Lyrics:

(S. Howe, A. Nittoli, A. Schroeck) [Recorded January 25, 1983, New York] [Intro] Hear that music playing, listen to what it's saying Throughout the years I've made a lot of friends Many became famous, most of them go nameless But I dedicate this song to all of them I've sung with the best and I've had it all I've gone from neighborhood saloons to Carnegie Hall I've been down and out and I've been in demand But I wouldn't have made it without them, here's to the band! Those magical notes, those musical pearls I've sung with all the Counts, the Dukes, the Kings, and the Earls And the experience, I have to say, was grand But I wouldn't have made it without them, here's to the band! [Bridge] Strings soaring, horns boring Drums pounding in my ear To start at the ground and reach for the top To have such a wonderful career, I just gotta stop Stop and turn around to thank everyone that sits on the stand `cause I wouldn't have made it without them, here's to the band! [instrumental] Here's to those ladies and the gentlemen Here's to the AF of M I wouldn't have made it without them, here's to the band! Here's to the band!