GORDON LIGHTFOOT - IF YOU COULD READ MY MIND | REACTION

[@TBBrickYT]

First off, thank you so much for not interrupting. Bless You!!!! Second, Gordon died last night at 84. Glad you came up on my feed. Am crushed. Will be back.

[@georgelyon8811]

How can anyone, regardless of their youth, profess to know music without having ever heard this timeless classic?

[@brianorzel1873]

I've always liked "Carefree Highway" and "Sundown", too!

[@razback8661]

My favorite song of all time.

[@wayneguess7946]

He, and Jim Croce, two of the best story telling writers ever!

[@rossrubino9080]

Harry Chapin as well

[@atomant451]

Throw in Arlo Guthrie.

[@enzopalumbo2164]

I agree with you 100%. I was a young teenager or even pre-teen when they were popular. They were and still are my favorite songwriters and story tellers.

[@Wolverines77]

John Denver and Marty Robbins immediately spring to mind... P.S. I cannot believe I completely blanked on Mark Knopfler...

[@kevinmalone2218]

I had the privilege of seeing Gordon Lightfoot live in the 3rd row right in front of his microphone. 1993 at the Oscar Meyer Theater in Madison, Wisconsin. An amazing show!!! He is also a master composer. Composed all his songs.

[@jamesdignanmusic2765]

Gordon's more than a singer, he's a troubadour - he tells stories with his music. "Sundown" and "Song for a Winter's Night" are two more great songs of his.

[@davidflinn4521]

Hes also like a Canadian Woody Guthrie. He and Stan Rogers are Canadas soul.

[@Wolverines77]

"Early Morning Rain" is a MUST add on...

[@Filbi]

Such a sad song about falling out of love. This is my go-to song when I'm feeling down.

[@RadCenter]

I love Gordon's voice, but the arrangement of this song is what really allows it to shine. I especially love the base line.

[@jamesdignanmusic2765]

There's an excellent Rick Beato video breaking down exactly how perfectly constructed the arrangement is. As you say, it lets the song shine.

[@RadCenter]

@@jamesdignanmusic2765 I love Rick! I'll have to check out that video!

[@robert-ef8qv]

So perfectly said Nancy ,

[@ryanbuckley5529]

Wouldn’t be the same without it🙏🏼 so beautiful

[@petec9686]

this^^^^^ Gordon's arrangement, the interplay of the guitars and other strings is simply genius. This is Mozart level musical genius.

[@lorainelauderdale6947]

Loved this man from the 1st time I ever heard him, this is 1 that moves me to tears...so, so true. My father loved The Wreck of the Edmond Fitzgerald so much he bought it. Sound odd? He was born in 1920, so very rarely spent money on " nonsense ". Sad w/ Gordon's passing, real troubadour. You are a pleasure to watch & listen, you come from a good family, it shows. Ciao.

[@louisdaniello2580]

This song, now over 50 years old , tells the heart breaking story of a love gone wrong . The lyrics tell a story of bewilderment as to how this happened and his efforts over the course of the relationship . It is a requiem of a couple lost

[@kencooper8835]

Gord's Gold, a primer for all things Gordon Lightfoot. Rest in Peace, Gordon Lightfoot. 😢😢😢

[@Axeman517]

Gordon has SO many incredible songs besides his few hits.

[@DavidB-2268]

So many great songs to choose from his catalogue. From his early material like "Carefree Highway", "Did She Mention My Name?", "Early Morning Rain", "Song for a Winter Night", "Canadian Railroad Trilogy", or "Don Quixote".

[@terrimobley6067]

I forgot Don Quixote... 💕

[@RossM3838]

Ribbon of darkness.

[@kens32052]

There isn't one bad song on his "Gord's Gold" double album.

[@DavidB-2268]

@@kens32052 as a best-of album, I'd hope not.

[@leonardshevlin7260]

"Did She Mention My Name?" isn't on the same level as the others for me.

[@charlessmith4910]

Another great songwriter - Harry Chapin - Taxi

[@Brian-tb1zs]

I did not know this was Gordon Lightfoot, where have musicians like this gone ? We need them to return

[@pamelajohnson6199]

"Beautiful" is a masterpiece

[@laurakali6522]

Dave Mason’s “We Just Disagree” and Al Stewart’s “Time Passages” or “Year of the Cat”.....

[@bradhernandez5823]

Love both of these artist unfortunately Al Stewart videos seem to always get blocked.

[@IrishKack]

Dave Mason’s version of Bring it on Home is another great. I recall some sing-alongs to that song after a few beers, etc.

[@yappers2011]

I saw dave mason do a live version of We just disagee on a tv show in the 70s(years later, not quite that seasoned yet), a little sped up and more stringy, awesome stuff, great call.

[@keithgrandstaff6343]

ANYTHING from Al Stewart. Roads to Moscow, Old Admirals, Merlin's Time, etc. Have seen him live 5 times. Genius.

