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.
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