Punch Brothers cover Gordon Lightfoot "Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald" 3/3/22 Boston, MA 

Today the Mariner's Church of Detroit rang their bell thirty times, for the crew and Gordon after his passing.

When I heard that they rang the bell 30 times this year to honor Gordon, I burst into tears.

A Canadian song about an American tragedy on the lakes we both share. Beautifully done.

That is my favorite Gordon Lightfoot song. This version of it had me speechless. The tempo. The instruments fading in and out. The way he used his voice. It had me mesmerized. Fantastic job, guys.

So glad these bluegrass masters are paying tribute to the master of poetry, Gordon Lightfoot.

There isn't a person that lives in one of the Great Lakes states that this song isn't in his/her heart. Beautifully done, gentlemen!

Been a Lightfoot fan for 60 years but these boys did an incredible version of the Fitz

That was mesmerizing. My wife's grandfather, whom she never knew, perished when his iron ore ship went down on the Great Lakes during a November storm in 1966. This song has always resonated deeply, and this cover was just...powerful. Hear, hear!

As Canadians we often don't know when a famous Canadian is also famous outside of Canada haha. Good to see respect for a great Canadian story teller. Long live Gord!

Best cover I've heard of this tune. As a kid growing up in Cleveland, this song haunted me as a cautionary tale of our beloved lakes. Here I am on the day Gordon passed so grateful for the masterpiece he crafted, and this brilliant rendition. R.I.P Gordon.

Absolutely magnificent. It can now serve as poignant tribute to it's creator. RIP Gordon Lightfoot

Gordon Lightfoot wove so many levels of experience together: Superior never gives up its dead, the Seafarers Chapel in Detroit, the Chippewa's name Gitchee Gumee for Superior, Whitefish bay on the lee side of Marquette. Amazing song.

I played this song in a pub, on my break a man came up to me , crying. Told me his uncle was on the Fitzgeraldl when it went down... that touched me , glad I did it justice for him. Long live Lightfoot, and this song.....199?

Oh, that's good. That's *WORTHY.* It's completely different from a Gordon Lightfoot performance, but still respectful. The string playing just raises the hackles on my neck and the vocalist is just the right touch of eerie. That's incredibly impressive. Growing up Da Yoop in the late 20th, the Wreck was a part of our mythology. It's good that those men and that danger are remembered.

Just saw them last night in Toronto. An amazing show and they closed with Gordon Lightfoot's cover of "Pride of Man", then with "The Edmund Fitzgerald" right on its heels. The audience erupted and what an unforgettable night!!!!

back in the 70's my 5th grade teacher, when there was time at the end of the day, he would sit at his piano, we'd stand around and sing from the musicbook. he introduced me to this song and the story. he brought fourth many folk songs to us. the good ol days. thank you Mr. Bowlen. everyone's favorite teacher.

Revisiting this the evening after GL’s passing - I can only hope Mr Lightfoot had an opportunity to hear/see the guys’ incredible homage to an astounding song - it does the story, and the song, and its writer, great honor. I can’t help but think he would have loved it. Thanks, guys. Thanks , Gordon, for all you gave us. RIP.

Wow. That was stupendous. The *sound* being created here! very much like the surface of water with a terrible power beneath it. I'm so, so impressed. Bravo.

Never in my life have I heard a song better reimagined. As a native of Superior’s shores, I feel this song. But who cares what I think, these boys are something special.

Absolutely beautiful rendition of the song. I work as a ship's cook on the Great Lakes and this is one song (no matter who sings it) that I will not put on my playlist when I'm working.

I remember this song from my father who had a 8Track in the car and he would play this as he drove along. Now i am over 50 years old and this song brings those memories back. Gday from Australia

As a Minnesota native, I have sat on banks of Superior many times on that Anniversary. The light of Split Rock light house glistening across the lake as they only bring power to it once a year to remember this fateful day. There’s generally the shadow of a ship or two slowly gliding across the lake. Thank you for this. It was beautifully done.

"Does anyone know where the love of God goes when the waves turn the minutes to hours?" I was haunted by those lyrics as a young sailor, and I still am today.

A powerful interpretation of one of the best sea ballads ever written. We just lost the brilliant creator of this song... Gordon, it's been good to know yah. Chris and his bros give the song a different, more tense and an almost clinical dynamic with their string orchestration. I love the bassist's bowing that cranks up the tension. Nice job, boys, and thank you Gordon Lightfoot for your immortal gift of story telling to the world.

Excellent! Most impressive is the use of a single microphone and the dynamics achieved through the skills of the musicians.

Anything these guys touch turns to gold. One of THE MOST incredible covers I've ever heard.

Always such a devastating song, but this just adds such a haunting sound to it. Amazing.

One of the greatest ballads ever written, especially because it’s a true story makes it #1 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

This is such a masterclass in dynamic range!