[@MatthewPettyST1300]

or Stewart's "On the water".

[@musicairplanes4884]

He is a great poet! The way he puts words together is pure magic.

[@jackpeters9048]

Gord was among the best singer songwriters to ever tantalize our ears...truly solid Gold...

[@claimguy]

An absolute masterpiece. That voice, the melody, the story, double acoustic guitars and and the finest string arrangement in popular music.

[@echopryme]

Its ARGUABLY the best lyrics ever put to a piece of paper... 💯 Just that line "Heroes often fail..."

[@cindyfalstrom7231]

Writing this May 2,2023. Reacting to the news that the iconic , beloved Gordan has left the stage at the age of 84. Just was checking to see if you had reacted to this song. Good job Chod. I am amazed at how much you have matured. You were always thoughtful, but now that you are more comfortable, you are so much more articulate. Keep up the good work.

[@johne6081]

Anyone who appreciates this song has great taste. :)

[@John_Chu]

His most beautiful recording is “The Last Time I Saw Her.” Breathtaking score and poetic lyrics. And his vocal is silky smooth.

[@joelliebler5690]

My second favorite to Canadian Railroad Trilogy!

[@supasoulproductions]

I just posted him a quote from those incredible lyrics.

[@hunterharrell7491]

The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face is also very beautiful

[@micheledash7269]

Song for a winters night is magic...pure magic!

[@dubbleplusgood]

This song is beyond amazing. Had to sing it loud and realized it's kinda late at night right now lol. Neighbours must love me :)

[@thathawaiiandude787]

I was in the 4th grade when my school teacher would play her 78’s the last 15-20mins of class. It was my first dose of appreciating music that was beautifully recorded. She played EAGLES, Fleetwood Mac among many greats. But, IF YOU COULD READ MY MIND always made me get lost in the words and the second guitar backing Gordon... especially during the chorus. Imho one of the greatest song’s ever composed. Thanks for your excellent reaction, brother🤙🏾

[@garymessano2669]

Gordon Lightfoot was an amazing story teller

[@jacklewis5452]

Gordon has a song for every feeling. A poet-musician like Bob Dylan. Gordon's songs have been covered by artists in just about every genre of music.

[@cheryla7480]

This song was about the breakup of his marriage. He puts so much feeling into his songs. Another that tells a personal story is “Sundown”, although many people are confused about the story behind it.

[@GinnyRobertsonLLC]

That song still cuts deep into my heart all these years later.

[@keymack2477]

Gordon Lightfoot is a Canadian treasure. His songs are timeless and as relevant today as they were over forty years ago. Thank you for the reaction, Chod!

[@kerrywyles5012]

You're fast becoming one of my favorites. Your honest, educated, intellectual and spiritual approach is refreshing. You just seem "real" to me. Keep up the good work.

[@sandylee6025]

His songs are just beautiful.

[@kens32052]

This song reached number 1 on the US Billboard Easy Listening charts. I saw Gordon several times in concert. He is in his 80's now and still touring.

[@j20tower]

He’s the great story teller. Great, passionate voice. Hard to believe he’s over 80 years old. I had great music growing up

[@DavidB-2268]

He wrote this about the break up of his marriage. At the request of his children, he changed the line, "The feelings that YOU lack" to "The feelings that WE lack" for his live performances. It was an acknowledgement that it was a mutual disaffection, and not just her fault.

[@tcanfield]

Good if you to bring that up, especially when you factor in how he was out touring and cheating on her, while she was the faithful one at home raising his kids.

[@drcornelius8275]

I don't mind the first lyrics because it reminds me of young love.... before you later realize you share the fault

[@alleneh]

He's always been a master story teller. Unique.

[@IrishKack]

He did this song during the lockdown last April. Just him and his guitar, outside of this building, his voice softened with age. It was a beautiful thing.

[@anthonydurante1149]

The building was his house, in the Bridle Path neighbourhood in Toronto. Also where Drake's mansion is. Other notables include Robert Herjavec, Prince, Celine Dion. The neighbourhood with probably the most prestigious houses and properties in Canada.

[@toriboy25]

Totally agree with you about the way Gordon makes you feel the feels even if you can't relate to this song

[@sukie584]

Such a beautifully painted story. It brings to mind a completely different artist, but another song with a similar feel. “Wichita Lineman” by Glen Campbell (written by Jimmy Webb)..

[@beatnpotatoes]

Don Quixote and Canadian railroad trilogy are 2 of my favourites. He has so many great songs, almost too many to mention.

[@KH6DAN]

To the Canada Gordon Lightfoot is a national treasure. We love him in the states as well.

[@richardheinz]

I think it's very cool how a lot of die-hard hip-hop fans have been reacting to classic rock songs. It's been an on-slaught of reaction videos. I just want to know why so many new channels like this have been popping up.

