If you sing a different version of this song or know other girl scout songs
not listed here, please feel free to email me at
or call me at 314-690-1414.
I'm a Leader
(Tune: Battle Hymn of the Republic)
I was glad to have a girl because our first child was a son,
I thought of all the ruffles, all the frilly bows and fun.
I thought of how we'd sit and talk at night when day was done,
Wasn't I the foolish one.
She was only half past seven when they called me to the fore.
I said "I'm not equipped" They said "Oh, yes you are, what's more;
We'll train you in the basics, we'll outfit you for the corps"
Why couldn't I have had a son?
Glory, Glory I'm a leader.
How'd I get to be a leader?
All I did was have a daughter.
Is this the price I pay?
They taught me to be thrifty, to be thoughtful, to be true.
They taught me how to string beads like the noble Indians do.
I had to learn to dig a trench, and how to use it too.
And you should taste the stew!
I had to learn to sing songs that I didn't understand.
I learned to dance the polka and to make a rhythm band.
To think of what to do and then forget what I had planned.
And they say Scouting's grand.
Glory, Glory I'm a leader.
Me, they had to make a leader.
I can't even build a fire,
Let alone put up a tent!
We went walking in the woodlands, my Girl Scout troop and me.
The handbook says that nature has a wealth of sights to see.
It's true we sure were sights when we were found eventually,
And I do all this for free.
I'm not meant to be a leader, I don't know which bird is which.
My wiener fork's all burned up, we come home from hikes and itch.
The sit-upons all fell apart, I showed them the wrong stitch,
But no one wants to switch.
Glory, Glory I'm a leader.
Hallelujah, I'm a leader.
Tell me why I should be happy,
When no one envies me.
But even though I grumble and I mumble and I shout.
Though there are days I wonder what's the best way to get out.
I guess when all is said and done, there isn't any doubt.
I'm glad to be a Scout!
Glory, Glory I'm a leader.
Someone's got to be a leader.
They can carve it on my tombstone
"Here's a girl who did her best!"
The mp3 on this webpage is ©2005 by Kristi Darby. These mp3s are not to be sold for a profit. They're here for you and your girls to learn the songs.