This beautiful song was written by Gordon as he struggled with the end of his marriage. He was struggling and trying to understand what went wrong. We lost Gordon last night (May 1st, 2023). We Canadians adored him and can't help but feel that we've lost (as a Country) part of our soul. He was a decent, kind & humble man. He loved Canada and Canadians loved him back for his beautiful poetic words & music. Be at peace Gordon & Canadians thank you for all that you gave & shared with us. Oh how I will miss the poetry yet to be written and the music that filled our Canadian souls. Thank you.. RIP
And I would add so many of us in the US loved him, too. Thank you, Canada, for this wonderfu man and his gift of music and all the great artists from the land of the Maple Leaf. OH, CANADA!❤
Gordon Lightfoot just died last week. They rang the church bell at the mariners cathedral 30 times. 29 for those that died on the Edmund Fitzgerald and once for Gordon. A Canadian treasure.
The previous reaction you did was for The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald. Bob Dylan himself has praised Gordon’s storytelling and music. Thank you Harri for highlighting Gordon Lightfoot.😊🇨🇦
Dillon wrote ok, too bad he didn't ask Gordon to sing for all his songs exect he wouldn't do all the finger pointing songs though- Gordon was very humble in his music
He is revered in Canada. Every year he would perform for a week at Massey Hall in Toronto. You had to line up for tickets the day they came on sale or you missed out for another year. His voice is second only to his stories.
Gordon Lightfoot is an incredible musician and story teller. Some of my favourites that tell great stories are " the Canadian Railroad Trilogy" and "Don Quixote". 🙂
One of Gordon's earliest songs written by him is "Early Morning Rain". He acknowledges that Peter, Paul, and Mary gave his career a huge boost with their recording of this song which resulted in a big hit for them. You've heard their harmonies, so you can imagine how beautiful the song is with Gordon's songwriting skills and P, P, & M's vocals.
Mr. Gordon Lightfoot is a true gem among songwriters. If you haven't already done so, sir, you may want to react to "Sundown" & "Carefree Highway", 2 more wonderfully written story-songs. And might I suggest another brilliant songwriter in the same style, Mr. Arlo Guthrie. His beautiful song, "The City Of New Orleans", is a folk classic, & will surely surprise you if you've never heard it. Thank you, sir, for treating us to some great Lightfoot music!
Point of detail - Arlo did not write "City of New Orleans" it was written by Steve Goodman who also recorded the original version of it. Arlo had a big hit with the song though, Steve's original didn't sell all that well SFAIK. If you asked me to choose between the two versions, I'm not sure I could - they are both great!
@@alanmusicman3385 Exactly right. I remember seeing Steve Goodman many years back and he included City Of New Orleans in that show. He introduced it by joking that Arlo had paid for his kid's college by covering his song. Very talented man, and very humble.
@@alanmusicman3385 Willie Nelsen made `City Of New Orleans` his own when he put his magic on it back in the early 90`s, twenty year`s after with was first written by the late Steve Goodman.
A song I came to know very early, as it would be played often on WPAT when I was growing up. I loved it and learned it by heart, though I was too young to grasp the meaning. Yes, a wonderful story-teller. I would also recommend "Sundown" done by Lightfoot.
That was a very heart felt shout out to Gordon Lightcoot. Hopefully, Gordon can see this reaction and know how grateful many of us are with the wonderful music he has given us all. I cry every time I hear this song because, like you said Harri, Gordon pours everything into his craft. The words in this song capture how I feel looking back at several of my relationships. Thank you Harri and thank you Gordon.
Gordon Lightfoot has always been one of my most fav. Singer songwriters, he has one of the most unforgetable haunting voices that can transport you into a diff. time and place that you never forget... Unmistakable voices......!!!!!! 💪💪👍🙏🙏🙏Can rem. being blown away as a young kid first time hearing him, Great stuff.....................................
Totally Agree! Love This Song SO Much! Have Loved Gordon Since The Early 1970's. Lucky Enough To Have Seen Him in Concerts About 7 Times, Throughout Michigan. ❤❤❤
This charted in 1971 in the UK. I was 14 at the time and I loved the song then as I do now. It humbles me a little to think that Gord could record such a beautiful song in such a way that it grabbed and held the attention of a youngish boy. 1971. What a year that was for music.
