SUCH POETIC LYRICS! First Time Hearing Gordon Lightfoot - Wreck Of The Edmund Fitzgerald Reaction

Welcome back, everyone! Today's musical voyage takes us into the heart of a historical tragedy through the lens of Gordon Lightfoot's "Wreck Of The Edmund Fitzgerald." This song, renowned for its storytelling and haunting melody, captures the somber tale of the SS Edmund Fitzgerald's sinking in Lake Superior. Join us as we listen for the first time to this masterpiece, reflecting on its poetic lyrics and the powerful way music can preserve history.
⭐️ WHAT WE COVER IN THIS VIDEO:
Our first impressions of Gordon Lightfoot and his folk music legacy.
Reacting to the intricate narrative and emotional depth of "Wreck Of The Edmund Fitzgerald."
Discussing the historical context of the song and its significance in memorializing the tragedy.
Our thoughts on how Lightfoot's songwriting turns a maritime disaster into a poignant, timeless ballad.
🚢 ABOUT GORDON LIGHTFOOT & "WRECK OF THE EDMUND FITZGERALD":
Gordon Lightfoot, a legendary Canadian singer-songwriter, has a gift for telling stories through music. "Wreck Of The Edmund Fitzgerald," released in 1976, is one of his most famous works, paying tribute to the 29 men who lost their lives in one of the Great Lakes' most notorious shipwrecks.
👫 WHO WE ARE:
We're a couple who loves to dive deep into the stories behind the songs, exploring a wide range of genres and eras. Our journey is about sharing those discoveries, offering our reactions, and connecting with the music that moves us.
💬 COMMENT BELOW:
What's your interpretation of "Wreck Of The Edmund Fitzgerald"?
Do you have other songs by Gordon Lightfoot or similar storytelling tracks that you'd recommend?
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You can find Gordon Lightfoot - Wreck Of The Edmund Fitzgerald at the link below:
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music.apple.com/us/album/the-...
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#gordonlightfoot #edmundfitzgerald #firsttimereaction

[@rickwelch8464]

"Does anyone know where the love of God goes when the waves turn the minutes to hours?" Best line ever imo

[@rowenatulley852]

I tear up when I hear the line, "And all that remains is the faces and the names of the wives and the sons and the daughters."

[@mikenebeker]

Totally agree, it makes you feel what is must have been like to have time slow down to a crawl. Amazing song.

[@joelliebler5690]

Gordon has had so many great lines that it is so hard to pick one phrase. I actually prefer the music of The Canadian Railroad Trilogy!

[@readelundy7620]

I know from experience😩

[@chrisjamieson3452]

It certainly ranks very high in popular music. And good for you, it should not go unnoticed in the comments.

[@hokiedoo]

When Gordon passed they rang the bell 30 times for Gordon not 29 😪

[@willasacco9898]

That is beautiful and totally fitting. Thank you for that information.

[@cbobwhite5768]

Yes, on the day after he died.

[@suzanneprock7286]

@@cbobwhite5768 That is really cool!

[@karlsmith2570]

Up until Gordon's passing, it had been 29 times they'd toll the bell after Gordon passed, They'd chimed it one additional time, essentially making Gordon Lightfoot an honorary crew member of the Edmund Fitzgerald

[@hokiedoo]

@@karlsmith2570 that's what I said?...he had some other great hits also 🎸😪

[@saithe475]

The Church in the song is called Mariner’s Church in Detroit which was built in 1849. After Gordon Lightfoot died, the church bells rang 30 times, 29 for each life on the Edmund Fitzgerald and once for Gordon Lightfoot.

[@canucksfan9332]

That’s amazing, and very fitting

[@streamster54]

Beautiful 🙏❤️🇺🇸

[@janekayser-alexander5790]

It was the sweetest tribute ever and I sobbed.

[@janekayser-alexander5790]

My mother used this song to teach her students Michigan history. She would say Ojibwa instead of Chippewa but she was like that.

[@crazyelf3839]

Gordon was one of the greatest balladeers of his time!

[@dsmdgold]

"Does anyone know where the love of God goes when the waves turn the minutes into hours" is probably the greatest line in all of popular music.

[@n5uge12]

Only a Sailor who has been through a Hurricane or Typhoon knows how true those words are. USN(ret)

[@TristanandIsolt]

Definitely great line, but I just listened to their reaction to Vincent by Don McLean and this line IMO beats it. "When no hope was left in sight on that Starry, Starry, night you took your life as lovers often do. But I could have told you Vincent. This world was never meant for one as beautiful as you." Also have to consider about a 100 great lines by Jim Steinman.

[@damogranheart5521]

​@@n5uge12A Minnesotan from Up North. That line always makes me weep. The Anderson was behind her and was in the hunt for the Fitzgerald. The Anderson is still in service and sails into Duluth on a regular basis.

[@steveg8102]

The waves on the great lakes can get to 30 -40 feet and in a November gale the winds are so strong. A big ship like the Edmond Fitzgerald...in those conditions? she was on her own.

[@donferguson-qy5dw]

​@@n5uge12No true words. USMC (Ret). USS OKINAWA LPH-3 WESTPAC 1984-85 went thru TWO TYPHOONS. SHIP GOT BEAT UP BAD.

[@highwayblues638]

When Gordon Lightfoot passed away they rang the bells at the Maritime Sailors Cathedral 30 times. 29 times for each man on the Edmund Fitzgerald and one time for Gordon. Amazing .

[@reneerocha1796]

😊❤

[@alanFconrad]

very touching

[@mikeh8416]

He gave EVERY PENNY he made from this song to the survivor families. He was TRULY part of their families. The final ring was to acknowledge that he'd given his life, as those on board had done, to support the families.

[@jacquelinedavis6607]

​@@mikeh8416Truly amazing knowledge. Gordon was more than a singer telling a horrible time for a well known ship. So poetic and endearing.

[@shellyfox863]

I watched that on tv. My eyes leaked. They leaked a lot. Gordon remained in touch with families throughout his career.

