@@wingsofpegasus "Lightfoot became a mentor for a long time. I think he probably still is to this day." - Bob Dylan “I can't think of any Gordon Lightfoot song I don't like. Everytime I hear a song of his, it's like I wish it would last forever. " - Bob Dylan www.lightfoot.ca
In Canada we refer to him as "The Bard", the Shakespeare of our music. His catalogue is so immense and there are really no clunkers in the lot. His music has been a balm for my soul for decades. I have been a rocker all my life, but Gordon hits a chord in the soul that needs to be nourished from time to time. Popping his collection into the system makes a long drive less tedious and a quiet afternoon reflective and reaffirming. A great Canadian artist we are proud to share with music lovers around the world. Thanks Fil.
Same for me. I went through a long unhappy period when I was young. I felt that Gordon's music gave me a beautiful and serene place to dwell. I started listening over 50 years ago, and I still get goosebumps!
@@Invisibleindreamsonly Hello two years ago! Growing up U.S. I first heard 'Early Morning Rain' on Bob Dylan's Self Portrait album. When I later heard Gordon Lightfoot sing it I thought... Hey, he does it pretty good too. Then learning that he wrote it! I like that song whoever sings it... Elvis too!
Just re-watched this video. Gordon was performing almost up to the end of his life. His last tour (2023) was cancelled in April and he sadly passed away on May 1, 2023. He died of natural causes at the age of 84. His music has touched many people around the world... but is so very special to us Canadians.
God bless him (on many levels), he died with dates on his calendar when he passed away.. Thanks for the informative content you provided, sir/madam. (can I move to Cananda if the worst occurs in the USA in November?)
Absolutely! Red Shae was a MONSTER guitar player!!!! He went on to play for The Tommy Hunter Show. He is definitely, a criminally underrated, and unappreciated guitar god.
@@deathmetalchili6902 A great guitarist-that he was. And a very pleasant guy to run into around town, in Aurora Ontario, where he lived. His corny jokes that he took great pleasure in telling. Glad he is mentioned here.
Gordon paid a $100,000 tax bill for a friend that was in trouble with the tax man. Now. How many of us would do that? He must be a special kind of person
I agree! I can't decide between "Song for a Winter's Night", "Wreck..", "Carefree Highway" and surprisingly "Don Quixote" This line has sent chills down my spine for decades now: "Does anyone know where the love of God goes, When the waves turn the minutes to hours" To me it so captures the tragedy of those sailors and the terror of their situation. I don't know that I ever would have began to guess what those souls went through if it weren't for this song.
I went back to watch this review the day that Fil analysed Wreck. Gordon dedicated all proceeds for that song to the families of the sailors. Gordon is a great human being,
My heart is broken...RIP Gordon Lightfoot who left us today (May 1st 2023) for a better world at the age of 84, such a Canadian Icon and fantastic singer-songwriter who inspired the likes of Bob Dylan, Jim Croce and so many others. Thank you Fil for sharing great music to the world and congrats on 300K!
To all Canadians and lovers of Gordon, just heard he passed away. He will be missed. What a beautiful singer, storyteller, guitar player and human being. God bless all, Marianne ❤ 6:44
I was 13 when I heard “If You Could Read My Mind” the first time it was played on our local radio station. It stopped me in my tracks, and I was transfixed by the beautiful voice singing such poignant words. Tears were falling down my cheeks. I’d never had music touch me to the point of tears. Right then and there I became a diehard fan. I saw him in concert when I was in high school. It was and still remains one of the greatest musical experiences of my life. When he was in his vocal prime he had the most beautiful voice of any male vocalist living or dead. Gordon Lightfoot is a one of a kind singer/songwriter. There will be no one else like him. We are so fortunate to have his music to inspire us!
What a wonderful memory to share. I had the good fortune to meet him and the band after a concert in Merrillville, Indiana after a concert. I made him a miniature guitar copy of his famous Gibson twelve string. Such nice people they all were.
@brad zybola Junior Trudeau should be ashamed of himself in light of what he did to Jody Wilson-Raybould over the SNC-LAVALIN scandal going on right now. Justin has been more treasonous to Canada than either his father or Mulroney. Justin made a terrorist in to a multi-millionaire and welcomes them back from the Middle East. I never bring up politics on FIL'S site but if somebody else does--I have no problem in responding.