Thank you Harri for more Gordon. The Last Time I Saw Her Sundown Canadian Railroad Trilogy Cotton Jenny Gordon is a master at drawing you into his ability to tell a story in song with such emotion you really feel it. Lots more to explore Harri. Thanks eh!! 🇨🇦 Cheers from Canada 🇨🇦
We just just saw Gordie perform in his home town of Orillia, Ontario. He is now 83, gaunt and suffering from emphysema but he still managed to play and sing for a solid hour and a half. A consummate professional and one of the undisputed legends of modern music.
@@oldermusiclover Yep. I think he only stopped smoking some three years ago. It's difficult enough for most people to accept clear and present danger, long term damage doesn't register at all.
So interesting to hear the reactions of younger people, people from other countries and cultures who didn’t grow up listening to Gordon and folk music. As a 74 yr old Canadian, Gordon was an essential part of Canadian music and national pride. It’s wonderful that his music can transcend those differences. And you reviewing his music so positively sharing to an audience who would probably never him otherwise is terrific. Thank you.
Just an Incredible song....! When you get back to Bob Dylan please consider "Tangled Up In Blue" (Amazing story telling) and "Lay Lady Lay".... Both are Great tunes...!
He's such an incredible romantic. Two of those songs are 'Beautiful' and 'Softly she comes'. A song that brought me back from a death bed was 'Whispers of the North' A comment at the start of that song on UA-cam is mine about that time i was in hospital going under and someone played this song and it shone like a star in my delerious mind and brought me back..
Canada's finest. Saw him live 12 years ago. He's a treasure trove. "The Circle is Small" is my favee. Also love "Summer Side of Life," "Rainy Day People," "Early Morning Rain," "The way I feel" "Old Dan's Records," "The Watchmans Out" "Home From the Forest," "Did She Mention My Name," "Steel Rail" "Alberta Bound." I know I'm forgetting some.
An amazing song that displays Gordon's ability to convey the enigma of a lost love in his lyrics ,guitar and as you pointed out his rich sincere voice. I can't imagine anyone else singing this song his voice is so perfect.
I was ten years old when this came out and I vividly remember it. I could sort of understand what it was about... well, as much as a ten year old could, but his voice, the guitar, the beautiful strings - it really tugged at my heart. Its 50+ years later now and it still makes me feel that way.
Gordon Lightfoot is one of my all time favorites from the 70’s. I had the good fortune to see him in person at Boston’s Symphony Hall and he was stunning. He makes that 12 string acoustic sing right along with him. Such a beautiful talent. Great choice Harri. 🌺✌️
Spot on review! Probably one of the best failed relationship songs ever! Gordon Lightfoot is one of the greatest song writers and story tellers in popular music!
For me, this song IS the early 70s! Beautifully written and sung, it's a masterpiece. Great reaction, Harri. (Harri, your words are too, too true - a relationship that came to an end for me when I was 22 still haunts me to this day, and I'm 79 now.)
Sadly Gordon passed away a little while ago. A sad loss, truly one of the great singer/story tellers. By the way, you absolutely nailed it; he wrote it somewhat about his divorce. Excellent reaction.
Gordon Lightfoot was the first concert I ever went to, in 1976. Since then I've seen him live many times, and have most of his albums. The man is a legend, maybe the best singer/songwriter ever. He's in his 80s now and still performing.
Unfortunatley, Gordon passed away on May 1. But he had a pretty good life, despite heartache and mistakes. This song was written about the breakup of his first marriage. And his songwriting is just so honest. He was a Canadian treasure, and so massively talented. He could do it all...sing, write, music, write lyrics, and play the guitar. And the drums, I thinkj. I know that no one can live forever, but it was knowing that he was still out there, just being himself. He will be missed so much. And I like that you closed your eyes and just listened...I did the same with this song on the weekend.
