I could not agree more regarding steel rail blues. Any young man who had his heart broken by first love would know..."rid my mind of memories, and star my life again.."

quote:Originally posted by young stranger:
Wow, I just realized how long everyone has kept this topic going. Well, if anyone remembers, my absolute favorite Gord song will always be Carefree Highway. I wrote a rather heartfelt reason for that under another topic. I wanted to say that because I am going to mention another song now. I have quite a few that I absolutely love, as everyone does. These include Song For A Winter's Night, Shadows, and others. But those have been mentioned a lot. One that I haven't seen too many people mention, which surprises me, is Steel Rail Blues. I know it must be on many personal favorites lists, but most have failed to mention it. I love the pace of this song, Gord really got the tempo perfect on this one. I can't really specify too many of the reasons why I like it, mostly because I don't know that much technical info about music. All I know is that this would be one of the songs on my list if I could only have a few with me on a deserted island (uh, oh! sounds like a good subject for a topic). Anyone else feel this way about Steel Rail Blues?

It's interesting that most of the favorite songs are not because of the song itself but the memories people have for them. "The Wreck..." reminds me of fall days in my senior year of high school. Going to the park and hanging out with my friends. Later when my girlfriend (now wife) was in Florida and I in Pittsburgh, I'd sit listening to GL's music. "Song for a Winter's Night" took on all new meaning.

It's interesting that most of the favorite songs are not because of the song itself but the memories people have for them. "The Wreck..." reminds me of fall days in my senior year of high school. Going to the park and hanging out with my friends. Later when my girlfriend (now wife) was in Florida and I in Pittsburgh, I'd sit listening to GL's music. "Song for a Winter's Night" took on all new meaning.

Regarding the post about Steel Rail Blues being about a young
man who had his heart broken by his first love...I think
the words that are quoted, (i.e. "rid my mind of memories,
and start my life again") is from "Sixteen Miles"...which
of course, is another one of my favorite songs....
Sometimes you just gotta get away from "toxic" relationships as
the song suggests is what is going on, but the line I love
in that song is when he talking about where he is going is
"in some hidden valley where the twirling river twines, where the
fish swim up and down, and sparking waters fall, where the thunder
rolls, and the lonely puma calls"--the contrast between
such a fanciful beautiful place with thunder/big cats, and the
big magnamimous nature versus a bad relationship is
so good...It does help that I love the outdoors, and
wide open spaces and wild animals, etc....

Man, he really just hits you...I find my self
visualizing that place...anyway...enough said.

Regarding the post about Steel Rail Blues being about a young
man who had his heart broken by his first love...I think
the words that are quoted, (i.e. "rid my mind of memories,
and start my life again") is from "Sixteen Miles"...which
of course, is another one of my favorite songs....
Sometimes you just gotta get away from "toxic" relationships as
the song suggests is what is going on, but the line I love
in that song is when he talking about where he is going is
"in some hidden valley where the twirling river twines, where the
fish swim up and down, and sparking waters fall, where the thunder
rolls, and the lonely puma calls"--the contrast between
such a fanciful beautiful place with thunder/big cats, and the
big magnamimous nature versus a bad relationship is
so good...It does help that I love the outdoors, and
wide open spaces and wild animals, etc....

Man, he really just hits you...I find my self
visualizing that place...anyway...enough said.

One of my very favorites is Old Dan's Records. I have a good friend named Dan and he is a collector of Lp's and Its also very uplifting and joyful. A wonderful way for your friends and family to remember you by.

I really like it.

One of my very favorites is Old Dan's Records. I have a good friend named Dan and he is a collector of Lp's and Its also very uplifting and joyful. A wonderful way for your friends and family to remember you by.

I really like it.

My favourite Gl song is the Circle is Small.May be an odd choice but there's just something about that song. A close second would be Circle of Steel from the Sundown LP.

My favourite Gl song is the Circle is Small.May be an odd choice but there's just something about that song. A close second would be Circle of Steel from the Sundown LP.

