Gordon Lightfoot - Early Morning Rain (Live in Chicago - 1979)

[@geoffreyjohnston6483]

Today is a sad sad day, May 1st 2023, Gordon Lightfoot left us. What a legacy of music he left us, he brought unending happiness to my life. I cannot think of a single song of his that ever made think of anything but the best of his talent and gifts to us mere mortals. So long, thank you for the ride!

[@DonLaVange]

I thank him

[@tomgreene1843]

A voice from my young student days in Dublin.

[@terryroe7713]

My husband is in the hospital tonight fighting for his life. Quintuple heart surgery. He went to Vietnam at age 19. He never talked much about it. Nor has he ever really talked about music. He did tell me that this was his favorite song. He heard it ALOT on the radio over there. This tells you about about him. What a great choice for a favorite song. Rest in peace Gordon.

[@margaretjiantonio939]

He's now singing in heaven. What a tremendous singer songwriter. RIP Gordon Lightfoot.

[@FrothingFanboy]

@@margaretjiantonio939 And perfect enunciation. So many pop singers, you don't know what the hell they are trying to say. Gordon - Best Singer Ever - well, him & Orbison, of course. :)

[@williampeterdenew4249]

The song writer and singer has put down his pen and guitar... Rest in peace in the early morning rain.

[@reidcrosby6241]

RIP Gordy. Listened to this as a young soldier over looking Honolulu Airport from my barracks in 1986. I was 18 and a LONG way from home. Many times the morning mist/dew would be buring off as they rumbled off in the distance. So poignant... alone , young, strange surroundings, for a year i lived in that room watching those jets. He became one of my favorite folk artists. Later, many years later i saw him in concert ..... his music has been such joy over my lifetime. He had such a gift.

[@samueldawuni8135]

I live in Ghana in West Africa. I can’t imagine how much I love Gordon Lightfoot’s songs

[@bobgomez9481]

What?

[@59Rosco]

Gordon Lightfoot is a once in a generation singer-songwriter. "If You Could Read My Mind" is, for my money, the single most poignant, excruciating song ever written and recorded. God Bless, Gordon LIghtfoot.

[@irenecabello336]

One in several generations

[@xxx007bigcity]

Amen!

[@bradhuskers]

Agreed. Great songwriter. But mediocre vocalist.

[@stevefrost2196]

@@bradhuskers Brad, you have no idea what you're talking about. Oh well, ignorance is bliss.

[@bradhuskers]

@@stevefrost2196 LMFAO My statement was 100% correct. Very good songwriter. Mediocre vocalist. Your response speaks volumes about your low IQ.

[@scottmurphy650]

Unquestionably one of the finest musicians and songwriters ever

[@michaelmelling9333]

No doubt!!

[@drflash36]

One of my All-time Favorite folksingers, Gordon Lightfoot has died at age 84! May his beautiful lyrics and singing ring happily for all to remember and hear from now on!! Rest In Musical Peace, Gordon!

[@devilsoffspring5519]

I'm almost as drunk as Gordon Lightfoot right now and couldn't have said it better!

[@mikeandrews9551]

“She’ll be flying’ over my home in about three hours time” The sadness of these words gets me every time.

[@vanislefan]

Bob Dylan was envious of Gordon's song writing skills and his voice. Rightfully so.

[@jamesdrynan]

Gordon had a unique ability to hold an audience spellbound when he presented his songs. This song tells a tale so well it's astonishing. " You can't jump a jet plane like you can a freight train. So, I best be on my way in the early mornin' rain. " Those lines paint a perfect picture of an abject and lonely man. Perfect poetry.

[@shawnkalin9337]

I've lived this song. And played it from my truck, for all the camp to hear, before I left, in the early mornin rain. 👀

[@1971RivieraGS]

This man's music got me through many rough patches. Sad to see him go however his music will go on forever. 💙

[@scrolllocknumlock]

He's one of the best song writers of all time and his voice is so gentle.

[@msjadeli]

One of the most talented songwriters to grace the face of this earth.

