British guitarist analyses Gordon Lightfoot's vivid storytelling in 1979 

TIME STAMPS - 0:39 Performance 3:39 Analysis Start 9:41 Performance Resumption 13:09 Analysis Resumption 14:32 Guitar Rhythm 17:04 Lead Guitar

On May 2, the day after Gordon passed away, the Mariner's Church in Detroit tolled the bell 30 times (and I believe that they usually only do it on the anniversary of the sinking). Twenty nine were for the crew of the Fitz, and the last one was for Gordon. What a huge show of respect for this man. He would have been so incredibly honoured...and as a fellow Canadian, I feel so honoured for him.

I think of the wreck tragedy every time I pass the Mariners' Church on the way to Windsor, Ontario. And let's give a salute to Gordon, who is still out touring at 82 y/o.

Gordon met the families and all proceeds of the record went to the families and apparently still has contact with them. Even though the voice is now thinner he still performs to packed houses. A quiet giant of a man.

After Gordon died, the Mariner's Church rang the bell 30 times. One for each of the 29 men that lost their lives....and then one for Gordon Lightfoot. Brought a tear to my eye for sure.

'Does anyone know where the love of God goes, when the waves turn the minutes to hours'. Heart wrenching. Gets me every time. For me it is one of the best lines ever written.

I live in the city where the Edmund Fitzgerald took on its load of iron ore and headed out onto Lake Superior. I was in the audience when Mr. Lightfoot preformed this song for the first time in the Twin Ports of Duluth, Minnesota and Superior , Wisconsin. It brought the house down many of us in tears. My late husband was a mariner on the Great Lakes and knew some of the men who lost their lives so this song touched him deeply.

As a licensed captian on the Great Lakes, this song gives me goose bumps each time. There is a feeling of sadness, respect, and honor to have ssen this ship and understand the dangers of thise sailors face on each time they set sail.

Every time i hear this song, it stops me in my tracks because I lost my uncle Alfred, Second Cook, on the SS Carl D. Bradley that went down on Lake Michigan, November 18th 1958. Its the second largest ship to go down on the Great Lakes (Edmund Fitzgerald is the largest). Of the 35 crewmen, 33 went down with the ship and only 10 were able to be recovered from the wreck. I also lost my uncle Frank, Chief Engineer, on the SS Cedarville (sister ship of the Carl D. Bradley and third largest ship to go down) May 7, 1965 on Lake Michigan. Of the 35 crew, 10 were lost, and of those, 4 were never recovered. Peace and love to those who gave their lives on the great Lakes!

Often those who live elsewhere don't understand how huge ships can disappear in the Great Lakes. Lake Superior itself is 2/3 the size of England. You can't see Canada on the other side from the US shores. The Lakes are inland, freshwater oceans. This was a huge song when. Gordon released it. We Sailors felt it. Thanks again Fil for calling attention to Gordon's great ability to write music that has truth in it. That was what music was about in the beginning.

"The church bell chimed till it rang 29 times for each man on the Edmund Fitzgerald." Unforgettable line that really hits home whenever I hear it.

Gordon passed yesterday. Bob Dylan said this about him.... “I can’t think of any Gordon Lightfoot song I don’t like. Every time I hear a song of his, it’s like I wish it would last forever… Lightfoot became a mentor for a long time. I think he probably still is to this day.” thank you for doing this Fil.

RIP Captain Ernest McSorley and all the men who went down with the Fitzgerald.🙏🙏

This song will never grow old or be forgotten because it was given a soul.

He has the perfect voice for telling a story doesn't he? It just draws you into your imagination.

Bob Dylan's favorite songwriter. He also wrote and performed one of the perfect songs ever recorded, 'If you could read my mind'. It's exquisite.

A master storyteller “When suppertime came, the old cook came on deck sayin' "Fellas, it's too rough to feed ya", just puts you on that boat. No other writer could have done that. Hearing he donated all the proceeds to the families is just over the top. How touching and generous.

Finally managed to see Gordon live last Labour Day. Didn't expect him to perform this song at age 83, but he did. One of our national treasures...