Mine also, Composer/ Troubadour. I cherish all his music on so many albums; that is so incredibly, beautiful. Peter, Paul, and Mary, and Glenn Campbell had beautiful renditions of some of his music. Beautiful, Talking in your sleep, Your loves return, Canadian Rail Road Trilogy, Winters night , by Gordon, worth checking out on you tube, friends. Early morning rain, sung by Peter Paul and Mary, last time I Saw her face, both by Gordon and Glenn Campbell’s Outstanding, rendition. I have my framed picture shaking Gordon’s hand,and autographed concert ticket. I Don’t know if there will ever be another like Gordon. Another great, is his song to Ontario, titled Cabaret. Great change up, on that song. I could go on forever on him. I have loved that man a long time. I would have made the perfect mate for him, as just as he needed to be on the road, I require Solitude, also, to be my best. 👍😃. I can’t remember if I commented on this analysis before, but Thank you Fil. 👌Maybe you could do him singing his song ‘beautiful,’ some time, from the 70’s, also.
Shirley Strand I found myself saying “Yes! Yes! Yes!” in agreement to everything up until the “perfect mate” part! Hahahaha. My wife and I have been going to his concerts since we were 18 (44 years ago). You are right there will never be another like him. My all time favorite by far, there’s not even a close 2nd.
Regarding Gordon’s vibrato: he was a very well trained musician, from being a soprano soloist in a boys choir in Toronto. Thank you for this excellent homage. Rest In Peace Gordon Lightfoot.
May 1 2023: we have lost the voice of our nation. We in Canada have never figured out if he is a poet who writes music, or a musician who writes poetry.
Love Gordon Lightfoot's music. He tells a story when he sings. He paints with words. There's a reason why he's called The Canadian Troubadour. So many great songs, it's hard to choose.
I have a record that I bought after I finished hitchhiking in Australia in 1974. Was so moved by the lyrics, guitar, phrasing. His wonderful understated voice. Mind boggling! I am now 77 and still have that album. God rest him. Kate ❤
@@lisahowell7648 unfortunately he suffered an aneurysm just before doing one of his concerts in Orillia and was in a coma for a while and has had a few other problems with his health since, but is still touring at nearly 84 years old.
How timely this came up in my feed today. As you've most certainly heard, Mr. Lightfoot passed away yesterday (May 1st). His songs filling the airwaves today as the stories of our lives should. Thank you Phil for covering A Canadian Legend.
First time responding but you are definitely the best. Smart inquisitive understanding and the love of music shows. PS have you done Jim Croce or Cat Stevens yet
A true poet. That word is bandied about mercilessly these days so as to mean something degraded, effete, or ludicrous if not nothing at all, but it can at times actually mean something. With Gordon, it did.
I’m viewing this video the day after Mr. Lightfoot’s passing. Fil has made a great analysis of Gordon’s “If You Could Read My Mind”, one if GL’s signature songs. Light foot was the complete package and his music will live on. RIP Gordon Lightfoot. Thank you for sharing your gifts with all of us.❤🎸
Living in Canada Gordon lightfoot's haunting voice filled the air waves throughout my childhood and one of the last reasons I'm still proud to be a Canadian.
CrazyT Adventures Love Gordon an love my country, so sad you don't. Maybe you should follow a song by another great Canadian Stompin Tom. Lol. Let me know if you need a hint.
You don't just review music like others on RU-vid, you educate listeners on all aspects of an artist and even give a lot of good background information.
A bit late to the conversation here, I am. I've personally known Gordon for over 50 years and growing up in Detroit during the 1960's, I was quite familiar with his early works. Red Shea, what a great guitarist and human being. You'd ask Red a question and the next thing you know, you're being 'interviewed', with a smile on his face and twinkle in his eyes. In any case when Red wanted off the touring road, my brother Terry became Gordon's lead guitarist for 40 years before his passing in 2011. What an experience.
Canadians my age probably know the lyrics to all Lightfoot's songs. He is 81 now. I first saw him and Ian and Sylvia in 1966 at my school up in the Northwest Territories. Love ever since.