[@terminallumbago6465]

Here’s the history behind the song: “Gitchee Gumee” is the Objibwe word for “Great Sea” and it is used to refer to Lake Superior, which is known as an inland sea because of its size and conditions. They say it never gives up its dead because bodies at the bottom of the lake don’t float to the top or even decompose because of the low temperature and lack of oxygen down there. The S.S. Edmund Fitzgerald was a freighter. According to one of the victims’ nephews (who’s also in the shipping industry), if someone was chosen to be a crew member on the ship, they had a lot of seniority, experience, and a good reputation. This is reflected in the fact that most of the victims were in their 40s, 50s, and 60s and had decades of experience. The captain, Ernest McSorley, had over 40 years of experience alone. He planned to retire after the voyage. On November 9, 1975, the ship left Wisconsin with 26-27,000 tons of taconite iron ore pellets. It was an unseasonably warm, sunny day. The ship was headed for Zug Island in Detroit to drop off the iron ore, then on to Cleveland to harbor for the winter (Gordon took a bit of poetic license with this). By the morning of November 10, the weather had shifted on Lake Superior. It was raining with high winds and high waves. It steadily got worse as the day went on. The weather knocked out both of the ship’s radars, and the Whitefish Point lighthouse and beacon were not working properly, so the ship was essentially sailing blind. They stuck close to another ship, the Arthur Anderson, who tried to help the Fitzgerald navigate. The two ships planned to sail to Whitefish Bay and shelter from the storm there. At some point in the afternoon, the two ships passed a shoal (an area of shallow water that can be dangerous for ships). It is believed that the Fitzgerald ran aground on it (likely not seeing it), suffered structural damage to the bottom of the ship, and began taking on water from the bottom. By this time, the weather was also freezing rain, which combined with the wind and high waves made the ship top heavy. The Fitzgerald began listing to one side and water went on deck too, which only got worse as the storm continued. They informed the Arthur Anderson of their predicament and the two ships continued towards Whitefish Bay. At about 7:10 pm, the Arthur Anderson radioed the Fitzgerald and asked how they were holding up. Captain McSorley said the Fitzgerald was “holding its own.” Those were the last words heard from the Edmund Fitzgerald. Within the next 5-10 minutes, the Arthur Anderson lost the Fitzgerald on radar and couldn’t physically see it either. By this point, the ship had already sank. No one knows for sure what happened, but it happened so fast the Fitzgerald didn’t even have time to send a distress signal. A common theory is that a rogue (much higher than normal) wave came up and took them under, which can happen without warning. Because the ship was weighed down by the water on deck, the iron ore inside of it, and the water from the bottom, it simply did not come back up. The ship and all 29 crewmen were lost. They were only 15 miles away from the safety of Whitefish Bay, which probably would have taken only a couple more hours at the rate they were going. The Arthur Anderson safely made it to Whitefish Point, but actually went back out into the storm a few hours later to look for wreckage and survivors. They found nothing. The Coast Guard said the crewmen failed to secure the hatches (an unlikely mistake for a crew that experienced at that time of year). In 2010, it was found that human error did not cause the sinking. In live performances, Gordon changed the line to reflect this new development. The crewmen are all still down there. In the 1990s, divers went down to the wreckage, brought up the ship’s bell, and placed a replica with the engraved names of the crewmen. The real bell is now in the Whitefish Point museum. The families did not want the crewmen recovered, seeing the wreckage as their final resting place. Every year, memorials are held for the crew members. Ships will also stop and ring their bells 29 times when passing the wreck site. In a lot of the memorials this year, the bell also rang a 30th time for Gordon Lightfoot himself. The reason this song is so beloved is because of how factually accurate it is, and Gordon even changed the lyrics over the years to reflect new findings about the wreck. The reason he wrote the song in the first place was because he was upset about the careless news coverage of the sinking (a news article even misspelled the ship’s name). He also donated the money from the song to the families of the crewmen, and anyone who wanted to use the song had to get permission from the families too.

[@Uller1967]

I never bought into the Coast Guard findings that blamed the deck hands not securing the latches properly. My theory is the combination of taking on water after hitting six fathom shoal and a rogue wave. The captain of the Arthur Anderson was quoted saying the Fitz was far closer than he would want to be to the shoal and also commented on the giant wave that overtook them from behind. Given that the AA was following the Fitz, this same wave likely hit the Fitz as well. The heavy load (the Fitz's load limit was increased several times over the years decreasing draft each time) coupled with the additional water they were taking on along with such a large wave, pushed the nose under and she couldn't recover.

[@terminallumbago6465]

@@Uller1967 I agree. Not to mention the weight the Fitz was taking on from the top with the waves and freezing rain.

[@johnness589]

​. Thing is the coast guard dived on the shoal and never found any evidence of her hitting it.

[@boki1693]

Great recap of the event. Thanks.

[@mikedauplaise7477]

The Arthur Anderson regularly visits the port of Green Bay, Wisconsin, to this day, and I think of this tragic event every time I see her.

[@kirkullrich4550]

I don’t care how many times I have listened to this song it brings a tear to my eye

[@tommargarites2811]

Always does for me too.

[@stankulp1008]

best tribute song I've heard

[@biohazard20161]

Same here brother, an artist by the name Brian Burns, did a remake of the song, but at the end he added the name of each crew member followed by the ringing of the ship's bell after each name.

[@arnoldbioursckii6639]

So true.

[@iainanderson28]

Me too, all the way from New Zealand

[@joycenorthwind6874]

When Gordon Lightfoot died, The bell rang 30 times adding him as an honorary member to be remembered because he wrote the song for the lost men. He felt it was too important to be covered so lightly and incorrectly by media at the time and wanted the whole story to come out. All the money he made from that song was donated to the families of those sailors, his goal being all their kids could go to college.

[@pinehawk9600]

What an amazing man.. I didn't know that.. thank you

[@Titan500J]

I did not know that, what a wonderful tribute.

[@stephaniefoster1964]

Thanks for that. 🫶🏾🤲🏾

[@pat_in_va8605]

Each year, they ring the bell 29 times at the Mariner's Church (what Gordon called the Maritime Sailors Cathedral). The proceeds for this song went to the sailor's charity. We must remember that in the 70s, there were no social media outlets, no GoFundMe, and nothing like that. If you needed to raise money for a cause or a need, it needed to be in the print media (newspapers/magazines), television, or radio. Through the decades after this song, Mr. Lightfoot stayed connected to the Maritime Church and the lost sailors' families. When he passed, the Maritime Church rang the bells for him.

