Intro : 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 thund'ring velvet hand His gentle means of sculpting souls Took me years to understand       [Refrain :] 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 lea--der 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 chose And come to know so well       Instrumental : 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 And the times when you got tough And papa I don't think I said "I love you" near enough.       [Refrain]       I am the living legacy To the leader of the band                             Finale :