It's been a long time since I visited this site until today and I had posted on this original topic before it was lost. Of course my favorite song has changed since then! "I heard you talking in your sleep" is my new favorite. The song deals with infidelity and I wonder if this is from Gordon's life or if it is just something he thought on. I do know that no matter what he is singing about, when you are sad it makes you feel like he is just as hurt as you are and you are not alone. It is the magic of Gordon Lightfoot.

Favorite Lightfoot song(s)?
It would have to be Seven Island Suite from Sundown -- I grew up on Puget Sound and I like to imagine that he is singing about the San Juan Islands.....
more in the water vein: Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald, so eerie. There is a segment on a show on Discovery Channel about Shipwrecks about the Edmund Fitzgerald and they play the song as a backdrop for the bell ringing 29 times.....

Favorite Lightfoot song(s)?
It would have to be Seven Island Suite from Sundown -- I grew up on Puget Sound and I like to imagine that he is singing about the San Juan Islands.....
more in the water vein: Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald, so eerie. There is a segment on a show on Discovery Channel about Shipwrecks about the Edmund Fitzgerald and they play the song as a backdrop for the bell ringing 29 times.....

Favorite Lightfoot song(s)?
It would have to be Seven Island Suite from Sundown -- I grew up on Puget Sound and I like to imagine that he is singing about the San Juan Islands.....
more in the water vein: Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald, so eerie. There is a segment on a show on Discovery Channel about Shipwrecks about the Edmund Fitzgerald and they play the song as a backdrop for the bell ringing 29 times.....

Favorite Lightfoot song(s)?
It would have to be Seven Island Suite from Sundown -- I grew up on Puget Sound and I like to imagine that he is singing about the San Juan Islands.....
more in the water vein: Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald, so eerie. There is a segment on a show on Discovery Channel about Shipwrecks about the Edmund Fitzgerald and they play the song as a backdrop for the bell ringing 29 times.....

Wow; there's an impossible one to answer. I'm torn between Protocol, Race amoung the Ruins, 14 Carat Gold, Shadows, and EVERY other song Gord's ever done! I'm serious, I'd have to pick 100 or so songs to be fair.

Wow; there's an impossible one to answer. I'm torn between Protocol, Race amoung the Ruins, 14 Carat Gold, Shadows, and EVERY other song Gord's ever done! I'm serious, I'd have to pick 100 or so songs to be fair.

"Black Day in July", has to rank right up there. The words, the music, the percussion. A song for all ages and all times. Hopefully something like that will never again happen here, in that magnitude. Sadly, we are not a peaceful world. BDIJ is a gut shot to all of us who have ever thought ill of one another. Like Smokey the Bear always said, "Only you can prevent forest fires". If only folks would listen. "The streets of Motor City are now quiet and serene. But the shapes of gutted buildings, strike terror to the heart, and you say how did it happen,and you say how did it start. Why can't we all be brothers, why can't we live in peace. But the hands of the havenots, keep falling out of reach. Black day in July."

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joe beckey

"Black Day in July", has to rank right up there. The words, the music, the percussion. A song for all ages and all times. Hopefully something like that will never again happen here, in that magnitude. Sadly, we are not a peaceful world. BDIJ is a gut shot to all of us who have ever thought ill of one another. Like Smokey the Bear always said, "Only you can prevent forest fires". If only folks would listen. "The streets of Motor City are now quiet and serene. But the shapes of gutted buildings, strike terror to the heart, and you say how did it happen,and you say how did it start. Why can't we all be brothers, why can't we live in peace. But the hands of the havenots, keep falling out of reach. Black day in July."

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joe beckey

This is a fantastic website. It has been a long time since I've been here. My favorite Gordon Lightfoot song would be a toss-up between, "Sixteen Miles", and "Carefree Highway".
"Sixteen Miles" reminds me of the breakup of my first marriage and the emotions of that situation.
""Carefree Highway" is the song that mad me a Gordon Lightfoot fan and is a song I used to sing with an old flame who I worked with long ago.

