Drummer reacts to "If You Could Read My Mind " by Gordon Lightfoot

[@ericarachel55]

hang in there son, your daughter needs you!

[@daveburns3886]

Stay strong young man.. you’re a good guy and thoughtful and you’ll be OK!

[@DrStrangelove3891]

I just love the lyrics in this song. First he tries a long extended metaphor about ghosts and movies and paperback novels, so poetically written, so beautiful. But then he says "Let's be real" and he hits you with the most heartfelt and relatable lines ever. "I don't know where we went wrong, but the feeling's gone and I just can't get it back".

[@L33Reacts]

I didn't even realize that while listening but wow is that a gut punch or what...

[@easysoul48able]

Since you're discovering Canadian artists, "American Woman" by the Canadian band The Guess Who. It will blow your mind.

[@zogzog1063]

"... and heroes often fail ..." Surely the most profound line in all music.

[@johncheney950]

This song is about the breakup of his marriage and how it affected him. RIP Gordon He was the Master story teller.

[@robertpearson8798]

One of the most beautiful songs ever written. For another listen I’d recommend Early Morning Rain, Sundown and of course The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald.

[@stevedahlberg8680]

Yes!

[@debbieplato5107]

A beautiful haunting song. Gordon Lightfoot is a master storyteller. I grew up with his music. The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald Sundown Carefree Highway Early Morning Rain The Canadian Railroad Trilogy

[@backbeat44]

some enlightening quotes about Gordon Lightfoot: "Lightfoot became a mentor for a long time. I think he probably still is to this day." - Bob Dylan “I can't think of any Gordon Lightfoot song I don't like. Every time I hear a song of his, it's like I wish it would last forever. " - Bob Dylan "Favourite Lightfoot songs? Shadows, Sundown, If You Could Read My Mind. I can't think of any I don't like!" - Bob Dylan "Gordon Lightfoot has created some of the most beautiful and lasting music of our time. He is Bob Dylan's favourite singer/songwriter - high praise from the best of us, applauded by the rest of us." - Kris Kristofferson "I've always been trying to write songs like Lightfoot. A song of mine like 'Come Monday' is a direct result of me trying to write a Gordon Lightfoot song." - Jimmy Buffett "I always knew Gordon Lightfoot was a really great songwriter, but his stuff even sounds better and better all the time. It's just so really good to me. It's just like that's what should be in a dictionary, you know, next to a really good contempory folk song, is a Gordon Lightfoot song." - John Prine

[@robertcussins2807]

I'd cry. I often do upon hearing this song. So damn beautiful. And so damned accurate.

[@michaelmisanthrope]

Of all the KZbinrs who do this kind of thing, this man is now my favorite. His face tells me that there is no acting going on--he really listens and responds to the music. He is really beautiful. I hope that things will workout for him and that his children will see what we see in him. I guess I am going to have to see what patron is all about.

[@dennisfarber3708]

Gordon Lightfoot comes from the generation of singer songwriters who knew how to write and perform music that has a very long shelf life.

[@kristinemckee9279]

My 96 year old dad just passed away 3 months ago and his best advice to me over my rocky 69 years was “Don’t overthink it”. Life is sometimes tough so put your helmet on! You’re a work in progress. Embrace your humanness. Love those girls with all your heart and they will grow up knowing you did the best you knew how to do at the time. Dad also often said ”Don’t look back”. Sage advice.

[@AirDOGGe]

Rest In Peace to your dad (mine passed at 83). He lived a long life. Condolences.

[@michaelasay8587]

Pretty hard in this bad world today. I hope people vote right next election.

[@wendyryder2708]

VERY well said!

[@humboldtharry1289]

This reminds me of the beach at night. Just love Gordon’s music by the shore.

