What Makes This Song Great? "If You Could Read My Mind" Gordon Lightfoot 

I'm Canadian. Gordon Lightfoot just died, and I cried watching this. Thank you Rick, for appreciating him so much. I posted it in hope that others will appreciate it too.

I've NEVER commented on RU-vid EVER. But this is different. This is Gordon Lightfoot. I was in college in Orange County, CA in 1966 - 68, before I was drafted. I played guitar, but I was a strummer, didn't have the perseverance to learn how to finger pick. But I had a friend, Mike Dulak - he's out there somewhere - who was a seriously dedicated finger picker. He could play Doc Watson tunes that sounded almost like the Man Himself. He was good. And we loved Gordon Lightfoot. But what he loved most about GL, was his sideman, Red Shea. Red was AMAZING. And I know this because during those years Gordon played many dates at the Golden Bear in Huntington Beach. It was a small club. You could sit a few feet from the stage and watch the details of Gordon's and Red's guitar work. It was amazing. It was a venue that at most would have 75 people in it. We sat at the feet of the Master, attending every night that he played. Gordon was in his prime, as were we. I had a 6 string and 12 string Gibson, sunburst finish on both, and between Mike and me we could do a pretty good rendition of Canadian Railroad Trilogy. Those were the days. I love Ricks deconstruction of "If You Could Read My Mind." Gordon is a TREASURE. Thanks Rick.

After learning of Gordon’s passing tonight I came to watch this wonderful video again. Rest in Peace Gordon lightfoot. I would love for Rick to someday do a ‘What Makes This Song Great” with Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald. A truly inspired and haunting masterpiece.

Had to revisit this upon hearing of Gordon Lightfoot's passing this evening. How great to slow the melody and melancholy, pause and reflect on the genius and the gifts Gordon possessed, and shared with us all.

"I just have something in my eye..." Every. Single. Time.

When this song came out, my dad had just killed himself and we moved away from my hometown so I had to leave all of my friends. The Vietnam war was raging and this song evoked such incredible beauty and sadness. Gordon played in my town maybe 20 years later and I made some excuse about how I didn’t like his folky style of music and wouldn’t go see him. The truth is more likely that I was afraid of the emotions that I knew his songs would bring back.

Welp. He was incredible. You can't hear him without being transported back to the lovely vinyl sounds of the 70s.

Came here May 2nd, 2023 to hear Rick's take on this song again. Gordon Passed away yesterday.

Was lucky enough to meet Gord in about 1975, his Aunt lived next door to my parents in Brantford Ont. When she passed away he came to the funeral and to the lunch afterwards. The local radio station found out that he was in town and decided to show up and try to interview him, very inappropriate, so my father invited him to our house. I was just learning guitar at the time and had an old Gibson Hummingbird. Long story short I had a private 1 hour concert and will never forget when he sung this song, one of the greatest moments of my life. What a kind humble man he is.

The second verse of this song has some of the most soul-crushing lyrics I’ve ever heard. “Heroes often fail” is one of those sentiments that you know, in your bones, to be true…but nobody ever says it. The lyrics to this song are masterful from start to finish but that second verse is completely mind-blowing to me.

19:06 “oh! He does that slide AGAIN!” (The sheer joy on Rick’s face when his discovers this😊). Love it!

Rest in Peace, Gordon Lightfoot. Thank you for your music. You will be missed!

This is my 7 year old granddaughter’s favorite song. She’s a very perceptive child and commented on parts of the message in the song. She said the ghost is actually Gordon’s reflection in the well water. As he is Wishing he could go back to a happier time. I thought she might be smarter than Grandpa!

I'm a firm believer that this is one of the most beautiful songs of all time!

Back to revisit this video after Gordon passed away. Rick always manages to add to my appreciation for a song, and not only that, the emotional connection to the song doesn't get lost in all the stops and starts of pointing something out. Now, when I hear the song in its entirety, all those subtleties Rick pointed out, are fully present. Gorgeous song by GL, beautifully touching analysis by RB.

As a Canadian myself, Gordon Lightfoot is a national treasure. I had the opportunity to see him live and it was truly incredible. Thank you for dissecting this classic.

I was driving a taxi in NYC during the summer break from college, when I parked and wet to see Gordon Lightfoot at the Bitter End. Afterwards I walked to the cab, and drove past the venue. Gordon flagged me down, and he and his woman got in. It was a 20 minute drive to his uptown apartment. We spoke, and he was so nice, down to earth, and cool. One of my fondest memories.

"Heroes often fail." That lyric has always killed me.