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John

This is a fantastic website. It has been a long time since I've been here. My favorite Gordon Lightfoot song would be a toss-up between, "Sixteen Miles", and "Carefree Highway".
"Sixteen Miles" reminds me of the breakup of my first marriage and the emotions of that situation.
""Carefree Highway" is the song that mad me a Gordon Lightfoot fan and is a song I used to sing with an old flame who I worked with long ago.

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John

without a doubt my favorite gordon lightfoot song, and the best one too, is The Wreck Of theEdmund Fitzgerald.

Historically accurate, it captures the mood without pandering or preying on the deceased.

without a doubt my favorite gordon lightfoot song, and the best one too, is The Wreck Of theEdmund Fitzgerald.

Historically accurate, it captures the mood without pandering or preying on the deceased.

My favourite song is probably Yarmouth Castle. I recall my father having the 'Sunday Concert' album, which was one of the few records we had around the house up in McKenzie in the early 70s. When I was young, I remember laying by the record player listening to this record. My father still has it, it is such a thick piece of plastic, much more so that LPs that came out later in the decade. I still remember all the words to the song, my favourites being 'Oh Lord she groans I'm burning, let someone understand, but her silent plea is wasted in the playing of the band'. As I have aged, I have other special songs, but this initial exposure remains my favourite.

My favourite song is probably Yarmouth Castle. I recall my father having the 'Sunday Concert' album, which was one of the few records we had around the house up in McKenzie in the early 70s. When I was young, I remember laying by the record player listening to this record. My father still has it, it is such a thick piece of plastic, much more so that LPs that came out later in the decade. I still remember all the words to the song, my favourites being 'Oh Lord she groans I'm burning, let someone understand, but her silent plea is wasted in the playing of the band'. As I have aged, I have other special songs, but this initial exposure remains my favourite.

So hard to name one favorite GL song. Many have spoken to me over the past 35 years that I have listened to GL. While I think he is a legendary lyricist, my first exposure was of an Ewan McColl song "Changes". I fell in love with his voice and the imagery, thinking he had written the song. I began buying his albums and learned he truly was a gifted songwriter. I have enjoyed performing his songs more than any other artist I cover. Early Mornin' Rain, On Susan's Floor, Second Cup of Coffee, Walls, I'll be alright.....many obscure, but Gordon you have scripted or reflected a great deal of what I have experienced in life and relationships... I'll just keep listening and sharing Lightfoot's music.....

So hard to name one favorite GL song. Many have spoken to me over the past 35 years that I have listened to GL. While I think he is a legendary lyricist, my first exposure was of an Ewan McColl song "Changes". I fell in love with his voice and the imagery, thinking he had written the song. I began buying his albums and learned he truly was a gifted songwriter. I have enjoyed performing his songs more than any other artist I cover. Early Mornin' Rain, On Susan's Floor, Second Cup of Coffee, Walls, I'll be alright.....many obscure, but Gordon you have scripted or reflected a great deal of what I have experienced in life and relationships... I'll just keep listening and sharing Lightfoot's music.....

Sorry guys, us brits don't get to hear much of GL. The only song for me is "Sundown". I heard it only once and have never forgotten it. Hard to believe once only, but true.

Sorry guys, us brits don't get to hear much of GL. The only song for me is "Sundown". I heard it only once and have never forgotten it. Hard to believe once only, but true.

quote:Originally posted by gibmartin:
So hard to name one favorite GL song. Many have spoken to me over the past 35 years that I have listened to GL. While I think he is a legendary lyricist, my first exposure was of an Ewan McColl song "Changes". I fell in love with his voice and the imagery, thinking he had written the song. I began buying his albums and learned he truly was a gifted songwriter. I have enjoyed performing his songs more than any other artist I cover. Early Mornin' Rain, On Susan's Floor, Second Cup of Coffee, Walls, I'll be alright.....many obscure, but Gordon you have scripted or reflected a great deal of what I have experienced in life and relationships... I'll just keep listening and sharing Lightfoot's music.....