[@ccrowe256]

Hey Lee, I really enjoy your reactions because you seem to feel the music deeply, which I do as well. I'm 63 years old and widowed. I was married for 27 years and know how difficult relationships can be. I am certainly not trying to be intrusive but I would perhaps offer a little encouragement by saying that three of the most important factors in a relationship are kindness, empathy and patience which each person involved should display to the other. I know for myself I always believed that if I put my husband's needs before my own and he put my needs before his own, then we could make it, but I'm here to tell you it's not easy. Worth it, but not easy. I don't know what your beliefs are, but if you're so inclined, prayer does help. I certainly wish you all the best. Take care, and I will see you, not literally, for Stevie, Sunday. 😊

[@edgarsnake2857]

That is a powerful song. Unflinchingly facing the fact that the love is gone. I get teary every time I hear it...for over 50 years now.

[@joesuszczynski4084]

Been a Gordon Lightfoot fan for over 50 years and his music has been a big part of the soundtrack of my life. He's known as "Canada's Troubadour" for a reason. In my opinion, his masterpiece is "Canadian Railroad Trilogy" - definitely worth a listen.

[@ta2gypsy]

It is often said "this too shall pass." Just hold on.

[@L33Reacts]

Thank you 🙏🙏 I needed to hear that

[@mve5225]

Gordon's 2 best songs are "Canadian Railroad Trilogy" and "The Wreck of the Edmond Fitzgerald" and he has dozens of other awesome songs - "Sundown" "Carefree Highway" "Early Morning Rain" "That's What You Get for Loving Me"

[@marymargaretmoore9034]

Love Gordon Lightfoot. Lee, hang in there; you'll get through this phase of your life. I've been there.

[@altaclipper]

I love this song so much. Gordon Lightfoot isn't just a singer-songwriter, for Canadians he's the singer-songwriter

[@DavidTateVA]

Perhaps the most perfect song ever recorded. Perfect lyrics, perfect vocals, perfect orchestration, perfect performance. A perfect dagger to the heart, every time.

[@lisar6510]

We all have off days Lee. It's not what happens to you it's how you handle it. Be strong and God bless you

[@cheryla7480]

One of Gordon’s most personal songs…….it’s about the breakup of his first marriage. Gordon was one of Bob Dylan’s favourite songwriters. He has been covered by so many artists……Elvis, Barbra Streisand, Johnny Cash, Glen Campbell, Bob Dylan, are just a few. Canada has lost a true treasure. R.I.P. Gordon 🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦

[@DrStrangelove3891]

Early Morning Rain is another Gordon Lightfoot song you will probably enjoy.

[@lauraschwartz1077]

One day at a time, friend, there's only today. Make it count. You have a good heart. Be true to yourself and life will sort itself out. Peace to you 💞

[@RonaldCanfield-m2r]

Rick Beato (KZbin music aficionado) dissects the guitar work in this song... highly recommend.

[@L33Reacts]

Rick has a great channel! 👍 I'll have to look that one up. Thank you 😊

[@ImOutASAP]

This song was written about his divorce from his first wife. I can't think of another song, poem, story, or writing that puts the emotions in them that Gordon does in this song. What a writer. He is missed. He passed last year on May 1. 😢 There is a live you can watch on youtube, a full concert from 1972. It's awesome.

[@PeregrineTravers]

A great reaction to a beautiful song Lee. As Winston Churchill once said “When you’re going through Hell, just keep going”!

[@daveburns3886]

This is an excellent lyric.. his voice and inflection is perfect for it.. his true masterpiece is ‘the wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald ‘ - I KNOW you’d love it..

[@pushpak]

When you react to 'The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald", remember that when Gordo died, the Detroit Mariner's Church in rang the bell 30 times. The 30th for Gordon.

[@craigreid7178]

Although the message is on the down side, the song itself is a very beautiful piece of music, masterfly performed with great singing and musicianship.

[@andrewcole3736]

Regarding your personal situation. John Lennon said “Life is what happens to you when you’re busy making other plans.” As far as Mr Lightfoot is concerned, in my opinion this song is top shelf. 🕊❤️🎼

[@ChristinaMorris-v8q]

No apologies necessary, Lee. Life can be rough sometimes. It can also be beautiful. Embrace it. Our two daughters were little when we got divorced. We remained friends. Now these girls are 48 & 50 years old and stay connected with both of us. ❤

[@heartoftherose]

No, Lee, you don't talk too much.

