Canadian music legend Gordon Lightfoot performs "I'll Tag Along" and "If You Could Read My Mind" from in front of his home as part of virtual Canada Day celebrations on July 1, 2020.
This is pure and real. No auto tune, no fancy costumes, and flash. Genuine and pure. And that is why it is so great and will endure and stand the test of time!!!
Agreed. He misses in this finger picking and his voice has changed and it’s so authentic and beautiful. “I’ll Tag Along” has become one of my favorites.
seeing gordon getting old is a bit of a tear jerker, one of my favorite song writers and a great story teller, his music and his legacy will live on long past his time
Yes, Gordon and many others of his generation (and mine). It strikes me as funny that you used the words "getting old" as opposed to just "old". It leaves me to believe he isn't there yet. I hope he's still "getting old" next year.😊 Peace and Love, brother.
I saw this today, and it nearly buckled my knees. A sudden tidal wave of emotion, glad and sad. Here I am 7 hours later crying my eyes out. And it feels ok. Thanks Gordo!
Count me in to that "Lightfoot Saw Me Through" club. He has been there through the saddest & happiest times of my life since 1970. And he is a huge portion of the happiest of times which continue to this day. To be in his presence is an honor. I'd pay to sit & listen to him breathe 💜
Me too. His songs have been with me my whole life. For awhile I couldn’t listen, too painful because I associated a lot of his music with my failed marriage. But I’m not going to let that keep me from listening, especially now. Music is my refuge. 🕊🤍
That voice still can trace out the melody as he has forever. We all are growing older may we all do it with an indelible spark of life attached to the things we do in this life and the love we have for people! Beautiful song by Gord and beautiful to see him singing it with that fine gray mane!
You are still amazing Gordon. I met you 53 yers ago in a small arctic hamlet called Frobisher Bay, now Iqaluit on Baffin Island. It was in 1967, Canada’s Centennial year. A lot of people there couldn’t afford the $50 to see you so you reduced the ticket price by half. It was a sell out audience. Your kindness became legendary. The best part for me was sharing dinner with you and about two dozen locals, and us uni student who gathered for a BBQ on the banks of the Sylvia Grinnell River. My late father (Bob Strothard) had converted an old bus that he bought from the government for a dollar, and converted it into a wee cottage. He had a generator and we were able to play your music in the background while we all chatted with you. Your music has always meant such a lot to me. You certainly captured the Canadian spirit in your writing and singing. I live in Australia now, and this popped up on RU-vid and its so unbelievably good to see you singing just as strong as ever on Canada Day. Thank you for the memories of yesteryear. Every Blessing to you Gordon.
Maggie: What a beautiful story and such a lovely memory to carry with you all your life. I did not know this about Lightfoots reducing his ticket price, it certainly says a lot about the quality of the man. And your father sounds like a really beautiful guy. How did you end up in Australia?
He's been singing to me since I was born. He has been to hell and back, and he's still standing. "If You Could Read My Mind" instilled in me a love of sad songs. I was in the 5th grade, and every time I could manage to scrape ten cents together I played hooky at lunchtime to go to a downtown diner that had a jukebox, just to listen to Gordon sing that song. I bought a hot dog and a coke, and it cost a dime. I think it probably cost more, but the owner fed me for a dime and then gave me a nickel back to feed the jukebox. You got two songs for five cents. I would first play "Tears Of A Clown" and then "If You Could Read My Mind". By the time I was finished listening it was time to run back to school before the bell rang. To this day, this song always makes me think of that diner and the owner, whose name I never knew. The school has since been torn down, replaced with condominiums. I'm not sure if the diner is still there, it's been almost 50 years since I last checked. Just a kid. I was in Canada on Canada day in 2003. Been to Canada since then, but not on Canada Day. Hoped to be able to get back in this lifetime but with the pandemic Canada doesn't want Americans there -- and who can blame them? Amazing that Gordon set up to play on his porch for the world during a pandemic. Love him and his music. Over 80 years old, and still so masterful with his guitar and his voice, unbroken after all these years.
