Today the prompt for Song Lyric Sunday from Jim Adams, our host, is ‘Occupation’
I have chosen Leader Of The Band by Dan Fogelberg. This is a favorite of mine. Written in 1981, it is a beautiful story paying homage to his father, Lawrence, who indeed as a musician was a leader of his own band. Lawrence, was still alive when the song was written but died the following year.
It has a beautiful poetic quality to it and Dan Fogelberg had such a pure tone to his voice. This is a timeless song. Sadly he died in 2013
I hope you enjoy it.
Lyrics
Leader Of The Band
An only child, alone and wild, a cabinet maker's son,
His hands were meant for different work and his heart was known to none.
He left his home and went his lone and solitary way
And he gave to me a gift I know I never can repay.
A quiet man of music, denied a simpler fate,
He tried to be a soldier once but his music wouldn't wait.
He earned his love through discipline, a thund'ring, velvet hand.
His gentle means of sculpting souls took me years to understand
The leader of the band is tired and his eyes are growing old
But his blood runs through my instrument and his song is in my soul.
My life has been a poor attempt to imitate the man.
I'm just a living legacy to the leader of the band.
My brothers' lives were different, for they heard another call.
One went to Chicago and the other to Saint Paul
And I'm in Colorado, when I'm not in some hotel
Living out this life I've chosen, come to know so well.
I thank you for the music and your stories of the road
I thank you for the freedom when it came my time to go
I thank you for the kindness and the times when you got tough
And, Papa, I don't think I said "I love you" near enough.
The leader of the band is tired and his eyes are growing old
But his blood runs through my instrument and his song is in my soul.
My life has been a poor attempt to imitate the man.
I'm just a living legacy to the leader of the band.
I am the living legacy to the leader of the band.
Written by Dan Fogelberg - 1981
Makes me teary eyed but in a good way. Always loved this song.
Me too. I think it’s the clarity of his voice. 🙂
One of the best father tribute songs ever. So sorry to hear Dan passed away. He made a lot of good music.
I agree Lisa. 🙂💕
Thanks Kevin 🙂
One of my all-time favorites too!
I’ve always liked this song, but never knew the backstory. thank you so much for sharing that.
Thanks Mary. It’s always fun to find these things out isn’t it? 🙂
Great song Christine and Dan Fogelberg died way too young only living to 56.
Thanks Jim. Yes I know. I remember being so upset at that. 😢
Thanks Mel. I love it whenever I hear it. 🙂💕
This is lovely. I have never heard it before.