Hi GIBMARTIN,I like the song "Changes" also;I know other artists have recorded it,but I thought it was written by Phil Ochs.

quote:Originally posted by gibmartin:
So hard to name one favorite GL song. Many have spoken to me over the past 35 years that I have listened to GL. While I think he is a legendary lyricist, my first exposure was of an Ewan McColl song "Changes". I fell in love with his voice and the imagery, thinking he had written the song. I began buying his albums and learned he truly was a gifted songwriter. I have enjoyed performing his songs more than any other artist I cover. Early Mornin' Rain, On Susan's Floor, Second Cup of Coffee, Walls, I'll be alright.....many obscure, but Gordon you have scripted or reflected a great deal of what I have experienced in life and relationships... I'll just keep listening and sharing Lightfoot's music.....

Hi GIBMARTIN,I like the song "Changes" also;I know other artists have recorded it,but I thought it was written by Phil Ochs.

The first time I heard Lightfoot was "Sundown". I grew to hate that song because my brother bought the album and played the hell out of it; not to mention the radio. Then I sat down alone and listened to the album. I loved it. As hard as it is to pick a favorite, and it is hard. I would have to say that "The Watchman" is it; I guess because it was where I was at at the time. Restless, wanting to run. The Edmund Fitzgerald is probably the best he has written. The lyrics and the production, along with that voice, put you there. It was also the first song I learned on the guitar. Also the mosty requested.

The first time I heard Lightfoot was "Sundown". I grew to hate that song because my brother bought the album and played the hell out of it; not to mention the radio. Then I sat down alone and listened to the album. I loved it. As hard as it is to pick a favorite, and it is hard. I would have to say that "The Watchman" is it; I guess because it was where I was at at the time. Restless, wanting to run. The Edmund Fitzgerald is probably the best he has written. The lyrics and the production, along with that voice, put you there. It was also the first song I learned on the guitar. Also the mosty requested.

"On Susan's Floor." I used to work in Nashville where Sue Brewer worked (Music City News), and I actually lived in the same apt. building. By then (1977) Sue had inoperable breast cancer and died in '78. but she had stories to tell!!!!!! And a sense of humor to the end! Of course, Krostofferson wrote the song, and I don't think she actually ever put GL up for the night. But I can see Sue's eyes sparkle every time I hear GL sing the song (and he does it much better than Kris!) I am proud to say I spent quite a few hours on Susan's floor myself, listening to her reminiscences of the "good old days" in Nashville!

"On Susan's Floor." I used to work in Nashville where Sue Brewer worked (Music City News), and I actually lived in the same apt. building. By then (1977) Sue had inoperable breast cancer and died in '78. but she had stories to tell!!!!!! And a sense of humor to the end! Of course, Krostofferson wrote the song, and I don't think she actually ever put GL up for the night. But I can see Sue's eyes sparkle every time I hear GL sing the song (and he does it much better than Kris!) I am proud to say I spent quite a few hours on Susan's floor myself, listening to her reminiscences of the "good old days" in Nashville!

gsmdmom,

Enjoyed your story and I also love Gord's version of "On Susan's Floor". But fyi the song was written by Shel Silverstein and Vince Matthews. Shel was also known for his children's books, among many talents.

Bill

Someone up above mentioned "The Ballad of the Yarmouth Castle". That's our favorite, too. What a piece of work. Sorry to confess that we're unable to pinpoint just what it is that we find so mesmerizing about that song. It just leaves you in awe, even after 25 years and thousands of listens.

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Sammy and Rebecky

Someone up above mentioned "The Ballad of the Yarmouth Castle". That's our favorite, too. What a piece of work. Sorry to confess that we're unable to pinpoint just what it is that we find so mesmerizing about that song. It just leaves you in awe, even after 25 years and thousands of listens.

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Sammy and Rebecky

Just found this website and as a longtime Lightfoot fan don't know why I didn't look for it before! Anyway been reading through a lot of replies. All very interesting. My favorite Gord song would have to be 'Canadian Railroad Trilogy'. The vivid imagery he creates gives me chills every time I hear it. This song defines Canada!

Alot of runners up: Sit Down Young Stranger,Bitter Green,Don Quixote,Song For A Winter's Night,Ode To Big Blue and my vote for his most underrated song Approaching Lavender. And that only scratches the surface. Lightfoot is truly a great and original talent.

