“Leader of the Band” (A Song I Re-wrote)

 “Leader of the Band” (A Song I Re-wrote)

Leader of the Band

Original Words and Music by Dan Fogelberg

Adapted by Gary Clendenon © 2002

Here is a video you can listen to while you read or sing these words!

He came a 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.

Quite a man of wisdom, denied a simpler fate

He tried to be a carpenter but His calling wouldn't wait.

He earned his love through discipling, a thund'ring velvet hand

His gentle means of sculpting souls took me years to understand.

Chorus:

The Leader of the Band inspires though 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

Others' lives are different for they hear another call

Some runnin’ to and fro, others don’t care at all.

I'm followin’ the Leader—He told me to “Go tell” so

I’m living out this life I chose and come to know so well.

Musical Interlude:

I thank You for the music and your stories on the road.

I thank you for the freedom when it came your time to go.

I thank you for your kindness and the times when you get tough

And Jesus I don't think I’ve said "I love you" near enough.

Chorus:

The Leader of the Band inspires though 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