Do not forget us younger Canadians! The man is a national treasure. I just turned 24, and there is not a time where I do not remember hearing and knowing Lightfoot’s music. Some of my favourite memories are hearing my father and grandpa play and sing his music. I still play with my dad, my grandpa has developed Parkinson’s and can no longer play his guitar. But still enjoys singing with us. ~Rachel Ann
you saw Gordon AND Ian and Sylvia ?? Gosh.. That must have been fantastic! Saw him once and he is a treasure. Saw Dylan a few times and I feel very fortunate - But wish I could have years ago
Hellowow 39 Glenn sang, a beautiful version of Gordons, ' The last Time, I saw her face,' Sounded like Jimmy Webb maybe did Glenn's arrangement. I was very blessed to meet Gordon and get to shake the hand, that penned many Masters of art. 'Your Loves return,' remains one of my all time favorites. So many of them. 'Caberet,' 'Is there anyone home,?, so many, that my list would go forever.
Did Glen write music? He sure played guitar better than most and sang well. Glen would know...regardless. Glen Campbell was a guilty pleasure back in the day. I enjoyed his work a lot. Wichita Lineman was a beautiful piece that went straight to my head, picturing the couple and Glen out on the road.
eles r angels I do not recall any of his vocals, with he as the composer. Perhaps he wrote music for other’s vocals/ lyrics. Not sure, but he sure could make a song a Winner, with his voice and delivery.
Listening to your critque of Gordon on the day he passed away, May 1, 2023. Another great artist passes. His music will live on forever. RIP Gordon Lightfoot
I was born in 1970. I have a sister that is 13 years older. Gordon Lightfoot’s music is burned into my mind from hearing it through my sister as a child.
@@Warwick3511 the sad thing is they would have actually made it if they'd put 50 more miles behind her. When I was younger I would never have thought Lakes could have been so ferocious. I'm glad they eventually brought up the Bell
His lyrics are some of the best. His album, Don Quixote, is one of those albums you can put on repeat and listen to over and over again. It’s a magical album.
I'm a Canadian living in Toronto. As a preteen I started getting into Lightfoot in the mid-seventies. I attended EVERY annual November Massey Hall concert from 1977-1996. I still listen to his music all the time! A great Canadian poet, singer/songwriter, and performer> Thanks.
Lake Huron rolls, Superior sings In the rooms of her ice-water mansion Old Michigan steams like a young man's dreams The islands and bays are for sportsmen And farther below, Lake Ontario Takes in what Lake Erie can send her And the iron boats go as the mariners all know With the gales of November remembered
Excellent. He wrote some many great songs. Sundown. The Edmund Fitzgerald. Thanks Fil. I was surprised you knew about the legal case. Wow. You do your homework. My dad was a fan and we went to see him and I was a little boy. I remember even now how clear it was. No gimmicks or big lights. Just him, the guitar and his written songs. Thanks so much.
I don't know if it's true but I was told Whitney Houston stole her technique on how to freebase from a very Famous folk singer notice I did not say crack because that would be whack!
I always learn things watching you. I love the little bits you tell about the performer, song, instruments! You are so knowledgeable, and not in an annoying way! I find I enjoy songs even more when I listen to you talk about them! Thank you for sharing!
I love how he connects his lyrics during part this song like: Idon’twherewewentwrong instead of: but the feelings gone and I just can’t get it back. Phenomenal artist and song writer. Within the top 5 of our lifetime. Brilliant, beautiful and masterful.
This man just puts it out there, the depths of despair and personal hardship wrapped In a melody that sucks you in. Like Elton and Bernie he makes you feel like their your thoughts and your words.
Bernie at his very best, Elton never. Elton is and was nothing without Bernie. A ton of technique, plenty of empty vigor, nothing like the soul. Elton was dead once Bernie was gone, and has been a zombie ever since.
This guy was out there for years, and one of the few people that could display a talent that eclipsed the realm of "folk singer" ,,, and entered the sphere of "Minstrel"....
"Sixteen miles to Seven Lakes way up among the pines, in some hidden valley where the twirlin' river twines." I wish I could write poetry half as good as this!
