by Frank Angst

Singer-songwriter Dan Fogelberg, whose early 1980’s hit “Run For the Roses” remains a favorite with horse racing fans, died on Sunday morning in his Maine home. He was 56.

Released on the 1981 album, The Innocent Age, “Run For the Roses” is a tribute to the Kentucky Derby (G1). The song remains a favorite each year at Derby time and has become a popular choice to accompany horse racing presentations on Youtube.com.

“Run For the Roses” was one of four top 20 hits on the 1981 double album, which went double platinum. Other hits on the album included “Same Old Lang Syne,” still popular in the holiday season; “Leader of the Band,” written for Fogelberg’s father; and “Hard to Say.” Fogelberg also is known for the single “Longer.”

A native of Peoria, Illinois, Fogelberg was diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer in May 2004. His web site says his wife, Jean, was at his side when he died.

The lyrics to “Run For the Roses” follow:

Born in the valley and raised in the trees
Of Western Kentucky on wobbly knees
With mama beside you to help you along
You'll soon be a-growing up strong

All the long, lazy mornings in pastures of green
The sun on your withers, the wind in your mane
Could never prepare you for what lies ahead
The run for the roses so red

(Chorus)
And it's run for the roses as fast as you can
Your fate is delivered, your moment's at hand
It's the chance of a lifetime in a lifetime of chance
And it's high time you joined in the dance
It's high time you joined in the dance

From sire to sire, it's born in the blood
The fire of a mare and the strength of a stud
It's breeding and it's training and it's something unknown
That drives you and carries you home

(Chorus)