Favorite Lightfoot Song & Why? II

Lately, I have been singing "Ghosts of Cape Horn". I sail often on the Clearwater, a 100 ft wooden sailing sloop, with a tradional gaff rig, and the song just seems to fit. There is aways music on board, and the meter of the songs works well as a hauling shanty (that is, a song used to keep the sailors in unison when they pull together on a line.)

Looking back one day "If You Could Read My Mind" will probably still be my all-time favorite. It makes me wonder how he gets through it without crying. But "Welcome To Try", from Waiting for You, is right up there. I figured it out on both the piano and guitar because I think that song should last. It's great and should not be overlooked. I mean, that chord progression! How do you get things like that?

Looking back one day "If You Could Read My Mind" will probably still be my all-time favorite. It makes me wonder how he gets through it without crying. But "Welcome To Try", from Waiting for You, is right up there. I figured it out on both the piano and guitar because I think that song should last. It's great and should not be overlooked. I mean, that chord progression! How do you get things like that?

I've never had a definitive favorite Lightfoot tune; so many are so marvelous. "IYCRMM" introduced me to him, and "Minstrel of the Dawn" and "Ordinary Man" made me a lifer! But my favorites come and go in streaks. These past months, my Gord cravings varied from "Knotty Pine" to "Too Much To Lose" (I try to imagine it as part of the "Cool Hand Luke" soundtrack; it was the film's loss) to "Whisper My Name" to "Mother of a Miner's Child" (would I love to hear THAT in concert again) to the acoustic version of "East of Midnight" (a wonderful Lightfoot fan kindly sent me a copy; it beats the album version hands down!)

But I've gotta say, after watching the CBC version of the Reno concert, I got goosebumps hearing only one song: "Restless." He played that at his Grand Forks, N.D., concert a few years ago, and I had a similar reaction. I was extremely fortunate to meet him after the concert, and I asked him where he came up with the inspiration for "Restless." He said he couldn't say for sure offhand, couldn't really explain it. It just came out a good tune. I thought he was being modest. I told Gord I had virtually every album he'd made, and had just purchased the United Artists compilation. He groaned...but then seemed genuinely grateful when I told him how much I liked "Restless," "I'll Tag Along" and a few other newer songs.

Keep writing, GL!

I've never had a definitive favorite Lightfoot tune; so many are so marvelous. "IYCRMM" introduced me to him, and "Minstrel of the Dawn" and "Ordinary Man" made me a lifer! But my favorites come and go in streaks. These past months, my Gord cravings varied from "Knotty Pine" to "Too Much To Lose" (I try to imagine it as part of the "Cool Hand Luke" soundtrack; it was the film's loss) to "Whisper My Name" to "Mother of a Miner's Child" (would I love to hear THAT in concert again) to the acoustic version of "East of Midnight" (a wonderful Lightfoot fan kindly sent me a copy; it beats the album version hands down!)

But I've gotta say, after watching the CBC version of the Reno concert, I got goosebumps hearing only one song: "Restless." He played that at his Grand Forks, N.D., concert a few years ago, and I had a similar reaction. I was extremely fortunate to meet him after the concert, and I asked him where he came up with the inspiration for "Restless." He said he couldn't say for sure offhand, couldn't really explain it. It just came out a good tune. I thought he was being modest. I told Gord I had virtually every album he'd made, and had just purchased the United Artists compilation. He groaned...but then seemed genuinely grateful when I told him how much I liked "Restless," "I'll Tag Along" and a few other newer songs.

Keep writing, GL!

[hillierd96.fsnet.co.uk]

Well, here we are merely a week and a day from the 25th anniversary of the sinking of "Big Fitz". I guess that's what triggered me to start thinking about it again. My absolute favorite song in consideration of all song writers and musicians who have ever put pen to paper, is "The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald", I still get chills whenever I hear those haunting words of the song. Gordon has captured, not merely a SONG - but an emotion; a memorial tribute not limited merely to a ship or a crew - but to all of the men of the sea who have lost their lives to the cold, dark ---- deep. The song is haunting and deeply moving, and it tells the story so well - as only Gordon Lightfoot could.
Johnfirebird

[Johnfirebird]