I met Gordon Lightfoot in the early sixties when he was playing upstairs at Steele's Tavern on Yonge St. (between Sam the Record Man and A & A Records) . My Mother was working there and introduced me to him. I was only about 12 or 13 and he was just there that afternoon practicing. I did have a photo of he and my mother signed by him but I've since lost it. I just remember him as a nice young man. Shortly after that I remember we got a 45 of That's What You Get For Lovin' Me. My Mom always had great affection for him.
Gordon Lightfoot was very popular “a few years ago” !!!! I’m an old man and just hearing him, puts a lift in my step !!!! I have really enjoyed your videos, Fil !!!!
@@anthonypetersenecal5546 So true, Fil is beyond well spoken and knowledgeable, healways Gets It, no matter the Artist or Genre on the Video Menu du Jour.
Have always loved Gordon Lightfoot. My parents always had music playing, The Seekers, John Denver, Linda Ronstadt (sp), Jim Stafford, The Assocation, country, folk music and etc. But Gordon moved me as a kid and as an adult he still does. Thanks for posting.
A FRIEND OF MINE I KNEW GROWING UP WAS ON THE EDMOND FITZGERALD THAT DAY, HE GOT OFF AT THE LAST PORT, HE SAID SOMETHING DID NOT FEEL RIGHT, HE IS STILL HERE, R.I.P. TO ALL THE ONES WHO WENT DOWN WITH THE SHIP, COUSIN FIGEL
It's nice to see a young Gordon like I did in 1974 in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario Canada, Fil..thank you. I drove 40 miles through 4 inch slush in the winter to attend his concert. He was upset because the acoustics of the building was not what he wanted but he sounded so good that it didn't matter to anyone in the packed arena. My very favourite song is Sit Down Young Stranger. It takes me away to an unexplainable place.
HI Fil, Gordon Lightfoot Canadian Singer songwriter legend has passed away May 1st in Toronto. I grew up seeing his name on Yorkville cafe's along with legends Neil Young and Joni Mitchell. He is treated as a Candian poet laureate and was a very modest man. There is a great video on RU-vid of Joni Singing Coyote for the first time at Gordon Lightfoot's House with Bob Dylan there too. May he RIP. He leaves his wife childrean and grandchildren behind. He will be missed but his music will live on.
@@thetranya3589 Wasn't it first performed by George Benson (The Greatest Love of All) and written for the long forgotten film "The Greatest" where Muhammed Ali played himself without energy - the punches were already beginning to show there damage.
Yes. Gordon is still performing. He was in Ottawa last year on tour. I didn't get to that concert, but I did get to see him play live 9 years ago when he did what he called a 'come back tour'. His voice has aged a bit -- though he's still doing fine and on key, but I was pleasantly surprised to see he had recovered enough to reclaim his command of the fretboard. He told stories about his memories with Bob Dylan and Kris Kristofferson and I knew it was true because I saw Kris Kristofferson 8 months later and he told the same story. Oh... and one other note. You would think after all these years that Gordon would be pretty confident, but he was so thrilled that night that we all came. He said, "Elton (John) is in town tonight... and I still sold out." Well, really. In his 70s and he still wasn't sure if we would buy tickets to hear him.
His guitar part isn't a very simple one. I can repeat basic arpeggios over different chords while giving enough attention to a vocal part, but he's playing a guitar part that could be listened to on it's own - plus a perfect vocal.
I’ve seen Gordon 4 times in concert and met him twice. He signed my old guitar for me. He has been my hero since I was a teenager in the 70’s. He doesn’t know it but he wrote “If You Could Read My Mind” for my first love that I lost that year. Every time I hear that song I think of her, and I’m still in love with her! David
Watching all these Gordon videos after hearing of his passing today 🥹🥹💔💔 this is one of my fave Gordon songs! Edmund Fitzgerald being the second!!! May he rest in paradise with his fellow legends & keep on playing!!! 💔💔🥹🥹
A true "troubadour" ..I don't know why..but..I chill out everytime I hear him.. I especially love "Sundown" but as I lived on the "gitchee gumee" and did when it went down.. his "wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald" is especially poignant. Thanks Fil..While I love everyone of the artists that you showcase..this is a good one!