As young boy rode my Schwinn Typhoon around the deck of the "Fitz" on Saturday mornings then Captain M. would have ice cream treats in the galley. I remember the magnificent decor and how kind the crew was to us kids. The love of God goes in many directions with many destinations. Also, please recognize the influence of Ian & Sylvia Tyson (Canadian) on Gordon Lightfoot. "In the early morning rain, with a suitcase in my hand" will last forever.

I grew up in northern Michigan and remember that storm in 1975. They shut down the Mackinaw Bridge. My dad was driving a UPS semi truck and said he just about lost the truck due to winds. Anyway, Lake Superior is HUGE and so different from the other Great Lakes. When Gordon Lightfoot came out with this song, I bought the 45 and played it over and over again. This song ALWAYS brings tears to my eyes. If you ever come to the USA, visit Lake Superior and drive over the Mackinaw Bridge...Michigan is very special in the summertime, brutal in late fall/winter. I actually saw the Edmund Fitzgerald sail down through Port Huron the summer before she went down. It was the biggest freighter on the Lakes at that time. And, seeing her blare her horn going under the Blue Water Bridge for the people on the Michigan AND Ontario sides was awesome. I will NEVER forget that. RIP to the crew of the Fitz...ALWAYS remembered.

I was 11 years old in '75, when I first heard it on the radio. It was so haunting that I can remember the shivers it sent down my spine. Its one of those songs like, Bobbie Gentry's, Ode to Billy Joe, that has the ability to put you right at the dinner table while the family discussed Billy Joe's death. Or, right on the deck and bridge of the Edmund Fitzgerald in the middle of that storm.

RIP Gordon Lightfoot who left us today 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.

As a former music teacher, I really appreciate your analysis of the music and the lyrics, and Gordon's writing.

Fil, I can't believe I have the opportunity to teach you something about music. Gordon wrote this song in a "sea shanty" mode. Sailors would sing "shanties" as they did heavy labor 1-2-3-4 with an emphasis on the 3-4. Sailors pulling rope 1-2 as they are reaching, 3-4 as they are pulling-so emphasis on the 3-4. You can almost visualize sailors pulling a heavy cargo out of the hold as they sing this. Also, a number of shanties are story songs. In the military we sang a few shanties, but being as RU-vid is family friendly, I won't repeat the lyrics.

My husband’s uncle has a camp on the St. Mary’s River that joins Lake Superior and Lake Huron. The Edmund Fitzgerald went down not to far from the mouth of the St. Mary’s River. He was at his camp that day. It was a huge storm where he lost many trees. One big tree just missed his cabin. As a Canadian that lives in the Great Lake basin, it was a tragedy.

Hi Fil. Ive lived 63 years by Lake Superior in the U.P. of Michigan. I’d seen the Fitz lock through in Sault Ste Marie and come into port in Duluth MN. Three fronts came together over the lake that night. I was 17 years old. In the very house I live in now, my mom and I sat in the living room, the power was out. The roar of the lake was deafening. In this well insulated house the candle flames rocked back and forth. I wondered if the ground was moving. We are about 250 yards from the lake. I thought the roof would peel right off. The freighter Arthur Anderson made a turnaround in the St. Mary’s river, risking his ship and crew to go and look for survivors. There was only debris. The life boats are up here in the UP at the museum ship Valley Camp. It’s awful how battered and beaten those metal boats are. Sometimes I can listen to this song. Sometimes it’s too much. The big lake-Superior can be violent and loud or as smooth as glass. Standing on the shore when it’s rolling -the mist stings your face and you feel quite small. Don’t mess with her, you have to respect the power it has. Ice Cold 12 months out of the year. I swim in it regardless and enjoy picking stones. Still ice on the beach today or I’d be there. 😊 Thank you for analyzing this song. It brings a little of my world to your world maybe - even though you are so far away. ❤️

An absolute master storyteller... and a Canadian national treasure.

Gordon is just pure gold. "If You Could Read My Mind" might just be the loveliest ballad ever penned.