[@L33Reacts]

LOL thank you 🙏 I appreciate that 😊

[@jimipalmer5041]

Dude, the daughters are the key. I have two daughters that I spent as much time as possible with after my divorce. Nothing came before them. They tell me all the time how much it meant to them that I was always available and never hid from them, I thought I was the one that needed them with me as much as possible, I was wrong. Love your girls every day and treat them respectfully. You'll never regret it. 🕊💖🎸

[@thomasrudy6132]

great response jim, you were the man and father they needed you to be. l33 seems llke the kind of man who will do the same.

[@jimipalmer5041]

@thomasrudy6132 I hope so, I recognized the pain in his voice.

[@joelliebler5690]

It is one of Gordon’s signature songs!Here are some of Gordon’s best that you will love LEE; Song For a Winter’s Night,Rainy Day People, and Beautiful( a pure wedding song)!I sought of understand what you must be going through as I have struggled through the years after my wife passed away at the age of 38 with my daughter being only 7 at that time. I’ve struggled ever since with different relationships and financial hardships. The only thing you need to do is keep pushing forward and do the best that you can.

[@gracedv]

Hang in there, dear. Try not to let life overwhelm you. You are on the right path and are my favorite reactor, par excellence. Start a gratitude journal! For more sad, brilliant music by Gordon Lightfoot, try The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald. It will put the tenuousness of life into perspective. Sending you love and light!

[@debbiechang5781]

I’m a longtime fan of Gordon Lightfoot and had the great pleasure of seeing him live in Boston in the 1970’s. He was amazing with that beautiful voice and amazing skills on a twelve string guitar. Just amazing. He performed until he was in his early 80’s and just passed away last year. An absolute poet/ composer/storyteller. Thanks for doing this. Another artist you should check out is Bob Seger. I know you’ll love his music. He’s another storyteller who writes his own music/ poetry/compositions. I recommend “Turn the Page” or, in your present situation, “Against the Wind” 🌺✌️

[@sjoh104041]

Just keep on doing your dad things. The payoff in the long run will be rewarding as long as your children know they are loved and cared for.

[@BarbNordman]

Love Gordon Lightfoot and wishing you a better day and many great days ahead! Now you need an upbeat, happy song! Music is a wonderful way to lift your spirits too.

[@johnnyfrederick01]

Yeah this is a very wistful song. Reminds me of Sunday’s driving with my mom to go “shopping” for something to do after church. She was a troubled woman and I hope found answers after she passed away at the young age of 48. This song was on the radio at least once an hour during those times, along with other Gordon Lightfoot songs that were big back then (Sundown). I separated from my wife and 2 young daughters when they were 12 and 9 years old. It was a very difficult time for us. Now they’re 42 and 46 and live near their mother. We all 4 get along very well and the journey of healing and loving continues. It will for you too…..

[@iftikharkamaruddin1592]

One of the most beautiful songs ever written. The melody is so versatile that there's even a disco version of this, and it's great!

[@kpiperjr]

Always loved this song when I was young. Now, having gone through a divorce and all the drifting apart and everything that comes before it, this song just crushes. Still love it, but it hits hard!

[@EchoesDaBear]

Great reaction Lee!! Nobody ever said being a parent is easy! I feel you there - as a father of 3. You will get tired, stressed, upset - but in the end, think of them and be the best you can be...for them! I've been able to tap into strength I didn't know I had - all because of my kids! Much like addiction recovery, parenting is a 'one day at a time' approach! Gordon (RIP) is an absolute legend - especially here in Canada! Such a prolific, meaningful songwriter! He WILL tap into your emotions. HIGHLY recommend: Sundown (a little more upbeat than this track), Carefree Highway, The Wreck Of The Edmund Fitzgerald (a deeper piece about an actual event in November 1975 on Lake Superior) Mr. Lightfoot will be missed! Cheers.

[@PhilPastor]

Great reaction, Lee! For more Gordon, check out "Sundown" and "The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald."