That is a great song. Check out Tony Rice's version of it on cold on the shoulder album, which is epic, some of the best songs ever covered in a bluegrass style.
@@aholdera Tim Stafford of Blue Highway also wrote "Uncle Fred" as a nod to Gordon's "Old Dan's Records" on an old bluegrass album, in case you're interested. You can really smile at the similarities.😉
My favorite folk singer of all time! First the poetry...wow...then the voice! Unmatched musical talent! Discovered him in 1972 through a friend! Have every song he has ever recorded! Circles Of Steel is AMAZING!
For many in Canada, Gordon Lightfoot is a national treasure. Rightly so!!! And some of the rest of us feel that way too. I believe he is a generational talent.
Very well done. I've seen Gordon in concert many times since the early 70s. Even now, when his voice has changed and he sounds completely different than he did in his prime, the audience still adores him. The last time I saw him, he was well into his seventies and the audience did a lot of the singing for him. He's one of my all time favorites. Thank you for posting this tribute to a truly great artist!
I saw him twice last month and enjoyed his shows even more than a lot of younger musicians ... and I have seen quite a few! He still has such charisma when he sings and plays, and has a great sense of humor, too.
As a kid, I first heard "Early Morning Rain" sung by Peter Paul & Mary. I read that it was written by a guy named Gordon Lightfoot. Then I heard "Ribbon of Darkness" by Marty Robbins (someone else you might want to talk about) and saw it was written by the same guy. I decided I needed to try and find out about this songwriter. A couple of years later, I heard him on TV. WOW! I was hooked from that moment on and remain a fan of Lightfoot. Thank you for exploring his music!
Gave me chills hearing Gordon again. I was privileged to attend his concert in Fargo back in 1971. He is amazing and his fame is well deserved. We have enjoyed listening to his ballads for many decades. Gordon is the definition of Legend.
My favorite Lightfoot song. Didn't know it was about his divorce but that sure makes sense. Did anyone else notice that on the second refrain he sings, "I never thought I could feel this way" instead of "I never thought I could act this way" as he did on the famous studio recording. I can't imagine it was intentional here because of what a great, and yet subtle, little connection that one word makes to the verse just before it. The one that goes, "Like a movie star who gets burned in a three-way script, enters number two." Hence, "paperback novel" goes with "feel" and "movie star" goes with "act". I always thought that was brilliant. My guess is that he simply forgot which verse he was on and sang what came out naturally on that date.
I saw Gordon in concert in 1975. It was breath-taking. I saw him in 2018 and it was like meeting an old school friend at a 50th reunion. He is very old and not in good health, but the gold still shines through. You could feel the audience reaching out whenever that warm, familiar vibrato revealed itself.
As a 70's guy (class of '74) singer song writers were all over the radio and Gordon Lightfoot was one of the bigger ones. Carefree Highway was one of my favorites and when my dad retired my folks moved to Carefree, AZ. Whenever I would go visit them I drove down Carefree Highway to get to their house and would always sing this song to myself. Many years later I was listening to an interview of Gordon and he said long ago he was driving north from Phoenix and saw a sign for Carefree Highway and that was the inspiration for the song.
The quality of Lightfoot's voice is forever sublime. It both intensifies and gratifies longing, it rides upon the knife's edge of unbearable beauty and unbearable pain.
I love, love, love Gordon Lightfoot!! Especially, the "Tale of the Edmond Fitzgerald", and all of his songs. Thank you so much Fil, for showcasing Gordon!
My favorite Cockburn records are Night Vision, and Nothing But A Burning Light. The Laugh of Love is also a good 'un....but Fil, please skip the established Cockburn hits such as If I Had a Rocket Launcher, or Wondering Where the Lions Are.
@@goodun6081 Yes, forget about his "recent" stuff. He went all politically militant after a while, but his old stuff is great. I'm really old school, so I like his eponymous Bruce Cockburn, and High Winds White Sky albums.