The one thing I note about this song is the heavy, insistent roll of the instrumental part, mimicking the roll of the waves on Superior in bad weather. I don't know much about music but I appreciate how the vocal and instruments are playing their part in one unified piece. Superior is really as formidable as this song makes it sound.

I was out in that storm, in Marquette, on the south shore of Lake Superior. The strongest storm I've be out in, and I've been out in a typhoon on Guam and multiple blizzards in Wyoming. Waves were going over the breakwater like it wasn't there. Of course, we didn't find out about the Edmund Fitzgerald until the next day.

I tried to read a lot of these comments to see if someone had mentioned this. I was watching a documentary about the sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald. When Gordon wrote this sad story about all the lives lost, the sailor's family had a problem with what was being said about the accident. It had to do with the hatches that should have been locked but somehow one was unlocked. I believe Gordon later in life decided to change the lyrics to the song because the families disagreed with the investigation. They found out that the crew wasn't at fault just a lot of bad luck. That just goes to show you how intimate he was with his writing. This is what I can remember about the documentary. Great job again with your analyses. I read a comment below someone said that they appreciated your thumbnails. I have to agree with him. I have never seen you put up something that looks like you are covering your mouth, big titles, and the silly looks. Just straight to the point. Thank you. Also wanted to pay respect to all the people lost. RIP crew of the Edmund Fitzgerald. November 10, 1975 You were lost, but not forgotten. Ernest McSorley - Captain Michael Armagost Frederick Beetcher Thomas Bentsen Edward Bindon Thomas Borgeson Oliver Champeau Nolan Church Ransom Cundy Thomas Edwards Russell Haskell George Holl Bruce Hudson Allen Kalmon Gordon MacLellan Joseph Mazes John McCarthy Eugene O'Brien Karl Peckol John Poviach James Pratt Robert Rafferty Paul Riippa John Simmons William Spengler Mark Thomas Ralph Walton David Weiss Blaine Wilhelm

I have lately seen that Gordon Lightfoot actually Donated his full income from this song, to the families from this disaster!! A really great gesture and a Great Man!

It takes a great songwriter to write about the Great Lakes. This is a true ballad, just as in the days of old. And Lightfoot's respect for those who died is at the forefront, but equally, his respect for the forces of nature shines through.

One of the greatest "story" songs ever written.

My ex-husband was a longshoreman out of the Port of Kenosha, in SE Wisconsin, Lake Michigan. They were working the night the Fitzgerald went down, and it was indeed a very dark and stormy night. Listening to the song one can feel the roll of that inland ocean in every rhythmic note that Gordon plays. It isn't hard to imagine standing on deck and feeling the power and rhythm of the water rolling beneath you. He captures that feeling perfectly in this composition. I feel he's got that down pat in his sea chanteys like Ode To Big Blue. Perhaps canoeing around the Great Lakes he learned to feel that movement of the water, or the sound of gentle waves lapping against the side of his yellow canoe. Thanks, Fil, for highlighting Gordon Lightfoot and the story of that huge iron ore carrier. I hope one day you can come take a swing through our Great Lakes, stop into some of our fine maritime museums, and feel the stories of those lost to the lakes. Your appreciation of Lightfoot's maritime story telling will only grow.

A masterpiece. The "Does anyone know..." line, wow.

So many amazing lines in this song but the one that always gets me is "And all that remains is the faces and the names / Of the wives and the sons and the daughters". RIP Gord.

The raised the bell about 20 years ago. The Wreck still casts a big shadow over great lakes shipping to this day. I'm from Michigan. Its still a remember event. I've loved Gordy for years

A heartbreaking story but an epic song. I have to listen to every November. My heart breaks every time.

This song just brings tears to my eyes, such a haunting song.

