Gordon Lightfoot Forums - Does A Song Or Concert Inspire You?

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- - Does A Song Or Concert Inspire You? (http://www.corfid.com/vbb//showthread.php?t=13473)

For years, after I have seen Gordon Lightfoot in concert, it has inspired me to go on to do better work.

To see him perform live has just been a tremendous experience each time.

I think of the years that he has put in, how hard he has worked, and it has always given me a fresh look at my own life and work. It has always been a positive force.

A new album also has the same effect, but seeing him in person really is the ultimate for me. I hope somewhere along the line I will get a chance to meet him formally.

To put it into monetary terms, of all the money I have spent on Eight Track Tapes, Cassettes, CD's, concert tickets, motel rooms, songbooks, gas, etc., I believe I got the better of the deal....

Is there or was there a concert or an album or a song that has inspired you to go on to be a better peron?

"Is the light of passion burning bright?"

Wes
________
drug tests

Wes,
I think that I am a "Rainy Day Person". I have friends and family tell me that I am a good listener when people want to talk, I am loyal to people, I try to accept people as they are and not change them. I have had sorrows and heartache so I am keen to understand another's pain. When I feel someone needs a helping hand or a reason to smile I do my best, not wanting anything in return but the satisfaction that someone is a bit better off because I was in their life at a time they needed someone. I guess I treat people like I would like to be treated. it's the Golden Rule and I have raised my children with it. I watched To Kill A Mocking Bird last night - Atticus Finch said "you don't know a man till you've walked in his shoes". His daughter Scout learned that lesson through Boo Radley - don't judge and condemn a person without knowing them as an individual. This lesson was also taught through the movie with the false accusation and guilty verdict of Tom Robinson. Scout and her brother learned something very powerful as young children and if more children were raised with virtues such as compassion, kindness of spirit, generosity, the ability to forgive, to be able to give love as they would want to be loved we would have a more quiet world. A moment of kindness can be effective for a lifetime.
I try everyday to do something for someone that is unexpected - not just with people I know but strangers also. I put myself in other peoples shoes and wonder what I would like if I were them. If it's something I can do or say then I do it.
I guess I am a Rainy Day Person and I think of the lyrics of Gord's song many times during the course of my life.
Rainy day people know how it hangs on your peace of mind.
I hope you get the idea of what I am saying!
Char
RAINY DAY PEOPLE
Rainy day people always seem to know when it's time to call
Rainy day people don't talk, they just listen till they've heard it all
Rainy day lovers don't lie when they tell 'ya they've been down like you
Rainy day people don't mind if you're cryin' a tear or two
If you get lonely, all you really need is that rainy day love
Rainy day people all know there's no sorrow they can't rise above
Rainy day lovers don't love any others, that would not be kind
Rainy day people all know how it hangs on a peace of mind.

Rainy day lovers don't lie when they tell you, they've been down there too
Rainy day people don't mind if you're cryin' a tear or two.

Rainy day people always seem to know when you're feeling blue
High stepping strutters who land in the gutters sometimes need one too
Take it or leave it, or try to believe it
If you've been down too long

Rainy day lovers don't hide love inside they just pass it on
Rainy day lovers don't hide love inside they just pass it on

Great topic Wes,
As far as inspiration "Race among the ruins"
made me think about my life and where it was heading with one simple line "If you plan to face tomorrow do it soon" that line to me, in my life, has tremedous meaning and has made me face problems head on instead of turning around and running. Like you Wes I have often looked to Gordon's work for
inspiration. There are many more songs but this one really does it for me... :)

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Ever Onward...

Wes,

One that I always get inspiration from is "I'd Rather Press On"...

"I'd rather press on-I don't wanta rest easy"
"Anywhere I stray- I will make it a brand new day"
....
"I've been too wrapped up in my own dreams"
"I will change things if I can"

As I get older the daily grind (especially at work) is harder and harder to deal with...when I hear this song it always reminds me that it is me who can make the biggest difference in my life.

Remember its not what happens to you it's how you react to what happens to you...you gotta press on!

I have to press on and drink my glass empty now.

Wes, thanks for asking...Dan

Oh, yes "If you plan to face tomorrow do it soon." I love that song and that line in particular. Wish I'd followed the advice earlier, but, hey...

The first time I heard that was at the concert in NY the day he started writing the "Edmund Fitzgerald." He opened with "Race Among the Ruins." What a night!

The line "Go first in the world"
"Go forth with yer fears"
"Remember a price must be payed"
has helped me a number of times in life. That's just one of the examples that springs to mind.

[This message has been edited by DMD3 (edited September 19, 2004).]

Just about everything he writes and sings about is inspiring. So are a lot of his ideals. I could never pinpoint just 1 or 2 things. I'm way beyond where I was just 2 & 1/2 years ago,when all I knew were the hits.
Overall though,seeing his live show was the final turning point. http://www.corfid.com/ubb/smile.gif Been me,later! http://www.corfid.com/ubb/cool.gif

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Borderstone,gonna post some lines tonight!:D