Leader of the band

An only child alone and will

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.

He gave me a gift tied on

I never can repay.

A quiet man of music denied a simpler fate.

He tried to be a soldier once

but his music couldn't wait.

He earned his love through discipline

a thundering 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 St.Paul.

And I'm in Colorado

when I'm not in some hotel.

Living out this life I've chose

and come to know so well.

I thank you for the music

and your stories of them all.

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'm just a living legacy

to the leader of the band.