I'm in the middle of my work day, so I unfortunately don't have time to actually watch this video... but I will. I came here for one reason only. I wanted to thank you for your honest (not hyped) reactions. Thank you for not using a thumbnail picture with your mouth agape, hanging upside down, and fireworks in the background. You're an awesome dude Phil and I just wanted to take the time to thank you. I have the sense from the smile you have on your face, while you're watching the artist, that you truly appreciate what the artist brings to the table. Your smile seems as warm to me as if it were a hug to the artist you're reviewing. Thanks for being you and what you do. Be well and God bless!! Now... sadly... back to work! (I'd rather watch another of your videos!)

Gordon has remarked that every line in the song is essentially the same -- same chords, mostly the same notes. But because the story and the song are so compelling and wonderfully written, I for one never get tired of the repetitive nature of the tune. He wrote it to sound like a sea shanty.

The ship was 729 feet long and she's lying in the bottom of Lake Superior in 535 feet of water on November 5,1975.

RIP to an Amazing Storyteller, you will live on forever. Thank you ❤️🇨🇦😪 He even updated the words when it was found that the crew was faultless and the main hatch had not given in. A man that truly cared.

it's the lyrics that lift the listener to the climactic tragedy. I always thought the two lines about the cook were chilling

"Sometimes, I think it's a shame, when I get to feeling better when I'm feeling no pain." and, "Sometimes, I think it's a sin, when I feel like I'm winning when I'm losing again.." - from: Sundown, by Gordon Lightfoot.

I'm so happy for this second video on Gordon Lightfoot and especially since it's the Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald. It's a song near and dear to my heart. The wreck happened when I was in school in Michigan, and I can remember hearing it on the news. Do as many of Gorden Lightfoot as you can. He has a lot of great songs!

RIP to wonderful man. The world has lost a true legend. He was a master of storytelling, amazing singer and musician

RIP Mr. Lightfoot. A great poet.

They shall not be forgotten.

The Great Lakes are more like inland seas, definitely not a place to be caught out on during a big storm especially if you’re in a small craft. Gordon is such a great story teller, he paints some beautiful imagery with his words. I know Fil likes hard rock but I’d bet he would do a pretty decent job with a folkish song. I’d love to hear him tackle this song and perhaps evoke some of his celtish roots in his voice. It would be interesting to hear him dig into a more baritone voicing. Folk on, Fil!

The thing about Gordon Lightfoot's songs, is that you get the feeling you are right there, and experiencing what is happening.

Hola Fil, Mr. Gordon Lightfoot. Mr. Canadian Legend and another of the great singer/songwriters of the 70s. I am from Wisconsin and so all of us (and all who live around the Great Lakes) know this story and this song. I have stood at the harbor in Superior, Wisconsin a few times in my life. I have seen the docks where the Fitz left from. I have been around Lake Superior and into Canada and Michigan (both the Upper Peninsula and Michigan proper) and I have heard this song playing in my mind whenever I am up there. I would love nothing more than to take a hired ship tour over the spot where she went down and pay my respects to the 29 who died that tragic night. I also have to say that of all modern music history (since 1954), this lyrical line: "Does anyone know where the love of god goes when the waves turn the minutes to hours", might be the saddest, haunting, heartwrenching lyrical line of all time. It is my hope that song remains within our musical lexicon forever into the future. All time thanks for Gordon for writing and singing this incredible dirge and tribute to the mighty Fitz and her brave and incredible crew.

I had the utter pleasure of hearing Gordon Lightfoot in concert the first year he went back on tour. It was the anniversary of the Edmund Fitzgerald that night, and Gordon played it and still had that heavy awareness of the incredible loss of this event to the families and the maritime community. As an aside, Gordon didn't know if anyone would want to hear him anymore, but he sold out in minutes and they added a second night of performance, which also sold out. He had just recovered from a stroke and his voice was noticeably thinner, but still on pitch, but his fingers still flew over the fretboard like a young man. And cheekily, he said to the Ottawa crowd, "Elton is in town tonight, and I still sold out." He was so surprised and happy that we still love him... and what is not to love about this man. Still touring... of course, we want to see him. Do they even make them like that anymore?