[@quantumpotential7639]

Gordon Lightfoot's music paints pictures in my mind like no other. He could make a boiler room come to life in your head.

[@FrothingFanboy]

All I hear is what a great songwriter he was. Well, he was a fabulous singer as well.

[@markberryhill2715]

Guitar 🎸 player as well.

[@FrothingFanboy]

@@markberryhill2715 Yes, of course! I should've added that.

[@glide7635]

Canada's gift to the world. What a talent!

[@kathnh6795]

When we vacationed in Canada, it was a long ride home. I was lucky enough to find a documentary on a Candadian PBS-type station that was broadcasing Gordon Lightfoot and I prayed it wouldn't fade out on me. My daughter, who wasn't as into music as my son, was traveling with me. She was about four. She'd nod off; wake up, read a book, go back to sleep and finally said, "Will they ever stop talking about Gordon Lightfoot?" She hadn't, to my knowledge, ever paid any attention to my albums by him. I said, "Do you know who he is?" and in a rather glum voice, she said, "How could I miss? You play his album all the time. My favorite is the one about the early morning train." At that, she went back to sleep. And here I thought she didn't pay any attention to the music I played!

[@mr.ramfan8100]

How I wish he was ours.....no matter- what an INCREDIBLE talent....

[@hdlam1]

Canada IS the gift to the world. Love, from your neighbor Texas.

[@boboboboski5137]

Oh! Canada! Thank you! Thank you first and foremost for the most supremely awesome Gordon Lightfood! Also, thank your for The Guess Who, Anne Murray, Neil Young, Joni Mitchell, Broken Social Scene, The Band, Rush (esp. Neil Peart!!!!!), and others I'm sure I left off my list.

[@michaelmelling9333]

@@kathnh6795 your story is a bit of a bummer; thought your daughter would have had a magical "light bulb on" moment, but that didn't happen.😏

[@georgewilson1184]

This song done many times by a lot of great artists but only Gordon Lightfoot brings it to life that’s my thinking

[@lynnkowalla1315]

Its an authentic Canadian delivery

[@georgewilson1184]

@@lynnkowalla1315 you betcha it is

[@phillipnelson-j1j]

Ian did it best

[@Trudeau7900]

He has a voice that is like no one else's. It's marvelous . . . the kind that comes along once in a great while.

[@roberthiggerty5670]

Trudeau??

[@bradhuskers]

No. His voice is very limited, mediocre.

[@joeblow7407]

@@bradhuskers So ya gotta be Pavarotti to sing pop music???? Can Dylan or Tom Petty sing? You are an elitist blow hard!!!! Stuffed shirt!!!!

[@ivangranger8494]

@@bradhuskersSays the mediocre one, that Excels in envy, of others.

[@bradhuskers]

@ivangranger8494 😆🤣 Projection is your life, dufus. You're not even mediocre, you’re a bottom dwelling sewer rat.

[@johne6081]

The first of Gordon's MANY good songs! RIP, Gordon -- you will be missed.

[@user-rh8mq4sz6s]

RIP Gordon, thank you for all the amazing music. You really have been a fundamental part of my life. Fly high.

[@michaelgonzalez1042]

R.I.P. Gordon Lightfoot, please spread some love and heartfelt condolences to his family. The Canadian folk music laureate crossed over to major pop fame in the U.S. during the ‘70s.

[@nmwlpi]

His back musicians were with him for 30 years plus. If it ain't broke don't fix it.

[@Swampwabbit77]

That itself is a testament to his down to earth character...I'm 61 and grew up listening to him and Marty Robbins, Roy Orbison & Johnny Cash which were Daddy's favorites that he played from an old reel to reel.

[@WarrenNelson-dy3qb]

booked him in my tent show how lucky was I been singing this song for 40 years forever love this man's songs

[@mythicalmountancentralasia6183]

Gordon Lightfoot wrote and recorded wonderful ballads, painting a canvas with words and melodies that left their mark on the world of music and were a joy to listen to.

[@mattsmith2115]

and that moustache...

[@markschaumann3012]

Spot on, bro'.

