
I am prepared to take a leading position
I've had enough of just passing by life
I am tired of merely existing without actively participating
With the rest of them
With the others
With the best of them
Among the most talented
I can hold my head up high
I can feel confident and proud
For I've got to go again
Because I must move forward
I've got to drive again
I need to take control once more
I've got to feel my heart coming alive again
I need to experience the rejuvenation of my heart
Look at the crowd up ahead
Observe the gathering of people in front
Listen and hear that brass harmony growing
Pay attention to the harmonious sound of the brass instruments intensifying
Pardon me if my old spirit is showing
Excuse me if my youthful enthusiasm is apparent
All of those lights over there
The lights in that direction
Seems to be telling me where I'm going
Appear to be guiding me towards my destination
When the whistles blow
At the sound of the whistles
And the cymbals crash
And the cymbals make a loud, crashing sound
And the sparklers light the sky
And the sparklers illuminate the sky
I'm going to raise the roof
I will create an uproar or have a blast
I'm going to carry on
I will persevere and continue with determination
Give me an old trombone
Provide me with an old trombone
Give me an old baton
Give me an old conductor's baton
I'm going to raise the roof
I will create an uproar or have a blast
I'm going to carry on
I will persevere and continue with determination
Give me an old trombone
Provide me with an old trombone
Give me an old baton
Give me an old conductor's baton
Before the parade passes by
I want to take action before it's too late
When the parade passes by
At the time the parade goes by
Before the parade passes by
I want to take action before it's too late
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Jerry Herman
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind