This song is about him being involved with a woman who, while he was at home trying to write more music, she would slip out and go partying. It was a toxic relationship that he eventually broke off. She would later go on to become involved with the comedian John Belushi, whom she helped to die of an overdose, and she went to prison for it. I know a lot of people recommend his song "If You Could Read my mind" and it is awesome, but I also recommend his "Don Quixote", "Canadian Railroad Trilogy", "Beautiful" and since it's winter time, his "Song For A Winters Night".
Yep, Cathy Smith. She wasn't the only person responsible for John Belushi's drug dependency though; other high-profile celebrities at the time escaped the public wrath they ought to have received. But yes, she injected Belushi with the fatal dose of speedball. Lightfoot remained supportive of her throughout it all though. He was a better man than most.
Cathy Smith was his girlfriend at the time. She was later involved with the death of John Belushi. She was a Canadian backup singer, groupie, drug dealer. In this song he's talking about getting stoned and how he doesn't like the contradictory notion of feeling "great" while "losing" to the addictions.
"Sundown" is my favorite song of the 1970s. It was his biggest U.S. hit, spending a week at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 survey dated June 29, 1974. Everything about this song makes me think of the "golden hour" on a hot day, about an hour before sunset. I'd also recommend listening to the other two of my "big three" favorites from the 1970s: "Lido Shuffle" by Boz Scaggs, and "Isn't It Time" by The Babys. In fact, the session musicians in "Lido Shuffle" were legendary songwriters who formed their own band soon thereafter and became major hit-makers in the 1980s, and the lead singer of The Babys scored two #1 hits in the 1980s, one as a solo artist, and the other as a member of a different band.
Thanks! Miss Aileen, I think you're so Beautful & & Really Enjoyed the Reaction/Talk. My favorite Lightfoot songs are the "Early Morning Rain" & "Rainy Day People." Gordo is Gold! Lightfoot was involved with Cathy Smith; their volatile relationship inspired his songs "Sundown" and "Rainy Day People" among others." (Note: Yes, Sundown A.K.A. Smith later became notorious as the person who injected John Belushi with a fatal speedball.) IMO I think Bob Dylan, who would sometimes perform Lightfoot's songs said it Best: "I can't think of any Gordon Lightfoot song I don't like. Every time I hear a song of his, it's like I wish it would last forever." Well now, that's how I Feel too. Keep up the Good Work...All the Best, Happy Holiday & New Year!
Oh my goodness, I haven't heard this song in a million years. I can see myself in the backseat of our 1966 mustang, my mom in the passenger seat and my dad driving. It's pouring rain outside, and we're on a big adventure (for an 8 year old anyway) to San Francisco; this song comes on the radio. That was a long, long time ago, but, when the song started in your reaction, I could swear, at least for a second, I was back in a mustang with my parents. Thank you for the memories Aileen. And by the way, anyone who says you talk to much is not clear on the concept. You get it, and not all reactors do, so just keep doing what you're doing. You do good work.
Cathy Smith was bad news. Yes, she injected Belushi with the lethal dose, and that was AFTER she messed up Gordon's life enough that he wrote this song about her.
Definitely more Gordon Lightfoot please! Early Morning Rain, Rainy Day People, Song For A Winter's Night, If You Could Read My Mind, Carefree Highway...
A favourite artist of Bob Dylan, Gordon Lightfoot was Canadiana personified. My "Mt. Rushmore" of Canadian singer/ songwriters would include Gordon Downey (Tragically Hip), Burton Cummings (Guess Who), Brian Adams and the top of my list, Gordon Lightfoot. Special consideration for the professor, Neal Peart (drummer and chief songwriter of Rush). Unfortunately not a singer. Loved your reaction to Gordon lightfoot and "Sundown". Happy Holidays Aileen.
"Babble" away, Aileen. Personally, I love you to see you so invested in the music that your emotions are so touched ♥ For another great Canadian songwriter who could make you feel as if you're part of the story, look to Stan Rogers. He excelled at taking insignificant moments or people on the sidelines of historical events and creating their side of the story. Or his beautiful masterpieces to his wife, of which the song 45 Years is one. His songs of the sea or the life of the farmer pull you right in. His song, Lies, tells the tale of an aging farmer's wife who sees herself as looking to old, yet her husband only sees her timeless beauty. "Is this the face that won for her the man whose amazed and trembling fingers slipped that ring upon her hand?" Sadly, he perished in a plane fire, reportedly trying to save other passengers.
I'll second that Stan Rogers recommendation! Bonus points for both Stan's original "Northwest Passage" and the great metal cover by Unleash the Archers as a double feature.
The drummer for, The Band wrote the song, The Weight about Cathy Smith. Then she hooked up with Gordon Lightfoot and he wrote Sundown about her. She moved to LA met with John Belushi and the rest is history.
He grew up in Orillia, Ontario, Canada... as did my mother. She went to school with him, and I believe they worked at the same part time job when they were in school. I remember her talking about him when we were younger. He's a Canadian legend.
As usual, I love it when you discover the music of my childhood. By now, you're undoubtedly aware that the line you heard as "I get feeling better when I'm feeling opaque" is actually "I get feeling better when I'm feeling no pain," which is much less mysterious. I agree with the majority of the comments that your next Lightfoot reaction should be to "If You Could Read My Mind." Trigger warning; it may make you cry.
I think you nailed it on the head when you were talking about the energies of the song cause I felt it too! Also the make up with the wings is such a slay 💅 Hoping you’re so much better today so you can enjoy your last day in PA 🖤
Like the other's, Definitely suggest Gordon's song "If you could read my mind" Storytelling at its absolute best, Along with being a very beautiful song.. Definitely Deep Though.. Nice reaction & very happy that Gordon also moves you with his amazing talent. R. I. P. Gordon 🌹 Thanks for sharing, Cheers from Western Canada 🇨🇦
I grew up with his music in time (1970's) and space (near the Canadian border). Gordon Lightfoot has so many great storyteller songs. There are so many hits that some other treasures really get lost or buried under the most popular of his songs. One of these is "Song for a Winter's Night". Sarah McLachlan covered it, but Gord's original or his early live performances are worth it. Especially at this time of year. We saw him live about 40 years ago; he and the band made studio quality music on stage.
I love how much emotion you you express with your reactions. So genuine! Have a wonderful Christmas and a very happy New Year. I'm so looking forward to seeing your posts
1970s music was about screwed up or unsure about a relationship. You had songs like Dr. Hook, "When You're In Love With A Beautiful Woman, Charlie Rich, "The Most Beautiful Girl", in the 70s we were uncertain about life, love, and growing up.
Grew up hearing this song on the radio, in the car with my parents. Grew to love it even more. One of the tunes that made me obsessed with harmony. And those lyrics HARD…the man is a legendary songwriter.
Babbling about what you just experienced, is a big part of why I subscribed to your channel. It might be babble to some, but it's an authentic reaction to others.
Aileen, I discovered this song, maybe 10 years ago or so, and loved it! But today you have given me a new understanding of it. You are so amazing and you have a beautiful way of noticing and feeling little details in songs! As a Latina (Latinx) you will appreciate (I think) a song in Spanish called "La Amelia" which came out in the seventies. It's by Sergio y Estibalíz. It's very upbeat, and yet it talks about Amelia, a woman who has to.... well, sell her body, to feed her young son. It's quite a story and it pulls on many different feelings. Really quite amazing. Anyway, great reaction and, again, thank you for your insights!
I don't know the whole story of this song, but Gordon was having troubles with his girlfriend being untrue. And drugs. Get feeling better when I'm feeling no pain.
I had the pleasure of watching Gordon in concert in Lethbridge, Alberta back when he was still young and handsome. I think the year was 1969. All by himself basically, and what a concert. Standing ovations all night long. Gooble doesn't even list that concert, but I know I am right, because soon after that concert I moved to Calgary... in 1971.
5:43 at this point, but yeah say whatever you want. You have an amazing ability to jump back through the years and kind of grasp the feeling or at least important things about it. That's pretty amazing.
"If You Could Read My Mind" might be the most perfect pop song of all time. Lyrics, singing, arrangement... There are two dozen awesome Gordon Lightfoot songs, but that one is the best of the best.
Gordon has so many wonderful songs, if you enjoy this I'd highly recommend "Song for a Winter's Night", "If You Could Read My Mind", "Canadian Railroad Trilogy", "Don Quixote", "The Pony Man", "Endless Wire". I've never head a song by Gordon that wasn't at least great.
More incredible Lightfoot: - If You Could Read My Mind - Early Morning Rain - For Lovin' Me - Softly - Beautiful - Don Quixote - On Susan's Floor - Looking at the Rain - Talking In Your Sleep - Black Day in July - You Are What I Am - Carefree Highway - Too Late for Prayin' - I'm Not Supposed to Care Cheers!
When he passed, there was a Memorial and a Guestbook set up in Massey Hall for his fans to write a few words and pay their respects. Thousands of folks filed through that day.. I was one of them. So missed..RIP Gordon.
The line in the song is "When I get feeling better when I'm feeling no pain". I looked it up because I thought I was singing the wrong word after all these years. That being said this has always been one of my favorite songs along "If you could read my mind" and the wreck of the "Edmund Fitzgerald". P.S. I hope I didn't upset you with this correction, Thanks for what you do.
Lightfoot's music connects emotionally with the listener. I'd recommend watching some of the live performances in which the audience is so still, you're not sure they're breathing. As for favorites that I think would resonate with this Aileen's connections with the human condition, I'd recommend Circle of Steel, which is devastating, or perhaps more optimistic Don Quixote which is equally fixated on human predicaments, but with the title character working against all odds to change that.
If You Could Read My Mind is one of the most beautiful songs EVER! Think of Gordon Lightfoot, Neil Young and Joni Mitchell playing in coffee house's in Toronto at the same time. Nuts eh?
The more I listen to Lightfoot the more you can feel how lyrically sound he was. I agree If You Could Read My Mind is such an engaging song but this one has been growing on me in recent years. Please when you can try listening to Love Will Lead You Back by Taylor Dayne, outstanding song and voice.
we have all come to love respect and adore you over time Aileen because of all of your empathetic sympathetic heartfelt thoughts and expressions combined with your angelic beauty so.....feel free to talk and express yourself to us all you want because, i for one..love it and im sure most everyone listening to and watching you does too!!!!
Gordon had so many great songs - for story telling "Canadian Railroad Trilogy", another shipwreck song "Ballad of the Yarmouth Castle" and just for fun "Did She Mention My Name"
He’s an incredible storyteller and definitely uses his guitar to enhance that. And he’s really telling the story of his relationship with his wife. I don’t know if there was a beginning song but this was as their marriage struggled. He was so love with her but suspected, as he left out the front door to go on tour, “Sundown” was coming in the back. Funny, since he was always known to be that faithful himself. “If You Could Read My Mind” was about the end of their marriage and the attempts to keep it together. And yes, as others have commented, she later became infamous as the woman who was convicted of accidentally injecting John Belushi a lethal overdose of heroin.
"Sometimes I think it's a shame, That I get feeling better when I'm feeling no pain." He's ashamed that the only time he feels better is when he's wasted/drinking too much.
Aileen you nailed it. Story telling at its finest! Gordon was our Canadian gem. I like when music that was written in the '70s applies to current time and I'm sure will continue to. Like all the other comments I would recommend If You Could Read My Mind...... very sad talking about a dissolving relationship as told by the story.
Got a lot of good memories of driving around northern Ontario as a kid with my mom listening to Gordon Lightfoot. He's got some classic, timeless songs that are still some of my favourites. And I say that as a lifelong metal head. If you want to listen to another amazing Canadian classic give Chilliwack's "Fly at Night " a listen to.
4:00 Or even worse yet when you are in a relationship and you're the happiest you've even been and think life is great and then you find out that the other has been unfaithful the entire time. THATS the real kick in the teeth, " I feel like I'm winning when I'm losing again...."
I had to tickets to see Gordon in Kalamazoo about 10 years ago. Unfortunately, he got sick and had to postpone and I couldn't make the rescheduled date.
Lightfoot was right up there with the peak of the Canadian songwriters, Joni Mitchell, Neil Young, Robbie Robertson, Leonard Cohen. So many legendary songs between them all. If you want to hear a Lightfoot cover that's the equal of the original, check out Rose Cousins version of "If You Could Read My Mind", which is breathtaking.
Song about cheating. When he'd be on tour , he was thinking - is she cheating - why isn't she picking up the phone- should I take a peek through her window etc
Whenever i hear an acoustic guitar, i always get a mental picture of a firecamp, bunch of long lost friends, quiet guitar playing in the background, story time about how life has been for them and whats they got going on right now. Don't know why, cause i've never had that experience, but that's always the mental place i go to when i hear an acoustic guitar. Maybe from a former life, who knows...
i get a sneaky suspicion you will love the late great country music artist and seldom mentioned member of the “27 club” KEITH WHITLEY. Try one of these: “I’m No Stranger to the Rain” “I’m Over You” “Don’t Close Your Eyes” “Miami, My Amy” and of course “When You Say Nothing at All”
If you want more of Gordon’s work, I recommend his performance of “If You Could Read My Mind” on the Midnight Special
And Carefree Highway. One of the best songs ever recorded.
Good suggestion
💯
Or just from the record. It's great song.
absolutely
Definitely do "If You Could Read My Mind". It's a beautiful song. I love your reactions! 🖤
No doubt about it
Another one is "Pussy Willows, Cattails" from '68 too.
My heartbroken favorite.
This song is about him being involved with a woman who, while he was at home trying to write more music, she would slip out and go partying. It was a toxic relationship that he eventually broke off. She would later go on to become involved with the comedian John Belushi, whom she helped to die of an overdose, and she went to prison for it.
I know a lot of people recommend his song "If You Could Read my mind" and it is awesome, but I also recommend his "Don Quixote", "Canadian Railroad Trilogy", "Beautiful" and since it's winter time, his "Song For A Winters Night".
Canadian Railroad Trilogy. Song for a Winter's Night.
Lightfoot also broke that woman's cheek in a fight...
Early Morning Rain is also very good.
@@robbywilliams4601 Very, very good.
Yep, Cathy Smith. She wasn't the only person responsible for John Belushi's drug dependency though; other high-profile celebrities at the time escaped the public wrath they ought to have received. But yes, she injected Belushi with the fatal dose of speedball. Lightfoot remained supportive of her throughout it all though. He was a better man than most.
Gordon Lightfoot is a Canadian treasure. Loved by many Canadians RIP Gordon.
🇨🇦❤️🇨🇦❤️🇨🇦❤️🇨🇦❤️
@@RobinC63Canada!! ❤
@@dontpokethebear4190 I’m not Canadian, but love his style. One of the best songwriters ever.
Others have said it, but “If you could read my mind” will send you on a journey.
Cathy Smith was his girlfriend at the time. She was later involved with the death of John Belushi. She was a Canadian backup singer, groupie, drug dealer. In this song he's talking about getting stoned and how he doesn't like the contradictory notion of feeling "great" while "losing" to the addictions.
CAREFREE HIGHWAY !!! 😊
Awesome song
If you could read my mind... that's my favorite Gordon Lightfoot song... Great reaction. Thank you. ❤
One of the greatest acoustic/folk songs ever, written by one of the Greatest Storyteller/musicians that ever lived! Miss you Gord 🇨🇦
"Sundown" is my favorite song of the 1970s. It was his biggest U.S. hit, spending a week at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 survey dated June 29, 1974. Everything about this song makes me think of the "golden hour" on a hot day, about an hour before sunset.
I'd also recommend listening to the other two of my "big three" favorites from the 1970s: "Lido Shuffle" by Boz Scaggs, and "Isn't It Time" by The Babys. In fact, the session musicians in "Lido Shuffle" were legendary songwriters who formed their own band soon thereafter and became major hit-makers in the 1980s, and the lead singer of The Babys scored two #1 hits in the 1980s, one as a solo artist, and the other as a member of a different band.
Thanks! Miss Aileen, I think you're so Beautful & & Really Enjoyed the Reaction/Talk. My favorite Lightfoot songs are the "Early Morning Rain" & "Rainy Day People." Gordo is Gold! Lightfoot was involved with Cathy Smith; their volatile relationship inspired his songs "Sundown" and "Rainy Day People" among others." (Note: Yes, Sundown A.K.A. Smith later became notorious as the person who injected John Belushi with a fatal speedball.)
IMO I think Bob Dylan, who would sometimes perform Lightfoot's songs said it Best: "I can't think of any Gordon Lightfoot song I don't like. Every time I hear a song of his, it's like I wish it would last forever." Well now, that's how I Feel too.
Keep up the Good Work...All the Best, Happy Holiday & New Year!
Never apologize for expressing what's on your mind
Oh my goodness, I haven't heard this song in a million years. I can see myself in the backseat of our 1966 mustang, my mom in the passenger seat and my dad driving. It's pouring rain outside, and we're on a big adventure (for an 8 year old anyway) to San Francisco; this song comes on the radio. That was a long, long time ago, but, when the song started in your reaction, I could swear, at least for a second, I was back in a mustang with my parents. Thank you for the memories Aileen. And by the way, anyone who says you talk to much is not clear on the concept. You get it, and not all reactors do, so just keep doing what you're doing. You do good work.
I've heard this song is about Cathy Smith. She was part of John Belushi's lethal overdose
Think Sundown was the "other guy".
And you would b correct.
Cathy Smith was bad news. Yes, she injected Belushi with the lethal dose, and that was AFTER she messed up Gordon's life enough that he wrote this song about her.
She was also the inspiration for The Bands song The Weight.
I was lucky enough to see Gordon not long before his passing. His voice was velvet smooth all the way to the end. R.I.P. Legend.
Definitely more Gordon Lightfoot please! Early Morning Rain, Rainy Day People, Song For A Winter's Night, If You Could Read My Mind, Carefree Highway...
A favourite artist of Bob Dylan, Gordon Lightfoot was Canadiana personified. My "Mt. Rushmore" of Canadian singer/ songwriters would include Gordon Downey (Tragically Hip), Burton Cummings (Guess Who), Brian Adams and the top of my list, Gordon Lightfoot. Special consideration for the professor, Neal Peart (drummer and chief songwriter of Rush). Unfortunately not a singer. Loved your reaction to Gordon lightfoot and "Sundown". Happy Holidays Aileen.
"Babble" away, Aileen. Personally, I love you to see you so invested in the music that your emotions are so touched ♥
For another great Canadian songwriter who could make you feel as if you're part of the story, look to Stan Rogers. He excelled at taking insignificant moments or people on the sidelines of historical events and creating their side of the story. Or his beautiful masterpieces to his wife, of which the song 45 Years is one. His songs of the sea or the life of the farmer pull you right in. His song, Lies, tells the tale of an aging farmer's wife who sees herself as looking to old, yet her husband only sees her timeless beauty. "Is this the face that won for her the man whose amazed and trembling fingers slipped that ring upon her hand?"
Sadly, he perished in a plane fire, reportedly trying to save other passengers.
I'll second that Stan Rogers recommendation!
Bonus points for both Stan's original "Northwest Passage" and the great metal cover by Unleash the Archers as a double feature.
The greatest song he ever wrote, the one he is truly known for, is "If You Could Read My Mind". Bring a hanky.
Bob Dylan was once quoted as saying "Gordon Lightfoot has never written a bad song". Pretty high praise..
If You Could Read My Mind is a must do listen. The lyrics are so powerful
The drummer for, The Band wrote the song, The Weight about Cathy Smith.
Then she hooked up with Gordon Lightfoot and he wrote Sundown about her. She moved to LA met with John Belushi and the rest is history.
Gordon Lightfoot is a legend.
It's great that younger generations get to experience these songs. This has always been my favorite song. It's just musically so satisfying.
You are sweet, we appreciate you very much. Your reactions are from the heart. Gordon was a poet, story teller, and fine folk singer. Take care.
"If You Could Read My Mind" is another recommendation
He grew up in Orillia, Ontario, Canada... as did my mother. She went to school with him, and I believe they worked at the same part time job when they were in school. I remember her talking about him when we were younger. He's a Canadian legend.
Great reaction Aileen looking beautiful as always hope you are having a wonderful day can't wait to catch back up with you when you come back 🫶🙏
I have heard the songs thousands of times. I Like your chair dancing.
You nailed it. Lightfoot was in a bad marriage, and "If You Could Read My Mind" was essentially his divorce song.
"Canadian Railroad Trilogy" is another great story from Gordon. Highly recommended ❤
Go right back to Gordon for "If You Could Read My Mind" you'll love it, it's a beautiful tale of heartache
As usual, I love it when you discover the music of my childhood. By now, you're undoubtedly aware that the line you heard as "I get feeling better when I'm feeling opaque" is actually "I get feeling better when I'm feeling no pain," which is much less mysterious.
I agree with the majority of the comments that your next Lightfoot reaction should be to "If You Could Read My Mind." Trigger warning; it may make you cry.
The music of my childhood. R.I.P. Mr. Lightfoot.
Kinda surprising that "Sundown" was the song everyone was suggesting and not "If You Could Read My Mind"
Carefree Highway & If You Could Read My Mind are some other great songs you follow up with, He was an amazing soft rock folk singer. R.I.P. Gord.
You should do ‘The Circle is Small’. Once I listened to the lyrics, it made my cry for a few years every time I heard it.
Nobody could turn a phrase and imply feelings or deeds without stating the obvious like Gordon Lightfoot. A truly legendary songwriter.
I think you nailed it on the head when you were talking about the energies of the song cause I felt it too! Also the make up with the wings is such a slay 💅 Hoping you’re so much better today so you can enjoy your last day in PA 🖤
Like the other's,
Definitely suggest Gordon's song
"If you could read my mind"
Storytelling at its absolute best,
Along with being a very beautiful song..
Definitely Deep Though..
Nice reaction & very happy that
Gordon also moves you with his amazing talent.
R. I. P. Gordon 🌹
Thanks for sharing,
Cheers from Western Canada 🇨🇦
I really appreciate your comments about coping at the end. Great insights and it's stuff I have thought about for quite a while now. Nice touch.
I grew up with his music in time (1970's) and space (near the Canadian border). Gordon Lightfoot has so many great storyteller songs. There are so many hits that some other treasures really get lost or buried under the most popular of his songs. One of these is "Song for a Winter's Night". Sarah McLachlan covered it, but Gord's original or his early live performances are worth it. Especially at this time of year. We saw him live about 40 years ago; he and the band made studio quality music on stage.
I love how much emotion you you express with your reactions. So genuine! Have a wonderful Christmas and a very happy New Year. I'm so looking forward to seeing your posts
I love your "babbling mess". The authenticity of your emotions reminds me of why I love music so much.
"Canadian Railroad Trilogy" is another great story from Gordon. Highly recommended.
1970s music was about screwed up or unsure about a relationship. You had songs like Dr. Hook, "When You're In Love With A Beautiful Woman, Charlie Rich, "The Most Beautiful Girl", in the 70s we were uncertain about life, love, and growing up.
Grew up hearing this song on the radio, in the car with my parents. Grew to love it even more. One of the tunes that made me obsessed with harmony. And those lyrics HARD…the man is a legendary songwriter.
Babbling about what you just experienced, is a big part of why I subscribed to your channel. It might be babble to some, but it's an authentic reaction to others.
Aileen, I discovered this song, maybe 10 years ago or so, and loved it! But today you have given me a new understanding of it. You are so amazing and you have a beautiful way of noticing and feeling little details in songs! As a Latina (Latinx) you will appreciate (I think) a song in Spanish called "La Amelia" which came out in the seventies. It's by Sergio y Estibalíz. It's very upbeat, and yet it talks about Amelia, a woman who has to.... well, sell her body, to feed her young son. It's quite a story and it pulls on many different feelings. Really quite amazing.
Anyway, great reaction and, again, thank you for your insights!
I do believe you’re ready to experience some songs by the late, great Jim Croce.
I don't know the whole story of this song, but Gordon was having troubles with his girlfriend being untrue. And drugs. Get feeling better when I'm feeling no pain.
I had the pleasure of watching Gordon in concert in Lethbridge, Alberta back when he was still young and handsome. I think the year was 1969. All by himself basically, and what a concert. Standing ovations all night long. Gooble doesn't even list that concert, but I know I am right, because soon after that concert I moved to Calgary... in 1971.
Thank you Beautiful queen Aileen for the reaction hope you have a lovely Christmas and New year sending you big hugs 🤗
Others have said it as well, "If you could read my mind" is shear poetry.
"If you could read my mind" just might become your favorite of Gordons songs. Its that good
5:43 at this point, but yeah say whatever you want. You have an amazing ability to jump back through the years and kind of grasp the feeling or at least important things about it. That's pretty amazing.
Nice job on the interpretation of the lyrics
Gordon Lightfoot was an amazing artist, RIP
Hi, Aileen: My favourite Lightfoot song of all time is, The Last Time I Saw Her. You would love it.
"If You Could Read My Mind" might be the most perfect pop song of all time. Lyrics, singing, arrangement... There are two dozen awesome Gordon Lightfoot songs, but that one is the best of the best.
Gordon has so many wonderful songs, if you enjoy this I'd highly recommend "Song for a Winter's Night", "If You Could Read My Mind", "Canadian Railroad Trilogy", "Don Quixote", "The Pony Man", "Endless Wire". I've never head a song by Gordon that wasn't at least great.
She literally was at my back stairs!
This was 25 years ago but, yeah…👍❤️👀
Gordon Lightfoot R.I.P.
Lightfoot's guiter work was always great, but he enhanced it by frequently playing the 12 string guitar, which has a special sound quality.
I Love me some Gordon Lightfoot! "Carefree Highway" next please!
First - -you don't talk too much. And love your reactions! Gord is an amazing musician.
This is one of my all time favorite songs
More incredible Lightfoot:
- If You Could Read My Mind
- Early Morning Rain
- For Lovin' Me
- Softly
- Beautiful
- Don Quixote
- On Susan's Floor
- Looking at the Rain
- Talking In Your Sleep
- Black Day in July
- You Are What I Am
- Carefree Highway
- Too Late for Prayin'
- I'm Not Supposed to Care
Cheers!
My dad went canoe with him Rest in peace to him keep watching and listening more folk music
When he passed, there was a Memorial and a Guestbook set up in Massey Hall for his fans to write a few words and pay their respects. Thousands of folks filed through that day.. I was one of them. So missed..RIP Gordon.
The line in the song is "When I get feeling better when I'm feeling no pain". I looked it up because I thought I was singing the wrong word after all these years. That being said this has always been one of my favorite songs along "If you could read my mind" and the wreck of the "Edmund Fitzgerald".
P.S. I hope I didn't upset you with this correction, Thanks for what you do.
Lightfoot's music connects emotionally with the listener. I'd recommend watching some of the live performances in which the audience is so still, you're not sure they're breathing. As for favorites that I think would resonate with this Aileen's connections with the human condition, I'd recommend Circle of Steel, which is devastating, or perhaps more optimistic Don Quixote which is equally fixated on human predicaments, but with the title character working against all odds to change that.
If You Could Read My Mind is one of the most beautiful songs EVER! Think of Gordon Lightfoot, Neil Young and Joni Mitchell playing in coffee house's in Toronto at the same time. Nuts eh?
So many have already suggested it and I’m another one saying check out “if you could read my mind”
The more I listen to Lightfoot the more you can feel how lyrically sound he was. I agree If You Could Read My Mind is such an engaging song but this one has been growing on me in recent years. Please when you can try listening to Love Will Lead You Back by Taylor Dayne, outstanding song and voice.
Glad you love Gordon as much as we CDN’s do! What a treasure, truly missed. RIP
we have all come to love respect and adore you over time Aileen because of all of your empathetic sympathetic heartfelt thoughts and expressions combined with your angelic beauty so.....feel free to talk and express yourself to us all you want because, i for one..love it and im sure most everyone listening to and watching you does too!!!!