RIP Mr. Lightfoot. This was easily my favorite song of his, and this serves as a PERFECT tribute to his memory.

Thank you Rick. Revisiting this again after hearing of Gordon's passing. He doesn't get enough credit for being an amazing musician and songwriter .

I saw Gordon Lightfoot play two years ago, when he was 79. It was one of the last dates my wife and I had before she passed. He looked older than anyone's grandfather and didn't have much voice left, be he was still Gordon Freaking Lightfoot. I'll never forget that night. I'm glad Rick did this song. It brings tears to my eyes every time I hear it.

Funny how when you break down the magic, it’s still magical

Listening to this wonderful episode after hearing of Gordon’s passing. What a masterpiece.

After all these years,....this song still gives me Chills when I hear it. Just perfect.

I know that Gordon Lightfoot is a star, particularly in his home country, Canada. I know that he has received many awards and honors. With all that said, I will confidently assert that Gordon Lightfoot is the most criminally underappreciated songwriter of the past sixty years. The sheer quantity of great work he has given us is astonishing, but "If You Could Read My Mind" is that rarest of creations: a perfect song.

I never would have guessed this would be my favorite of the series. But here it is. Smiling at Rick's unbridled passion, and tearing up (just alergies) at Gordo's painful masterclass.

Rest in peace, Gordon Lightfoot. Rick - I hope you dedicate another video or videos to Gordon and his music and talents.

Will never tire of listening to this song. Now that Mr. Lightfoot’s gone, there’s an added layer of melancholy to the song. Goosebumps while listening to it again. ❤️🎶

I also want to add that I think Rick is being too humble about his position regarding fair use and the whole senate hearing thing. I’m all for making sure the artists get paid fairly, but these “What Makes This Song Great “videos Rick produces make me want to listen to artists light Gordon Lightfoot and Led Zeppelin and maybe even purchase some tracks. So in a very important way, Rick is helping expose these artists to new fans and generating new appreciation among old fans. I would have thought the artists would appreciate that exposure and at least be willing not to block; and I would suggest they should be willing to at least split the Google revenues. Anyway, just my opinion, but thank you Rick for all of these videos , the content is incredible .

Legend has it, even Vulcans are moved by this song.

Always really liked Lightfoot. This the first time I've really paid attention to the lyrics of this song. As a youth it would not have resonated but, you live a life and it goes right into your soul. Incredible.

i had this song played at my wedding and then we played it at my husband's funeral. It means so much to me.. Thank you Rick for bringing it back and making it so divinely lovely.

Gord’s guitarist Red Shea was my first guitar teacher when I was a kid in Canada. Was a fantastic guy. I didn’t take another formal lesson again until I went to GIT in LA. Luckily saw Gord at the Royal Albert Hall in London a few years ago. The first time he played there in 35 years. Was a heck of a night.

Interesting side note about Mr. Lightfoot- he was involved with a woman named Kathy Smith. (Sundown was written with her in mind). He ditched her, knowing she was just bad news after a while. Fast forward some 8-10 years, he got wind that she was in the L.A. party scene & hanging around John Belushi. Gordon Lightfoot actually reached out to Belushi to warn him off her. Belushi obviously didn't listen, as she was with him the night he died, spiking speedballs. She was questioned about this by the authorities and apparently released. Weeks later, she went to the tabloids telling her story for a profit. She admitted to their activities that night. When police got wind of it & were able to verify these stories, she was arrested & actually did jail time. Gordo tried, but in vain....

Rest in Peace, Mr. Lightfoot. I first heard his music when I was only five or six, and it bypassed my intelligence and went directly to my soul. At forty-eight now, his songs are part of my very being.

After listening to the song tonight, came back to this video just to dwell on genius now gone. RIP to possibly the best & most Canadian of musical geniuses

The breakdown of this song is definitely Beato at his best. Rick made listening to this great song an even greater experience.

Gordon Lightfoot, Jim Croce and America made me fall in love with acoustic driven music.

Gordon died yesterday, May 1, 2023. I've been listening to this song for over 50 years, and have always loved it. When I love something, I don't need to know why, but thank you, Mr. Beato, for explaining what makes this song so beautiful. One thing I've never noticed before today, is that there are no drums. Amazing.

I am writing this on the morn of Gordon's passing. I stand with all of Canada in mourning today. Gordon Lightfoot's music is timeless, his lyrics ethereal. I have loved his compositions for 5 decades and will continue to do so for the rest of my life. R.I.P. and know you made a difference.

This song is one of most glorious, beautiful and powerful songs ever recorded. Just the lyrics alone gives me chills.

