About the song
“Leader of the Band,” performed by the talented Dan Fogelberg, is a heartfelt tribute to his father and a touching reflection on the influence of family and music in our lives. Released in 1981 as part of his album “The Innocent Age,” this song has left a lasting impact on listeners with its emotive lyrics and beautiful melody.
Written solely by Dan Fogelberg himself, “Leader of the Band” is a deeply personal song that pays homage to his father, Lawrence Fogelberg, who was a musician and teacher. The lyrics eloquently express the admiration and gratitude Fogelberg feels towards his father, portraying him as a source of inspiration and guidance throughout his life.
“Leader of the Band” resonated strongly with audiences, both commercially and critically. It peaked at number 9 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and received widespread acclaim for its emotional depth and sincerity. The song’s success helped propel the album “The Innocent Age” to multi-platinum status, solidifying Dan Fogelberg’s reputation as a masterful singer-songwriter.
For many older listeners, “Leader of the Band” may evoke memories of their own relationships with their parents or loved ones. Its universal themes of love, admiration, and legacy strike a chord with listeners of all ages, making it a timeless classic that continues to resonate with audiences today.
The album “The Innocent Age,” which features “Leader of the Band,” is regarded as one of Fogelberg’s finest works, showcasing his songwriting prowess and musical versatility. It received critical acclaim and earned Fogelberg several Grammy Award nominations, further cementing his legacy as a prominent figure in the folk and soft rock genres.
“Leader of the Band” remains a beloved favorite among fans of Dan Fogelberg and singer-songwriter music alike. Its poignant lyrics and poignant melody serve as a poignant reminder of the enduring power of love, family, and music. Whether you’re revisiting this classic or discovering it for the first time, “Leader of the Band” is sure to leave a lasting impression on your heart and soul.
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Lyrics
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 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 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 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 a living legacy to the leader of the band