First time hearing of Gordon Lightfoot 

When Gordon Lightfoot died last year, the Maritime Museum in Detroit rang their bell 30 times. 29 for the crew and 1 for Gordon. True Respect!

All the profits for this song went to the fammilies of the sailors

My father worked on the boats as a cook for many years.....including the Fitz.... I've been aboard her a few times myself.... We knew many of the men personally...... Rest in Peace.... Michael Armagost- 37- Third Mate- Iron River, Wisconsin Fred Beetcher- 56- Porter- Superior, Wisconsin Thomas Bentsen- 23- Oiler- St. Joseph, Michigan Edward Bindon -47- First Asst. Engineer- Fairport Harbor, Ohio Thomas Borgeson -41- Maintenance Man- Duluth, Minnesota Oliver Champeau- 41-Third Asst. Engineer- Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin Nolan Church -55 -Porter -Silver Bay, Minnesota Ransom Cundy- 53- Watchman- Superior, Wisconsin Thomas Edwards-50- Second Asst. Engineer- Oregon, Ohio Russell Haskell -40- Second Asst. Engineer- Millbury, Ohio George Holl -60- Chief Engineer- Cabot, Pennsylvania Bruce Hudson- 22- Deck Hand -North Olmsted, Ohio Allen Kalmon -43- Second Cook- Washburn, Wisconsin Gordon MacLellan- 30- Wiper- Clearwater, Florida Joseph Mazes- 59- Special Maintenance Man -Ashland, Wisconsin John McCarthy -62-First Mate -Bay Village, Ohio Ernest McSorley -63 -Captain -Toledo, Ohio Eugene O'Brien- 50- Wheelsman -Toledo, Ohio Karl Peckol -20- Watchman -Ashtabula, Ohio John Poviach -59- Wheelsman- Bradenton, Florida James Pratt -44- Second Mate- Lakewood, Ohio Robert Rafferty -62 -Steward -Toledo, Ohio Paul Riippa -22 -Deck Hand -Ashtabula, Ohio John Simmons -63 -Wheelsman -Ashland, Wisconsin William Spengler -59- Watchman- Toledo, Ohio Mark Thomas -21- Deck Hand- Richmond Heights, Ohio Ralph Walton -58- Oiler- Fremont, Ohio David Weiss -22 -Cadet -Agoura, California Blaine Wilhelm -52- Oiler- Moquah, Wisconsin

"Where have the poets gone?" Amen, brother. I remember when the Edmund Fitzgerald sank, I was getting ready to graduate high school. My folks were pretty strict, wouldn't let us kids listen to rock music, but when Gordon Lightfoot released this album, they gave me permission to buy it. My Dad was in the Navy. When I brought it home, Dad took it out of my hands and put the album on the family stereo (remember those giant dinosaur-sized floor stereos were popular?) himself. I swear, I know Mom and I both cried, and the males in the family struggled not to. Dad never worked on civilian shipping, but he had respect for anyone who worked on the water.

I'm a 60y/o man, and I can't make it through this song without at least getting a catch in my throat. What a powerful story, and an incredible song.

The Mariners Church in detroit, now rings the bell 30 times as a tribute to Gordon Lightfoot for the song.

Bob Dylan said of Gordon Lightfoot “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.” RIP Gordon

The ship actually sank in Canadian waters (we draw a line through the middle of the lakes as the Canada US border), and to this day, we protect the site from any kind of looters, etc. If a science vessel wants to research, or whatever, you have to go through the Canadian Government first.✌🏼🇨🇦🇺🇸☮ I was 15 when the song came out and it didn't matter what kind of music you liked/listened to, you heard this song, and it became etched in your psyche. Mr. Lightfoot has prepared a deep rabbit hole for you to get lost in.. good luck, and enjoy.

My father was a Navy Lifer, 22 years in. When the Edmund Fitzgerald went down, my Father broke down and cried, we were all there in the musty old church in Detroit we prayed for the men, and their families. I have NEVER heard this song without crying. I still pry for their families, and I was glad that I got to go to the Maritime Sailor's cathedral. I was so glad to learn that they added Gordon's bell to that!!! I am glad you got to hear it. It's one of the most powerful songs I have EVEr heard... Thanks Gordon!!!