[@leeannies-tears369]

You know how if anyone asks, "if you were on a desert island and you could only have one song to listen to for the rest of your life?".... THIS ONE IS MINE 🎶😊

[@astroteech]

Not a drummer's song, but an incredible song none the less. Pure genius! RIP Gordon. You got the spirit of it! Being a dad is so stressful but so important. I just became a grandpa to my son, and he and I had troubled teen years, but all worked out in the end. He is such a dedicated father, as I was, and now I'm a grandpa.

[@mikemicrael5749]

Lee, if you want to be moved like this and come away a little more energized, you might love "Rocky Mountain High" by John Denver, a song that still speaks to me today. Cheers!

[@magneto7930]

This is a sad, yet gorgeous song. I played it for a girl that I was in a relationship with and it made her cry. That's the same response that most people have when they hear it, if they're being honest.

[@lla788]

So many great songs from back in the day.

[@jrusso4753]

Lee, your reactions are the perfect cognitive response to music in general. Great music SHOULD be a personal experience. We all listen to the music, but do we really hear what the poets are saying? There are many, many songs in my life that immediately turn on neurons in my brain and are very meaningful to me on a spiritual basis. The way you translate the poetry into into your own life issues is beautiful. Also, to do so in this public forum is not only brave, but it tells me you have a wonderful soul. Keep on keepin' on, my son. You are walking a righteous path...and not alone! Peace and love to all here. And may God bless us all.

[@arniezelkovitz6885]

I was away in my freshman year in college when this came out and had a girlfriend back home. She broke up with and sent me this 45 which I played over and over. I was heartbroken. Now, I’m a retired old man, married to the love of my life for 48 years and when I hear this song, it brings a smile to my face instead of a pang to my heart. I’m so grateful that we dated and even more grateful that we broke up because it led me to to the girl who has been my soulmate forever.

[@chrisparkin1786]

Gordon Lightfoot is a legend. He’s got some amazing songs, the best is “The wreak of the Edmond Fitzgerald” that it’s a history lesson. You’ll love it!!

[@caryriggs5719]

Rainy Day People and Carefree Highway are just two of his awesome songs. Many more.

[@robinreiley1828]

Some themes are Universal, Love Lost is the Most Universal. Whatever happens, we are always hardest on ourselves. My Grandmother gave me great advice when my marriage ended, "Be Kind". When all is said and done, when everyone has placed their Blame, only Kindness and Forgiveness of others, and ones self, will make it better. This World will Break Your Heart, ...if you don't let it Harden Your Heart...you Win, and so does everyone else

[@kevinphinney932]

This song is just ghastly in its humble majesty. It’s just another heartbreak in a world of broken hearts, stated so simply - but in terms of expressing hurt, regret and resignation, it’s Mt. Rushmore in music. There is a disco version created decades later for a movie. It’s such a rush to hear it so well reinterpreted. It’s by Stars on 54 (as in Studio 54). It was not a disco hit during the era of disco - but it could have been. It will never replace the OG, but it more than justifies its own existence. Check it out.

[@jeffreythaw3333]

Listen to the choice fills and harmony accompaniment by Gordon's outstanding lead guitarist Red Shea. Brilliant!

[@dialtones6]

Think you first said it when you listened to Simon & Garfunkel but this IS adult music...complex and emotionally fraught. Patience is key as is perseverance...and honesty. You've made a great start. No retreat, no surrender.

[@johnnyfrederick01]

Well said!

[@Sharon-bo2se]

And another Canadian icon. One of the best in the business ever. As a drummer, check out Rush.

[@StoneShards]

Love is like a delicate flower, so easily bruised--but it's the bruising that brings out the flower's scent! Whatcha gonna do...? I know! BREATHE DEEPLY!

[@cmoplay1]

Music will always soothe the soul.

