The Last Nail

This song is on Dan Fogelberg's album "Captured Angel" released in 1975-This was the first album of Dan's that I bought-I now have this CD
It is also on his 4 CD Box set "Portrait" released in 1997-I bought it when it was released but I don't have it now
He promoted the album with a tour in support of the Eagles
The album was produced by Fogelberg
He alone recorded all of the instrumental parts before being convinced by his label to allow for a few re-recordings and contributions by other musicians
The majority of the album was recorded at a studio in South Pekin, Illinois; Fogelberg had returned home to care for his ill father
Stereo Review praised Fogelberg's musicianship but wrote that as a singer "he sounds raw, unsure, and at times even amateurish, particularly when any emotionality is involved."
I also praise Fogelberg's musicianship but disagree with the rest of Stereo Review's remarks
Dan Fogelberg – banjo, bass guitar, guitar, harmonica, percussion, keyboards, lead and backing vocals, ARP synthesizer
Glen Spreen – string arrangements
Design – Ron Coro
Photography – Henry Diltz
Cover Artwork – Dan Fogelberg

I saw you running ahead of the crowd
I chased but never thought I'd catch you
You said you loved me but you had to be free
And I let you, Why did I let you

We walked together through the gardens and graves
I watched you grow to be a woman
Living on promises that nobody gave to no one
They were given to no one

I started listening to the wind and the rain
You strained your ears but could hear nothing
One night I thought I heard them whisper my name
And I went running

I left a trail of footprints deep in the snow
I swore one day I would retrace them
But when I turned around I found that the wind had erased them
Now I'll never replace them

Fly away, my sweet bird, over the land
Take life for all the freedom you can
But if you ever should need a man
Well, the offer still stands

I hear you've taken on a husband and child
And live somewhere in Pennsylvania
I never thought you'd ever sever the string
But I can't blame you none

So let the ashes fall and lay where they will
Just say that once you used to know me
One last time sing that old song we used to know
But this time sing
But this time sing a little more slowly

Fly away, my sweet bird, over the land
Take life for all the freedom you can
But if you ever should need a man
Well, the offer still stands

~~~ Dan Fogelberg ~~~