As predictable as it may be, my absolute favorite is "If You Could Read My Mind." That is the song that first got me interested in Lightfoot.
But, as almost everyone else has done in response to this topic, I will list a few more favorites, as it is too difficult to choose just one song.
The Mountains and Maryann - Perfect matching of lyrics and melody. Best song of the UA era.
Saturday Clothes - Lightfoot is the best writer of songs with major seventh chords, and this one illustrates that well.
Miguel - Love the ascending melody of the section that goes "To cross the border, to swim the river..."
Ordinary Man - Ah, but he's "NOT your ordinary man"(!) Great song.
Can't Depend on Love - This song is so good that I've never even tried to figure out what this song is about lyrically. The lyrics are imprinted on my brain from listening to it so much, but I don't necessarily need to know what it's about. If the song were about ringworm it would still be great.
Seven Island Suite - Lightfoot is also the master of writing songs in "sections" that can't always be categorized as verses, choruses, or bridges. After hearing this song, who needs songs with verses, choruses, and bridges?
Now and Then - "Once inside we found a curious moonbeam doing dances on the floor." Lines like that are enough to make aspiring songwriters go find real jobs. Why? Because they'll never write a line like that, and it's too depressing to keep trying.
She's Not the Same - "She lights the sun and conjures up the rain."
I think I'll leave it at that. Sorry if that's a bit too long.
[ October 22, 2006, 14:49: Message edited by: Winter's Claw ]
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