Bruce is an absolute master but you need to know what to get. Mostly he's known for what id consider his mistakes (!) and these have comprised the bigger part of his output since 1980 imo. But when he's on he's about as good as it gets. There's something very special about his insight and expression. Fil love your stuff If Bruce is interesting to you (though I'm conflicted about his becoming common, he and his music are personal and important for me) have a listen to his first lp- 'bruce cockburn' (Before choosing or judging, listen first the whole way through- you'll know why once you do) 'salt sun and time' (similarly) and 'speechless'- a collection of instrumentals. ( listen there to 'rise and fall' (unavailable elsewhere) and then 'islands in a night sky') Great work Fil!
@@goodun6081 many of those are his 'mistakes'. However famous. Have a listen to 'salt sun and time', and 'bruce cockburn' (his debut) they are completely stunning. Then get 'speechless' . finally..'high winds white sky', 'sunwheel dance' and 'joy will find a way'.more uneven but utterly brilliant when good. You already have 'night vision'👍👍 Happy listening!
I've watched a lot of reaction videos of Gordon's music since his passing, but the best ones are done by musicians. We have know for years how great he was, you guys explain exactly why. And yours are some of the best. Thank you.
Love the enthusiasm you gave Gordon Lightfoot on this slightly off the beaten path video. Usually you speak almost exclusively about the performance we're watching. This time, although you still did that, you also included a lengthy song background and career biography which I dare say.....felt like a lot of love and respect were being given Gordon Lightfoot! A+ Video idea - how about a video explaining your work process? How do you select your video subjects? The number of suggestions for a particular artist? Something in the performance itself that you want to comment on? The artist? (What's your viewer retention at I wonder?) Has an artist you've done a video on acknowledged your videos by commenting or contacting you? Do you have to choose performances that you personally really enjoy or are you open to whatever your viewers want to see? Have you done a video for something you weren't wild about? (You don't have to name names. Lol) What performance has had the most ppl suggesting it? What video has the most impact on you as a artist? What was your first video and how did you come into this genre? Are there any performances that you really REALLY want to do a video for but cannot because of copyright considerations? Your selections are open minded and eclectic. But is there a genre or era of musical performance you stay away from due to low popularity? There's a moving TV performance of Billie Holiday performing Strangefruit, which is about racism. The 'strange fruit' refers to black folks hanging from trees in n the south. Maybe too dour a subject matter? I was telling someone about your videos and it got me to thinking: these aren't criticisms of songs or artists. They're appreciation videos that examine what makes up an extraordinary performance. Truly a music lover's channel. Ok, enough praise. Ronnieǝᴉuuoꓤ Photograph - Def Leppard (The music video) Mandika - Sinead O'Connor - (Grammys or ...) Light My Fire - The Doors (Ed Sullivan performance. The last 3 seconds are lord!) Eminem - Lose Yourself (Grammy performance) Metal Gods - Judas Priest
That song really did shoot him to stardom and one of my favorite ballads, partly because I had a similar fate, with love. That it was a melancholy tune, I am sure countless tears were shed over it. I remember it like it was yesterday.
I got a chance to see Gordon in San Jose, CA (and I took it!) I had a moment with my high school girlfriend while we were in my car listening to Sundown on the car radio. When it got to the line "..getting lost in love is the first mistake..." I looked over at her and said "I'm lost in love and it's No mistake!" (got a nice long kiss for that!) Being a fan of Jerry Garcia's pedal steel work I was hoping for an extended pedal steel solo during Sundown at that concert and I got that, too!!! Also, during that show the band took a short break and Gordon came to the microphone and told the audience: It's been a while since I introduced the band, so...(all stage lights go off, stage is totally dark for a few seconds) the lights came on and Gordon is "introducing" the bass player to the drummer, the steel player is shaking hands with rhythm guitar player...after everyone was "introduced" they took their places and started the next song! it was hysterically funny! Good night!
I saw Gordon live just a few weeks ago and i was so impressed by the musicianship and his vocals are still very strong for an 80 year old. He did play this song and got a well deserved standing ovation. I loved it!!
Hi, Fil, i didn't know all that about Gordon Light Foot, all i knew, is he wrote very beautiful lyrics, and meaningful songs and that break down about Whitney Houston, and how Gordon quashed the law suit against her, wow so interesting to know! Another great analysis, from the man, Fil Henley!