I remember that tragedy. We lived in Minnesota and everyone took the loss really hard. The museum at White Fish Point in Michigan is so amazing with the bell from The Fitz. I always get goosebumps when he sings about Lake Superior never gives up her dead (because the water temperature remains so cold year around).

Sundown..ya better take care if I find you been creepin round by my back stairs.....thanks Fil

Gordon Lightfoot has written & sung some of the most incredible songs I've ever listened to. He's really great at getting you involved into the story. You really have to listen to his songs they're very moving. Good call Phil.

I lived in the area of this terrible wreck. I knew the wife of one of the men who perished. This song always gave me chills and brought sadness. Gordon Lightfoot was always one of my favorites. Thank you, Fil.

You don't know how fast I've clicked on this video. Gordon Lightfoot is one of my favorite singers. Phil Collins and Simon & Garfunkel are my two other favorites.

One great aspect of this channel is the wide variety of genres and topics that are analyzed.

Great song, hauntingly beautiful. "Gord's Gold" is required listening.

This song is so engaging it doesn’t seem like a long song. The simple melody is haunting and serves as a perfect backdrop to his vocal style and story telling ability. Always gives me chills, especially the line “boys it’s been good to know ya.” Great video.

Are you getting that we love Mr. Lightfoot? Such a song, it haunts you. I am happy that there is someone out there who keeps artists such as this from being forgotten. I listen to Pop music occasionally and have yet to hear anyone even coming close to this artist’s caliber. I won’t get started on today’s music; I will just say in my humble Baby Boomer’s opinion it is Muse-“Ick”. Love what you do; please keep doing it.

I do so love Gordon Lightfoot!

Great analysis of Gordon. I feel like he is a storyteller around an ancient campfire. This song has the sound to me of old maritime shanties. I love the history he brings to the song by his references, for example, to the Chipawa, and “the lake that they call Gitchie Gumie”. He also gives you such a sense of place by referring to Wisconsin, Lake Erie, and other places.

My brother and I used to listen to "Gord's Gold" a double-cassette (yes, cassette) compilation, when we were going to sleep at night. I've known this song since it was first played on AM radio when I was a kid, but this is the first time I heard that he'd donated all its proceeds to the families. What a uniquely decent thing to do with what became one of his biggest hits.

Read somewhere recently where Bob Dylan named Gordon his favorite songwriter. High praise from old Bob there..

I love the way he humanises the story with little details,such as the supper they arnt going to get.

Thanks so much for this Fil, you're the best. The Great Lakes are some of the most dangerous waters in the world and mariners who sail them are highly respected. Freighters have to be built extra strong to sail them. I was just a kid when this disaster happened, but I could still appreciate the magnitude of the tragedy.

Great. Fan for a long time. Fave is "If You Could Read My Mind".

Sadly tragedy often become topic for songs, poems, books, movies, television shows and live theater plays. Gordon Lightfoot is one of the best storytellers in music. another great analysis Fil. Rest in Peace the 29 sailors who lost their lives on November 10, 1975

I always get a lump in my throat no matter how many times I've heard this song. The lakes are incredibly beautiful but their power is not to be taken lightly.

22 years a U.S. Sailor, all of my sea time aboard aircraft carriers. I've been in seas that put swells over the bow of a ship which sits 83' above the waterline. Nothing on this world is more powerful than waters in heavy weather. You know that your life is not in your own hands, when a ship that large is tossed around like a rubber ducky in the bathtub.

Gordon Lightfoot has always been one of the absolute best singer-songwriters. I bought all of his albums when I was in high school. Thanks for this analysis Fil!

Thank you for this. Gord is a national treasure here in Canada. Insider info: my friend Ed Ringwald (Pee Wee Charles) played Steel on this song. When they were recording it Gord couldn’t find an intro and took off for lunch. Ed and Terry Clements stayed to work on it. Terry was plugged into Ed’s little 10 watt amp that had a torn speaker. Terry just found that unique intro and Ed filled it with the haunting Steel line. One of those magical moments that happens when most of the band go to lunch. The first time Pee Wee told me that story I got goosebumps. Still do.