[@ffjsb]

Exactly, Gordon never made a dime off of this song, which says a lot about his character.

[@Walton-F-Ramp]

They rang 30 times after he passed.

[@michaelparks6120]

One of my favorite songs...makes me choke up.

[@user-sp6jk3zz5b]

This song was based on the true incident that happened in 1975. The Edmund Fitzgerald went missing and sank in the Great Lakes.

[@dkuhs]

@@Walton-F-Ramp Great respect and deservedly so for Mr. Gordon Lightfoot . ❤️

[@ChicagoDB]

Gordon Lightfoot ~ “If You Could Read My Mind” has always been one of my favorite songs…beautiful! I think you will love it too! Gordon is a bit like Bob Seger…fantastic catalogues! RIP Gordo…you will always be missed!

[@thethirdrail8397]

The flip side of the 45 which I have, Poor Allison" was another!

[@festidious2644]

I have the 45 too. Poor Little Allison is superb. I had the original Sit Down Young Stranger album which is now, If You Could Read My Mind. I don't like it when they make changes like that. I sold it but at least my 45 refers to the original album title. IMO, his Reprise stuff is good but his best was when he was with United Artists. @thethirdrail8397

[@thethirdrail8397]

@@festidious2644 I have At least two if not three GL's Lp's! One of them may be a comp.

[@tiredoldmechanic1791]

It's difficult to believe that there are people who have never heard of this tragedy or this song. I'm old.

[@kenibnanak5554]

LoL, wait till they hear Robeson sing, "Old Man River."

[@MrChiangching]

They've heard it, all these reviewers lie.

[@quintinjohnson3742]

@@MrChiangching Yep he knew right when the drums came in

[@terrcoUSA]

I was at his 1st concert after releasing this song in Traverse City, MI. It was absolutely haunting. The audience was dead silent.

[@tonym362]

Nov 10th, 1975. I was working at Great Lakes Steel on Zug Island in Detroit. We were asked to stay overtime, as we were expecting a large shipment of Ore & materials. After 2 hours our foreman told us the Edmund was running late due to bad weather & we left for the day. The next morning we heard on the local news that the ship was missing, maybe throw so far off course & possibly capsized. Layer that day we were advised the ship went down. We all knew several of the men on the Edmund. R.I.P.

[@kathymcmc]

Thank you for sharing that experience.

[@robertlee9069]

strange that was the EXACT Same Day my dad died Nov 10th 1975......and Exactly 10 years later to the day my son was born Nov 10th, 1985

[@vlh71864]

It was one of the largest ships sailing the great lakes at the time......right now one of the biggest ships that runs in the same area is the Paul R. Tragurtha.

[@toddschmidt206]

Wow that would be so sad waiting for that ship and she goes down in a big storm

[@Mr74145]

I was just one year old when it happened. So sad that some of the kids grew up never knowing their family members that died on that ship.

[@858Bill]

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

[@joannholmes8726]

I live in Alaska, we lose many people. The pain is real...

[@genehornung3295]

I was a Senior in High School when this happened, and this song brings tears to my eyes every time I hear it. Gordon Lightfoot did such a great job immortalizing this tragedy. I was saddened when I heard that he had died. The thing that really gets me is that reportedly the last radio message from the captain was "We are holding our own." You can't write this stuff.

[@lucywaugh196]

Thanks for posting the crews names , so sad .

[@shelleytorok1406]

❤ RIP to all these men.

[@kevinkukacka1409]

Thank you for remembering these names.

[@davidfoxall8765]

I don't think most folks appreciate the size of this "Lake." The area of this lake is greater than the COMBINED areas of Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, and New Hampshire. I used to live up there and got to see some of these storms... amazing power! This "Lake" contains 10% of the World's fresh water and if you poured it out, it would cover all of North and South America to a depth of about one foot.

[@susanlanglo-killian7096]

@davidfoxall8765 I think what you say is true. I have lived on Lake Michigan my whole life but have gone to Superior many times. It is amazing to me how little people understand these bodies of water. They are inland seas. Especially Superior. I was 21 when this happened but I grew up on boats and lakes. I remember the awe inspired in me the first time I visited the port in Duluth and Superior was angry. My dad and I walked along the breaker rocks and the power took my breath away. Gordon did a great honor to memorialize this historic event of modern shipping and those men and the ones who still to this day take the risks to sail big waters.

[@Cheese-Hound]

I have a friend from Australia who laughed that Michiganders would call going to the Great Lakes, “Going to the beach”. She, at that time, didn’t realize how massive the Great Lakes are.

[@lambo2655]

There's a reason the lake is called Superior.

[@robert49783]

I was 10 years old, on November 10, 1975 being raised in Southern Michigan. I remember everything about the storm and its enormous winds, rain, hail and finally snow from the night before and the beautiful sunshine and crisp fall air of the following day when it was announced that the Edmund Fitzgerald was lost with all hands. I was naturalist even at this age and this song moved me to dream about going to Superior. I wanted to feel the legend of Superior and all it's power and majesty. I met my soulmate at age 15 and a few years later after college, we moved very close to Lake Superior. So many times in the past 30 years, when the wind whips up and a storm starts roaring on the big lake, we make our way to Whitefish Point where simply standing upright can be a struggle and the noise from the wind sounds as if you are standing inside a rocket at takeoff. We look out into the lake seeing exactly where this ship went down and exactly where it needed to get to reach safety and think just how close they were. Two days from now, another "blow" will happen, and again we will make our way to nature's temple and pay our respects to Superior and to the people that call its icy depths home. And once again, we will turn the page.

[@jameswalling8395]

"If You Could Read My Mind " and "Sundown" are another two of his hits. But he has many more songs than I can sit here and name.

[@jameswalling8395]

One more thing. His first album was in 1966 and his last in 2020. So he had A LOT of songs.

[@sealdrup]

Sundown is my favorite of his. Excellent guitar work on it, imho.