Just found this website and as a longtime Lightfoot fan don't know why I didn't look for it before! Anyway been reading through a lot of replies. All very interesting. My favorite Gord song would have to be 'Canadian Railroad Trilogy'. The vivid imagery he creates gives me chills every time I hear it. This song defines Canada!

Alot of runners up: Sit Down Young Stranger,Bitter Green,Don Quixote,Song For A Winter's Night,Ode To Big Blue and my vote for his most underrated song Approaching Lavender. And that only scratches the surface. Lightfoot is truly a great and original talent.

quote:Originally posted by Florian:
What is your favorite Lightfoot Song & Why?

(topic originated by Wes Steele)


[This message has been edited by Florian (edited February 26, 2000).]

i have so many favourite gl songs. right now, i'd have to say 'looking at the rain'. evocative, and i love the string section!

quote:Originally posted by Florian:
What is your favorite Lightfoot Song & Why?

(topic originated by Wes Steele)


[This message has been edited by Florian (edited February 26, 2000).]

i have so many favourite gl songs. right now, i'd have to say 'looking at the rain'. evocative, and i love the string section!

quote:Originally posted by Florian:
What is your favorite Lightfoot Song & Why?

(topic originated by Wes Steele)


[This message has been edited by Florian (edited February 26, 2000).]

i have so many favourite gl songs. right now, i'd have to say 'looking at the rain'. evocative, and i love the string section!

quote:Originally posted by Florian:
What is your favorite Lightfoot Song & Why?

(topic originated by Wes Steele)


[This message has been edited by Florian (edited February 26, 2000).]

i have so many favourite gl songs. right now, i'd have to say 'looking at the rain'. evocative, and i love the string section!

favorite song? again impossible
My children love "Canary Yellow Canoe", I guess cause it is something they can identify with and it's energetic.
"Minstrel of the Dawn", is profoundly simple and melodic, and of course poetic. "Summer Side of Life", is very powerful. In any case I like Gordon's pre 1976 music better because it seems more emotionally powerful...It seems to me that there's more of an honesty and edge to it; which is to say that he's probably mellowed some through the years. In any case...when one chooses...one never loses...all is Gord's good.

favorite song? again impossible
My children love "Canary Yellow Canoe", I guess cause it is something they can identify with and it's energetic.
"Minstrel of the Dawn", is profoundly simple and melodic, and of course poetic. "Summer Side of Life", is very powerful. In any case I like Gordon's pre 1976 music better because it seems more emotionally powerful...It seems to me that there's more of an honesty and edge to it; which is to say that he's probably mellowed some through the years. In any case...when one chooses...one never loses...all is Gord's good.

The posting by Lindsayanne is a tough one to read. I would only suggest that you not listen to, "If You Could Read My Mind" so that you could preserve the memory of your father singing to you...then again maybe you should listen to it. I started listening to Gordon at age 17, and he helped me through many depressing years. I hope you'll find what you're looking for, or are able to express what you feel.

The posting by Lindsayanne is a tough one to read. I would only suggest that you not listen to, "If You Could Read My Mind" so that you could preserve the memory of your father singing to you...then again maybe you should listen to it. I started listening to Gordon at age 17, and he helped me through many depressing years. I hope you'll find what you're looking for, or are able to express what you feel.

As everyone else seems to suggest - picking the best is a nightmare. Tattoo is wonderful as is The Last Time I Saw Her and You're Not Supposed To Care. For me though, It's Worth Believin' has been my favourite since it first came out (in '75?) and despite the appearance of a swag of great songs since, nothing has managed to surpass it. From APPT, Much To My Surprise is my favourite.

As everyone else seems to suggest - picking the best is a nightmare. Tattoo is wonderful as is The Last Time I Saw Her and You're Not Supposed To Care. For me though, It's Worth Believin' has been my favourite since it first came out (in '75?) and despite the appearance of a swag of great songs since, nothing has managed to surpass it. From APPT, Much To My Surprise is my favourite.