Well, here we are merely a week and a day from the 25th anniversary of the sinking of "Big Fitz". I guess that's what triggered me to start thinking about it again. My absolute favorite song in consideration of all song writers and musicians who have ever put pen to paper, is "The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald", I still get chills whenever I hear those haunting words of the song. Gordon has captured, not merely a SONG - but an emotion; a memorial tribute not limited merely to a ship or a crew - but to all of the men of the sea who have lost their lives to the cold, dark ---- deep. The song is haunting and deeply moving, and it tells the story so well - as only Gordon Lightfoot could.
Johnfirebird

[nwasinger]

My favorite Gordon Lightfoot song (as you've probably all assertained by now) Is "THE WRECK OF THE EDMUND FITZGERALD". I like the song so well because at the time I heard it I was in the U.S. Marine Corps, headed for my new duty post located in Okinawa, Japan.The lyrics were so hauntingly melodic and the story told so well, well, it just sent shivers down my spine, especially since I was on a light destroyer out in the middle of the Pacific Ocean! I also became a huge Gord fan after that, seeking out everything the artist had done. While Mr. Lightfoot has certainly written and produced many wonderful songs, none of them have grabbed me the way "THE WRECK" did, before or since. You never hear the song on any radio station, you can't seem to find it on any album... it is almost as if the song itself were a ghost. This only seems to add to the allure of what, in my mind, is one of the greatest lyrical stories ever told.

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Turtle_07_Oh

[Dean Cook]

My favorite Gordon Lightfoot song (as you've probably all assertained by now) Is "THE WRECK OF THE EDMUND FITZGERALD". I like the song so well because at the time I heard it I was in the U.S. Marine Corps, headed for my new duty post located in Okinawa, Japan.The lyrics were so hauntingly melodic and the story told so well, well, it just sent shivers down my spine, especially since I was on a light destroyer out in the middle of the Pacific Ocean! I also became a huge Gord fan after that, seeking out everything the artist had done. While Mr. Lightfoot has certainly written and produced many wonderful songs, none of them have grabbed me the way "THE WRECK" did, before or since. You never hear the song on any radio station, you can't seem to find it on any album... it is almost as if the song itself were a ghost. This only seems to add to the allure of what, in my mind, is one of the greatest lyrical stories ever told.

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Turtle_07_Oh

My favorite Gordon Lightfoot song is Canandian Railroad Trilogy(or is that three songs?). It is my favorite because it is a simply great piece of songwriting, it is epic, I love trains, and because unlike many of his contemporaries, he does not treat industry and technological advancement as evil. He is a true minstrel, without a self- serving ideology, and this song is a great example of that.

My favorite Gordon Lightfoot song is Canandian Railroad Trilogy(or is that three songs?). It is my favorite because it is a simply great piece of songwriting, it is epic, I love trains, and because unlike many of his contemporaries, he does not treat industry and technological advancement as evil. He is a true minstrel, without a self- serving ideology, and this song is a great example of that.

I'm wondering if anybody can help me out...
I'm looking for the meaning behind the song Sundown....

Is it simply about GL's relationship with a woman... or is there a deeper meaning?

I'm wondering if anybody can help me out...
I'm looking for the meaning behind the song Sundown....

Is it simply about GL's relationship with a woman... or is there a deeper meaning?

For me, it's a tossup between "Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald" and "Canadian Railroad Trilogy." Both of these tell great tales of courage, suffering and sacrifice. However, if forced to a choice, it would be "Canadian Railroad Trilogy."

You see, this song is especially meaningful to me because my ancestors were all Canadians and most of them were railroaders. My great-great-grandfather, great-grandfather, grandfather and several uncles were railroaders -- some on the Canadian National and others on the Canadian Pacific. As a child, I remember taking the train to go see Grandma and Grandpa in Gananoque (Ont.) in the late 1940's and early 1950's. Grandpa, who had retired as an engineer from the Canadian National, had lots of stories and old pictures that could keep a small boy fascinated for hours on end. Plus, this was when steam locomotives were still in operation and he'd take me down to the roundhouse to see the smoking giants. Years later, I too would become involved with railroading, and even lived out a boyhood dream by actually getting to run a train!

So, for me, Gordon's story of the great undertaking in the 1880's that resulted in the trans-Canada railroad is with a doubt the best of the many stories he has told through song and verse.

For me, it's a tossup between "Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald" and "Canadian Railroad Trilogy." Both of these tell great tales of courage, suffering and sacrifice. However, if forced to a choice, it would be "Canadian Railroad Trilogy."