Gord has so many beautiful songs. He was due to play in our hometown, but, as you mentioned, he took sick, so we lost out. Did She Mention My Name is lovely, too. Thanks for covering him. Last night I stumbled upon a fellow named Jason Isbell. The song was Elephant. Spent hours listening to him. Not sure if you’d be interested in him. I have a question for you. Why do some songs just pull you in? Life in a Northern Town is an example. I’d be grateful if you could explain that, if there is a reason. Lol, still waiting for you to give us a little autobiography of Fil. Thanks for sharing your knowledge with us.
Wings of Pegasus It is a journey and we meet and make a lot of friends with common sensibilities and interests. There is always something to be gratefully learned and kept so that we can communicate more meaningfully with our old and new friends.
I met him where I work a couple years ago, I can tell you he truly is a kind man. We talked for about 20 minutes, it was like taking to an old friend. Very cool.
He is a poet,heard he wrote many songs for many famous singers,his ture love was writing music,you may have heard, and never knew he was the writer. Best talent ever.🌹🙏🇺🇸
This came out when I was eight years old. This and It's Too Late by Carol King. Two haunting songs that gave me chills down my spine listening to them on my hissy transistor radio late at night.
Right on Fil 👍. I heard this on the radio in California, in 1970. Been a fan since. Saw him live, 1973, in Milwaukee. Another Great gift from Canada!! Speaking of Canada, have you ever listened to Cowboy Junkies ?Thank You Canada! 😊❤️✌️
What can I say? Gordon's talent is almost beyond description, and this is one of my very most favorite songs. Beyond the smooth, gentle melody, the lyrics of this song are just beyond compare. So many songs have trivial, or even absurd lyrics, but this narrative digs deep into my soul. It is a story of failed love, of pain, and of longing. It speaks so eloquently of true and deep feelings. It speaks in unmistakable sounds of how devastating love can be. Yet, despite the pain, in spite of the terrible sadness, he is not blaming his lover for the failure. He doesn't understand, and he doesn't know what to do or what he did wrong. It is beyond beautiful.
Gordon is why I learned guitar back in 1973. I used to play all his stuff, it suited my voice. My favorite singer songwriter. But he is under appreciated by most. Heck of a good rhythm guitar player especially on the 12 string. Loved Red Shea his original lead man. My other two top three favorite singer songwriters are Joni Mitchell and Neil Young. I am from the USA but give Canada their due! PS is this from his “midnight special” host night? Watched it live. Never mind it let me know at the end. Sit down young stranger is a great song also.
I’ve spent a lot of time in Canada, from Nova Scotia to the Yukon. I don’t know what it is in Canada that creates so many incredibly talented folk. Perhaps, the harsh conditions across the land disallows a lot of distractions that more temperate climes offer. The young people must spent a lot of time indoors honing their musical and acting skills. That, or perhaps a culture which places a great deal of stock in personal development. Not sure, but this relatively small population punches way above their weight class in the performing arts. Love Gordon and always have.
Thank you Fil, for this. This song brings a tear to my eye, but The Wreck of The Edmund Fitzgerald makes me lose it completely. Thank you also for your many reviews of the great American songwriters/musicians from my youth.
Ah, the Midnight Special. how lucky we of my age were to have grown up with that show and the other late weekend night music shows. Even Don Kirsher's Rock Concert was good, even though you had to sit through Don telling you about the artist's managers. But the people we got to see on those shows really opened up a lot of musical doors for us. Everything from Motown to hard rock to country rock to light stuff, it was all there. The nights I'd stay up until 2 am watching bands that I'd never seen! What a shame that the kids now don't have such quality entertainment to watch.
@@TuckerSP2011 They were WELL worth the loss of sleep. I learned a LOT about being a musician, stage work, playing with a band, and I got to see bands that I would NEVER get to see any other way. Those shows were a gift.
Gordon is one of my favorite performers. He hits you right in the core of your feelings. "Canadian Railroad Trilogy", "The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald", "Sundown", "Carefree Highway", "Rainy Day People", and many others never fail to evoke an emotional response when I hear them.