When I was a kid in the mid-fifties, my uncle owned Muskoka Lodge, a vacation resort on the banks of Lake Muskoka in Ontario, Canada. Gordon Lightfoot was a dishwasher there. He'd work in the kitchen during the day and sing in the evening. I've always thought "If You Could Read My Mind" was the greatest song about lost love ever recorded. Thanks, Rick. Now how about a WMTSG on Elvis Costello And The Attractions?

Came back here today to listen to this wonderful tribute. RIP Gordon Lightfoot

Thank you Rick, when I heard of his passing tonight , I knew right where to go.

Lightfoot is extremely underrated, I would put him up there with the greats, yet very few people listen to his stuff.

This song is so intensely sad, that I will often cry if I’m somewhere I can allow myself to be vulnerable. When I was younger, I would get mad at it, to not let it in!

RIP Gordon Lightfoot! We will miss him but we will always have his music 😢

Gordon died today, May 1, 2023. Please consider doing another one of his songs. ❤

First off. Hanging out with Rick for 20 minutes restores my belief in humanity. He’s incorruptible.

Mr. Lightfoot lived on my street for a couple of years in the early 1970’s. I use to see him coming and going. I’d say hello (remember I was 11 or 12) and he would always say hello back and ask me how I was. Lightfoot was very neighborly. Very nice.

Rick says at near the end of the video: 'I love this, it never gets old to me.' This sums up why these videos are so great. His love and enthusiasm for these songs radiates through him (his voice, facial expressions, etc.).

It's rare to see the perfect merger of lyrics that tell a coherent story with a tantalizing melody with an impecable harmonic progression. This song came out in 1970 and I remember being mesmerized when I heard it on the radio. "If You Could Read My Mind" has an incredibly sophisticated merger of acoustic guitars and orchestral strings that's nothing less than a sumptuous musical banquet of delight. What's interesting is how the first verse casts him in as a tragic ghostly character in an epic fairy-tale castle-fortress setting while the second verse describes his lover's thoughts as the contents of a paperback novel, which suggests rather trashy hack romance writing. That contrast sets up a dialectic between his own magical (if despairing) thoughts and what he believes are his lover's unrealistic expectations of him. He can't be the hero of her pulp fiction story. Then his lover becomes a remote film queen, suggesting he's projected a lot of his own hopes and wishes on her (she's supposed to bring out all the good things in him). But in the end, he can't figure out why the relationship has failed. It's perhaps the most beautiful failed-relationship rationalization poetry ever written. It hits people in the gut because almost everybody goes through a relationship where there are unrealistic expectations and projections from both sides. People are screwy that way. I think Lightfoot hits this point of compositional mastery again in his song "Beautiful." It's a flawless love song without all of the complex inner psychic content of "If You Could Read My Mind." I've performed "Beautiful" at a few weddings and audiences just love it. Was privileged to see Gordon live in 2016-17 after he recovered from a stroke. Marvelous concert for an audience that totally adored him. Pretty sure every last audience member was weeping by the end of Edmund Fitzgerald. Wow. A true bard like this only comes a few times in any generation.

The inflection of mood when Gordon Lightfoot says “heroes often fail“. Man, that gets me every time.

About five years ago a friend had him come into my music classroom completely unannounced. My students of course had no idea who he was.

I love how much you went into this Rick. It clearly meant a lot to you. Gord died last night here in Toronto and the outpouring of love and respect is overwhelming

Watching this today, on the day of Gordon Lightfoot's passing. It's really lovely to have my attention drawn with such love to his skill, artistry, and poetry like this. Sure glad you did this one, Rick.

The wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald was a childhood favorite.

Oh wow, I haven't heard this in years, and I have now just rediscovered why I've always loved this song. In fact, I now understand in more detail why I love this song, as each detail that Rick pointed out makes it all too clear what genius is behind this. This is the kind of song where you are transported into the composer's soul, the hair stands up on the back of your neck and you get a lump in your throat and a tear in your eye, not necessarily because it's sad, but because it's so moving and beautiful.

How do we get over this loss? A beautiful song and incredible singer/songwriter. Thank you Rick. Rest in Love Gordon.

Impossible to explain what he meant to us. He was not only a Canadian icon, our bard, our national storyteller, but every Canadian has at least one memory of a significant personal moment when Lightfoot's music was playing - prom, first kiss, first date, the loved one that never showed up as the clock ticked forward, the airport on the way to friends or family, the tears driving home after a breakup, all punctuated by a Lightfoot song on the radio, the PA, or covered by the band. He was not only a public figure, but embedded in our personal histories. He was a part of the soundtrack of our lives. We will miss him terribly.