17 years ago this October I left work with a coworker heading home. For some reason at a light I stopped 30 feet back behind a red pickup (usually I'm like 10 feet back). Behind me was a dump truck. 10 seconds later my car was pushed forward to the back bumper of the truck and I had a dump truck where my trunk was. He was hammered from behind by a fully loaded tandem dump truck driven by a drunk driver. My coworker and I somehow avoided death that day. But not the poor young woman who was in the car behind the dump truck behind me. There was absolutely nothing left of the car and to this day I still get overcome with her loss and the tragedy of it. Sometimes seconds or minutes are the difference. Be thankful for every day we get. Life is precious.

He was a Master storyteller. Such a voice! RIP Gordon.

Gordon Lightfoot was born & was buried in Orillia, Ontario, Canada. His funeral was held a few blocks from the bust of him which stands in front of the library. The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald is historically accurate. He wrote the song because he didn't think the media had written enough about it. He has so many great songs "Sundown" and "Rainy Day People" among them. Rest in peace Mr. Lightfoot.

My husband was hired & slated to start employment later that year by the Edmund Fitzgerald's Company 3 months before their shipwreck- Whenever he hears this song, he says a chill comes over him... "But for the Grace of God go I".....

Great reaction ❤ As a 58 year old Canadian girl...I have heard this song 1000 times. As sad as it is... I always listen in honor of the 29 mariner...Men...Grandfathers...Fathers....Sons...and Uncles ❤Thank you for sharing this Canadian historic song 🎵 ❤❤❤❤❤

I'm 66 years old and I remember this song it still bring tears to my eyes. I firmly believe the music from the 60s-70s was the best of any other generation before or after. I still only listen to "Classic Rock". Most of the musicians and writers have past on, and those of us who listened to and loved this music will pass on but our music will live on even after we are gone.

Those of us who were alive in the late 60's - late 70's were so blessed if we loved poetry. It was the era of the "singer-songwriter", musicians who composed and sang very personal songs, usually mainly accompanied by a guitar or piano with limited backup. Simon and Garfunkel kicked it off buy then we got Lightfoot, Joni Mitchell, Neil Diamond, Carly Simon, Cat Stevens, John Denver, Harry Chapin, Jackson Browne, Carole King, and many more. Their music was unique: a little folk, a little country, a little blues, a little pop.

Not only did he give the proceeds to the families, but he sought and received their permission to release the song after performing it for them.

When the wreck was found, it was discovered that the ship had broken in two. It still sits on the bottom of Lake Superior at 535 feet deep, 17 miles north of Whitefish... there's film of it, in its "ice water mansion" grave...

I can't sing this song, because I break every time. It's such a powerful, pure and beautiful memorial tribute, for such a terrible, crushing tragedy. It could not be more perfect. 30 bells - RIP

I remember driving through Detroit with my folks. We could hear the bell tolling from the Maritime Sailors Cathedral as we were driving past it. We asked our parents why the bell was being rung, and our father told us of the loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald. Some memories stick with you for your entire life. Lake Superior feels freezing cold even on a hot August afternoon. The lake's intense cold also has the ability to prevent decomposition. The bodies of the persons lost on Lake Superior and the vessels they traveled in can be preserved for over a century. A couple of years ago, the Smithsonian dated one vessel as having been preserved for 131 years. Without decomposition, there's no resulting release of gasses. Hence, Lake Superior never gives up its dead, not the Native Americans lost on it nor those lost in our current times. They still stand vigil in the ships that took them down, to depths as much as 1,332 feet.

Side note: a salvage company went out to recover Edmund Fitzgerald's ship's bell. When they brought it up, the bell broke the surface and rang for the first time since the sinking, at that moment the salvage ship's bell broke from its mount and crash to the deck.

While sailing lake superior on a friend's boat, he turned serious and told me not to fall overboard. Water so cold and deep, bodies don't decompose or float. Those sailors are still down there. Rip men. Peace from Northern Michigan.

love that line "Does anyone know where the love of God goes when the waves turn the minutes to hours?" excellent question.