Gordon had so many great songs - for story telling "Canadian Railroad Trilogy", another shipwreck song "Ballad of the Yarmouth Castle" and just for fun "Did She Mention My Name"
He’s an incredible storyteller and definitely uses his guitar to enhance that. And he’s really telling the story of his relationship with his wife. I don’t know if there was a beginning song but this was as their marriage struggled. He was so love with her but suspected, as he left out the front door to go on tour, “Sundown” was coming in the back. Funny, since he was always known to be that faithful himself. “If You Could Read My Mind” was about the end of their marriage and the attempts to keep it together. And yes, as others have commented, she later became infamous as the woman who was convicted of accidentally injecting John Belushi a lethal overdose of heroin.
As a dual US/Canadian. Ol' G. Footy is a legend and a musical hero of mine. Oh, and you're a true beauty Aileen.
"Sometimes I think it's a shame,
That I get feeling better when I'm feeling no pain."
He's ashamed that the only time he feels better is when he's wasted/drinking too much.
Going way back in the old school archives for this one even though I'm a metalhead I did like Gordon lightfoot growing up
So many great songs this man put out in his career. One of his most beautiful songs is, actually, called "Beautiful".
Aileen you nailed it. Story telling at its finest! Gordon was our Canadian gem. I like when music that was written in the '70s applies to current time and I'm sure will continue to.
Like all the other comments I would recommend If You Could Read My Mind...... very sad talking about a dissolving relationship as told by the story.
I have always loved that opening guitar riff. Pure gold!
I had his album, Cold on the Shoulder and every song is fantastic.
Got a lot of good memories of driving around northern Ontario as a kid with my mom listening to Gordon Lightfoot. He's got some classic, timeless songs that are still some of my favourites. And I say that as a lifelong metal head.
If you want to listen to another amazing Canadian classic give Chilliwack's "Fly at Night " a listen to.
4:00 Or even worse yet when you are in a relationship and you're the happiest you've even been and think life is great and then you find out that the other has been unfaithful the entire time. THATS the real kick in the teeth, " I feel like I'm winning when I'm losing again...."
Such a great and emotive song! Really enjoyedy our reaction!
Never heard of him until he passed and not really a fan of this era of music but love this song and its so catchy .
So happy you got to experience this one; also thoroughly enjoyed your thoughts and feelings on it.
"Song for a Winter's Night" is a great song for the season.
I had to tickets to see Gordon in Kalamazoo about 10 years ago. Unfortunately, he got sick and had to postpone and I couldn't make the rescheduled date.
"Beautiful" is another great song from Gordon.
Lightfoot was right up there with the peak of the Canadian songwriters, Joni Mitchell, Neil Young, Robbie Robertson, Leonard Cohen. So many legendary songs between them all. If you want to hear a Lightfoot cover that's the equal of the original, check out Rose Cousins version of "If You Could Read My Mind", which is breathtaking.
Song about cheating. When he'd be on tour , he was thinking - is she cheating - why isn't she picking up the phone- should I take a peek through her window etc
Whenever i hear an acoustic guitar, i always get a mental picture of a firecamp, bunch of long lost friends, quiet guitar playing in the background,
story time about how life has been for them and whats they got going on right now.
Don't know why, cause i've never had that experience, but that's always the mental place i go to when i hear an acoustic guitar.
Maybe from a former life, who knows...
The way Gordon describes a woman in this song is the best I've ever heard.
you have to do lightfoot's the canadian railroad trilogy, which is about the buidling of the railway across canada in the 1800's-an epic tune!
When I get feeling better, when I'm feeling no pain
i get a sneaky suspicion you will love the late great country music artist and seldom mentioned member of the “27 club” KEITH WHITLEY. Try one of these:
“I’m No Stranger to the Rain”
“I’m Over You”
“Don’t Close Your Eyes”
“Miami, My Amy” and of course “When You Say Nothing at All”
If you want more Gordon Lightfoot check out anything from his Summertime Dream album.