I remember when the trombones used to be loud

And when the trumpets used to blast.

I remember when the saxophones dared to squeak

And when the drummer used to rush.

I remember when the guitar wailed

And sounded over the band.

I remember when the piano would comp

And when the bass went wild.

I remember the days before the singer

And when our band sounded good.

I remember when the trumpets made comments

To everyone across the room.

Now they just laugh to themselves

Not sharing their jokes with the rest of us.

I remember when the trombones

Threw their mutes around their section.

Now they put them on the floor

Never again to play dodge ball.

I remember when the saxophones played

Much higher than they should

And instead of notes came squeaks

Now they play as quiet as they possibly can.

I remember when the drummer added

Fills, rolls, and crashes to his part.

Now he can barely keep the beat

Playing too quiet for even his own ears.

I remember how our guitar

Would turn up the amp

And take wild solos

Now he sits and plays chords

Forgetting the key changes

And changing the notes

I remember when I could go nuts

Making up whatever I wanted

As long as it fit the chord symbols

On piano, and be praised

Now, I have to play a quiet melody

Following the singer’s cues.

I remember when the bass could comp

And play notes as low as he wished

Now he has to play notes

That follow the beat

I remember how out band used to sound good

Then the singer came and took our fun away.

I remember when the trombones used to be loud

And when the trumpets used to blast.

I remember when the saxophones dared to squeak

And when the drummer used to rush.

I remember when the guitar wailed

And sounded over the band.

I remember when the piano would comp

And when the bass went wild.

I remember the days before the singer

And when our band sounded good.