[@Lakeshore14]

Gordon was such a selfless man. He not only donated proceeds to the family members of those who perished, he also gave of his time and visited family members for many years. He wrote the song because it bothered him that the news coverage of the tragedy was minimal. He certainly kept the story of the tragedy in the hearts and minds of people through his beautiful songwriting and recording. Well done Gordon. R.I.P. 💔

[@CoolClearWaterNM]

Nationwide the coverage was minimal. Many small communities on the lakes, like mine, heard nothing else for weeks. This song and the impact it had helped to balance that equation in an era where there was no internet. Truly amazing looking back on it. That one man could lift such a cry to a whole country at that time... That is what achieving true greatness in the pursuit of good for others looks like.

[@Lakeshore14]

@@CoolClearWaterNM Yes, well said.

[@CoolClearWaterNM]

@@Lakeshore14 As was yours! I was shocked by the emotion this song was able to wring out of me after all of these years. Everyone associated with Lakes shipping and communities at the time was hammered by this knowing that at any time that could be their brother, their father, their son, their friend. The immediate and abundant aid to families and community is well represented in the posts here. The long term benefits, not so much. Over thirty laws and safety regulations came out of the attention brought to this issue by the song, helping to insure that this never happens again. Sorry for droning on. Thank you for 'listening' to this old man.

[@Lakeshore14]

@@CoolClearWaterNM You’re not droning on. Your thoughts and emotion about the Edmund Fitzgerald tragedy are important. As a resident of a small lake community (on the Canadian side) we are probably more focused on Great Lakes shipping and vessels than others. It does give comfort to know how much Gordon’s song contributed and comforting to know that out of the tragedy, laws and safety regulations were changed. It’s also gratifying to know that people are continuing to learn of what happened through Gordon’s song. Enjoyed your input. 👍

[@barsandbarbells2022]

And still bringing it to light today! RIP!

[@VictorVonGrooove]

People would dive down to the wreak but when they found that the bodies were still down there they made it a grave site. It's ice cold fresh water, she truly never gives up her dead. Haunting lyrics.

[@byronness7385]

One of the greatest story tellers I’ve ever listened too, he was a Canadian icon

[@MitchClement-il6iq]

No shit??? I thought was Irish lol 😊

[@rexkimberley9537]

As a former sailor I don't know any person that worked on ships that doesn't get a tear in their eye listening to this song. Thanks for what you two do. I always enjoy tuning in.

[@RetiredSailor60]

Thanks for your service Shipmate. OS1 USN Retired here

[@rexkimberley9537]

@@RetiredSailor60 Thank you too. And all that serve or served.

[@douglasallaire5451]

I was in the Navy, this song resonates.😢

[@webbtrekker534]

Navy here. 1964 to 1970. Excuse me while I blot my eyes... (for real)

[@esamottawa]

As a sailor, I only can 😢

[@RoGueNavy]

I'm a former Navy sailor, and did my basic training on the shores of Lake Michigan just fifteen years after the sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald. This song gives me chills down my spine and a lump in my throat, to this day.

[@craigessick3995]

Thanks for your service.

[@brianmowers3729]

Was born in Duluth and saw the Fitz many times growing up. Was at Great Lakes Naval Training Center in boot camp when it sunk 9 Nov 1975.

[@canucksfan9332]

Anyone who’s spent time on the Great Lakes, or sailing the ocean gets chills when they hear this song. I sailed through some rough seas, lucky to have come out the other side

[@RoGueNavy]

@@canucksfan9332 I got to ride out a couple of hurricanes off the VaCapes. I was posted to the Signal Bridge, just on top of the ship's Bridge. My area was 80 feet above the waterline, and the waves were hitting me in the face. I lashed myself to the binacle, and held on for dear life. Great ride!!

[@docshelley1969]

Me too. RTC GLAKES Co. 016 January 1988

[@scottfrederick7277]

I turned ten years old a week after this happened. My stepdad's family had a cabin up at paradise which is a few miles from whitefish point. We were up there snowmobiling over Christmas break. On a snowmobiling night trip we stopped on the edge of a cliff overlooking Lake superior by white fish point and I remember the adults talking about what had happened. They then pulled out a bottle of Jack Daniel's, pasted it around and poured the rest over the edge of the cliff and told me it was in honor of sailors on the ship. I'm 58 now and it still brings me to tears every time I hear this song and remember that night.

[@chrisclark5204]

November 10th 1975 was my birthday, I turned 14.

[@Zekespeaks]

I'm a retired Navy man and I love this song. I've seen up close and personal how powerful mother nature can be and it is frightening how destructive water can be in a storm when you're on a ship off shore. Gordon had a wonderful way of telling stories like this.

[@davidjackson325]

I have always considered this song as the most moving and beautiful eulogy I have ever heard.

[@rhodasimmons1644]

Yes and to this day I tear up every single time I hear it.

[@jamesalexander5623]

Look at the size of that Ship! .... And a Storm on one of the Great Lakes just Chewed it Up! Most folks have no Idea how huge the Great Lakes are!

[@user-ps1ft1hy4j]

Superior especially is the size of a state in itself.

[@ghost4-6]

😮 Mother Nature is a game you can't win. Father time undefeated. Live life to the fullest or just be alone and angry.

[@douglascampbell9809]

Or how deadly. An estimated 550 wrecks in Superior.

[@WilliamEricStone]

Gorden Lightfoot is a saint on any shore of Lake Superior. The old timers up here say that this winter has been the mildest of any since 1938. But not so tonight. As I sit here, I can see where the Ontonagon River flows into Superior...And she is worked up tonight. There is a 60 MPH wind coming off the lake, and a 20 foot tide. My well build house is shaking and covered with ice...I can only imagine what it is like out there!

[@Ribcrickett]

😳😱

[@BetterGreta13]

He gave all of the proceeds from this song to the grieving families!!!

[@lauraclark427]

This is incorrect. He set up scholarships for the sailors' children but he did not donate all the proceeds from the song.

[@Ribcrickett]

@@lauraclark427how do you know this? I only ask because I’ve read several comments saying the same thing as the comment you responded to.

[@rickstclair2217]

the only thing more popular than Gordon in Canada, maybe hockey. he was a national treasure, great writer, singer, have all he did, love it all and am American.

