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