[@nflr92]

Transports me back to my childhood in the 70's, especially winters. I would always associate all of Gordon Lightfoot's songs with fall and winter for some reason. My dad worked for Sylvania and he'd get the giant combination TV, record player, cassette player and 8 track player console. I remember this 8 track tape in my mind's eye

[@markvamos2400]

L33, you are seriously a breath of fresh air when it comes to reactions!! Your honesty and intelligence is great to partake of!! You really remind me of my youngest son and how I got him interested in ALL THE "OLD" MUSIC!! LOL Keep it coming, brutha!

[@lindagrasse-murray8128]

This song resonates with so many different people. Relationships are so hard, and sometimes they do end. I was going thru a divorce when this song just came out. I related to it and sang it every time I heard it. But Gordon was also going thru a divorce and this is why he wrote it with so much emotion. I have been lucky to see him in concert, and he is truly a legend. Thank you Canada for letting his music come down to the States. Too bad he passed away back in May '24, He was a true legend. You will be able to work this out I am sure. It will take time & patience. Good luck, and you will find out just what will be right and when.

[@NoviJimB]

My absolute favorite from him. Such a powerful song, which is hard to do with a slow folk song. The lyrics are great, and those combined with the whole feel of the song creates a little world of it's own. A great example of top notch production - the two guitars, the strings and his voice are blended together so perfectly. My sister had this 45 back in early 71 and I wore that little record out over the course of just a few months.

[@jessicalee7119]

How interesting that the songs you decided upon have had a common thread ~ life provides what you need; then, when it's given what you needed ~ it removes it. The Lessons are the gift you are left with ~ often they are hidden in the feelings we believe or label, as pain. It's the ongoing cycle of all of our lives. Letting It Be, is the challenge. Finding, The Middle Way, is a lifelong practice ~ and in the moments when I can do it ~ I am and Life is, Peace~filled. Wishing you ~ and the world at large ~ many moments of Peace.

[@gillwaugh7212]

You ARE making it happen Lee. Good going. I bet your girls think you're great. All the best to you. Just going to hop over to Bodhisattva for some upward vibes. God bless x

[@czechappy]

Yes it life is hard, I've learn when life gets hard, Lean on you family and best friends, Keep your smile and your goals in life. Life is like a roller coaster ride, Hold on and enjoy the ride. A good Attitude like you have will keep you pushing forward, Talk to friends and older people, Be around positive people..There always someone out there that going threw or went threw more and they kept it going and was happy they did.

[@edwinawilcox663]

Sorry you're feeling blue. I know it's been said already, but really.... 'The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald'.... but maybe you should wait a bit. Hugs

[@cheryla7480]

Hang in there! You are a good person, it comes across on the screen. We are pulling for you. You are stronger than you know, your path is bumpy right now, but you will make it……..just believe in yourself.

[@stevenparker4684]

Men and Women are like living on two different planet. Keep communicating to help through the rough times

[@paulehney4581]

One tune that always got requested over and over when it came out.

[@JimFlickinger]

I know I'm a bit biased, having been blessed with growing with this music, but the lyrics and poetry of music in the 60's and 79's will never be matched!

[@zex7689]

Beautiful and sad. Gets me every time.

[@Papabob1957]

What a great reaction to a great song and I know what you’re going through as a lot of do and all I can tell you is as a husband and a father you have to base your decisions on doing the right things for them even if it makes life harder for you. But you’ll be surprised how much it’s worth all the problems when you see your kids grow into adulthood and realize that you’ve done the right thing, and be prepared to walk your daughter down the aisle at her wedding, and holding your grandchildren

[@williammuntzer7374]

Great reaction. This is my favorite song. I was lucky enough to see Gordon in the late 80's. He was an incredible talent. I suggest the song Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald. It's a true story

[@NVprods]

I believe one of the greatest lyrics and songs of all time. Bob Dylan and Bruce Springsteen both have said they were big fans and were influenced by Gordon Lightfoot. He was in his 80's when I got the chance to see him perform in a small club, a couple years ago before he passed away, and he was amazing.

[@jackempson3044]

Relationships aren't usually easy. Raising kids even makesit harder. It takes commitment.