Excellent choice of songs to react to, brother Harri. There so precious few songwriters who can make you feel a part of the story. Gordon Lightfoot and Bob Dylan are the first two who come to mind. Dylan has said that he could listen to Lightfoot for hours, wishing that the songs wouldn't end. High praise, indeed! The Lightfoot catalogue is filled with incredible gems like this, covering all sorts of subjects and a wide range of emotions. Another of his best is Canadian Railroad Trilogy, describing how absolutely vital building the railroad from coast to coast was in helping to tie the country together. It's done in three distinctive rhythms, hence the trilogy in the title. Another is Black Day In July, where you feel the pain of the race riots in 1967 Detroit. Pick any of his songs and you'll not go wrong. If I may, another great storyteller is Stan Rogers. Rogers passed away in an airplane fire a long time ago but his body of music is an amazing testament to how good he really was. Check out Make And Break Harbour, The Field Behind The Plow, Free In The Harbour, Working Joe, Lies, the historical sea shanty Barrett's Privateers, or the beautiful Forty-Five Years for his wife. Take care and stay safe, brother. Peace!
I remember this song when it first came out. A real master. I'll be hearing him live this month when he does a concert here in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Can't wait!
Gordon Lightfoot is a Canadian legend & one of the best singer songwriters. You've done a few of his songs already. He has had many hits through his long career such as "Early Morning Rain", "Steel Rail Blues", "Ribbon Of Darkness", "Sundown", "Carefree Highway", "Rainy Day People", "Daylight Katy", "Black Day In July", "Cotton Jenny", "Bitter Green", "For Lovin' Me", "Minstrel Of The Dawn" & many more.
There are HUNDREDS of covers of this song by everyone in the recording world. Lyrics and song writing genius, CANADA is so proud ! He never moved away and stuck to his roots.!
Mr. Gordon Lightfoot...one of the finest songwriters to grace us with their gift. A true Canadian treasure! Indeed, fortunate he's still with us, 83 years young, and yes, still performing. He has such a way of painting a picture with his words. You've done two bonafide classics with this and The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald, now on to Sundown, Carefree Highway & The Canadian Railroad Trilogy - but a few extra absolute musts! Cheers from Canada!
I remember when this song first came out, it was my favorite one; I was a young teenager and would listen to the radio trying to hear it one more time before I fell asleep at night. Such a sad story he tells, and now that I'm older I can appreciate the full production of it with the studio musicians playing behind him.
This has got to be one of the saddest, most heartbreaking songs about a break up. Like you said, a relationship that was once their world, and now the magic is gone. Makes me cry all the time. Please try his Sundown next
Gordon's guitar playing is excellent, but the magic happens in the interplay between him and Red Shea his accompanying guitarist. And the bass and strings is just the cherry on top.
" If You Could Read My Mind " is a song by Canadian singer-songwriter Gordon Lightfoot. The lyrics were written when Lightfoot was reflecting upon his own divorce. It reached No. 1 on the Canadian Singles Chart on commercial release in 1970 and charted in several other countries on international release in 1971.
Very nice comments on Gordon. One of my top 5 songs of all time. You should listen to Song For A Winters Night. Great imagery. Circle of Steel and Restless are great as well.
I've been a fan of Gordon Lightfoot's for 50+ years. I will always regret not going to his concert the last time he came through our area. I'm told it was a great show, despite his health issues then. RIP Brother Gordon.
One of Canada's greatest poets...his music is just amazing - was always one of my favorites. I got paid to watch him sing...at a concert in 1976 or 1977 I was an usher and seated people.
I've always thought that the "ghost from a wishing well" was a reference to 'The Time of Their Lives', an uncharacteristically somber vehicle for comedy greats Abbott and Costello, better known for their 'Who's on First' skit or uproarious film fare such as 'Buck Privates', 'Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein', '...Meet the Mummy', or '....Go to Mars.' Further, I like to believe that though he may've seen it earlier, he watched it instalments on the same show I watched after school over the course of a week in the mid-60s, hosted by a legendary Canadian film buff, whose show also gave me my first viewing of 'King Kong.' That host, Elwy Yost, has a son named Graham, a screenwriter best known for 'Speed' and 'Broken Arrow.' Mr. Lightfoot dropped a $5 bill in my case at the top of the escalator up from the subway at the south end of a major downtown Toronto mall 5 stops south of his home nabe's stop in 2008. I gushed and babbled, totally fan-boyed as he retreated into the mall, and when I posted about the encounter on Facebook the next day, my cousin in England wrote back that he'd been listening to Gordon the night before. This song also earned me my only $50 bill as a busker, subway or anywhere.
