Leader Of The Band
David Lyrics

An only child alone and wild, a cabinet maker's son
He was an only child, a wild and independent spirit, and the son of a cabinet maker.

His hands were meant for different work
He was not meant to follow in his father's footsteps as a cabinet maker, instead he had a different calling.

And his heart was known to none
He kept his dreams and aspirations hidden from everyone, even those closest to him.

He left his home and went his lone and solitary way
He struck out on his own, blazing his own trail, without the support or guidance of family or friends.

And he gave to me a gift I know I never can repay
Despite his solitary journey, he imparted something invaluable to the artist that they will always cherish and could never fully repay.

A quiet man of music denied a simpler fate
He was a man of music, who chose a more complex path in life than what was expected of him.

He tried to be a soldier once, but his music wouldn't wait
He attempted a different path, briefly considering a military career, but ultimately could not deny his love for music.

He earned his love through discipline, a thundering velvet hand
He gained the respect and admiration of others through his hard work and dedication, in a way that was both assertive yet gentle.

His gentle means of sculpting souls took me years to understand
The artist took time to fully grasp the impact and significance of the way the man inspired and influenced others through his music.

My brother's lives were different for they heard another call
The artist's siblings pursued different paths in life, following their own individual callings.

One went to Chicago and the other to St Paul
The siblings went to different cities, each pursuing their own passions and lifestyles.

And I'm in Colorado when I'm not in some hotel
The artist's life involves a lot of travel, as they pursue their own path, often staying in hotels as they go.

Living out this life I've chose and come to know so well
The singer is content with the life they have chosen for themselves, and have become comfortable and familiar with it.

I thank you for the music and your stories of the road
The singer expresses gratitude for the man's music and the stories that came with it, likely told during their travels.

I thank you for the freedom when it came my time to go
The man allowed the singer freedom to pursue their own dreams and individual path, giving them the space to go their own way.

I thank you for the kindness and the times when you got tough
The artist thanks the man for both his kindness and his moments of firmness, recognizing the value in seeing both sides of a person.

And papa, I don't think I said I love you near enough
The artist expresses regret for not expressing their love and gratitude towards the man enough.

The leader of the band is tired and his eyes are growing old
The man who had such a profound impact on the singer is growing tired and old, showing the passage of time.

But his blood runs through my instrument and his song is in my soul
The man's legacy continues, as the singer feels his influence in the music they create.

My life has been a poor attempt to imitate the man
The artist recognizes the influence the man has had on their life, and feels that it has been an attempt to live up to his legacy.

I'm just a living legacy to the leader of the band
The artist sees themselves as a continuation of the man's legacy, and acknowledges the lasting impact he had on their life.