[@MisterWondrous]

Although Mister Lightfoot says both I-your and You-my...the title is "If You Could Read My Mind". Such a great popular classic I'd hate for you to miss anyone who might search by title and conceivably miss it. Granted, my recent premiere had all of one person. One too many. Moi. :) Always loved all his hits, especially this one, and Edmund.

[@paulehney4581]

Great pick!

[@MisterWondrous]

@@realbser1956 C'est Joel. His great pick. I agree.

[@MisterWondrous]

@@realbser1956 Mr. Joel picked this great classic. Sorry I had to miss the premiere.

[@jefferytheis4157]

speak those things brother. Don't let those moments pass, you can't get them back. Priorities. Peace. Follow the Love regardless of karma

[@58frascatti]

There are only two full albums on my car playlist, Gerry Rafferty’s City to City, and Lightfoot’s Gord’s Gold. The title song, ‘Sit Down Young Stranger’ from the album that was rereleased as ‘If You Could Read My Mind’ is a gem foreshadowing his musical journey from a choir boy, barbershop performer, part of a duo (The Two Tones -with Terry Whelan, Juilliard School of Music, to Grammy Winner. His artistry in unquestionable and unique. We miss him.

[@TeresaMosby-sm4js]

Rainy Day People is another great song among many of his.

[@TollerLuv1]

To Late for Prayin', The Watchman's Gone, Seven Island Suite

[@hudahekizzy8402]

I have to watch every reaction to this. I consider it a "DNA" song. That deep within me.

[@Spellfork]

The chorus reminds me of every sitcom intro credit sequence in the 80’s

[@rodneygriffin7666]

It's a tough song to listen to when you've been there . But, still it's important reminder that Love can enrich your life or destroy all hope in the future. It's up to you and everyone and me, To find contentment in our own lives. Life is not only for winners, But for losers too.. Hold On!! I'm a 58 year old Loser, and I'm Proud! I'm still my own best friend and i try to be a decent human being. That's all Anyone needs to be.

[@HeidiDenoble]

Your reaction is like everyone else. Who hasn't experienced the loss of a relationship.

[@bleuedee6531]

Came to see your reaction to this song ❤ BTW Journaling has helped me a lot. Use the songs you react to as prompts. Keep plugging away. Journaling, it's cheap and keeps one grounded. Aces!

[@leonardshevlin7260]

I dare you to listen to "It's Too Late" by Carole King.

[@joejohnston3591]

Just remember friend, follow the yellow brick road!

[@kestrelle5345]

I see your Humanity and subscribed.

[@StoneShards]

Oh, yes! Patience IS the key! When I need to invoke "patience", I remember the stone...the rock of ages...under the mountain...knowing only to wait, watching forever go by...without care...

[@caryd67]

Talk to her bro.

[@freespyrit]

I feel for you. So much strain and struggle life brings. But it's all too beautiful also. And All Too Much as well.. I'm much older than you and so much has happened it can swamp you. 3 girls and a boy for me. One daughter gone from bipolar and overdose. Son struggling too now. Wife had cancer. So many trials. But still feel the beauty of living in spite of it all. Now my granddaughter lives with me and has reminded me of the blessings. So the human condition is full of beauty and pain. Music has helped me through it all and still does. It's gratifying somehow that you're enjoying the Beatles too. I guess we touch and find solace within our shared communion with music. Be well....

[@arl1958]

You are a very impressive young man.....do your best, that's all you can do. I'm an older person, been through a lot of crap that I didn't think I could handle, but I did and in the end everything works out the way it should. Love your kids they are the best thing that could happen to anyone

[@Zebred2001]

We're all pulling for you Big Guy! Check out some Rascals - It's A Beautiful Morning and Groovin'. These will help!

[@Russ-gy7tx]

Lee, there was a song that had the same feel that came out a year before Gordon's by Singer actor Richard Harris, titled "MacArthur Park"

[@genecase9464]

As I'm sure others have already mentioned, wait until you react to "The Wreck Of The Edmond Fitzgerald". A song about a freighter that sank in Lake Superior in 1975.

[@johnthegreek5836]

Great song, definitely a sad breakup song