Chris Thile, is a Master and the company he keeps is simply amazing. As a Michigander, it's a life story we ALL know. The Punch Brothers turn it up, way up, I fully believe Mr. Lightfoot, would totally approve and wiggle along like Thile as it played. Good stuff Gentlemen!

beautiful cover of a legendary folk song. well done! "Does anyone know where the love of God goes when the waves turn the minutes to hours?" is there a heavier lyric ever written? geeeeez

On May 03 2023 the Maritime Cathedral again rang the bells to honor the memory of the crew of the Edmund Fitzgerald. 29 times for them and then once for Gordon Lightfoot, RIP sir and thank you for this beautiful and haunting song. Thank you also for this beautiful and haunting cover!

I remember that night very well. My grandparents good friends had a close relative on the Fitzgerald named Simmons. Never seen her so upset and worried. My whole family stayed up late listening to the radio. And this is an awesome rendition, brought tears to my eyes.

I'm from Texas and was born in 1971. I had this on a 45rpm and it is and always be close to my heart. I will make a trip to the Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan to see the ships bell...

Ah, the Punch Brothers, still doing their part to keep music mysterious, passionate, urgent and thrilling. Long live live music.

Real story of real men, trying to provide for their wives and children, gave their lives to that endeavor. I always shed a tear when I hear this beautiful sad story put to music by Gordon Lightfoot. I had the privilege to hear him perform this number live. I'll never forget it.

There are only two ways to cover a truly iconic song: (1)to nail the original arrangement, to know every part and duplicate it very precisely, or (2) to tear it down and rebuild it so perfectly, weaving the tone and the essence of the original into something wholly new, completely inventive, and like nothing we've ever heard before. This is maybe the best example of (2) I've ever heard. What an incredible reconstruction. You take a song that for decade has belonged to Gordon Lightfoot, and ONLY to Lightfoot in spite of the many covers, and completely make it your own. This is gorgeous, and haunting, and I'm so happy that you shared it with us. Most of all, I'm happy that you recorded it while he was still alive, and hope that he was able to hear it before the end. I think he would have loved it, and been immensely proud of what you've done with it.

I know I've said it before, Gordon Lightfoot would be proud!!!!!! I like what you do. Keep up the good work and God bless you and your Band.

Gordon’s ability to tell that story in a song is nothing short of brilliance. I’ve always loved that song and had the opportunity to go to the museum at Whitefish Bay and see the ship’s bell. My dive instructor’s buddy was the diver that recovered it and he gave some of the ore from the wreck to him and he had it displayed in our local dive shop. Just thought I’d share. Great cover also.

I thought that was a simply brilliant interpretation of a magnificent song. Absolutely spine tingling. Thank you for posting.

This version just brought me to tears. Absolutely fantastic.

That is one of the best musical performances I have ever seen! Love the original, but this was amazing

They played this song about a week prior to this recording in Saint Louis at Powell Hall. It was their last song of the night and they lost stage power and amplification about a minute into the song. They simply picked up their instruments, moved to the front of the stage and kept on without missing a beat. Made it only that much more haunting, mesmerizing, and moving. One of my top 5 musical performances I’ve ever experienced

Attended college in the Sault 72-75, SO very much remember that November storm.

These guys are one of a kind, true musicians all. Enjoyed this rendition of theirs so much.

Gordon Lightfoot 🙏🙏🙏Nov 17 1938............May 1 2023...🙏🙏🎶🎶🎵🎵 Many Thanks👏👏👏

Holy cow! I didn’t expect this. Outstanding boys! Bravo.

I was 11 years old when the Fitzgerald passed in the storm. She radioed the coastguard station in the small town I lived in she was holding her own. A short time later word went through town she had gone down. The entire town was silent. I’m 60 now, I remember that day like it was yesterday.

Oh yes please. We already knew that Punch Brothers + songs about ships meeting bad endings was a win; add Gordon Lightfoot into the mix and there we go!

I cried the first time I listened to this song. It's a favorite. This version invoked those same tears years on.

This a master class of story telling, tempo, dynamics, and musicianship! Bravo men!

How the instruments build representing the growth of the storm. . . . perfect

I clicked on this expecting to ridicule it in defense of Lightfoot. I stand humbled by this beautiful rendition. Awesome guys.

This song feels like 4th grade music class. A core memory

A very nice cover of a classic tale by one of our greatest songwriters. As a side note, it was written by Lightfoot and covered beautifully by Tony Rice, possibly the most influential and imaginative bluegrass guitarists ever.

I was a teenager when Gordon wrote this song. With all the wild mess of the 70's , my teenage heart stopped, was still, and listened to this song that ripped through my soul. It rips through me every time I hear it. I cry and I remember.

WOW! A like button isn't even enough! Is there a Can't Live Without This Song button? Chills, shivers and tears. Five star rating, gents.

I didn't expect to be sitting here crying. This song has always been sacred to me but there is something about this interpretation that just raises it so much higher.

OMG!! this is amazing. Who isn't getting a little choked up listening?

Thank you to all that have given there all and to those that still give to protect and supply our country and to those who rescue all that fall victim to those waters.

Legends! This song lives in the hearts of those who live on the Great Lakes and see all of her moods.