I was 11 y/o when my older brother bought the album....when I heard the song it broke my lil boy heart so bad I cried as I played it over and over again. It will Always be my favorite GL song. I am 59 now and I always weep when I listen to it. And the main reason I do is in remembrance of those mariners and the families they left behind. 💔😢 Gordon Lightfoot will always be my very favorite songwriter....he Truly had the gift

Gordon Lightfoot was a true Canadian treasure. God bless him

Not just a Legend, this guy was one of the nicest humble guys in the Music Industry in my opinion. I met him on several occasions at my job, and every time, it was because something actually broke in his dressing room and I was the one to make the repairs. He could not have been nicer, and he was in a position to make my job (well let’s just say a really bad day” , but no, he treated me like I was his lifelong best friend., even remembered me from the past (like 5 years earlier). They always say “you don’t want to meet your heroes”, but I don’t have anything but flat out kindness for this guy! Loved his music growing up , and still do today, some 50+ years later. He is missed! RIP Gordon Lightfoot

The ship was on Lake Superior. On Nov 10, 1975 a storm was forecast to pass south of Lake Superior. After the Edmund Fitzgerald set sail, the storm turned to go over the lake. It became a two ship story when she met and sailed with another freighter, the Arthur M Anderson. Both were caught in the storm (winds gusting over 50 mph and waves of 30 feet) and when the Fitz lost her electronics, the Anderson used her radar to assist the Fitz. The Fitz was being chewed up and starting to list when the Anderson asked how she was doing. The last message sent was "We're holding our own". Shortly after that she disappeared from the Anderson's radar and they couldn't see her either. There was no trace of her and no distress call. The Anderson reported her missing and made it safely to port, although a little beat up by the waves and wind. The Anderson went back out into the storm at the request of the Coast Guard to lead a search for survivors. Debris was all that was found. The Arthur M Anderson is still sailing the Great Lakes carrying cargo, a living reminder of the Edmund Fitzgerald. This is a rough outline of what happened. Look up the full story. It's full of loss and heroism.

Canadian here. Gordon Lightfoot is a Canadian icon. I grew up with his music and I do remember when this tragedy happened. He donated all the proceeds from this song to the families of the crew of the Edmund Fitzgerald. Recently there was a tribute concert to Gordon Lightfoot as he just passed last year. Alex Lifeson and Geddy Lee from the band Rush joined the band Blue Rodeo to play the Gordon Lightfoot song The way I feel. It is on Toronto Live Music and they do a beautiful rendition. I am pretty sure you have done some Rush on the channel. Another storytelling song by Gordon Lightfoot is the Canadian Railroad Trilogy Cheers

Finally, a reaction guy who has something to say other than "I'm trying to remember what movie /TV show I heard this song in," or "I'm trying to remember who sampled this song." Thanks for taking the time to get into it.

I just ran across this channel a few minutes ago. The Roy Clark reaction caught my eye, and after watching it, this was the next suggestion, so I clicked on it. This is absolutely my favorite Gordon Lightfoot song... and it always brings a tear to my eye. I was born and raised in Detroit and have heard the bells ring at the Mariner's Church many times. The bells tolled in memory of the sailors from the Edmund Fitzgerald starting in 1975, and continued to ring every year, along with reciting the names of the 29 men who lost their lives that day, until just recently. They stopped in 2006. The church still holds memorial services but now they hold services for all the lives lost on the Great Lakes, over 1,000 men. Thanks for the reaction.

Lake Superior looks like the ocean...but colder. It is deceptive in its tranquility. When fall/winter closes in on North America, the lake becomes an absolute monster. The lake's waves broke the largest commercial inland freighter and sent it to the bottom along with 29 crew members, on November 10th 1975. It happened in less than two minutes. I was only one year old and I remember seeing the story on the national news. A movie needs to be made about this.

"The same chord progression, nothing changes" yes. This song is a perfect dirge!

I was living in Michigan when this wreck occurred. To those unfamiliar with the Great Lakes, standing on the coast of Lake Michigan makes you feel like you are looking at the ocean. A ship this size in a storm of this magnitude would be like a toy in the tub. I was already a huge Gordon Lightfoot fan and this was a legendary marriage of history with poetry by one of the truly great songwriters of our time. I know others will be suggesting other songs to sample - My vote is my own favorite Lightfoot song - Don Quixote. A song that resonated when written, just as impactful today, 50 years later.

Having heard this song when it first came out. (I’m 74, born 1950) I loved this song, the lyrics and musical score. One hell of a song.

Grew up a Canadian girl through the 60s and 70s listening to this wonderful artist. What a legend. He wrote and performed so many great songs and this one is right up there at the top.

The Mariner's Church of Detroit rang their bell 30 times for Gordon Lightfoot when he died. Gordon Lightfoot did a concert at Xavier university in Cincinnati in 1974 and it was the first date my now husband asked me on. We saw him years later, after his stroke, at an outside venue in northern Ohio! He did a good job and everyone was so thrilled to see him. He was a legend!