When I was 5 or 6 years old I was standing with my much older cousin in front of a corner store eating candy. My cousin was smiling and looking at a man across the street. He said to me 'that's Gordon Lightfoot'. I later learned he lived in a basement apartment a couple of blocks away from our street in Toronto. It must have been just before he skyrocketed onto the world stage. It's also strange at that age I knew who he was talking about. Don't know why I still vaguely remember that day but I do. It's not the reason why I'll always love his work, it's just a memory.

Remember my dad telling me his mom would listen to Gord whenever something was wrong or when she was down. She’d put one of his records on, pour herself a glass of southern comfort and listen to it front and back. He’d often join her, often reminiscing about better times. She always said listening to his music was like a campfire for the soul. I wish she was still around. Passed away from lung cancer when I was only a toddler. She sounded like an amazing woman, I would’ve loved to have known her as an adult. It’s funny, I was given her old records when I first moved out. Think I’ll blow the dust of them and give them a play. Maybe even pour one out for her too.

Here I am, watching this lesson for at least the second time, tears in my eyes as one of the best produced pop songs of all time is so lovingly and passionately celebrated. This song never gets old. This is why artful music is so important - it gives life and joy to an otherwise simple existence.

I had to revisit this video once again after hearing that Gordon Lightfoot passsed away. Thank you Rick for showing us the beauty in his music. RIP Mr. Lightfoot.

"The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald" is a classic piece of songwriting.I live in Michigan and that song still gives me goosebumps everytime I hear it.

One of Canada's National Treasures. We absolutely are in awe of his musical genius

Never noticed the fast picking guitar fill before. This is an incredible perfect song. Gets me from the first notes.

RIP Gordon. Your musical genius will live till the world ends.💔💔

Dylan is not wrong. I tear up hearing those sweet strings come in every time. Even after hundred of times hearing this track.

I love Rick's euphoric expressions when he listens to these songs. He so appreciates every note. 💖

Gorden Lightfoot....RIP ..i remember my daughter when she was dealing with depression that she would play his albums over and over. His music is haunting and brings back many difficult times ..dealing with the death of my youngest...sob..

Had to come back to this video again after hearing the news. This can also double as a tribute to Gordon. We've lost a very special one today. Rest in peace "Gordo".

When Gordon starts to sings you are in for a journey. His songs tell a story that you become part of. Thank you Rick.

The first 'not rock' song to capture my attention was Gordon Lightfoot. I was 8 yrs old when the news of the missing freighter Edmund Fitzgerald was mentioned on Nightline. I could imagine the size of the ship and I wondered at the power of a storm that could sink a giant ship on a lake. When the song came out, I was amazed at how he put the story to song, and the melody haunts me to this day. Incredible singer/songwriter.

This hits hard right about now. Sharing this with people, 'cuz it's the closest I come to praying for someone.

I've been a fan of Gordon Lightfoot for as far back as I can remember. His music has always been part of the soundtrack for my life.

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. I was having a crappy day. I set down to eat a late lunch and turned on youtube and there was a video by you about the musician of my childhood, the great Gordon Lightfoot. I literally cried as I watched the video. I am 57 years old and Mr. Lightfoot was my mother's favorite and I vividly remember laying in bed as a child and hearing his music waft up the hall as my mother sat in the living room and listened to his records. I grew up Atlanta suburbs and was lucky to see him live several times. I think I saw him first time when I was around 12 at the Atlanta Civic Center and then again around 15 at the Fox. Saw him last back in late 90's at Chastain Park. Thank you for helping me hear new things in a song that means so much to me. Thank you for the joy you have in your face when you talk about music which is helping me again find the joy I had in music when I was younger.

I'm pretty sure this is one of the most beautiful melancholy songs I've ever heard.

I'm glad I got to see him a few years ago. Gone but never forgotten.

Returning to watch this again. Never got to see Gord live, though I had tickets for a show that was postponed due to covid, then canceled a few weeks ago. Now he's on that carefree highway... RIP, and thank you, Mr Lightfoot, for the music, and Mr Beato, for celebrating it. 💓🎶🎶🎶💓

In my opinion this is one of the greatest songs ever written. Expertly produced as well. It evokes a multitude of emotions, themes and moods. How many songs can you say that about? Haunting lyrics, heartfelt chord progressions, yearning string section, and of course, GL's ghostly voice. Breaks my heart every time I hear it. Whenever I play it on guitar I can't sing the words myself because they are much too painful.

