I was wondering if anyone could tell me why "Black Day in July" isn't included on GL's hits albums or his Songbook. Is it a legal issue, or does he no longer like the song, or feel it's too specific?

Any knowledge about this would be much appreciated.

quote:Originally posted by Michael:
I was wondering if anyone could tell me why "Black Day in July" isn't included on GL's hits albums or his Songbook. Is it a legal issue, or does he no longer like the song, or feel it's too specific?

Any knowledge about this would be much appreciated.

Don't know what the answer is to your query. But...
In my opinion, no composer/songwriter exceeded Lightfoot in placing social issues, and the conflicts derived there from, into such a clear and easily understood context and perspective. The statements and positions Lightfoot made through his lyrics about questions related to the nature, yet alone the cost, of war, the assaults on nature and the environment, the foolishness of politics, the inane clashes within a society, and the burdens placed on those expected to "work" to advance that society, are among the best that have been written. There has always been this keen sense of social consciousness, questions about certain acts of humanity, and a sensitivity to the plight of “any person”, that has been weaved, now and then, throughout a number of works over a substantial period of time. I wouldn't speculate about "Black Day In July" relative to any albums except to say that it did appear on Disk 1 of 3 of the Gordon Lightfoot (36 All-Time Favorites) presented by GSC Music/Cema Special Markets. Yet, whatever is said, or ignored, about "Black Day in July", it certainly was ahead of its time, and one of the few songs that addressed the events that sparked some controversy that summer.

In my opinion, Gordon Lightfoot simply states the facts and lets the listener draw his or her own conclusions. This allowed him to sing politically charged songs, yet still remain popular. I like to use the song "Canadian Railroad Trilogy" as an example. One could glean a song of adventure and conquest, or one of the destruction of the environment, and indigenous population. It all depends on your perspective. As for why he doesn't write in this style anymore, I have no answer. I know that Black Day in July was on the 36 All Time Favorites Compilation, and on the United Artists Collection. None of his early works show up on his two later Greatest Hits albums. I suspect it had something to do with the Labels, but I'm not real sure. As for why it was left off of Songbook, I have no answer, it seems it would have been a good fit for the collection.
Just my Thoughts
Walter Farmer
waltsongs@lycos.com