[@joecharles5368]

Neil. Robiei stole the $$$ from "The Band"!!! 😬

[@MitchClement-il6iq]

Tragically hip!! Cmon now

[@bradconrad936]

Great song but he has so many great tunes.. He is one of the great songwriters of all time. Sundown and If You Could Read My Mind are both amazing songs.

[@sherrygrobaski7615]

We were at the Whitefish point maritime museum watching a live feed when the raised the bell from the shipwreck. There wasn't a dry eye in the entire place. The bell is now at the museum along with pieces of the wreckage. Also.. on a good day, 15 miles can take a freighter an hour. Much longer with storm waves and headwinds. Lake Superior can have waves up to 30 feet high during storms. Just this past Dec. There were waves engulfing 40ft cliffs at the pictured rocks shoreline.

[@Ribcrickett]

😳

[@chrisosieczanek8281]

My Dad was on the Anderson that evening . He remembered the storm , and said it wasn’t abnormal for that time of season . Was surprised the Fitz succumbed to the weather and waves , as they had been through many before on the Great Lakes . Many of the crew lost were friends , but my Dad said it was part of the job , and you just carry on . Told me the song always brought back memories of working on those ships , and not specifically the Fitz .

[@chriscadman6379]

The Anderson still sails. Have seen her on the St Clair river many times.

[@jonathanbair523]

She still comes into Duluth Minn.. Seen her few times on the webcam that streams the view from the harbor mouth into the lake..

[@erich930]

It is thought that a "rogue wave" may have hit the ship, that is a wave that is more than two times the significant height of surrounding waves. Such a wave would have hit the ship harder than she could handle, thus causing her to sink.

[@firemedic5100]

Not only was Gordon Lightfoot a great writer and singing artist, he was a great humanitarian. He is definitely missed, but never to be forgotten.

[@P-M-869]

I remember seeing this in the News when she went missing. It was many years before they found the wreck. They brought up the ships bell. These ships don't travel very fast. Gordon donated all the money from this song to the families of those who went down with the ship. Another Gordon song I like is "Sundown".

[@williamjpellas0314]

The wreck was located by a US Navy CURV-III unmanned submersible in May of 1976, about 6 months after the sinking.

[@drieuxkoeppel8152]

They have actually also had exploratory dives down to the wreck. They then saw a crew member still sitting in a berth, still wearing a life jacket. They determined the body was so well preserved because the water is so cold. They decided NOT to bring the man up, and not to dive down to the wreck ever again. The families of the deceased also wanted these men to be left in peace-and so they are. It’s because of Lightfoot’s vision and artistry that the world knows the name EDMUND FITZGERALD. Lightfoot is widely viewed as one of the finest songwriters of the modern era. This song shows why he deserves the laudatory comments. This song is a masterpiece.

[@Theart_of_my_Art]

"If You could read my mind", "Sundown". ;) S.C. American here that gives respect to not forget.

[@ricksidenstricker2144]

I remember the first time I heard this song. Listening to WLS late at night on my AM clock radio. I was 14 and I loved this song the first time, and each and every time I hear it, it's a haunting memorial to to a grave tragedy and mark's a very memorable point of time in my life. R.I.P. all who bravely gave their lives on the Edmund Fitzgerald. Also, to Mr. Gordon Lightfoot, who memorialized it in a beautifully told story, R.I.P. sir.

[@TW-eh3vo]

Gordon Lightfoot’s style is Gordon Lightfoot. Like no other.

[@shawnblackwood1471]

He could paint a picture with the lyrics of his songs . A proud Canadian . Note the line " and it rang 29 times each man .... at the request of the families the bell now rings 30 times to include Gordon .

[@user-tn6fh2sv7u]

All 29 crew perished in the wreck. Just last year, when Mr. Lightfoot passed, the Maritime Church in Detroit chimed the church bells 30 times... I am sure I was not the only one with tears in my eyes when that happened, though I get choked up everytime I listen to this song..

[@DuckyIAM]

There wasn't a Canadian growing up that didn't hear this growing up. Many generations grew up with this as sing-along, parents taught their kids music and history through lyrics by this great Man.

[@barrysergent5905]

Being from Michigan, I've always been fascinated by this story. I watched a documentary on the Edmund Fitzgerald. Captain McSorely's son recounted how the shipping company modified the Fitz, removing a bulkhead to allow for greater carrying capacity. He said his father commented that he wouldn't want to be caught in rough seas in that ship......kind of half joking. Then Captain McSorely was in a rotation of captains to fill in for one another when another captain was taking vacation. McSorely was selected to captain the Fitz temporarily, even as he was nearing his final voyages approaching retirement. Talk about FATE - the confluences of all these seemingly random, individual occurances, coming together in one tragic moment. I cry every time I hear this song. Gordon was a beautiful talent. Try "If I Could Read Your Mind" for another lyrically brilliant, emotional song.

[@robbob5302]

From what I heard, the ship was grossly overloaded. In the rough waters, the ship was caught between two waves. This caused the center to come up out of the water, and crack.

[@donpaladino]

A.M.E.N.!!!

[@SGlitz]

But it was not captain or the doors that sank her.

[@markrinehart8813]

The highest wave recorded was a height of 29 feet (8.8 meters) on October 24, 2017 on 'Lake Superior' just north of Marquette, Michigan. ” “Most storms over the oceans of the world can produce average wave heights of 30 feet. But, 'Lake Huron' was hit by the worst storm ever to hit one of the Great Lakes on November 3, 1913. The storm produced wind gusts of 90 mph (145 kph) and ocean-like waves of more than 35 feet. The storm lasted 16 hours, sank 10 ships, and killed 235 seamen. They called it the "The Big Blow!"

[@Uller1967]

Hurricane winds were recorded steadily at 70 mph with gusts up to 86 mph throughout the day on November 10, 1975 the day the Fitz went down.

[@Ribcrickett]

😳😱😳😱😳

[@Ribcrickett]

@@Uller1967 😳😱😳😱😳

[@robertljazz2796]

What is crazy is that crews that have gone down to see the wreck, have seen some of the dead sailors and they are preserved and look ageless. RIP, to those who died on that fateful night! God bless them and their Families!!!