You see, this song is especially meaningful to me because my ancestors were all Canadians and most of them were railroaders. My great-great-grandfather, great-grandfather, grandfather and several uncles were railroaders -- some on the Canadian National and others on the Canadian Pacific. As a child, I remember taking the train to go see Grandma and Grandpa in Gananoque (Ont.) in the late 1940's and early 1950's. Grandpa, who had retired as an engineer from the Canadian National, had lots of stories and old pictures that could keep a small boy fascinated for hours on end. Plus, this was when steam locomotives were still in operation and he'd take me down to the roundhouse to see the smoking giants. Years later, I too would become involved with railroading, and even lived out a boyhood dream by actually getting to run a train!

So, for me, Gordon's story of the great undertaking in the 1880's that resulted in the trans-Canada railroad is with a doubt the best of the many stories he has told through song and verse.

[Guido]

Too many to list really. As I grew up listening to Lightfoot, since the day I was brought home from the Hospital, almost 30 years ago.

I have many favorites, as my father (who went to Highschool with Lightfoot) would listen to him all the time, and would very often point out to me where and why Gord wrote the song. For example, he'd say to me... "Gord wrote this one about Marchmount." Which is a small community outside of Orillia.

I can remember being little and hearing the song "You are what I am" comming from dads old cassette player when he would be working in the basement on his day off.

I guess it's hard to say what my exact favorite one is, as I love so many for so many different reasons, but I like Summer Side Side of Life, Go, go round and I'd do it again.

Gordon truly is the best thing that ever came out of Orillia... It's just too bad that here he gets overshadowed by Stephen Leacock and stuff. It's really a shame, and I wished our City council would start a museam or something.... Heck, they even took down the signs "Home of Gordon Lightfoot" as you are coming into town.

Sad.

But in my mind, Gordon is the best folk singer to step into the spotlight.

[Orillia Boy]

Too many to list really. As I grew up listening to Lightfoot, since the day I was brought home from the Hospital, almost 30 years ago.

I have many favorites, as my father (who went to Highschool with Lightfoot) would listen to him all the time, and would very often point out to me where and why Gord wrote the song. For example, he'd say to me... "Gord wrote this one about Marchmount." Which is a small community outside of Orillia.

I can remember being little and hearing the song "You are what I am" comming from dads old cassette player when he would be working in the basement on his day off.

I guess it's hard to say what my exact favorite one is, as I love so many for so many different reasons, but I like Summer Side Side of Life, Go, go round and I'd do it again.

Gordon truly is the best thing that ever came out of Orillia... It's just too bad that here he gets overshadowed by Stephen Leacock and stuff. It's really a shame, and I wished our City council would start a museam or something.... Heck, they even took down the signs "Home of Gordon Lightfoot" as you are coming into town.

Sad.

But in my mind, Gordon is the best folk singer to step into the spotlight.

[SilverHeels]

Hi Orillia Boy,
welcome to this great site for Lightfoot
followers.
I was staggered to hear the signs have
been taken down as I was looking forward
to having my photo taken standing beneath/beside it when I come over next year.
Why did they take them down? That is an
an insult to Gordon Lightfoot. Maybe we should get a petition
going and send it to the Council. Who do we
need to address to?

[Carlos Mendes-Rosa]

Are you sure the government took the signs down? Could it be some crazed fans (no one on this site of course). I wanted to take a photo of the signs on Carefree Highway (AZ) but somehow they always seem to "vanish" and probably adorn the homes of many Lightfoot fans. Had to settle for a photo underneath the big sign on the interstate but it wasn't a good experience as the semi trucks about blew me over!

[supaiblue]

Are you sure the government took the signs down? Could it be some crazed fans (no one on this site of course). I wanted to take a photo of the signs on Carefree Highway (AZ) but somehow they always seem to "vanish" and probably adorn the homes of many Lightfoot fans. Had to settle for a photo underneath the big sign on the interstate but it wasn't a good experience as the semi trucks about blew me over!

[charlene]

I have several shots of Orillia and Marchmont etc. from this past July at Mariposa.
If Florian wants he can post them. Florian do you have them saved or should I re-send them to you?
Char

[charlene]

I have several shots of Orillia and Marchmont etc. from this past July at Mariposa.
If Florian wants he can post them. Florian do you have them saved or should I re-send them to you?
Char

[Guido]

Well, Orillia is quite a strange place... I don't understand why they are as backwards as they are. From what I've been told there is about 10 families with "All the money" and they control what goes on... It took 2 generations to change the "Tourist and retirement town" stature the town started to create just after WWII. But hey, it's where I live.