You can listen to this song 100 times and still get the tears, heart tugs and goosebumps each time.

I love this song and yes, I’m Indigenous Native American. I remember being at my cousins house and this song played and it always gave me chills and later I found out my birthdate is the day before this wreck occurred. I’m older and once again, I certainly miss the Native people who are gone now…so I’ll listen to music that reminds me of all of them. Great Story and Song at its finest. Thank you SEB.

Thank you and congratulations for becoming an American! It's a hard accomplishment! Glad to have you!

As someone from Michigan, this song is absolutely an anthem, here; people take the story very personally. Glad you were so impressed.

My small son and I sat in the middle of our house as Hurricane Katrina raged outside, and I kept thinking of the line: "Does anyone know where the love of God goes..."

Captain and Crew of the Edmund Fitzgerald..... RIP Ernest McSorley - Captain born in 1912 in Canada and lived in Toledo, Ohio. He started command of the Fitzgerald in 1972 with more than 40 years of experience navigating oceans and the Great Lakes. McSorley was highly regarded for his skills, especially in heavy weather. He intended to retire after the 1975 shipping season but was survived by wife Nellie Pollock. John McCarthy - First mate born in 1913 and lived in Bay Village, Ohio. James Pratt - Second mate born in 1931 and lived in Lakewood, Ohio. Michael Armagost - Third mate born in 1938 and lived in Iron River, Wisconsin. David Weiss - Cadet born in 1953 and lived in Agoura, California. Ransom Cundy - Watchman born in 1922 on Easter Sunday in Houghton, Michigan, and lived in Superior, Wisconsin. He was in the Marine Corp and fought in the Battle of Iwo Jima during WWII. Fortunate to survive, Cundy was awarded several commendations and medals for his service. He was sailing with his friend Frederick J. Beetcher at the time of the sinking. Cundy was survived by his daughter Cheryl, her husband, and their seven children as well as three grandchildren from his youngest daughter Janice who passed away in 1974. Karl Peckol - Watchman born in 1955 and lived in Ashtabula, Ohio. William Spengler - Watchman born in 1916 and lived in Toledo, Ohio. John Simmons - Senior wheelman born in 1913 in Ashland, Wisconsin, where he also lived. He was known as a storyteller, jokester, and pool shark, and he loved sailing. Friends with Captain McSorley for more than 30 years, the ill-fated Fitzgerald trip was going to be his last before retirement. Simmons was survived by wife Florence (who never dated or remarried after his death) and two daughters Mary and Patricia. Eugene O’Brien - Wheelman born in 1925 in Minnesota and lived in Toledo, Ohio. Nicknamed the “Great Lakes Gambler,” he worked on ships from age 16 and only took a four-year hiatus as a glass factory worker. He loved casinos and playing cards. O’Brien was survived by wife Nancy and son John, who was just 17 when he lost his father. John Poviach - Wheelman born in 1916 and lived in Bradenton, Florida. Paul Riippa - Deckhand born in 1953 and lived in Ashtabula, Ohio. Mark Thomas - Deckhand born in 1954 and lived in Richmond Heights, Ohio. Bruce Hudson - Deckhand born in 1953 and lived in North Olmsted, Ohio. George Holl - Chief engineer born in 1915 and lived in Cabot, Pennsylvania. Edward Bindon - First assistant engineer born in 1928 and lived in Fairport Harbor, Ohio. Thomas Edwards - Second assistant engineer born in 1925 and lived in Oregon, Ohio. Russell Haskell - Second assistant engineer born in 1935 and lived in Millbury, Ohio. Oliver Champeau - Third assistant engineer born in 1934 and lived in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin. Nicknamed “Buck,” he quit school at age 13 to raise four siblings after his father died. During his life, Champeau fought in the Korean War with the Marine Corps. Ralph Walton - Oiler born in 1917 and lived in Fremont, Ohio. He and his brother Wade sailed on many Columbia Transportation ships, including the Fitzgerald, but only he was on board when it sank. He often volunteered to maintain the ships during winter and gave his nephews tours of the vessels. Walton was survived by a wife and son Alan who worked on freighters too. Blaine Wilhelm - Oiler born in 1923 in Big Bay, Michigan, and lived in Moquah, Wisconsin. He was in the Navy for 11 years, serving in WWII and the Korean War before being discharged as a first class fireman. Afterward, Wilhelm sailed for 19 years. He liked to go fishing and deer hunting and enjoyed playing pool, barbecuing, spending time with family and friends, and eating blueberry pie. Wilhelm was survived by wife Lorraine, seven children, and a grandchild born just four days after the Fitzgerald sank. Thomas Bentsen - Oiler born in 1952 and lived in St. Joseph, Michigan. Gordon MacLellan - Wiper born in 1945 and lived in Clearwater, Florida. Less than one month before the tragic Fitzgerald journey, he built a home in Presque Isle, Michigan, to make travel between the two states easier. MacLellan took after his father, Master Captain Donald MacLellan who traveled the Great Lakes route several times. Robert Rafferty - Steward and cook born in 1913 in Toledo, Ohio, where he also lived. After 30 years of sailing, he started just filling in for crew members. Rafferty wasn’t supposed to be on the fateful journey but was called to fill in for the regular steward. He was actually considering retiring altogether. Rafferty was survived by wife Brooksie, daughter Pam, and several grandchildren. Allen Kalmon - Second cook born in 1932 and lived in Washburn, Wisconsin. Joseph Mazes - Special maintenance man born in 1916 in Ashland, Wisconsin, where he also lived. He sailed for 30 years on the Great Lakes and loved his job. At one point, he saved another crewman’s life. Sadly, the 1975 season would have been his last because he planned to retire. Mazes loved ice fishing, deer hunting, and snowmobiling in his free time. His siblings, nieces, and nephews remember how kind and generous he was. They recall him being afraid of Captain McSorley’s habit of never pulling out of a storm. Thomas Borgeson - Maintenance man born in 1934 and lived in Duluth, Minnesota. Frederick Beetcher - Porter born in 1919 and lived in Superior, Wisconsin. Nolan Church - Porter born in 1920 and lived in Silver Bay, Minnesota. He didn’t start sailing until his 40s after watching the freighters pass by his home and thinking that the job would be fun. He was survived by multiple children who say that he loved the job. Son Rick recalls his father joking that the Great Lakes didn’t have a hole big enough for the Fitzgerald. Church didn’t think that such a tragedy could happen.