I live on the Southeast side of Lake Michigan. I enjoy going and watching the winter storms but I wouldn't want to be on the Lake when they hit. They reshape our city beach every winter, no every storm no matter the season. The power of wind and wave is awe inspiring. I respect the men and women who brave the waters to bring us goods and feed the world. Thank you and be safe.

Absolutely beautiful!

These young people are doing something great.

Punch Brothers, well done. That was a remarkable rendition of a familiar song that moved me. Thank you

A mesmerizing masterclass in eloquence and understatement. Performances like this one propel Chris Thile to being recognized for the national treasure he already is.

This is soooo amazing Thank's a lot guy's 👍👍🤝

I get chills when I remember my own young man near death by drowning ship experience. It was also November but the journey was the proverbial Dutch Harbor to Seattle via West of Vancouver Island trip, many a fisherman has been lost in those waters. Our Freezers were jammed with frozen salmon and about 2 in the morning Al, the nightshift foreman came pounding on every berth, the binding holding the boxes in place had all come undone. The fish, mangled boxes, with every roll of the ship was pouring from port to starboard - side to side. Eric, my room mate was a deck hand and said, "two more degree is all we're designed for and we're rolling bad". My other room mate had already smoked many a bowl and was lost to the world. I went with Al and he open the huge freezer doors. We all knew it was hopeless. I prayed and made my peace with God. The thought of the icy water and the merging dark of water and sky. My adrenaline flowed...We had life suits but even the thought of that was terrifying. It was a 340 foot Victory ship from WWII and it had a round bottom with a bunch of new, heavy steel added to the top deck to make it a sea food processor.

I remember the night that it happened, I was listening to "Hobb's House",a late night radio program on WCCO,830,Minneapolis, St.Paul.He announced that there had been a distress call from a ship, and hoped that everything would be alright. My name is Bicycle Bob and I approved this message.

I never ever thought I woupd hear anyone other than Gordon do this song so well and with such respect! Well done Gentlemen!

I remember how I was moved to sobs the first time I heard Gordon sing this song, so many years ago. I cried again for those men again today. Thank you for keeping both their memory, and one of the perfect songs, alive. Ironically, and powerfully, I'm hearing this song for the first time, (for the second time) just having seen a freighter leaving the lakes for the River on my first day back up north. Chills.

You young men made a perfect tribute to both Gordon AND the men that died on that ship. Bless all of you❤

The song, giving so much detail about the ship and the crew, and what was happening, then all of a sudden the ship sinks, gives me the feeling of how fast the ship went down.

There is an absolutely masterful use of tension and release here. Incredibly effective work with the dynamics. Everything about this was amazing, and authentic. I didn't just hear this, I felt it. Tremendous work!

Thank you for this remarkable arrangement of a song that is very important to those of us who remember this tragic event. I was pregnant with our first son, living in Sault Ste Marie, MI, that November. The news of the wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald was breathtaking, and remains a vivid memory. Our Canadian brother Gordon Lightfoot did the crew and all of the rest of us a wonderful service with this great song.

I love the mandolin sound, especially when playing a Canadian 🇨🇦 classic

If you didnt cry, you don’t appreciate Real Music♥️

What a brilliant performance of a legendary song.

This is so Metal! They are so deep in that state of mind. Beautiful!!

As a longshoreman working on the docks as I write this. Well done lads. Raise a glass to the men of Edmond Fitzgerald

A fantastic rendition of one of Gordon Lightfoot's greatest ever songs. A terrific example of LESS = MORE. Brilliant - thank you!

Wow!!! Best cover I’ve ever heard. I’m sure GL would think so too. I’m in Canada by the Great Lakes and I’ve seen the storms first hand. Wicked doesn’t describe them. The immense raw power of nature.

Marvelous!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thanks from dry land here in #Albany NY.

Props to the sound engineer! A perfect amount of vocals to go with the band!

Best version of the best Canadian song ever written! I am speechless for this genius...! x

Great rendition of Lightfoots' classic, mesmerizing, I feel like I've been to High Mass!

Beautiful and moving rendition! Thanks!

Wow. Real musicians, playing real instruments, making real music. No auto tune, no beat detective, no prerecorded tracks. Bravo.

I grew up in the Great Lakes and this song. Bravo!!!

I've known this song since my childhood in Upstate New York. This, however, was a perfectly arranged and heartfelt rendition of Gordon Lightfoot's epic, modern folk tune. Thank you, gentleman! 👏❤️🤙

Ol Michigan steams like a young man's dreams. Truer words never spoken...

Lghtfoot's gem handled with loving care, wonderful.

I love The Punch Brothers and also Nickel Creek! The crescendo and decrescendo! Amazing!

I seriously can't get enough of the cover.

Thanks so much for allowing a brief revisit to their doing this beautiful number. Great video, and excellent audio. Makes my morning.

Goose bumps given. BRAVO.

This is now in my top 10 of all time for cover songs. Well done gents.

I’ve heard this song a hundred times. I cry every damn time.

Grew up loving Gordon Lightfoot, and this song! What a great cover!

the most haunting rendition I've ever heard, amazing