The city put up new signs about a year and a half ago, and I haven't seen the "Home of Gordon Lightfoot" Signs since.

Here is the Orillia City website, and it looks to me as if it's the one city council has put up.
http://www.city.orillia.on.ca/

I don't know why Gord always seems to take a backseat to others from Orillia, although in the past 5 - 10 years he's got a hiking trail named after him, as well as a small auditorium in the Opera House.

Heck when he helped finace a hockey rink here about 25 years ago, all they did was put up a picture and small plaque saying that he helped them out...

But as soon as Brian Orser (He's not even from Orillia, just practiced there) won silver for figure skating at the Olympics, they renamed the same rink "The Brian Orser Arena"

Orillia is definatly strange... As I said before, I'd love to see a Gordon Lightfoot Museum or even a Statue...

If you all start a petition, I'll sign it. I think it's a shame on how they treat him myself.

At anyrate, I don't mind taking pictures for people to scan in, but Orillia is now under about 6 - 8 inches of snow. I think you'd like pictures better from the summer.

But I'm on my way to Orillia, to my parents place tonight, as soon as I post this here. I'll see if my Dad has any good pictures of Orillia, Or the Mill at Marchmount, or Coldwater... (All the surrounding areas)

Problem is, is that I don't have a scanner. Also too, I would just like to tell the webmaster that I like is trivia page. I only scored 9, but I had to laugh, cause I did better than my Dad.

At anyrate I have really hard question for people.... I don't know if the webmaster wants to post it or not, but if he does, I can send it to him.

I might be able to come up with a highschool picture of Gord if I can get access to a scanner.

At anyrate, I'm off, and let me know if you start a petition, I'll gladly sign, and can even "Hand deliver" it to the mayor or bring it up at a City Hall meeting, (which is televised locally) if we get enough names.

[Orillia Boy]

Well, Orillia is quite a strange place... I don't understand why they are as backwards as they are. From what I've been told there is about 10 families with "All the money" and they control what goes on... It took 2 generations to change the "Tourist and retirement town" stature the town started to create just after WWII. But hey, it's where I live.

The city put up new signs about a year and a half ago, and I haven't seen the "Home of Gordon Lightfoot" Signs since.

Here is the Orillia City website, and it looks to me as if it's the one city council has put up.
http://www.city.orillia.on.ca/

I don't know why Gord always seems to take a backseat to others from Orillia, although in the past 5 - 10 years he's got a hiking trail named after him, as well as a small auditorium in the Opera House.

Heck when he helped finace a hockey rink here about 25 years ago, all they did was put up a picture and small plaque saying that he helped them out...

But as soon as Brian Orser (He's not even from Orillia, just practiced there) won silver for figure skating at the Olympics, they renamed the same rink "The Brian Orser Arena"

Orillia is definatly strange... As I said before, I'd love to see a Gordon Lightfoot Museum or even a Statue...

If you all start a petition, I'll sign it. I think it's a shame on how they treat him myself.

At anyrate, I don't mind taking pictures for people to scan in, but Orillia is now under about 6 - 8 inches of snow. I think you'd like pictures better from the summer.

But I'm on my way to Orillia, to my parents place tonight, as soon as I post this here. I'll see if my Dad has any good pictures of Orillia, Or the Mill at Marchmount, or Coldwater... (All the surrounding areas)

Problem is, is that I don't have a scanner. Also too, I would just like to tell the webmaster that I like is trivia page. I only scored 9, but I had to laugh, cause I did better than my Dad.

At anyrate I have really hard question for people.... I don't know if the webmaster wants to post it or not, but if he does, I can send it to him.

I might be able to come up with a highschool picture of Gord if I can get access to a scanner.

At anyrate, I'm off, and let me know if you start a petition, I'll gladly sign, and can even "Hand deliver" it to the mayor or bring it up at a City Hall meeting, (which is televised locally) if we get enough names.

[Dan O'Malley]

One truly great song of Gord's that rarely gets a mention is "The Patriot's Dream", along with "Tattoo", one of the few songs to literally bring a tear to my eye. I'm not ashamed to admit it!