My favorite folk song and a great artist from my era! I'm almost 70 yrs old. I enjoyed playing this on my acoustic guitar over and over, every day. You feel it, even though you didn't know anyone aboard The Edmund Fitzgerald. Rest easy, your journey might be over on earth, but, in Heaven, remember you are not forgotten.

Ive been a Gordon lightfoot fan for over 40 years and I'm a Australian, He wrote beautiful deep & sad songs, he struggled with Alcoholism, he felt very deep & expressed it through his music, always made me cry

Gord is my favorite singer. I’m thrilled when young people discover him and also fall in love with his music. This song was recorded on the first try. Gord and his band were literally just sight reading the music. As someone who’s done quite a bit of recording work I can tell that very rarely happens. They did a few passes, but nothing was as good. And yes, Gord was the greatest writer of lyrics. His marriage of music and poetry will never be matched. Rest well my music hero.

Nice you subscribed to Gordon Lightfoot, Sebs. You won't be sorry. Suggestion for your next tune would be "If You Could Read My Mind". "Sundown" was another biggie.

Great reaction to this amazing story/song. I had the great pleasure of seeing Mr. Lightfoot in concert a couple of times in the early 2000s.. he was an amazing singer/songwriter and entertainer. Interesting side note on this song, the Mariners Church of Detroit has rung their steeple bells 29 times on the day of the anniversary of this wreck each year since it happened - to honor the 29 men lost that day. This past year they rang it 30 times to also honor Mr. Lightfoot who passed away last year in May.

Oh Zeb, you should bring your family to visit Michigan in the summer. We are surrounded by the Great Lakes. Trees and water are everywhere. Sand dunes, rivers, lakes, and activities to match. Fishing, tubing down rivers , rock collecting, water sports galore. Hunting, camping, and in the upper peninsula there are mountains. The stories of ships lost in Lake Superior seem endless. Its waters are frigid even in summer. All of us of a certain age know Gordon Lightfoot by heart. All of us who are Michiganders know we’re incredibly blessed to live amongst such spectacular beauty. Add good music and maybe it’s heaven.

Gordon Lighfoot was always fantastic. Glad you were able to appreciate him. I always did.

