Wednesday, December 19, 2007

Dan Fogelberg ~ August 13, 1951 - December 16, 2007



Dan Fogelberg passed away on Sunday from cancer.

The news caught me by surprise because I've long been a fan of his storytelling songs.
He had a way with words that could create a clear image in my head that was better than TV.

Here's one of my favourites; "Same Old Lang Syne"



So, now he's gone on to his future.
I hope it's a good one.

He's well known for this song he wrote about his Father, a Big Band leader.

Leader of the Band

An only child Alone and wild, A cabinet makers 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 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 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.


1 comment:

  1. Fogelberg did put out some good stuff. Another of those singer/songwriters that I listened to in the 1980s but moved on from. Now that he's gone I'll need to pull out that cassette tape and listen to "Leader of the Band" again for old time's sake.

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