It's a toss up between Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald and Dream Street Rose. My father's favorite song is Wreck of E.F. I have listend to GL since I was born and my fondest memories are fishing with dad and listening to Gord. Dad has most of his albums on vinyl and as a kid I remember listening to Dream Street Rose and it has stuck as one of my alltime favorite songs.

It's a toss up between Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald and Dream Street Rose. My father's favorite song is Wreck of E.F. I have listend to GL since I was born and my fondest memories are fishing with dad and listening to Gord. Dad has most of his albums on vinyl and as a kid I remember listening to Dream Street Rose and it has stuck as one of my alltime favorite songs.

The song "If You Could Read my Mind" stole my heart. I consider Gorden Lightfoot my favorite singer songwriter. I am used to getting every album, sheet music book, picture, literally anything related to him.

I had a songbook he had autographed in Eugene, Oregon which was stolen and that bummed me out. But the important thing I have from GL is the inspiration and heart warmth he give me. I also look forward to anytime he is within a thousand miles and I can get away to see him.

Songs I like? I have trouble narrowing it down. What I don't like is a more managable data base in my brain housing group to narrow down to paper. Some of his stuff from "Endless Wire" and a couple of albums of that era had seemed too lounge oriented and had a too heavy drumbeat. "The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down," and "The Auctioneer" are not good versions of other people's material and I would have prefered him to publish his songs which we have not heard enough of. I question the premise of the line in "The Canadian Railroad Trilogy" which says "They built the mines, the mills, and the factories for the good of us all." More like they built them to exploit resources and people to make capital and build political punch, so I winch when I hear that.

His stuff he has written in his later years shows he has gotten better at his craft, and I look forward to many more years of him working at it. I salute him for capturing my heart and imagination and holding them so long. I wish I could give him half of what he has given me. "I may not be alone each time I see you, along a street or in a small cafe. But still I won't deny you or mistreat you, baby if you'll let me have my way..."

The song "If You Could Read my Mind" stole my heart. I consider Gorden Lightfoot my favorite singer songwriter. I am used to getting every album, sheet music book, picture, literally anything related to him.

I had a songbook he had autographed in Eugene, Oregon which was stolen and that bummed me out. But the important thing I have from GL is the inspiration and heart warmth he give me. I also look forward to anytime he is within a thousand miles and I can get away to see him.

Songs I like? I have trouble narrowing it down. What I don't like is a more managable data base in my brain housing group to narrow down to paper. Some of his stuff from "Endless Wire" and a couple of albums of that era had seemed too lounge oriented and had a too heavy drumbeat. "The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down," and "The Auctioneer" are not good versions of other people's material and I would have prefered him to publish his songs which we have not heard enough of. I question the premise of the line in "The Canadian Railroad Trilogy" which says "They built the mines, the mills, and the factories for the good of us all." More like they built them to exploit resources and people to make capital and build political punch, so I winch when I hear that.

His stuff he has written in his later years shows he has gotten better at his craft, and I look forward to many more years of him working at it. I salute him for capturing my heart and imagination and holding them so long. I wish I could give him half of what he has given me. "I may not be alone each time I see you, along a street or in a small cafe. But still I won't deny you or mistreat you, baby if you'll let me have my way..."

It's hard to single out an all time favourite but I have a couple. Steel Rail Blues is still one of my favourites. As a finger-style guitar player, I spent years learning by playing along with the records. This tune remains a favourite even though, as GL has "matured" it seems to have been dropped from his live shows. Perhaps his voice doesn't get to where it could reach 30 years ago. Another all time favourite for me is Carefree Highway. A catchy tune and descriptive lyric and I enjoy Terry Clements' licks in the breaks.

It's hard to single out an all time favourite but I have a couple. Steel Rail Blues is still one of my favourites. As a finger-style guitar player, I spent years learning by playing along with the records. This tune remains a favourite even though, as GL has "matured" it seems to have been dropped from his live shows. Perhaps his voice doesn't get to where it could reach 30 years ago. Another all time favourite for me is Carefree Highway. A catchy tune and descriptive lyric and I enjoy Terry Clements' licks in the breaks.

