Empty Cages
Dan Fogelberg · Portrait: Music Of Dan Fogelberg From 1972-1997 [1997]
Your courage sings before you falter
It's just another way to say
What's there but never shows
It's just another day to lay
Your sins before the altar
And where it's going to end
This time around nobody knows
Every time it seems
That you have gained an understanding
Those devils at your heels reach up
And try to tip the scales
Waking from a dream
You see it's all been done without you
And every vain attempt to make it stay
Is destined to fail
Fury rages through your restless days
Shades of time that's gone before
Empty cages where the prisoner plays
?Til the door swings closed behind for evermore
Evermore, evermore
Long before we come of age
We yearn to leave the garden
And wrestle with a myth
The hand of fate has faintly drawn
But somewhere on the way
We feel our hearts begin to harden
And see just as we learn
To turn around, the garden is gone
Fury rages through your restless days
Shades of time that's gone before
Empty cages where the prisoner plays
?Til the door swings closed behind for evermore
Evermore, evermore
Empty Cages
Dan Fogelberg's "Empty Cages" stands as a poignant centerpiece on his 1997 retrospective album, capturing the essence of his signature acoustic pop style. The track reflects Fogelberg's ability to blend personal storytelling with universal themes of longing and reflection, characteristic of his work spanning from the early 1970s through the 1990s. Recorded with his distinctive vocal delivery and melodic sensibilities, the song exemplifies the emotional depth found in his discography, resonating with listeners who appreciate classic American folk-pop. It remains a notable example of his contribution to the genre, showcasing a maturity in songwriting that defined his later career while honoring the roots of his earlier hits.