I saw Gordon Lightfoot about 10 years ago in a pretty small venue. I'm glad I did. Though up in his years and serious health issues he performed awesomely.
I've been to his concerts, his interaction with the audience was always informmitive and interesting. May he R.I.P. His music fillled so many hours of driving time between my universiy and home. I'll never forget those melodies.
A couple of years ago ,when I was newly confined to this bed and 4 walls he performed about a half hour up the road. I think I cried the whole weekend. My oldest daughter years after an accident she played this song in her room time and time again into the night as she was dealing with the death of her baby sister. A broken heart on the mend.
Unfortunately, we just lost Gordon Lightfoot but as you stated his words & his music are truly sincere and they live on. His songs continue to touch our souls.
This beautiful song was written by Gordon as he struggled with the end of his marriage. He was struggling and trying to understand what went wrong. We lost Gordon last night (May 1st, 2023). We Canadians adored him and can't help but feel that we've lost (as a Country) part of our soul. He was a decent, kind & humble man. He loved Canada and Canadians loved him back for his beautiful poetic words & music. Be at peace Gordon & Canadians thank you for all that you gave & shared with us. Oh how I will miss the poetry yet to be written and the music that filled our Canadian souls. Thank you.. RIP
And I would add so many of us in the US loved him, too. Thank you, Canada, for this wonderfu man and his gift of music and all the great artists from the land of the Maple Leaf. OH, CANADA!❤
Gordon Lightfoot just died last week. They rang the church bell at the mariners cathedral 30 times. 29 for those that died on the Edmund Fitzgerald and once for Gordon. A Canadian treasure.
The previous reaction you did was for The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald. Bob Dylan himself has praised Gordon’s storytelling and music. Thank you Harri for highlighting Gordon Lightfoot.😊🇨🇦
I think Bob Dylan’s only criticism of Gordon Lightfoot was that his songs came to an end.
Dillon wrote ok, too bad he didn't ask Gordon to sing for all his songs exect he wouldn't do all the finger pointing songs though- Gordon was very humble in his music
At the time... he was going through a divorce. Gordon Lightfoot certainly knows how to sincerely express himself through his lyrics.
He is revered in Canada. Every year he would perform for a week at Massey Hall in Toronto. You had to line up for tickets the day they came on sale or you missed out for another year. His voice is second only to his stories.
Gordon Lightfoot is an incredible musician and story teller. Some of my favourites that tell great stories are " the Canadian Railroad Trilogy" and "Don Quixote". 🙂
A great Canadian icon, master story teller. Gordon was a fine human being as well.
He's still with us.
@@peoplehavetherights I'm speaking from the point of meeting him a few times
He still goes out on tour and performs. Yikes.
@@peoplehavetherights 83 years old and still does shows!
Saw him at Westbury Music Fair 3 year ago. It was an honor to see him perform. What a writer!
One of Gordon's earliest songs written by him is "Early Morning Rain". He acknowledges that Peter, Paul, and Mary gave his career a huge boost with their recording of this song which resulted in a big hit for them. You've heard their harmonies, so you can imagine how beautiful the song is with Gordon's songwriting skills and P, P, & M's vocals.
Beautiful song. 👍✌️🇨🇦🎶
Absolutely 😎👍
❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
Mr. Gordon Lightfoot is a true gem among songwriters. If you haven't already done so, sir, you may want to react to "Sundown" & "Carefree Highway", 2 more wonderfully written story-songs. And might I suggest another brilliant songwriter in the same style, Mr. Arlo Guthrie. His beautiful song, "The City Of New Orleans", is a folk classic, & will surely surprise you if you've never heard it. Thank you, sir, for treating us to some great Lightfoot music!