I was almost 11 years old when this happened. I am a born and raised Michigander.

Gordon Lightfood was all poetic. All his songs were this beautiful.

Canadian Railroad Trilogy is another great story telling song by the late, great Gordon Lightfoot.

Wonderful song and artist. Gordon Lightfoot recently died and the church bells rang 30 times, 29+1 😢

Love Gordon Lightfoot!! Absolutely adored him!

I have loved this song and Gordon Lightfoot for decades. He was THE Canadian troubadour, and a national treasure. Other favorites of mine you should listen to are "Early Morning Rain" and "If You Could Read My Mind. RIP Mr Lightfoot.

Listen to "If you could read my mind." Gordon Lightfoot

As a proud Canadian, Gordon Lightfoot was a gift to us all, and Canada's own poet laureate and musician extraordinaire! This song is literally the stuff of legends and was a way for him to honour the crew and and their families. One of his best to be sure, but glad you subscribed to his channel to experience more of his wonderful gift.

Gordon Lightfoot's music AND LYRICS were SO PRICELESS!! He was a TRUE GEM!! We just lost him, last year...and, he is SORELY MISSED! RIP, MR. LIGHTFOOT - you gave such GREAT GIFTS to US ALL!! ENJOY, SEBS!!!

As a Candian in Southern Ontario, I remember the date the Edmund Fitzgerald sank. Gordon Lightfood (RIP) composed lyrics & music after reading an article of this very sad moment on Lake Superior. I was 20 and the news hit all of us citizens, Americans & Canadians very hard. Thank god Gordon created this beautiful piece of music to remember the men who lost their lives on that dreadful night. Enjoy this exceptional remembrance by one of Canadians greatest singer, songwriter & producer. His music will live on forever.

Gordon Lightfoot was a POWERHOUSE singer, songwriter, guitar player in the 1960's through the 1980's in Canada, the U.S. and he toured worldwide for decades. The Edmond Fitzgerald was a very large iron ore freighter, on November 10th, 1975 she was fully loaded when she ran into a fierce storm on Lake Superior, the biggest of the five Great Lakes. A main hatchway on the deck that kept water OUT of the iron ore compartments came unfastened and the ship took on a lot of water, quickly. She broke up suddenly from the excess weight and the waves slamming and hurling her around, she and sank in deep water and all 29 of the ship's crew died.

Gordon Lightfoot spent many hours crafting each of his songs. There are many great works of art there to enjoy. He maintained a great voice till the end of his life. The musicians he worked with were the cream of Canada's scene and his live shows were top notch.

This song gives me chills every time.

Thank you for your heartfelt, respectful reaction. This is one of the few, and I believe most well known, dirges in the English language.

Thank you for bringing a cherished memorybacknto life again. My mother was from Parry Sound, Ontario,Canada. She often shared stories, memories and events from Canada.. The story of the Edmond Fitzgerald always carriers a special place in my heart. My mother and I shared a love of history, folklore, poetry, and is some cases music. Back in mid 1970s she did not think much of Alice Cooper, one of my favorite s.... But r that's another. We both l in bed Gordon Lightfoot. We were looking to see him in concert twice. These are treasured memories now, you see I once had a family of six. Five have made to heaven and m I am left alone. Weird place to be in. 62 days ago I buried the baby of the family so tonight while clicking through You Tube.... I hear you and I stop. I listened, I cried , I laughed and I remembered... So thank you. Note: Lightfoot was a fabulous song writer... So go listen and enjoy

My wife didn't particularly care for this song until she took a few minutes to understand it and know that it was true. Now she cries when the song comes on but stands bravely, while weeping, for those 29.

I TRULY ENJOY YOUR REACTIONS. I had returned home to Detroit from my tour in Vietnam & was placed in a Honor Guard Unit and took part in the ceremony at the church he mentions in his song. This was dedicated to all the sailors who have lost their life on the Great Lakes. The bell ringing makes a very emotional experience. The church is near the Tunnel between Detroit & Canada. I am 77 yrs old and love the music created by the artists we had in the 60's, 70's & 80's we were blessed. .

The reason it is said that Superior "never gives up her dead" is because the water is so cold, the bodies of the drowned never float, and wash ashore. There's no closure for families.

He was soulful. When we would sit down to listen to him in the seventies, we would give his music all of our attention. Loved his music.

