Don’t Tell the Band lyrics

As a boy I had a gig with a travelin' show
Way back in '63
We did a little pickin' for the soldier boys
Of General Bobby Lee

But when we got to Pennsylvania
I knew there'd be a change
We caught up with some boys from Georgia
And I heard one of them say

Don't tell the band
The devil's on his way
Don't tell the band
Just let the music play

Later on I had a job pouring gin and rum
On the grand queen of the sea
We set out on our first transatlantic voyage
Headed for New York City

But when I felt that lady shudder
I knew there'd be a change
I saw the captain grab the first mate
And I thought I heard him say

Don't tell the band
The devil's on his way
Don't tell the band
Just let the music play
Just let the music play