I love this story! I have a similar one.. every Saturday for about a year or so going with my mother to the laundromat until my parents could afford a washer and dryer.. she gave me a quarter for the jukebox ..three songs for a quarter.. you'd hear all the Gordon songs and the songs of that era.. around 1977-78 .. I'd play all John Denver songs ..the building has been turned into a pawn shop but every time I see it I think about being young and playing the jukebox
Reminiscing as tears 😢 of sadness... That's the power that a songwriter and lyrics bring to your heart and soul. His songs are etched in my mind and bring up my life in vivid color. Good and bad. All great singer/songwriters have this power. JUST GREAT!
What a good story .a lovely song from Gordon if I could read your mind.i listen to this a lot and my girls always say threres my dad at his best singing along to this wee song from gerry in Glasgow Scotland.
How can you not love this man ! His songs are timeless. No one can plumb the depths of emoting like Gordon ! I always end up with tears streaming my face.
I know my comment will sound "youtube-ish", but I have been listening to Gordon Lightfoot, almost daily now, since the 70's. He is the only man who makes me feel good, and I'm in my 60's. I absolutely love his voice and music.
One of the greatest songwriters of all time, not just Canada, but the world. Either than possibly Bob Dylan, no other songwriter has been covered more by other stars than Gordon Lightfoot. He may be looking beyond the years, I can close my eyes and sing along with every word as if he just recorded it yesterday. Very proud fellow Canadian.
When "If You Could Read My Mind" was released 1970, I was nine. As young as I was at the time, this song played on radio airwaves, engraved in my little mind. Decades later, amazing to see Gordon Lightfoot still performing for his fans and for himself who loves music, in his blood. I don't think anyone could sing this song like he can; his original version 1970. For a gentleman who has had an aneurysm in previous years, and a stroke in 2006, it takes bravery-courage to keep going. At 82, this is pretty dang good he remembers lyrics-words, can still sing at best he can. Gotta give him credit and thumbs up.
I keep coming back to this video. My first impression is shock. The man with that big voice that sang of the Edmond Fitzgerald and the love song that says "the hero's often fail" has gotten old and frail and lost his big voice. The I reflect and listen over and over and see how these songs fit him so well then and now. Timeless. So happy to be able to see him.
His voice is such you can still tell it is Gordon Lightfoot. If the kids over the last 20 years listened and understand these timeless songs, maybe there would be less hate? Maybe a little smarter about people other than themselves?
What can I say! There's almost no way to Express in words what Gordon's music has meant to me in my life. The comments and tributes given by his fans confirm for me what Gordon's music means to us. I think I can only add that having seen him in concert several times over the years, you can literally feel the love that fills the venue; it's tangible. He's not just a singer songwriter to his fans. He's part of their life. He's family. He is so loved. May "the Lord of his lease in times of toil and times of peace" bless him for all he's given us through his gift and craft.
Gordon Meredith Lightfoot Jr. is 81 in this video, and will turn 82 in November. God bless him. He provided some of the most profound music of my youth, helping me understand the complexities of relationships with "If You Could Read My Mind," "Sundown," and "Carefree Highway."
This is now my favourite Gordon Lightfoot clip. Without question, younger Gordon was more refined and musical but this later Gordon has become even more intimately personal.
Well there is 7 minutes of my life i will not get back. And my goodness what a great trade for me. What a fine experience to view this performance. In fact I am listening again. Thank you for posting. Tremendous!!!
you and me both...and worth every cent dont you think...no one makes music like this any more....my much younger partner just asked me to turn the sound down, playing thru my TV as her kids, 10 and 8 were trying to sleep. I told her they will thank me in 20 years for playing this as they fall asleep.....)))
He made my heart soar with renewed hope for tomorrow. He's painted his timeless and beautiful pictures in music in my mind my entire life. Thank you so much Gordon Lightfoot.
You will be missed Gord, your music won't die. It's still gold today in 2024. Hope your spiret will stay with your music for hundreds of generations. Sad to see you go Mr. Lightfoot.
Gordon Lightfoot is Canada‘s national treasure. Wonderful songwriter, wonderful singer. I’ve seen him twice in concert in the U.S. and he is to be believed. Best wishes to Mr. Lightfoot in his family.