[@jennifermichelleswanson3797]

One of the crewman told his family that if anything had happened, that it would be quick, because the lake is so cold and they didn't have time to put on any of their life saving gear, meaning their dry suits or anything. That's how fast this happened. I was 10 years old when the mighty Fitz (the Edmond Fitzgerald) sank. The ship was known as the mighty Fitz. Lake Superior is the coldest of the Great Lakes. In summertime it warms to about 50 degrees or so. It's a spring fed lake and it's 1,333 feet deep. It's the deepest of the 5 Great Lakes.

[@pauld6967]

For a freighter, 15 miles is significant. For example, if the ship could make 5 knots in these storm conditions (EDIT: the common, calm sea, speed for Great Lakes freighters is 10.4 knots (12 miles an hour)), it would still be 3 hours to cover the distance. Edit was inspired by gnar's comment.

[@goodshipkaraboudjan]

5kts is not a common speed in normal sea state.

[@JeremyMiller-sn6nh]

One of my grandfather's friends was a crewman on the Edmund Fitzgerald. I grew up in a small town near Mackinaw, Michigan and grew up hearing stories about this tragedy 😢 Rest in Peace to all those lost souls 🌹Rest in Peace Gordon 😢

[@chriskerr5255]

He is simply.....the great poet. RIP Gordon.

[@artistjoh]

Lightfoot wrote the song, walked into the studio, and handed their parts to each member of the band, told them what he wanted, and without rehearsal they played and recorded it in one take. Amazing. The bodies of the crew are still in the ship because the lack of oxygen and the cold means that the bodies do not decay. There is a 500 meter exclusion zone around the wreck and it is a grave site at the request of the families. There is a park and bench so they can go site and look over the water that holds their menfolk. Lightfoot donated the profits from the song to the families. When the ship went down the whole world held its breath for days as the search for the ship was conducted, and hopes faded for finding any survivors.

[@garybradford8332]

Gordon said had they put just 15 more miles behind them before the storm hit, they would have escaped the worst part of the storm and likely survived as just a normal delivery, probably not knowing how close they had come to disaster. I grew up in Michigan and there are shorelines where you'd swear you were at an ocean, not a lake. Lake Michigan is 118 miles wide at its widest point and you can't see the distant shore. They are fresh water lakes, very deep and very, very cold at the bottom. Some ships that sunk in the 1800s have been discovered still in a pristine, and preserved condition. This is because there's no salt to rust the metal and few fresh water fish that deep to feed off of it. Yes, this song honors those lost on the Fitz but I think it also praises all the unsung heroes lost to dangerous jobs. "The Perfect Storm" is the true story about a swordfishing boat named the Andrea Gail and how it, and the crew from Gloucester, Massachusetts, was lost in storm that had 100 foot waves. It gives a little insight into what the Fitz's crew may have gone through. It has a stellar cast and is well worth watching.

[@philpaine3068]

Gordon came to know many of the families of those who died. He continued to meet with them for decades afterwards, maintaining strong friendships until he died. That's the kind of man Gordon was.

[@markhagerman1837]

Michigander here. I was young when this happened but I clearly remember how big of a deal this was. I’ve listened to the song too many times to count. I still get chills. RIP Gordo, Capt. McSorley, and the 28 other crewmembers.

[@TrianglesAndCircles]

My Dad (88 years old) and I still crank this song top volume for the neighborhood while grilling Johnsonville Brats with a cocktail or beer or both.😊❤

[@quinn-tessential3232]

The Edmund Fitzgerald was found in two pieces. As Gordon mentioned, it was a big ship. If it became suspended between two large ("rogue") waves, one at the bough and one at the stern with nothing supporting the middle, the stress would be too much and the boat would collapse from its own weight. This seems to be what happened. The crew had no chance. This song came out when I was in elementary school and I had NO IDEA that this was 'current events'. Gordon's storytelling style made the tale seem ancient and timeless, as if handed down through generations.

[@lostwizard]

And in generations, it will be timeless and actually handed down through generations.

[@soloflight75]

I saw it mentioned that one of the bulkheads had been removed to carry more ore by someone with family knowledge of the Fitz. Many safety regulations have changed thanks to this song shining light on the desister. You can add Hero to Gordon's titles. RIP.

[@seaneburke]

I grew up hearing this on the radio daily. He gave his poignant lyrics the perfect cadence between stanzas to allow the listener to process the weight of them. A perfect delivery of such a story.

[@Theart_of_my_Art]

Gordon stated in interviews that he read many different papers that published the tragedy, he said "I felt like I was being drawn to honor men lost without any hope, they never went down, nor did they drown, I am still here". The odd thing about this story was the west wind was a very small corridor. There were ships 5 miles from their port that were okay & rushed to call their emergency, but the ship had sunk before they arrived. They just so happened to have left either too early or too late on the fateful date of November, 10, 1975, twas the jet stream curvature that caused the deaths. If they had the current technology, they would have never left the mill port, which would have made it had they waited an hour & 5 minutes, they would have been okay. Lake Superior has some 350 recorded shipwrecks, accounting for some 10,000+ lives lost. That is why he included the lyrics, "It never gives up her dead". As he recollected the history of even the natives lost sailing the lake.

[@jonathanbair523]

Ya the Fitz went down fast... There was a trailing ship who had her on radar. The trailing ship got hit by a big wave, and when it cleared the Fitz was nowhere to be seen. Not by eye nor radar.. One ping she was there then next gone...

[@Ribcrickett]

😳😳😳 That’s a LOT of shipwrecks and people lost at sea.

[@craigessick3995]

I've teared up every time I have heard this song for the last 40 years, including this time.

[@theConquerersMama]

As a child, this was my first memory of community tragedy. We had just moved to Duluth, Minnesota. I was in kindergarten. Those bells were haunting. The easels set up with the pictures in memoriam in our school & at church. It's strange to see adults tear up at that age. This never fails to make me teary now.

[@davethomas6952]

You need only to know the quote from Bob Dylan...."I love any song written by Gordon Lightfoot "...... I saw him in concert around 1976, shortly after he released the Edmond Fitzgerald. Great concert!