Point of detail - Arlo did not write "City of New Orleans" it was written by Steve Goodman who also recorded the original version of it. Arlo had a big hit with the song though, Steve's original didn't sell all that well SFAIK. If you asked me to choose between the two versions, I'm not sure I could - they are both great!
@@alanmusicman3385 Exactly right. I remember seeing Steve Goodman many years back and he included City Of New Orleans in that show. He introduced it by joking that Arlo had paid for his kid's college by covering his song. Very talented man, and very humble.
You need to check out "City Of New Orleans" by Arlo Guthrie
@@alanmusicman3385 Willie Nelsen made `City Of New Orleans` his own when he put his magic on it back in the early 90`s, twenty year`s after with was first written by the late Steve Goodman.
So sad about Gordon's passing on May 1, 2023. Canada has lost a national icon, and the world an artist. RIP, Gordon.
There is only one word to describe this BEAUTIFUL.
A song I came to know very early, as it would be played often on WPAT when I was growing up. I loved it and learned it by heart, though I was too young to grasp the meaning. Yes, a wonderful story-teller. I would also recommend "Sundown" done by Lightfoot.
Would that be the same WPAT easy listening channel that I listened to in NJ back in the 70s? That station was out of Paterson, NJ.
@@zq9m3xh8 Yes, that was the one!
That was a very heart felt shout out to Gordon Lightcoot. Hopefully, Gordon can see this reaction and know how grateful many of us are with the wonderful music he has given us all. I cry every time I hear this song because, like you said Harri, Gordon pours everything into his craft. The words in this song capture how I feel looking back at several of my relationships. Thank you Harri and thank you Gordon.
Gordon Lightfoot has always been one of my most fav. Singer songwriters, he has one of the most unforgetable haunting voices that can transport you into a diff. time and place that you never forget... Unmistakable voices......!!!!!! 💪💪👍🙏🙏🙏Can rem. being blown away as a young kid first time hearing him, Great stuff.....................................
my absolute favorite Gordon Lightfoot song! Great reaction Harri!
I agree it’s just beautiful.
Totally Agree! Love This Song SO Much! Have Loved Gordon Since The Early 1970's. Lucky Enough To Have Seen Him in Concerts About 7 Times, Throughout Michigan. ❤❤❤
This charted in 1971 in the UK. I was 14 at the time and I loved the song then as I do now.
It humbles me a little to think that Gord could record such a beautiful song in such a way that it grabbed and held the attention of a youngish boy.
1971. What a year that was for music.
1970s what a decade for music.The best.
Thank you Harri for more Gordon.
The Last Time I Saw Her
Sundown
Canadian Railroad Trilogy
Cotton Jenny
Gordon is a master at drawing you into
his ability to tell a story in song with such emotion you really feel it. Lots more to explore Harri. Thanks eh!! 🇨🇦
Cheers from Canada 🇨🇦
I love him. A great story teller which makes for great songs!
We just just saw Gordie perform in his home town of Orillia, Ontario. He is now 83, gaunt and suffering from emphysema but he still managed to play and sing for a solid hour and a half. A consummate professional and one of the undisputed legends of modern music.
bet he was a smoker never could figure out why people who make a living off their voices smoked lost a brother to cancer who smoked
@@oldermusiclover Yep. I think he only stopped smoking some three years ago.
It's difficult enough for most people to accept clear and present danger, long term damage doesn't register at all.
@@droopyofthenorthwestmounted so sad and so true
So interesting to hear the reactions of younger people, people from other countries and cultures who didn’t grow up listening to Gordon and folk music. As a 74 yr old Canadian, Gordon was an essential part of Canadian music and national pride. It’s wonderful that his music can transcend those differences. And you reviewing his music so positively sharing to an audience who would probably never him otherwise is terrific. Thank you.
Just an Incredible song....!
When you get back to Bob Dylan please consider "Tangled Up In Blue" (Amazing story telling) and "Lay Lady Lay".... Both are Great tunes...!
Yeah, Dylan's "Tangled up in Blue" and "Lily, Rosemary and the Jack of Hearts" are two of the best story songs - ever!
Today, May 1st. 2023..Gordon Lightfoot passed, leaving us his legacy of music..A Canadian icon !