My favorite Gordon Lightfoot song right now is "Song For A Winter's Night." It reminds me of a perfect Valentine's Day I had, and how I wish every day could be like that!
"If You Could Read My Mind" is another favorite of mine. This song actually led me to have that perfect Valentine's Day in the first place! Both songs will always hold a special place in my heart. I look forward to hearing them sung live in concert at The Keswick on May 13th.

My favorite Gordon Lightfoot song right now is "Song For A Winter's Night." It reminds me of a perfect Valentine's Day I had, and how I wish every day could be like that!
"If You Could Read My Mind" is another favorite of mine. This song actually led me to have that perfect Valentine's Day in the first place! Both songs will always hold a special place in my heart. I look forward to hearing them sung live in concert at The Keswick on May 13th.

Touch choice but I would have to go with Beautiful. My wife and I had it sung by a friend of ours at our wedding (we each chose a song and I chose Beautiful). Love the lyrics and the melody.

Close second is If You Could Read My Mind. Don't like its lyrics as much as Beautiful though.

Touch choice but I would have to go with Beautiful. My wife and I had it sung by a friend of ours at our wedding (we each chose a song and I chose Beautiful). Love the lyrics and the melody.

Close second is If You Could Read My Mind. Don't like its lyrics as much as Beautiful though.

my favorite dong would be a song I THINK is called " if i could read your mind love". this song means the world to me because it was my father's favorite song. i'm sixteen years old and my father died when i was a small child. the only memory i have of him is hearing his voice sing this song to me when i was sick...

my favorite dong would be a song I THINK is called " if i could read your mind love". this song means the world to me because it was my father's favorite song. i'm sixteen years old and my father died when i was a small child. the only memory i have of him is hearing his voice sing this song to me when i was sick...

My heart does not break easily, but the posting from Lindsayanne has left it shattered. How sweet and sad. Her remarks remind me to be grateful to my Heavenly Father that I still have an earthly one, though he is two thousand miles away. (In reply to this topic, I'll select a more obscure song as my favorite: ALL I'M AFTER, from Shadows. Gorgeous melody.)

My heart does not break easily, but the posting from Lindsayanne has left it shattered. How sweet and sad. Her remarks remind me to be grateful to my Heavenly Father that I still have an earthly one, though he is two thousand miles away. (In reply to this topic, I'll select a more obscure song as my favorite: ALL I'M AFTER, from Shadows. Gorgeous melody.)

My favorite Gordon song? How to choose from so many wonderful songs? I'd have to say though the choice is tough the song we are using in our wedding, Beautiful. That kinda says it all. Just plain beautiful!!

My favorite Gordon song? How to choose from so many wonderful songs? I'd have to say though the choice is tough the song we are using in our wedding, Beautiful. That kinda says it all. Just plain beautiful!!

Favorite Lightfoot song? Impossible!
However it would be from 1980 or before.
I noticed no one mentioned, "Circle of Steel", which is an awesome song. "Affair on 8th Avenue" is a great love ballad. I'm trying to pick ones that haven't been mentioned. I've seen Gordon twice, in Minneapolis, and also in San Diego. I'd see him again if I get the chance. I'm 41 now and have been listening to him since I was seventeen. Oh..."The Patriots Dream" is an awesome song as well. "The Pony Man" is so vivid and attracts the child in me. One of the earliest songs that hooked me, was when I was asking about questions concerning life (and still am),is, "Wherefore and Why", which was written for an old movie that "starred" Michael Douglas called, "Hail Hero". The best that I can say, is that if Gordon had never written a note, and had written poetry only; he would be one of the greatest poets ever. What a way with words and images!!!

Favorite Lightfoot song? Impossible!
However it would be from 1980 or before.
I noticed no one mentioned, "Circle of Steel", which is an awesome song. "Affair on 8th Avenue" is a great love ballad. I'm trying to pick ones that haven't been mentioned. I've seen Gordon twice, in Minneapolis, and also in San Diego. I'd see him again if I get the chance. I'm 41 now and have been listening to him since I was seventeen. Oh..."The Patriots Dream" is an awesome song as well. "The Pony Man" is so vivid and attracts the child in me. One of the earliest songs that hooked me, was when I was asking about questions concerning life (and still am),is, "Wherefore and Why", which was written for an old movie that "starred" Michael Douglas called, "Hail Hero". The best that I can say, is that if Gordon had never written a note, and had written poetry only; he would be one of the greatest poets ever. What a way with words and images!!!