I am lucky to say, the last two concerts I saw before all this pandemic started was Gordon Lightfoot and ... Gordon Lightfoot! He played in Atlanta in February and then my hometown two days later. So glad I got to see him and looking forward to more when all these crazy days are over.
Gordon still sings this and brings a tear to my eye and the power of His words transcends the boundaries of his physical limitations I am grateful he is still here delivering his beautiful message for younger people to appreciate
I can’t stop crying. Grew up with Gordon and his poetic, beautiful songs. God bless him he can still rock that guitar and love his wonderful attitude. You’ll always have a special place in my heart Gordon
Loved him. Our musical poet laureate - our Troubador - our "Minstrel of the Dawn" - not simply a writer or performer - a beloved member of the family. We were so fortunate to have been born into the years he was here. He will always be missed . . .
Dearest Gordon: you gave this world a soft and gentle companion of magical, madrigal song for the masses. Your gift will live forever in all the hearts of those who are fortunate enough to have heard you, even if it was just once. That's all it took. And, we were hooked. No combination of voice and guitar is more moving than yours, beautiful child.
Gordon is telling the stories we all know, but yet seem to forget. His music will live forever and make us remember how life is - though we may all be in the middle of it. One of the all time greatest. I wish for all the young people that they will pick up his music and listen to the stories. I think it will - no matter what happens - make their lives just a little bit easier to handle 🙏😀
saw him three times. Once at Carnegie Hall when it was so oversold they set up chairs on the stage. I was one of the lucky ones. 6-8 feet away. He is magical. One of the best ever.
I started learning and playing Gordon Lightfoot songs over 50 years ago. For some reason I had never heard “I’ll Tag Along“ until this video popped up in my RU-vid feed around the time it was posted. In this week after his death, I have listened to all 20 albums straight through. It is amazing to hear the consistency of his writing across all those years. I watched this video one more time as the “exclamation point” on my honoring an amazing singer songwriter. RIP Gordon Lightfoot, and thank you for the attention to your craft across the whole of your life!
It’s amazing to see how he still keeps singing. Before I watched this I was looking at his live performances during the earlier years of his career and I know he will not be able to sing the same way he could when he was younger (considering he is in his 80’s and has health issues he sings amazing) but he brings off the same feeling of wanting to play music and I love it. Gordon has been a major inspiration to me on the way I play my guitar, the style of music that I play, and even the music that I listen to. Thank you from the bottom of my heart Gordon
I still hear slides and shades of that Gordon Lightfoot magic in your voice, Gordon. Stay strong and keep well. Yes. We will get through this plague.💗😀👍✌🖖
My brother and I attended your concert in Rockford, IL June 15, 2019. He flew all the way from Seattle just to go with me to the concert, and is an even great fan than I am. I saw you in Philadelphia in 1975, and I was even more enthralled 44 years later. Thank you for a lifetime of peerless composition and unsurpassed musical integrity. I pray for the return of your band to help revive our once great nation from its demise.
Wow... I bet that brought back memories seeing him again decades later. I saw the Eagles in '78 and then again last year, pretty nostalgic even though quite a few changes in the band. But Gordon... he is timeless! P.S. My mom was from Rockford.
Beyond a legend. So glad I got to see him three times over the years. My all-time favorite singer-songwriter. RIP Gordon and Thanks for the memories...
Time may have taken some of the power and control of his voice, but hearing him perform reminds me what a phenomenal songwriter he is and that so many of his songs are part of the soundtrack of my life. God Bless him. :-)
One of the greatest singers I've ever had the pleasure of seeing in concert. I will always cherish this evening with my husband. Been a fan of Gordon Lightfoot since the '70s. Tucson, Arizona
I too am a big fan of Gordon’s (since the 70’s)and a bigger fan of your husband Frank (Pancho) and you (prayer warrior) as well. Hope life is treating you both well.
What a surprise! 53 years ago was a fan of him. I liked the song so much. I saw him in Montreal 1967. And now to hear him again it is so wonderfull! Thank you so much dear Gordon Lightfoot to reapear in this crazy world and bring joy to my heard.
