"Leader of the Band" by Dan Folgelberg

Few would deny that our parents have a big impact on who we become in life.  For good or for bad, their parenting and example leave an indelible imprint on us that is then later passed down onto our own children, creating a legacy of thought patterns and behavior.   The best thing that a parent could do to ensure the success of their children and grandchildren is to make themselves the best they can be and do their best to teach their children to do likewise.

I have heard this gem of a song referred to great husbands, fathers and grandfathers who gently but firmly led their families while sharing with them the priceless gift of music.  I even heard this song's lyrics quoted over the pulpit as a sermon for what Christ did for us.  Surely the need for good fathers is greater than it has ever been.  As the great prophet said, the hearts of the fathers must be turned to the welfare of the children, and the hearts of the children must be turned in gratitude to their fathers or our society will continue to experience greater calamities due to teenage mothers, separated parents, broken homes and abused children.  Every father must step up and take their leading role, along side the mother, in teaching and nurturing their children, and thereby improving our society as a whole.

"Leader of the Band" by Dan Folgelberg

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 thru' 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 thru' 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 brother's 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 thru' 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