[@markduncan6690]

Wonderfully stated my very learned friend!!

[@paulstewart7529]

timeless sounds as good today as it did then

[@LightSnowOvernight]

A Canadian classic. How could anyone not love this?

[@daviator4720]

No...

[@cjnav7832]

Right?!?!

[@bradhuskers]

He wrote great lyrics. But elvis's studio recording of this, is light years better.

[@stevefrost2196]

@@bradhuskers Nope. His studio recording is far, far better.

[@bradhuskers]

@@stevefrost2196 LMFAO Your low IQ is showing.

[@BDFAN65]

His signature song. One of my fave songs ever. In 1995 I took my Lightfoot album called "Lightfoot" to Sam The Record Man in Toronto and he signed it for me. I said that I was a Dylan fan and had all of Dylan's records. I asked him if he got to see Dylan anymore and he said yes. I then realized that probably was a mistake and said that I had all his records also 🙂. As I walked away he raised his hands up high and looking at me said "Dylan's the greatest" and smiled. Everybody next in line, including me although somewhat embarrassed, started laughing 😃. I will never forget that moment in time....Lone Wolf :)

[@robertn8423]

Big Gibson B-45-12 string rings like a bell and Lightfoot's rhythmic strumming is his classic signature sound. Timeless classic and he sings it superbly with that great baritone voice.

[@stratovani]

Love the sound of that big Gibson 12-string Gordon plays!

[@nbenefiel]

I grew up in Detroit. Gordon had a real affinity with the city. We used to go see him all the time, sometimes in Windsor. He wasn’t famous at the beginning. He used to play at the university in Windsor and in coffee houses in Detroit. Then, he was famous and played at big venues but we all still went to see him.

[@jenniferzoller7616]

I love you so much, Gordon! Your music has touched me so deeply. You have been with me through my most worst life/death experiences. Thank you. 🌸💗🌸

[@nikkobets836]

I only discovered this song this year and Im 50! I dont think Ive played a song more during the entire year. Brilliant! And Elvis version is incredible as well.

[@Del-yv1qy]

How could someone not like Gordon Lightfoot?

[@jerryballard371]

The greatest song ever about being down & out and lonely. And doing it in a major key!, which along with “So I best be on my way…” leaves you with a faint glimmer of hope instead of the easy ‘just shoot me’ vibe. RIP Gordon.

[@bsnf-5]

you put it beautifully. This is what I always felt like about this ditty.

[@larrymclarnon-pd8xf]

One of the absolute greats . We had the immeasurable joy of seeing him in Belfast some years ago.

[@richardshansky3040]

This song and its sentiment is so beautiful that I get choked up when I hear it.

[@sidneymays]

One of the greatest voices there ever was..

[@xxx007bigcity]

One of the best songwriters also

[@bradhuskers]

Elvis's interpretation is light years better IMHO

[@bh6490]

Was? Is......... He is still a live and play a virtual show tomorrow lol

[@bradhuskers]

@Rocky Nelson Excellent songwriter. But mediocre voice. Anyone who doesn't understand that, is very low in the IQ department

[@bradhuskers]

@Siegbert Landgraf Sorry pal. I've studied music longer than you've been alive. Gordie had a mediocre voice by any standard of measure. That's reality. You seem to live in a "detached reality". Huge difference.

[@StevieB1362]

A true genius. Long Live Gordon Lightfoot.

[@davidkopec9442]

A classic song and a classic perm. What more could a lover of the 70s ask for?

[@larrymclarnon-pd8xf]

Beautiful gordon, just sublime.

[@johnoshea3349]

The best. Traveling up Hwy 11 past Huntsville, Orillia, Bracebridge, then heading west to Georgian Bay and Christian Island, his music hits home. Thank you, Mr Lightfoot. We will miss you and your gift you shared with us.

[@dwambo]

Canadian Icon...how can you be a Canadian and not know about Gordon Lightfoot!!!!!!!

[@markberryhill2715]

Late,but I would get on Canadian national TV 📺 and say I hated hockey before I would admit to not knowing Gordie.