He's such an incredible romantic. Two of those songs are 'Beautiful' and 'Softly she comes'. A song that brought me back from a death bed was 'Whispers of the North' A comment at the start of that song on UA-cam is mine about that time i was in hospital going under and someone played this song and it shone like a star in my delerious mind and brought me back..
Canada's finest. Saw him live 12 years ago. He's a treasure trove. "The Circle is Small" is my favee. Also love "Summer Side of Life," "Rainy Day People," "Early Morning Rain," "The way I feel" "Old Dan's Records," "The Watchmans Out" "Home From the Forest," "Did She Mention My Name," "Steel Rail" "Alberta Bound." I know I'm forgetting some.
One that I've heard in the last week or so, that I've never heard before, is Ode to Big Blue, about a whale. It's amazing!
GL - a great songwriter who beautifully delivers his songs. What a legacy of music he has stacked up so far. Have loved his music since I was young.
Love Gordon so much! You really need to check out ‘I’m not sayin/Ribbon of Darkness’. Sooo good!!🙂
Just saw Gordon Lightfoot earlier this year. He’s showing his age but it was an honor to be in his presence. I’m a lifelong fan.
my favorite song
An amazing song that displays Gordon's ability to convey the enigma of a lost love in his lyrics ,guitar and as you pointed out his rich sincere voice. I can't imagine anyone else singing this song his voice is so perfect.
Lightfoot was inducted into the Canadian Hall of Fame by Bob Dylan, who respected Gord's songwriting abilities. One of his best songs!
I was ten years old when this came out and I vividly remember it. I could sort of understand what it was about... well, as much as a ten year old could, but his voice, the guitar, the beautiful strings - it really tugged at my heart. Its 50+ years later now and it still makes me feel that way.
Gordon Lightfoot is one of my all time favorites from the 70’s. I had the good fortune to see him in person at Boston’s Symphony Hall and he was stunning. He makes that 12 string acoustic sing right along with him. Such a beautiful talent. Great choice Harri. 🌺✌️
One of his biggest and best hits. Played on the soft rock radio stations for many years after it’s release!
Spot on review! Probably one of the best failed relationship songs ever! Gordon Lightfoot is one of the greatest song writers and story tellers in popular music!
For me, this song IS the early 70s! Beautifully written and sung, it's a masterpiece. Great reaction, Harri. (Harri, your words are too, too true - a relationship that came to an end for me when I was 22 still haunts me to this day, and I'm 79 now.)
Sadly Gordon passed away a little while ago. A sad loss, truly one of the great singer/story tellers.
By the way, you absolutely nailed it; he wrote it somewhat about his divorce. Excellent reaction.
This beautiful song was written after his divorce I believe. So real, so raw, so moving...Rest in peace Gordon.
Gordon Lightfoot was the first concert
I ever went to, in 1976. Since then I've seen him live many times, and have most of his albums. The man is a legend, maybe the best singer/songwriter ever. He's in his 80s now and still performing.
Haunting voice ,just beautiful RIP
Gordon's stories were so great I always loved them one of the greatest storytellers of our time
I love the beautiful vibrato in his voice. ♥️
Going to see him in Madison Wisconsin USA 6/16/22 front row, can't wait ❤️❤️
I am so jealous. Enjoy! 👍✌️🇨🇦
Unfortunatley, Gordon passed away on May 1. But he had a pretty good life, despite heartache and mistakes. This song was written about the breakup of his first marriage. And his songwriting is just so honest. He was a Canadian treasure, and so massively talented. He could do it all...sing, write, music, write lyrics, and play the guitar. And the drums, I thinkj. I know that no one can live forever, but it was knowing that he was still out there, just being himself. He will be missed so much. And I like that you closed your eyes and just listened...I did the same with this song on the weekend.
He died today. Thank you, from Canada, for honoring him.
what a beautiful soul this man is. His love of music and talent goes beyond color and shines a true light on humanity. Thank you for your opinions.
Thanks Harri. Canadian Railroad Trilogy is a must do for your Canuk Fans! So many songs to choose from, but one of my favourites is "The way I feel."
