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 brothers' 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

The times when you got tough

And papa, I don't think I said,

"I love you" near enough