[@thomasbriggs4718]

Decades ago I was in a busy restaurant with a group of friends when this song drifted above the hubbub and bore into my soul. I was choking back tears at the vulnerability and wisdom of what he was describing. Years later I traveled and worked around the world and wherever I went, as one is wont to do, I met expats. Buskers, English teachers, bankers, a lot of lonely stuck people living the story of this song. What he describes so poetically is the shame one feels being unable to change your life for the better.

[@jamespollman6616]

Gordon on the AM Radio when I got home from high school in '79. It doesn't get any better... even now! :) :) :)

[@colinmonk9113]

looking back to this time of the 60's-70's i remember gordon lightfoots soulful hit style of music came through loud & clear & rightfully described by his peers as one of the greatest singer songwriters..we're forever grateful for him.

[@keithkent8565]

Absolutely brilliant! Gordon Lightfoot has written and played so many incredible songs. He's a musical genius and deserves much more recognition around the world.

[@jdvasquez2046]

It’s fascinating watching Gordon Lightfoot work. His tonal control and variance makes him a singer’s singer. Giving that kind of effort and producing that kind of unique sound distinguishes him as a vocalist and makes him the man to listen to, to watch and learn from. Thank you Gordon.

[@BobbyGeneric145]

Its fascinating watching his lips shape the sound

[@billvallier3852]

A Canadian Icon. RIP 😪

[@devilsoffspring5519]

Canada is nothing more than a mere country, a political institution. Gordon Lightfoot was much more than that, he was a great ARTIST. He transcended mere politics and borders, he reminded people that they were conscious living beings and not just resources to be exploited for power and political gain at others' expense. Everything else in this foolish world is just exploitation for physical power/violence at others' expense.

[@cidspimms]

Saw him in concert in 1977; and 88. He was so honest in the stories he told; that he held the audiences in the palm of his hand throughout both shows. He's one of Canada's greatest exports; and a truly wonderful human being. .

[@lynnkowalla1315]

Thank God he didn't really export...still in toronto

[@vanjane]

Such a distinctive voice. Beautiful.

[@damionpickel7715]

just a classsic song by a first class individual. no cover does the original any justice. one of the finest songs ever written period

[@king77703]

Elvis did a brilliant job 👍

[@JeremiahLong-b7r]

One of the best songwriters of all time,, fantastic stories in his songs , genius

[@jonijohnston1688]

Canadian classic....Awww the 70's. Summertime....takes me back

[@strongwall1]

"You can't jump a jet plane like you can a freight train"...one of the great lines in folk music history. A yearning for the past and a great sense of loneliness drive this song. Lovely.

[@BillSalem]

Love it! "One of my first real good songs." You bet, Gord! Real Good. I love PP&M's version--- but this man is a poet. It starts with him and keeps on going. What grace.

[@jayar1818]

My little brother would throw "Gord's Gold" on every morning before we headed off to school back in the 1970's and I never got tired of the beautiful ballads and sublime sentiments...a true storyteller and a living Canadian Legend....

[@artbeau]

To this day, one of the finest troubadours to ever grace the world with his talent. Was so fortunate to have seen him live in Laguna Beach, CA. back in the 80's. To this day, still one of my favorite shows, and at the top of the list of my favorite artists. God Bless You Gordon Lightfoot.

[@earlebubar1805]

Canadas finest for sure, 6 decades of incredible world class talent! The best of the best.

[@bookmouse770]

I use to play his albums, and keep replaying it....and now finding his songs on YT it's just wonderful. I love his music.

[@bobsnow6670]

Saw him singing this wonderful song in Denver in 1978, when visiting from Australia. Great artist, with a great catalogue of songs. A privilege to see him. Saw PP&M sing this in Sydney in the 1960's. Ah - memories.

[@PRESTOALOE]

Being born in the 80's, it was years before I could really appreciate music but he came to be my favorite artist. Awesome. Great post.

[@johnnybrace]

takes ya right back to where you first heard it....haying on the prairies in the 70's

[@peterr7321]

How could anyone not like his song? I love it!