[@kurthaubrich9829]

Me too… in Duluth no less.

[@lucparent447]

All the money and contributions was donated to the families of the lost ones , Gordon was a true Canadian legend ,❤❤🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦with this song

[@romibob.5932]

I was born in 68 and was a kid when this first came out. My older brothers listened to this on the radio. Folk music was common but not necessarily pop. It was easy to understand and follow. When I became a young adult and went to college, I was re-exposed to this music and found that is was better than most. it came out in the era of Disco and Rock and so didn't make it big at the time. Music that tell stories will last forever.

[@TripletDad3]

This was recorded in one take, but what maoes it even more amazing is that the band was playing it for the very first time. Lightfoot talks about it in the documentary about him called "If You Could Read My Mind".

[@wxdave5448]

I’ve loved this song as a kid in the 70’s. I actually looked up the history of the Edmund Fitzgerald in the Encyclopedia Brittanica’s Book of the Year (now inherited and on my shelf) after first hearing the song (yes, that’s what we did before in the Internet).

[@johnnordberg6904]

We live in Minnesota and weekend along Lake Superior a few times each year. The lake is special to us and so are all the freighters we see leaving and arriving at the Duluth/Superior ports. When we heard about this and then heard the song on the radio, it really moved us. Our daughter's birthday is Nov. 10th, so it had special meaning to her also. Love the song. Thanks for your reaction and thoughts.

[@adamwillis6986]

As someone born in Superior Wisconsin. This song is a tribute and a taboo in that city, many family members of the departed still reside there and love/hate this song. It's a duel edge sword.... a tribute and reminder of what was lost.

[@marta150]

Spouse from Duluth and he sailed the Great Lakes, on the ship following the Fitz. He won't listen to the song.

[@dr.burtgummerfan439]

You can listen to this song in Miami in August and STILL feel a chill. Lightfoot makes you feel like you're right there.

[@kimbrown2244]

29 died.. . And when he died, the bell in Mariners Church in Detroit rang 30 times... 29 fir the crew and one for Gordon Lightfoot

[@TristanandIsolt]

The music is so haunting. Gordon created a sound that is like nothing ever heard before.

[@lisar.6670]

After Gordon passed away .. The church bell rang 30 times .. Once more in honor of Lightfoot. RIP G.L.

[@avestuart]

I was a little kid living along the northern Lake Michigan shoreline the night the Edmund Fitzgerald sank in November of 1975. My mother recalled recently that this particular evening was very stormy and blustery, big waves on the lake. This ship went down very quickly and disappeared from radar, leading some to believe that it essentially torpedoed into a giant wave and never came up. The windows on the bridge were all found to be smashed-in. Captain McSorely's last transmission was "we're holding our own".

[@jonathanbair523]

There was a trailing ship the Fitz was talking to and she could see the Fitz's lights. The trailing ship was hit with a big wave and when the water cleared, no sight was seen of the Fitz's lights and nothing on radar.. One ping on radar she was there, then next nothing..... Every time I hear this song, it still shocks me the lake can take a ship so quickly.. Then hearing the radio conversation from the trailing ship with the coast guard about the Fitz hits home just how fast the lake can swallow a ship up..

[@tkay4401]

There is a light house in Minnesota along the shore of Lake Superior that still holds a memorial service each year on the anniversary of the sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald. Nov 10. They ring a bell once for each person who died, i.e., 29 times. Last year (2023) when Gordon Lightfoot passed away, they rang the bell one extra time for him.

[@janetbaker1926]

Split Rock Lighthouse

[@Kotic1959]

Gives me shivers every time I hear this song. Canadian Royalty!!!

[@thefogfriendlyoldguy1627]

You've opened a huge book when you approach Gordon Lightfoot. On the twenty albums he released over a very long and productive career, there are around 200 of his original compositions - all written by him by hand on sheet music. Of course, then there's the hundred or so songs he also wrote for other musicians. A true Canadian treasure.

[@mojobag01]

Gordon's voice reached far across the seas. On the other side of the Atlantic there is a lot of love for him, total package singer-songwriter. And there is plenty more.

[@michaelfletcher9640]

'If You Could Read My Mind', is another great example of his poetic skills!❤

[@Arkryal]

He was an amazing songwriter. Try to imagine what this song would sound like if it were written today... Very different. Most artists would try to vocalize a lot more emotion at the climax of the story, but that would have been too much. He maintains the tone and cadence throughout, so you're hooked by the lyrics and lets the words convey the emotion, not the voice singing the words. So even though you know how the story ends, it still kinda sneaks up on you. The guitar was phenomenal.

[@michaelseachrist3291]

I was 7 When the Edmund Fitzgerald sank. A ship close to them asked them what their condition was. The Captain Radioed back, saying that "they were holding their own" several minutes before their lights went out. In the late 90's I took a job and one of the engineers that worked there mentioned that he worked on the Fitzgerald before heading back to college. He named and spoke personally of 26 members of the crew that he had known. I never asked about it again.

[@Yourekillinmesmalls731]

There’s a museum in Whitefish Point Michigan that pays tribute to the MANY ships that have sunk trying to navigate the Great Lakes in the fall, the Fitzgerald is only one of them. Most people don’t realize how bad the weather is on the Great Lakes in the Fall and Winter.

[@profanepersonality]

In 5th or 6th grade, we learned about the Edmond Fitzgerald in our state history class (from Wisconsin), and we listened to the song, too. I already knew and liked the song, so that part of class was like a treat.

