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

[@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...

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@user-dq5xx9hi4q]

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!

[@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!

[@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.

[@johncheney950]

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

[@ta2gypsy]

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

[@L33Reacts]

Thank you 🙏🙏 I needed to hear that

[@DrStrangelove3891]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@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 🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦

[@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.

[@altaclipper]

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

[@marymargaretmoore9034]

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

[@robertcussins2807]

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

[@DavidTateVA]

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

[@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"

[@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..

[@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.

[@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 🎶😊

[@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

[@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!

[@user-fj4lt9wl9g]

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

[@ericarachel55]

hang in there son, your daughter needs you!

[@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.

[@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” 🌺✌️

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@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!

[@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.

[@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

[@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. 😊

[@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. 🕊❤️🎼

[@caryriggs5719]

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

[@daveburns3886]

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

[@jeffreythaw3333]

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

[@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...

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@user-lw1qy4ep1j]

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.

[@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

[@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!

[@lla788]

So many great songs from back in the day.

[@PhilPastor]

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

[@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. ❤

[@humboldtharry1289]

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

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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 💞

[@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…..

[@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.

[@user-dq5xx9hi4q]

Gordon has written over 300 songs with many of them performed by other artists. He has countless great songs but most people only know the handful of his hits heard on the radio and elsewhere. Best place to learn his other fantastic gems is to watch some of his live concerts. I can whole-heartedly recommend his nicely recorded LIVE IN RENO 1999 performance, which can be found here on youtube by searching for "Gordon Lightfoot: Live In Reno". Doing so added a lot of new favorites to my own collection.

[@Sharon-bo2se]

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

[@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 😊

[@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!

[@stevenparker4684]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@user-uh3nn9sm1j]

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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@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!

[@paulehney4581]

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

[@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

[@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

[@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.

[@jackempson3044]

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

[@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

[@Spellfork]

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

[@TeresaMosby-sm4js]

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

[@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.

[@HeidiDenoble]

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

[@zex7689]

Beautiful and sad. Gets me every time.

[@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.

[@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"

[@hudahekizzy8402]

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

[@noneofurbizness5838]

I have no way to verify, but there's actually an old Abbott and Costello movie, the ghost in the wishing well, about the battle of New Orleans. Imagine that, if I'm right. Someone out there is still alive and remembers that movie.

[@sallypursell1284]

I'm so sorry to hear that you are troubled, and have a difficult life. Things will change. They always do. Life is very long and so much will happen to you and your family. I wish you all the best. Take care. See a counselor if you can; they can be very helpful.

[@TollerLuv1]

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

[@robertkelsow-geall7395]

GL was or is a Canadian icon. I remember my parents had maybe 25 albums that they played on the "hi-fi". This was one of them. Anne Murry and Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass were 2 more. Lol

[@thomasrudy6132]

After the boxer and this great song, another awesome singer songwriter from the same era that I think you might like is Don McLean. He wrote a song "Vncent" about Vincent Van Gogh and his masterpiece The Starry Night. It is such a poignant study of the tortured artist who became world famous, unfortunately after his death, enjoy!

[@ksaint7]

I think you should listen to Harry Chapin’ s “Tangled up puppet”. It’s the daughters version of “Cats in the cradle”. Sometimes you just have to let life flow. Just enjoy the moments.

[@gesundheit602]

Man hang in there. Divorce with two small kids was the hardest period of my entire life, but eventually the hurt subsides and you still have your kids who will continue loving you and eventually understand it all I promise. As long as you stay in their lives like I’m sure you will, things will be fine. And this is assuming you’re even married or considering divorce, that is. I had such a horrible childhood so I was determined to not put my kids through the craziness and divorces I experienced as a kid, but unfortunately you don’t get to decide for your spouse. If they want out, there’s not much you can do, and they’ll usually get custody. This was long winded, but I just wanted to let you know the pit in your stomach goes away eventually. I actually look back all these years later on it as being a good thing. I deserved to be in a relationship with someone I could trust and count on. I’ve had that, and I’ve got two grown kids that love me as much as I love them.

[@valerieschreijer6490]

As for your words after the song....Just remember, it's all part of the growing process. It isn't easy! But, hard times definitely make us stronger.

[@joejohnston3591]

Just remember friend, follow the yellow brick road!

[@donpardo2510]

@L33Reacts Lightfoot was highly respected by his peers for his writing. He has so many great songs though not enough of them became hits. If there are times you're struggling and need someone to talk with, let me know. Stay strong

[@Zebred2001]

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

[@KevinRCarr]

Be well, young friend. It gets better a little at a time, as long as you keep on keepin' on. Just to give yourself a less sad listen to Gordon Lightfoot, I'd suggest check out a song called The Pony Man, about a childhood that we could all wish for, or a song called Cotton Jenny, for a sweet relationship song.