Part of the Plan by Dan Fogelberg

Album: Souvenirs (1974)

Charted: 31

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In this song, it seems that Fogelberg was coming to grips with the consequences and responsibilities of his new celebrity, while trying to maintain balance in love and life. It sounds like he was getting over a relationship:

I had a woman who gave me her soul
But I wasn't ready to take it
Her heart was so fragile and heavy to hold
And I was afraid I might break it

In a 1997 online chat, he explained: "It's not really about anyone, it's more of a philosophical piece. I suppose it's about all of us... and none of us."
Fogelberg's first hit single, this song is from his platinum-selling second album Souvenirs, which was produced by Joe Walsh. It was a vast departure from Fogelberg's first album (Home Free, 1972), which he recorded in Nashville with Norbert Putnam producing. With that album underperforming commercially, Fogelberg's record company teamed him with Walsh and they recorded the album in Los Angeles.
Notables who contributed to the album included Dan Peek from the group America and Graham Nash from Crosby, Stills and Nash. >>
Suggestion credit:
Charles - Charlotte, NC, for above 2

Comments: 9

Pam From Ne from Lincoln, NeThere is no eden or heavenly gate, await your arrival (to becoming one with the universe when we die )with simple survival (don't get caught up with the pettiness and drama of life on planet earth), and one day we'll all understand (when we cross to the beyond and understand everything). John from Renfrew PA, that's how I understand the paradox of this song.
John from Renfrew, PaTo Lalahs point, Can somebody explain what seems to be a paradox? on the one hand, "there is no eden or heavenly gates" but on the other, await your arrival with simple survival, and one day we'll all understand.
Jr from New Bern, NcHey Shady. The line "wish someone would buy your confession" is a rephrase of an old American phrase which has various meanings, depending on the exact usage. An example: "I'm playing so bad I'd have to buy a hit" if your playing baseball, or "I've been so unlucky lately I couldn't roll a 7 with loaded dice" if you're shooting craps. So, as you see, it can take on different shades of meaning, depending on the content and application. In this particular instance, he's referring to mistakes he's made in a relationship: "gave me her soul" but I "wasn't ready to take it". His conscience bothers him about it, but who is going to take a confession from him. He's famous, rich, etc. No one is going to believe that he is having these kinds of misgivings about himself, etc. So, he can't buy a confession.
Mark from Jefferson City, MoShady, I think it means will they believe it?
Shady from , Other - EuropeWhat's the line "You wish someone would buy your confession" about? I don't know much about confession, but I don't think you have to pay for it. Any info would be appreciated.
Reed from New Ulm, MnGarrett from Nashville-----Yes, this one was on the charts for weeks and weeks. not sure if it made #1 for any length of time, but was his first hit.
Great song.
Tim from Denver, CoDon Henley, Glenn Frey and Randy Meisner can also be heard on this album. Henley and Frey on "As the Raven Flies" and Meisner on "There's a Place in the World for a Gambler."
Lalah from Wasilla, AkAwait your arrival with simple survival and one day we'll all understand . . . sounds like heaven to me. Yes, this charted at 31 for its highest in the US. Says so at the top of this page.
Garrett from Nashville, TnWas this ever a Top 40 hit?

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