[@Fell_Wanderer]

+peter R because they are philistines

[@razorramoang5947]

he said he could walk off to a lonely quiet spot and come away with a new song . What a gift he had . My dad introduced me to his music when i was a kid , and every chance i got i played his songs . It was like he was speaking to just me , with the words and instruments . I always loved ...........pussy willows cattails soft winds and roses . Sundown was another favourite . I got to see him in concert at pacific coliseum , vancouver bc , i believe it was 1975 . I believe he was drunk on stage , but i didnt care , he was my hero and always will be . Ty Dad for introducing him , Rip Dad

[@lynnkowalla1315]

Beautiful comment

[@brainwithani5693]

My dad introduced me to him too. I always go back to his music when I want to remember the good parts of my childhood.

[@raymeus]

Ty , yes so many beautiful memories when we were kids , just play , play , play , i used to use a garbage can lid and have sword fights , like roman soldiers , with my brother, lot of innocence in the 60's , strangers were to be waved at not run from. 😂

[@robertp.wainman4094]

"She's away and westward bound" - what a great line!

[@metoo9360]

I love how he mentions the railroad and railroad lingo in a lot of his songs. I think that's cool, having worked at a U.S. railroad almost 30 years.

[@peterdiver6227]

Thanks for moments of poetic harmony gordon liĝtfoot.

[@jonathanstiegler2770]

Such amazing and beautiful imagery! We are right there with you, Gordon.

[@christopherfletcher5384]

Gordon wrote what he knew and experienced and it was beautiful!!

[@alexkoeslag5699]

A GREAT artist...sorely missed

[@agraulich2009]

Magnificent voice and writing talent. Tony Rice performs beautifully worthy covers of Gordon’s songs.

[@richardperkins5046]

Tony recorded many of Gord's songs and did him proud.

[@littlelulu1946]

Love his unique voice of this song that is all his style! Love those Acoustic Guitars, sure miss that sound!! Great recording, it is TIMELESS!!!

[@toddjohnson2784]

Excellent song !

[@MotownGuitarJoe]

The emphasis on the last syllable of every line tell of the longing and aching of the storyteller's heart. Hauntingly beautiful.

[@Musixland]

one of the greatest tunes ever

[@g.g.dunnitt9181]

I listen to this and then realise why I don't listen to any of what is called music today-you can keep it!.

[@mathmusic1490]

This is fantastic. He and his band are as good live as in the studio.

[@mathmusic1490]

Gordie needs only to just sing.................he's not so good at 'talking' AND his songs speak volumes for us. RIP GORD! HE WILL ALWAYS SPEAK TO ME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@chrismust1782]

Well said. They were, indeed!

[@hunterharrell7491]

​@mathmusic1490 it's crazy to me how he talked with a quite higher pitched voice, but he when he sang, it's like he could flip a switch and turn that smooth baritone on lol

[@adbogo]

What a beautiful rendition of this old song. That voice is amazing. So strong and harmonious. Hats off to you, lady

[@Todd.P]

I woke up this morning with this song in my head.....I don't know why.

[@3refs]

Not many from Canada get to say "Elvis" recorded a great song a guy from my home town wrote! Thank you Gordon and Elvis!

[@kbrown2225]

Over the years I have seen Gordon Lightfoot in concert over 20 times and loved every one of them. He is older now and his beautiful voice has lost a few octaves but the many songs he has written are as beautiful as ever. He is one of the greatest folk singer/songwriters to have ever lived.

[@fomoco1454]

In addition to his writing abilities he's also a super nice man.

[@maxkuniansky5823]

Great version by one of the best singer-songwriters I can think of.

[@michaelspivey1758]

I did some research at Rama Reservation back in the 90s next door to Gordon's hometown. I'm a North Carolina boy and it is reflected in my music. This song always reminds me of my time in Ontario, Canada. Beautiful and lonesome song.

[@TonysLawnCare215]

R.I.P My Friend Thank You For Touching My Soul With Your Song Gift To Us All 😢

[@johnosullivan6620]

This is my alltime favorite of Gordon's!