Heroes often fail.... just amazing and transcending
Gordon Lightfoot, Born November 17, 1938, Rest in Peace May 1, 2023.
I am sad that he is gone and I am glad that he was here when I was here.
Excellent choice of songs to react to, brother Harri. There so precious few songwriters who can make you feel a part of the story. Gordon Lightfoot and Bob Dylan are the first two who come to mind. Dylan has said that he could listen to Lightfoot for hours, wishing that the songs wouldn't end. High praise, indeed! The Lightfoot catalogue is filled with incredible gems like this, covering all sorts of subjects and a wide range of emotions. Another of his best is Canadian Railroad Trilogy, describing how absolutely vital building the railroad from coast to coast was in helping to tie the country together. It's done in three distinctive rhythms, hence the trilogy in the title. Another is Black Day In July, where you feel the pain of the race riots in 1967 Detroit. Pick any of his songs and you'll not go wrong.
If I may, another great storyteller is Stan Rogers. Rogers passed away in an airplane fire a long time ago but his body of music is an amazing testament to how good he really was. Check out Make And Break Harbour, The Field Behind The Plow, Free In The Harbour, Working Joe,
Lies, the historical sea shanty Barrett's Privateers, or the beautiful Forty-Five Years for his wife.
Take care and stay safe, brother. Peace!
Saw him in concert for the opening of the Eugene, Oregon Opera House. Was just amazing
I remember this song when it first came out. A real master. I'll be hearing him live this month when he does a concert here in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Can't wait!
Just a beautiful song
Another fantastic review of (yet another!) Canadian music legend!
Gordon Lightfoot is a Canadian legend & one of the best singer songwriters. You've done a few of his songs already. He has had many hits through his long career such as "Early Morning Rain", "Steel Rail Blues", "Ribbon Of Darkness", "Sundown", "Carefree Highway", "Rainy Day People", "Daylight Katy", "Black Day In July", "Cotton Jenny", "Bitter Green", "For Lovin' Me", "Minstrel Of The Dawn" & many more.
I saw Gordon perform live in 1976 when I was 18 years old. I just read he’s on tour right now and will be here in Phoenix in December.
Picture it, America, February 1971 and playing on the radio "If You Could Read My Mind" by Gordon Lightfoot. Priceless 🤗⚾
There are HUNDREDS of covers of this song by everyone in the recording world. Lyrics and song writing genius, CANADA is so proud ! He never moved away and stuck to his roots.!
Mr. Gordon Lightfoot...one of the finest songwriters to grace us with their gift. A true Canadian treasure! Indeed, fortunate he's still with us, 83 years young, and yes, still performing.
He has such a way of painting a picture with his words.
You've done two bonafide classics with this and The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald, now on to Sundown, Carefree Highway & The Canadian Railroad Trilogy - but a few extra absolute musts!
Cheers from Canada!
Harri, for your 6th Gordon Lightfoot song, I'd recommend "Carefree Highway"! edit- fix type on your
I remember when this song first came out, it was my favorite one; I was a young teenager and would listen to the radio trying to hear it one more time before I fell asleep at night. Such a sad story he tells, and now that I'm older I can appreciate the full production of it with the studio musicians playing behind him.
Beautiful beautiful song
One of my “ALL” time favorites! Purchased it when it was first released. Still hear it to this day. Wonderful. Thank you for this. 👍
Thanks for listening
Early Moring Rain will always be a favorite of mine. Elvis recorded that song years later for the Hawaii concert.
Another lovely song by Gordon is 'Summer Side of Life'.
its a perfect song
This has got to be one of the saddest, most heartbreaking songs about a break up. Like you said, a relationship that was once their world, and now the magic is gone. Makes me cry all the time. Please try his Sundown next
He concert this in New Jersey great music
Rest in peace, Gordon Lightfoot. 😥😥😥
Gordon's guitar playing is excellent, but the magic happens in the interplay between him and Red Shea his accompanying guitarist. And the bass and strings is just the cherry on top.
A true Canadian treasure 💗☮️🇨🇦 Thanks for reacting to this beautiful song 🎶
Wonderful lyrics.