Is there such a thing as a favorite GL song? I swear that Gord has a song for our every mood and for different phases of our lives. We all love him so much because he has a song for everybody. It seems like he has always been there. I grew up listening to him and now that I'm older, I love him even more because now I can relate with what he is saying.(lost loves, new loves, the morning after blues, etc.)Currently, I'm in a groove where I can't stop listening to Gord! That's how I discovered this site. Like I said, he's always been there, but at this particular point, he is just triggering a pleasure point in my head and I can't stop listening to him. I'm like a Gordan Lightfoot junkie! I can't get over the size of this site. I now know I am not alone. Thanks.

Is there such a thing as a favorite GL song? I swear that Gord has a song for our every mood and for different phases of our lives. We all love him so much because he has a song for everybody. It seems like he has always been there. I grew up listening to him and now that I'm older, I love him even more because now I can relate with what he is saying.(lost loves, new loves, the morning after blues, etc.)Currently, I'm in a groove where I can't stop listening to Gord! That's how I discovered this site. Like I said, he's always been there, but at this particular point, he is just triggering a pleasure point in my head and I can't stop listening to him. I'm like a Gordan Lightfoot junkie! I can't get over the size of this site. I now know I am not alone. Thanks.

I love IF YOU NEED ME from Dream Street Rose.
That album ranks right up there with Sundown.
Seven Island Suite, The Watchman's Gone, and Is There Anyone Home
are an amazing trio of tracks to be laid down on one album.
Nothing has compared.

I love IF YOU NEED ME from Dream Street Rose.
That album ranks right up there with Sundown.
Seven Island Suite, The Watchman's Gone, and Is There Anyone Home
are an amazing trio of tracks to be laid down on one album.
Nothing has compared.

There are so many of his songs ingrained in my psyche, that are part of me... but the one that I floats to the top, every time I try to find a favorite, is Don Quixote. Having been a lit major, I read both Don Quixote and the bio of Miguel de Cervantes, but this song goes beyond that story. One of my best friends is a struggling musician, a man who writes and sings the most beautiful stories of his life... much like the man this site is dedicated to, I suppose. For me, this song has become the story of the performer himself, a man with something to say, a passion for shining light into the darkness.

Perhaps there's a bit of the old knight in all of us...

There are so many of his songs ingrained in my psyche, that are part of me... but the one that I floats to the top, every time I try to find a favorite, is Don Quixote. Having been a lit major, I read both Don Quixote and the bio of Miguel de Cervantes, but this song goes beyond that story. One of my best friends is a struggling musician, a man who writes and sings the most beautiful stories of his life... much like the man this site is dedicated to, I suppose. For me, this song has become the story of the performer himself, a man with something to say, a passion for shining light into the darkness.

Perhaps there's a bit of the old knight in all of us...

Somewhere USA off of Sundown. "Out on the road like a low down joe and the bar where we are is so cool I'd like to stay." My friend and I must have listened to this 1,000 times traveling cross country in 1975.

Somewhere USA off of Sundown. "Out on the road like a low down joe and the bar where we are is so cool I'd like to stay." My friend and I must have listened to this 1,000 times traveling cross country in 1975.

Circle of Steel is my favorite. Every time
I listen it reminds me how lucky I truly am.
As he puts it so well "you place your bets on
a great big wheel". This song just hits a nerve with how fragile life is. To me the
Sundown album was his best followed by
Cold On The Shoulder. I've been a fan for
27 years ever since hearing If You Could Read
My Mind as a 7 year old.

Circle of Steel is my favorite. Every time
I listen it reminds me how lucky I truly am.
As he puts it so well "you place your bets on
a great big wheel". This song just hits a nerve with how fragile life is. To me the
Sundown album was his best followed by
Cold On The Shoulder. I've been a fan for
27 years ever since hearing If You Could Read
My Mind as a 7 year old.

shadows

shadows

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.