[@williamjones6031]

I haven't heard this in a minute. Thanks for the memories man👌🎸😎 RIP Gordon.😇 1975

[@user-ni8nj4cl5y]

Michael E. Armagost, 37, Third Mate Fred J. Beetcher, 56, Porter Thomas D. Bentsen, 23, Oiler Edward F. Bindon, 47, First Asst. Engineer Thomas D. Borgeson, 41, Maintenance Oliver J. Champeau, 41, Third Asst. Engineer Nolan S. Church, 55, Porter Ransom E. Cundy, 53, Watchman Thomas E. Edwards, 50, Second Asst. Engineer Russell G. Haskell, 40, Second Asst. Engineer George J. Holl, 60, Chief Engineer Bruce L. Hudson, 22, Deck Hand Allen G. Kalmon, 43, Second Cook Gordon F. MacLellan, 30, Wiper Joseph W. Mazes, 59, Special Maintenance Man John H. McCarthy, 62, First Mate Ernest M. McSorley, 63, Captain Eugene W. O'Brien, 50, Wheelsman Karl A. Peckol, 20, Watchman John J. Poviach, 59, Wheelsman James A. Pratt, 44, Second Mate Robert C. Rafferty, 62, Steward Paul M. Riippa, 22, Deck Hand John D. Simmons, 63, Wheelsman William J. Spengler, 59, Watchman Mark A. Thomas, 21, Deck Hand Ralph G. Walton, 58, Oiler David E. Weiss, 22, Cadet Blaine H. Wilhelm, 52, Oiler

[@jrdc099]

I've probably listened to this song over a hundred times over the years. Still get chills listening to it.

[@pauld6967]

I remember watching the news coverage of the Fitzgerald's loss as a child and this ballad has remained a favorite of mine over the decades. I am pleased to see this new generation, thanks to KZbin reactions, becoming familiar with the event.

[@alaninohio2]

Gordon was traveling and read a story one morning in a motel/hotel and it made a huge impact on him, He inquired approval from each of the 29 families before he released his recording of the tragedy. He donated all his profits of the song through the years that followed to the families, because it touched him so deeply.

[@claudiaclark6162]

November 10th 1975 The Edmund Fitzgerald went down in Canadian waters where it is under the protection of the Canadian Government for the families and the crew. May they Rest in Peace forever May GOD Bless Them All

[@JL-is9rg]

"Early Morning Rain" will always epitomize Gordon Lightfoot for me. His ability to paint a mood and state of mind with lyrics is unmatched in my opinion. It's in my top 3 favourite songs period from anyone. I recommend checking it out if you get a chance.

[@tracylynnw]

That’s a real good song

[@ericmoyer814]

A lyrical and musical masterpiece.

[@mikejohnson9586]

Dang!!! What a powerful song, man.

[@Quacks0]

This song is indeed remarkable --- it is very beautiful and wonderfully composed. In fact, this song was so appealing and memorable when it came out that it is the sole reason that so many people initially became interested in the Edmund Fitzgerald and wanted to learn about it, explore the wreck to determine what had caused it to sink, and so on.

[@TerryL421]

Being born in 1960, I grew up listening to Gordon Lightfoot. This is one of my favorite songs. He has a large catalog of music, but a few of my favorites are "If You Could Read My Mind", "Sundown", and "Carefree Highway". I saw him in concert in the late 90's when he was around 60 and he sounded exactly the same as he did from the 60's & 70's. RIP Gordon - you are missed.

[@Ribcrickett]

I wanted to see him in concert but never got to. I’m certain it was amazing. He is one of my all time favorites.

[@garyzink1927]

Great reaction! The line, the lake never gives up her dead refers to the water is so cold that the bodies don't decompose. Those 29 men are still down there. A life raft and two 2 ton bouys dropped as markers are in a museum in the soo michigan, they are extremely bent and twisted up. Rip Gordon and thoe sailors from the Fitz. Peace from Northern Michigan.

[@steveg5933]

I was fortunate enough to be born & raised in Western New York, on the southern shore of Lake Ontario. As such, Canadian radio stations were a way of life. Gordon Lightfoot was a Canadian National Treasure. I remember when the Fitz went down in November 1975. My great grandfather was a merchant seaman on the Great Lakes so this event hit home. Many years later I became a 5th generation sailor. Having seen Ontario in her fury more than once helped me face my time at sea. When he died, the Maritime Sailor's Cathedral rang the bells 30 times. 29 for the crew & 1 for the legend who kept their memories alive. Next song of Gordon's I'd recommend is Sundown

[@connielafontaine8948]

Brings a tear to my eye every November when this is played each year.

[@richdiana3663]

The story is real, as Gordan always was. ❤

[@markmclane6718]

Thank You for sharing this... It meant a lot. Especially for the families that will never be able to forget 😢

[@geneaustin5151]

The genius of Gordon Lightfoot! I am so thankful I saw him in concert a decade ago. It was a somber show, my dog (son) passed away that day and it was on Father's Day 2014. Not great timing for such a catalog of hits. The fullness of the playing is from his 12-string guitar. Those 12-stringers are a folk song's best friend!

[@user-je2ef3up6h]

He was well versed in Indian folklore, sailor superstition, and the fact that many sailors loft their lives, unfortunately they didn't have modern weather forecasts, it a sad sad loss of life

[@RyneMurray23]

This is a true story. It didn't get as much recognition as it should've so Gordon wrote this song. 👍🏼

[@roycelabor4339]

Great job y'all! Gordon was a lyrical story teller without peer. IMO, one of the most moving lines in the song is "Does anyone know where the love of God goes when the waves turn the minutes to hours." It never fails to give me goosebumps. Keep up the great work.

[@danleda83]

I see many comments here critiquing your lack of knowledge of Gordon Lightfoot or knowledge of the Edmund Fitzgerald tragedy. Pay no never minds! Thank you for featuring this Ballad from the late great Gordon Lightfoot. This ballad is just one example of the talent this man had. Through words and music, he transcended entertainment -- he provided his audience and experience. Over 40 years later, this song still give me goosebumps, and at times again brings tears to my eyes -- for the wives, the sons and the daughters who lost a loved one that fateful night. This song serves to remind me of the grit and tenacity of men (and women). It serves to remind me of the worth of souls -- how tiny and insignificant and fragile we all are, especially against the backdrop of raw nature, yet how precious and special and huge we all are, or can be, or should be, in the sight of each other. Thank you Gordon Lightfoot, may your legend and legacy live on! And may God be with you til' we meet again 🙏 Other recommended songs by Gordon Lightfoot: Canadian Railroad Trilogy, Did She Mention My Name, If You Could Read My Mind

[@jamesmoyes3006]

I live about three hours from where Gordon Lightfoot lived. I saw an interview one time where he first wrote that song he sang it for Simon and Garfunkel in his library and Simon looked at him and said I think you have a hit there.