I started listen’n to Lightfoot when I was 14 on an old record player Mom bought 1971 .. I was inspired to say the least ... drawing and painting then ... his songs made my mind imagine ... like I was in a fantasy world .. but a real world ... like nature .. I continued on to da MFA honours in the usa .. and I’m still painting today .... I’m a proud Canadian from Quebec /Labrador ... and tougher than the rest .... it’s because of people like you Gordon we feel proud .., thanks Mister ....
My wife and I went to see him when he was in California.. We had to walk across the end of the stage to get to the seating. I saw Gordo on stage warming up and I waved to him. The man walked toward me and I walked toward him. We shook hands and chatted a few minute but he had to get on with it. I'll have forget that great encounter with my favorite singer/ songwriter!!
I love, love, LOVE Gordon Lightfoot... such an inspiration. God Bless you and keep you Gordon and Thank You for all the joy you have given me over the years.🎼🧡
You still have it honey what a beautiful man ,thank you for the music you have given us over the years ! 🌹🙏🥰 God bless ! I still cry hearing , ”If I could read your mind “, fantastic lyrics and Guitar 🎸
Gordon, I remember your songs growing up as a kid in the 80's. I'm 42 now and your songs are just as great now as they were back then. May your legacy live on forever. God Bless you sir and your family.
39 here... I remember my Mom listening to his music while cleaning LOL His music has always put me at ease - seeing him getting older is bittersweet.... but it happens to us all ♥️ I’m just glad to see he’s still playing 🙂
Who ever gives this legend a thumbs down does not appreciate life itself. Thank you Gordon, you are the reason I started playing guitar in the 70s. 👍🏻👍🏻
A HEART TOUCHING BEAUTIFUL RENDITION OF TWO OF HIS GREAT SONGS, FROM A REALLY TRUE SURVIVOR FORM THE GOLDEN ERA! YOUR SONGS ARE A BIG PART ON MY LIFE SOUNDTRACK LOVE YOU AND WISH YOU THE BEST ALWAYS, MASTER GORDON
He survived several serious health issues, probably because he worked out at the gym several days a week. People say it's sad to see him age but there is a joy in seeing that he aged so well.
I very rarely comment. Gordon Lightfoot is one of a kind. I grew up with his music in my life. He unknowingly participated in many memorial services for my family. Tag along...........Thank you so much for your wonderful contributions to our small world.
Beautiful. As a child of the 70's, I remember these songs on the radio and my father humming them as I drifted off to sleep snuggled into his large coat across the big bench seat.
I cannot begin to express how much the soundtrack of my entire life has been filled with Gord’s music. Respect is only one of the profound emotions that it makes me feel. He is and forever will be a great mountain
This is what I love about my two favorites. Gordon Lightfoot and Glenn Campbell. Besides being over the top musicians, they give until they simply can't give anymore.
I will remember forever his first album in the US and its impact on me as a new player. It was a bolt of lightning that inspired me to practice everyday, and learn to sing while travis picking. Gordie has reached out and touched millions of souls in a good way.
Thank you Mr. Lightfoot for sharing your special gift. This universal language of music will place people in the right place at the right times in their lives. It has for me.
It is good to see that he's still playing. My wife and I saw him in Macon Georgia years ago. Gordon was working his way through to Florida. He and his band signed my Alvarez guitar .
Just found this site...oh my Gordon...one of his famous quotes sticks with me even today..when asked "what do you want to be known for when you leave this earth" he thought for a moment and said "A clean campsite" !!!! Canada'sTreasure..my Hero...xox
God bless you Gordon lightfoot . You out live Elvis Presley Jim Croce John Denver John Lennon George Harrison johnny Cash many legends that are still living and dead . He is king of folks music .
Ahhhhh...you DID read my mind...i was hoping to hear you sing that as soon as i seen you here..still gives me goose bumps...your music will live forever...your a talent and kind heart that can't be beat...love seeing you still going at it....a fan of yours for sure ! THANK YOU ! ! !