Lightfoot is a genuine part of what it means to be Canadian. Love this poetic man. Great songwriter. I like your analysis and response.

Lightfoot was one of our finest storyteller musicians. Unforgettable songs. True genius.

I remember when this happened and the song, every time I hear it, all these years later, still makes me cry. Sebs, you never fail to pick up on the most impactful lines, I think the best line ever written in any song ever written is "Does anyone know where the love of God goes when the waves turn the minutes to hours?" And the line from the old cook, " . . . sayin fellas it's been good to know ya." Goosebumps! The terror they must have felt. It hurt my heart when you asked who Gordon Litghtfoot is. He was one of the most masterful storytellers ever, a beautiful singer-songwriter who the world lost only recently. There is a great video on YT that gives the history of the Great Lakes, they are actually inland seas. Thanks for reacting to this wonderful tribute to the Fitz and her crew.

I remember when the Edmund Fitzgerald went down. Every time I hear this song it brings me to tears. We lost Gordon recently. He had many songs that were amazing. RIP

I was so sad to hear of Gordon Lightfoot's passing away recently. Loved his music. One of the best songwriters & storytellers. He was a Canadian legend. This song is a beautiful tribute & is based on a true story & the lyrics tell the sad tale of the sinking of the ship & loss of lives in 1975. Gordon Lightfoot has had many hits through his long career such as "If You Could Read My Mind", "Early Morning Rain", "Steel Rail Blues", "Ribbon Of Darkness", "Carefree Highway", "Rainy Day People", "Cotton Jenny", "Black Day In July", "Canadian Railroad Trilogy" etc.

Your preaching to the Choir! We old timers love Gorgon Lightfoot songs! He was an excellent story teller and singer! We lost a great man when he passes away! ❤❤❤

One of the greatest songs. Brings me to tears. Respect to all mariners everywhere.

There aren't many songs where I really recall the first time hearing it, but this is forever at the top of that list. It was the Wednesday before Thanksgiving 1976. High school sophomore. We had a half day at school so I came home at noon. Helped out around the house a bit, and laid down for a nap. Already dark when I work up. reached over and turned on the radio. Some other song finished up and the DJ said, "OK. Here's a new one from Gordon Lightfoot." At the end of the song I was just sitting on the edge of my bed wiping tears. -- I desperately wanted to hear it again and was frustrated that I'd have to wait at lest two days to get to the record store and get the album.

This song is a true story! It happened and it is still remembered today. The stories are legend. To this day when ships pass over the spot the ship went down they ring their ship's bells 29 times - one time for every man on the Edmond Fitzgerald. As for Gordon Lightfoot (I'd argue Leonard Cohen is Canada's best songwriter but Gordon is second.) Going down a Lightfoot rabbit hole will serve you some good. RIP Gordon! Canada thanks you! We learned to play this song on Ukulele as part of learning the history of this event if that helps you understand how big this was All history should taught this well since 40 years later I still remember every word. **Check out Leonard Cohen**

Gordon Lightfoot was simply stunning. Iconic sound and music.

So glad I stopped in to hear your first listen to this classic icon of a Gordon Lightfoot masterpiece. And I’ll admit, you had me tearing-up a bit with your impassioned involvement, at certain points along the way with the lyrics. I’m a 69 year old Lightfoot fan, from WAY back when... both he and I were young! So happy for your discovery of the Canadian troubadour GOAT… the late, great, and inimitable Mr. Gordon Lightfoot. Bet you’re gonna love everything you hear out of this guy!

Still brings a tear to the eye. I remember seeing the Edmund Fitzgerald with my own eyes as a boy. Not about the 6 chords or the volume. It’s about the lives lost and the generation affected by the loss of an icon of the Great Lakes. Sorry, not sorry, I’m a boomer that grew up in Michigan and the Edmund Fitzgerald was an absolute icon. The song was a tribute to men of our greatest generation. The song is great because of the legend of the ship and the men who crewed her. If this song was written as a tribute to a ship that never sunk, it would have been but a small footnote in Gordon Lightfoots portfolio.

The Mariner's Church of Detroit rang their bell 30 times in memory of Gordon Lightfoot - once for every man lost in the wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald, and once for Lightfoot. Family members of the men lost in that wreck shared their memories with us.

When Gordon died the Mariner's Church rang it's bell 30 times in honor of him. Gitchee Gumie is a Native name for Lake Superior. Whitefish Bay is loaded with sunken wrecked ships.The Wrecked Ships Museum is at Whitefish Bay and starts at the point of the Lighthouse.

