Both are great musical sagas; I couldn't presume to say which one's better than the other.
But in terms of historically significant events, it's ironic that Fitzgerald is much more widely known (since the song charted at #2) because it was the Yarmouth Castle's catastrophe that had the really huge impact on maritime law, with long overdue regulations put in place as a result of the disaster. More than twice as many died on
the Castle vs. the Fitz as well, and mostly
passengers (as opposed to crew). And of course, the real-life shocker: the captain abandoned his ship, his crew, his passengers. (There's an hour-long PBS doc on the Yarmouth Castle that you might be able find at your local library.)
This is what really impresses me with Lightfoot's writing. As I read up on these
events (and there are some good websites on both) I really would have expected GL to employ a certain amount of dramatic licence.
(After all, there's not a "true story" movie
out there that doesn't make stuff up and consolidate characters for dramatic purposes.) But virtually everything you hear
in these lengthy, lyrical accounts is documented fact...from the weight of the ore on the Fitz to the funnels frying on the Bahama Star from the heat. They are exquisite examples of balladeer as journalist. I really admire that kind of songwriting integrity. (The one poetic licence he allowed himself he mentioned in the GL Songbook--using the cook's farewell
to the Fitz crew, "Fellas it's been good to know ya," as an homage to Woody Guthrie. The cook actually stayed behind on that fateful night.)
Sorry I rambled. I find the stories behind
the art quite interesting at times. Which is
why I still challenge all comers for any background on "Marie Christine". Who's got the goods?!
patrick
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