In this age of sonic bombast and monster chops, such detail and finesse get overlooked. Thank you for highlighting the beautiful structure and poetic grace of this stellar composition and recording.

I've heard Lightfoot wrote this amidst his infidelity and the collapse of his first marriage. From that perspective, the lyrics are even more poignant. He is both making an apology and explaining the fractures in their relationship pushing him away, and pleading to find some way to repair it. I imagine there is still some pain when he sings this.

Gordon has just passed and I had to listen to this again. Always...and forever...the perfect song.

Gordon lightfoot is a true living legend. A treasure, a gift to all. I was a kid 17 years old Sailing on an oil tanker in the Great Lakes the night the Edmund Fitzgerald sank on that November night, we were in Lake Huron and it was rough going. I cannot imagine Lake Superiors fury that horrible night. Thank you Mr. lightfoot .

I couldn’t get any of my friends to go see him here at The Coach House in San Juan Capistrano ; so I drove alone and loved every minute of the show in a 500 seat hall sitting 10 feet away!🎶🎶🎶🎶

Most of the time the technical/musical jargon Rick uses means nothing to me because I don’t have that level of understanding (at even a tiny fraction of it) but I find myself hanging on every word… flat 7, mixolydian, to the suspended 4 chord and the modal interchange… Exactly what it was thinking Rick! His love of music and his understanding of the music theory gives me such an appreciation for these songs, even if I can’t really understand it all.

My favorite song writer. In this song, he creates a movie in the mind, and the arrangement is a cinematic score. The soaring strings and innumerable touches, such as the guitar slides create the mood and tell a bittersweet story. Really glad you decided to focus on him today.

I’m baffled why any publisher would ever want to block Rick Beato. If anyone is going to sell more “records” or get people to listen to some of this great music, it’s you Rick! They should not be blocking you, they should pay you. I love your enthusiasm for the music, and your insight into what makes a song great. Keep it up, and Thanks!

As a child growing up in Canada in the 70’s with rules about the radio playing Canadian artists, I consider myself lucky that he was there making music. His songs always makes me think of childhood. I love how people have been doing reaction videos to his songs - all kinds of people are appreciating his genius. RIP Gordon Lightfoot❤

I'm a HUGE Lightfoot fan! I think he's the world's greatest lyricist, and even though he may not break any new ground with his music, he speaks to the soul of the baby boom generation. Really puts his heart on his sleeve and sings about things we can all relate to - the joys and pains of love and life. The highs, the lows, the mistakes and everything in between. Brilliant songwriter.

I think if Gordon saw this, it would have to be very powerful for him. Despite the millions who loved him, he would know that at least one person fully understood what he accomplished with this song.

This is the best show on RU-vid for the non musician right to the professional. The way he breaks down the parts is very powerful and relatively easy to understand. He doesn't just tell you about the technical side of string arraignments, the guitar chords and such, he is exposing the average person to the sheer emotional power of acoustic man made music. I'm from just outside of Gordon's home town and I got goosebumps listening and watching. Nice job Rick you made this somewhat cynical metal head come close to tears. Bravo pal.

I went back to watch this again after hearing Gordon died overnight. Makes for a beautiful tribute.

My favorite Gordon Lightfoot song is "The Last Time I Saw Her." I know it's about a man whose wife or lover has died, but the first time I remember hearing it was in 1982 shortly after my beautiful 24 year old sister died suddenly, and I always associate the song with my sis, whose remnants lie beneath a battered marking stone. The song has been covered by many artists, but my favorite version and the only one I listen to is Lightfoot's.

Rick I just love how you take a song that we older folks have heard hundreds or maybe even thousands of times and force us to listen to them a new and different way. Like your brother did to you, you make us put our ear to the speaker and REALLY listen. Thank, you so much!

Gordon Lightfoot's voice gives me goosebumps. Just one of the greatest voices of all time, period. 💟

I'm not musically educated, so all of the technical explanation is a foreign language to me. What makes this song great is the perfect blending of all of that musical alchemy with a soulful voice and poet's heart. And I did have the chance to see Gordon in 1974 when about half a dozen from our dorm made the trek to Detroit's Masonic Theater - a small intimate venue perfect for his music before everyone started booking sports stadiums. Still one of my favorite concert memories.

RIP Gordon Lightfoot. Amazing singer-songwriter. One of the best!

Aside from the gorgeous arrangement are they lyrics. Such beautiful visual imagery and metaphors used. They tell a story that is immediate, wistful, and nostalgic.