Part of the under the hood magic here, is the beat structure. It's in 4/4 time, but the emphasis is on the off beat. That's what gives it that sort of "nautical" cadence. Billy Joel did the same thing on "The Downeaster Alexa," but only the dreams get sunk in that song.

I love his combination of a Gibson B-45-12 and a pedal string. The pedal is what makes that cold, glassy, jarring pluck that keeps the nervous tension in the poetry. I've played it with a Gibson steel and steel fingerpicks. It's fashioned after a pastiche of Indian rhythms and old sea shanties. They were repetitive in nature to be easy to remember, but I've heard dozens of them, and I don't think of this song as having so much lyrics as out and out beautiful poetry. It's seeming simplicity is its very brilliance.

I was a sailor aboard a tramp steamer in the North Atlantic when the news came over the radio about the loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald. About 2 years later I watched Gordon Lightfoot and his band perform this song at Auburn University's Coliseum. I cry like a baby every time it plays to this day. Good Video Sebs. Thanks

So glad you discovered Gordon Lightfoot, in April of 2023 he had to cancel a concert tour and passed in May at the age of 84. "Canadian Railroad Trilogy is another history lesson. "Black Day in July" about the Detroit riots of '67. "Early Morning Rain" , "Ribbon of Darkeness" and so many more

Everyone is gonna give you suggestions for his Radio Hits. You should already know that. I however will tell you to look at the songs that didn't get worn out on the radio. Yes, if you could read my mind, Carefree Highway, In The Early Morning Rain, Sundown, are all great songs. But there are absolute Diamonds on that album that contains Edmund Fitz. Songs like The House You Live In, Race Among The Ruins, Summertime Dream, and one of my favorites, I'm Not Supposed to Care. Another Gem of his is a song called Bittergreen. There are so many songs by Gordon to check out. As far as Edmund Fitz is concerned, on your own time, there is another video of the song which contains actual footage of the shipwreck, and pictures and names of the crew and Captain. It's worth a watch.

Incredible story teller.

There are MANY, MANY shipwrecks in the lakes. Gordon made this one forever memorable.

As a child of the 60s, and a Canadian, Gordon Lightfoot was always an important part of my life. Glad you found him.

We live minutes from Lake Michigan in northern Indiana. Winter storms are the worst and the power of the water and waves are fierce, and frankly if you walk the shores and look out towards the horizon you'd swear it was an ocean. It's magnificent and frightening at the same time.

Grew up loving this song and all of his music. Great rabbit hole, his music is beautiful ❤❤❤❤❤❤

Beautiful song, it mixes Native language and lore with 1970s Great Lakes shipping, the horrific weather in winter! Please visit one of the Great Lakes -- nice beaches, boating, fishing, quaint towns and some large cities as well. A little something for everyone. I grew up on the southern shore of Lake Erie; 2 people from my hometown were on the ship that fateful night. Once you hear this song and realize it is a true story, it's hard to forget!

I WAS so lucky to live in Toronto in the 80s, and to go see him in concert every year of that decade. There was one year we thought we were going to lose him, but he recovered and showed up as scheduled to joke about it. I remember crying, I was so glad to see him walk out onto the stage. Then he started to sing and we all sang along. That evening is one of my favourite concert memories.

My Great Uncle was the Chief Engineer on the Edmond Fitzgerald. George Holl. My Dad was named after him.

The Great Lakes contain 20% of the world's surface fresh water. Lake Superior is the largest fresh water lake in the world by surface area; the second by water volume. It is basically an inland fresh water sea.

I grew up listening to this song. It had tons of airplay when it was released in New Mexico. I'm Canadian/American dual citizen and my parents told me about the history of the wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald. I love this song, it is such a tribute to the all of the souls who have perished on the Great Lakes. Gordon Lightfoot was amazing! There are tons of absolutely phenomenal Canadian artists, singer/songwriter performers, actors, musicians etc. He was definitely at the top!! There are some really good documentaries on RU-vid about the Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald.

You know he's a great songwriter when Bob Dylan comes north to induct him into our songwriters hall of fame.

I was blessed to have been taken to his concert in Spokane, WA. In early 70s. Great singer. RIP ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤😢😢😢😢😢

Because of this song, these men and others like them, will never be forgotten!😅