[@olddocman]

Long ago, I heard this song first time by a fellow service man in the barracks lounge. All of us were having a cold one and he got up with his guitar and did it for us. Still remember that. Good song.

[@PDSJohn]

One of the best songs of all time Gordon at his best those guitars are superb.

[@butfulmuzik]

My favorite Gordon Lightfoot song. I can remember a time in my life when I worked near a large airport, was alone and lonely, and watched the planes leaving for anyplace else but here. This song would come into my head and my heart would ache to be on that plane to anywhere. I felt that song with all my heart.

[@wolfganggugelweith8760]

What a beautiful song! I live it since I was a young boy. Many Greetings from Linz-Austria🇦🇹😎👍✌️😸💪🌞🍺🥨🐺 Europe!

[@twothreebravo]

I have been a huge Gord fan since I was about 10 years old and always loved this song in particular. My love of Lightfoot was something I couldn't really share with my buddies while I was in the Army though until I found that at some point someone had turned this song into a marching cadence. Proudest day as a Drill Sergeant was getting the kids marching to this song.

[@tobyblake851]

This was back when music was music and a song was a song. He sings so effortlessly.

[@alexjordan9328]

One of my favorite songs of all time. Amazing in so many ways.

[@jamesnemes8673]

Gordon one of the greatest ever

[@DagaanGalakticos]

If you can find his early recordings from Canada they're worth listening to. He used to sing in a very classical vocalist's fashio.Very old fashioned and melodic with a lot of very good tremolo. I'm a pretty accomplished guitarist now but the only lesson I ever had from a teacher was to learn how to finger pick so I could sing this great song!

[@peterr7321]

How could anyone not like his song? I love it! There must be 60 people in this sphere who are "tone deaf."

[@frankmccormick1175]

peter R 131 dislikes now, maybe its cos he can't sing

[@michaelmelling9333]

Or maybe they're just stupid.

[@harrydonaldson1965]

As a huge part of my life his 'If you could read my mind' was played on Saturday Morning radio (UK) along with many other long standing - but well past their sell by date songs. A few years back my wife and I attended one of his last performances in Perth, Scotland. It will stay with me till it's my time to join him.

[@mobrules29]

While it is difficult to reconcile that our favorite musicians and entertainers are aging, we can only feel blessed for the decades of beautiful, meaningful music they have given us; knowing that through their artistry they will live on forever...timeless...ageless.....immortal, captured in the beauty of all the moments we've shared with them over the years.

[@davidlawler4019]

Brings back good memories. 1971. On a 707 flying to NYC. Unexpected stop at Gander Newfoundland. That lonesome airport could be just the one Gordon had in mind when he wrote his great song.

[@socaldan100]

Thank you Mr. Lightfoot

[@laurylienorman8822]

In the early morning rain with a dollar in my hand With an aching in my heart and my pockets full of sand Now, I'm a long way from home and I miss my loved ones so In the early morning rain with no place to go Out on runway number nine a big 707's set to go But, I'm stuck here in the grass where the cold wind blows Now, the liquor tasted good and the women all were fast Well, there she goes, my friend, well she's going down at last Hear the mighty engines roar - see the silver bird on high She's away and westward bound - far above the clouds she'll fly There the morning rain don't fall and the sun always shines She'll be flying over my home in about three hours time This old airport's got me down - it's no earthly good to me 'cause I'm stuck here on the ground as cold and drunk as I can be You can't jump a jet plane like you can a freight train So, I'd best be on my way in the early morning rain You can't jump a jet plane like you can a freight train So, I'd best be on my way in the early morning rain

[@brettallison5753]

Laurylie Norman thanks

[@williamjohnson712]

6th verse is incorrect...But I’m stuck here in the grass WITH A PAIN THAT EVER GROWS. This verse is often confused, even the covers get it wrong with “Where the pavement never grows”

[@michaelmelling9333]

Gosh, all the decades I've been diddling around in this world and I can't point to even one achievement that comes close to these amazing words.😢

[@willisgillismusic]

Absolutely one of my favorite singer-songwriters of all time! Thanks Gordon!