Gordon put his heart and soul into his music until the day he died.
Folk singer to minstrel to superstar to legend to institution......Talent.
One of the greatest "burn" songs every written, in a a beautiful package
Beautiful, timeless classic tune...excellent review...
" If You Could Read My Mind " is a song by Canadian singer-songwriter Gordon Lightfoot. The lyrics were written when Lightfoot was reflecting upon his own divorce. It reached No. 1 on the Canadian Singles Chart on commercial release in 1970 and charted in several other countries on international release in 1971.
True love never dies and so the pain never goes away. "Carefree Highway" is my fave by him
Massively underrated
Singer , Preformer and artist!
Very nice comments on Gordon. One of my top 5 songs of all time. You should listen to Song For A Winters Night. Great imagery. Circle of Steel and Restless are great as well.
Beautiful, haunting...takes me back to a very lonely and sorry time of my life...still love it though...
Canadian Icon 🇨🇦
I've been a fan of Gordon Lightfoot's for 50+ years. I will always regret not going to his concert the last time he came through our area. I'm told it was a great show, despite his health issues then. RIP Brother Gordon.
One of Canada's greatest poets...his music is just amazing - was always one of my favorites. I got paid to watch him sing...at a concert in 1976 or 1977 I was an usher and seated people.
Just beautiful to hear, and hes rather good looking in my opinion
Harri, what a beautiful thing to wish him, What a great singer songwriter and just great music
James Taylor, Paul Davis and Dave Loggins....
Your list is perfect. These next three continue the story tellers list.
Dan Seals, Paul Overstreet, and John Prine ...
Excellent job as usual Harri!
I've always thought that the "ghost from a wishing well" was a reference to 'The Time of Their Lives', an uncharacteristically somber vehicle for comedy greats Abbott and Costello, better known for their 'Who's on First' skit or uproarious film fare such as 'Buck Privates', 'Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein', '...Meet the Mummy', or '....Go to Mars.' Further, I like to believe that though he may've seen it earlier, he watched it instalments on the same show I watched after school over the course of a week in the mid-60s, hosted by a legendary Canadian film buff, whose show also gave me my first viewing of 'King Kong.' That host, Elwy Yost, has a son named Graham, a screenwriter best known for 'Speed' and 'Broken Arrow.'
Mr. Lightfoot dropped a $5 bill in my case at the top of the escalator up from the subway at the south end of a major downtown Toronto mall 5 stops south of his home nabe's stop in 2008. I gushed and babbled, totally fan-boyed as he retreated into the mall, and when I posted about the encounter on Facebook the next day, my cousin in England wrote back that he'd been listening to Gordon the night before.
This song also earned me my only $50 bill as a busker, subway or anywhere.
The "Ghost in a Wishing Well" reference was an old movie called Topper. Starring Cary Grant (1937).
I didn't know that! Thank you ✌
Love your analysis Harry
I saw Gordon Lightfoot about 10 years ago in a pretty small venue. I'm glad I did. Though up in his years and serious health issues he performed awesomely.
Fare thee well Gordon Lightfoot.
Good innings...
I like your point that he sings with feeling , that’s obvious & I believe it’s because he wrote his songs with true feelings.
YEAH HARRI, HE PASSED AWAY ON ( 1 MAY ) ☹ FOLK SOFT ROCK LEGEND , MAY HIS WRITINGS AND GREAT MUSIC LIVE ON! 😊 STAY WELL HARRI
Gordon always sang the truth.
One of my all time favorites 💓💓💓
Thank you for reacting to this true Canadian treasure, Harri!
My pleasure!!
I've been to his concerts, his interaction with the audience was always informmitive and interesting. May he R.I.P. His music fillled so many hours of driving time between my universiy and home. I'll never forget those melodies.
A couple of years ago ,when I was newly confined to this bed and 4 walls he performed about a half hour up the road. I think I cried the whole weekend. My oldest daughter years after an accident she played this song in her room time and time again into the night as she was dealing with the death of her baby sister. A broken heart on the mend.
Unfortunately, we just lost Gordon Lightfoot but as you stated his words & his music are truly sincere and they live on. His songs continue to touch our souls.