And your stories of the road
To imitate the man
But his blood runs through my instrument
I said, "I love you" near enough
My life has been a poor attempt
He tried to be a soldier once
When I'm not in some hotel
When it came my time to go
A quiet man of music
I'm just a living legacy
His hands were meant for different work
Living out this life I've chose
My brothers' lives were different
To imitate the man
His gentle means of sculpting souls
Took me years to understand
And his song is in my soul
And his eyes are growing old
I thank you for the freedom
The leader of the band is tired
But his blood runs through my instrument
And the times when you got tough
And his eyes are growing old
And solitary way
A thundering, velvet hand
He left his home and went his lone
Denied a simpler fate
A gift I know I never can repay
And, papa, I don't think
I thank you for the kindness
My life has been a poor attempt
And the other to St. Paul
To the leader of the band
And come to know so well
To the leader of the band
And he gave to me
He earned his love through discipline
The leader of the band is tired
And his song is in my soul
I'm just a living legacy
One went to Chicago
For they heard another call
And I'm in Colorado
I thank you for the music
But his music wouldn't wait
And his heart was known to none
I am the living legacy