I love how the sound of the steel guitar reminds me of the sound of howling wind on the open water.

I have listened to this song for years and every time I feel like I’m paying tribute to these men and their families because I’m remembering them.

How Ironic ! I just watched the Arthur M. Anderson, a Great Lakes shipping vessel on live ship cams the last few days. The Anderson was with The Edmund Fitzgerald the night she went down. Then later returned to help in search for the ship. I had to of course play the song as it headed out of the bay. Thank you Fil, for bringing my week full circle ! Another Great video as always !!!

On Pedal Steel Guitar we have the awesome 😎 Mr. Ed Ringwald, a.k.a “Peewee Charles” Ed’s an award 🥇 winning Canadian Pedal Steel player. He’s also a very nice man and a friend of my husband who’s also a Pedal Steel Guitar player with approx 45 years experience. Gordon is definitely a one of a kind musician 🎸🙋🏽‍♀️💕

Fil, on point thank you! Gordon plays his made in Kalamazoo, Michigan Gibson 12 string while singing this ode to those who passed away that fateful day! From a Michigander the situation he paints rings ever so true!

RIP to a great Songwriter/Singer/Storyteller/guitarist!! Loved his music, still do! He will be greatly missed.

I live in Toronto and have seen Mr. Lightfoot at Massey Hall (now being refurbished) many times. My daughter works at MH and tells me GL is a soft spoken respectful gentleman. Gordon Lightfoot: Canada's Troubadour.

Having been bounced around rather vigourously in the wheelhouse of a much smaller and lighter vessel during some rough weather in the North Sea, I have some idea of how frightening such an experience can be. Those 29 men have my total respect.

RIP to a part of my life. If you Could Read My Mind brings back so many memories. One of my all time fave songs. What a wonderful songwriter and singer. Beautiful, lyrically fascinating to hear.

Gordon Lightfoot passed away May 1st 2023 at the age of 84 R.I.P to a Canadian legend in the music industry. I felt my heart just shatter.

So nice -- and sad -- to see Terry Clements playing with him... I was heartbroken when he passed away.

I was lucky enough to grow up in Toronto. Gord's Spring Break concerts at Massey Hall were annual event we all looked forward to.

Reminds me of my late father, Gordon was one of his favorites!

Gordon Lightfoot has left this world. You will be missed. Thank you!

I am 56 years. I have enjoyed Gordon's music since I was about 8. So, so many great songs but "Sundown" and its gorgeous melody and the haunting and beautiful guitar bends on "Wreck...." are burned into my soul...... RIP

A very emotional and dramatic song.

Your analysis is not just an analysis. You do understand that you’re teaching us how to write music, tell a story? You explain how simple music can be complicated and more powerful than expected.

Rest In Peace Mr. Lightfoot (Nov 17, 1938 - May 1, 2023)

What a wonderful song! Such a storytelling genius! Reminds me of high school. Great choice and analysis! ❤️

As a Canadian boomer, who grew up with the admiration of Gordon Lightfoot’s talents, and proud of him for making it so big, can I just say how I like your choice of “getting rid of the rest of the chord.” Well done! 🇨🇦

A troubadour. Once you've heard this song you'll never forget the story. Sobering.

RIP Mr. Lightfoot. Your songs made my heart sing.

I have seen a few relics of the shipwreck in Sault Ste. Marie. Seeing the size of the ships in person, one can appreciate what a terrible storm this was. I always thought this song was a riveting description of a terrifying event.

Terry Clements was the guitar players name and we got to see him at least once a month at the local music store in Newmarket Ontario Canada back in the day. The man was so cool, so approachable and so willing to help a player or give advice. I really miss him and his sound like in the lead work in the song Sundown...unmistakable!

I was in school on the day the Fitz was lost. Grade 4, I think, it was a Monday or Tuesday, the teacher brought in a TV and we watched news reports about the search all week, and into the following week, I think. Almost everybody in my generation can sing this song from memory. Gordon Lightfoot is a Canadian icon, with such a deep body of work, and very grounded, kind and generous.