[@RichardBejtlich]

Thanks so much for listening to this. It’s my favorite song. There is so much happening but it works perfectly. You get something new from it by paying attention to different parts each time. 🙏

[@TW-me4lw]

Cotton Jenny, Canadian Railroad Trilogy, Ol' Dan's Records - some more great Gordon Lightfoot songs.

[@sherryarflin726]

The guitar work on this track is really amazing even though simple.

[@garylogan3640]

One of my fave Canadian artists! I grew up hearing him, my mother was a fan. He has so many great songs, "Canadian Railroad Trilogy", "Minstrel of the Dawn", "Rainy Day People", "Cotton Jenny", and "Carefree Highway" come to mind

[@joelliebler5690]

Classic and fantastic song❤️❤️☮️ My favorite by Gordon is Canadian Railroad Trilogy about the early days and the growth, trials and tribulations of Canada! Great music and storytelling!!

[@RossM3838]

Bob Dylan has said that when he hears a Gordon lightfoot song he wishes it would go on forever. The great songwriter gene Clark called if you read my mind the prettiest song he had ever heard. Elvis Presley included in the early morning rain in every show. Now this is high praise.

[@dhekelia133]

I believe what Bob Dylan said was...’The only bad thing about a Gordon Lightfoot song, is when it ends’. Same thing I suppose.

[@tonypreston1426]

Your directions are spot on! I enjoy your reactions more than others as you have a "real" feel of what the artist is trying to convey. I'm happy that a young person is dredging out these past gems and actually "listening" to what the artist is saying. Great job keep it up!

[@marymargaretmoore9034]

When I see Reprise Records, I instantly think of Jimi Hendrix. Always loved Gordon Lightfoot and this song.

[@pop-sd8cq]

A very respected Canadian legend just released his latest album at age 81 😎

[@charliecochran3035]

Great review. Couldn't agree more.This is the agony a nice person feels when they know they are done and want out. He doesn't blame himself, but he wishes he could find the words to avoid hurting her. Thats how I take it, and I feel it.

[@hungfao]

This song was written during his own relationship crisis so the lyrics are kind of profound. My 3rd favorite song of all time since it came out.

[@joelliebler5690]

This was a true story of his deterioration of his marriage. Even though many people can relate to the feelings that Gordon emotes from his storytelling he writes mostly from real life experiences as does my favorite solo artist in Dan Fogelberg!

[@talltulip]

I am a big fan of Fogelberg too! So much great work, but the only reactions I've seen are "Leader of the Band."

[@joelliebler5690]

Sincerely KSO has done a few FOGELBERG reactions so you might want to look her up!👍🏻❤️☮️

[@StudeSteve62]

Ah, Fogelberg. The only thing wrong with Fogelberg is I never got to see him live...I want his song "The Sand And The Foam" played at my funeral...

[@joelliebler5690]

@@StudeSteve62 I saw him in concert 6 times and he was great every time!👍🏻❤️☮️

[@adampender2482]

Fogleburg makes me cry every single time

[@2GunRock]

Your reaction was dead on the money. What he was singing about was so authentic because he was literally going thru a divorce when he wrote it. That's the reason why it sounded so heartfelt that you could feel his pain, because he really was in pain when he wrote this song.

[@mrnobody3161]

Gords Canadian Railroad Trilogy is Epic. A Masterful work of wordsmithing, storytelling and acoustic blissful arrangements.

[@rickbold9337]

My personal favourite!

[@toyman9642]

Remember seeing Lightfoot at a coffee house in Yorkville, Toronto back in the 1960's.

[@BethHutter]

This song is just hauntingly beautiful. Gets me every time. Beautiful is my all-time favorite Gordon Lightfoot song. (Just don't play the live version) Sundown is also a great song. If you like him you'd probably also like Jim Croce.

[@magneto7930]

This is my favorite song of his even though I can never listen to it without getting emotional, it's very effective!

[@beeseewill2407]

Like Bob Segar,Gordon Lightfoot is a great story teller in song.His voice soothes you and draws you into it,and gently forces you to listen.

[@ledzepgirlnmful]

"The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald" is a must by Gordon Lightfoot.

[@switchflow5405]

Absolutely, artist are relatable but the real artist relate to everyone in multiple ways.

[@supasoulproductions]

'The last time I saw her face, Her eyes were bathed in starlight And her hair hung long The last time she spoke to me, Her lips were like the scented flowers Inside a rain-drenched forest But that was so long ago That I can scarcely feel The way I felt before And if time could heal the wounds, I would tear the threads away That I might bleed some more'... from 'The Last Time I Saw Her' by Gordon Lightfoot

[@laurenpeck3609]

I love this tear-jerker!! He does bring it out, my heart breaks for him in this song. :(

[@hippiechic6772]

Hi WILBURN. Thank you so much for reacting to this song! For me this song "If you could read my mind" is a song that gets over looked a lot ; as far as break~ up songs go... this is seriously a masterpiece . I am an easy crier so break~ up songs are not something I listen to much but this just hits home with my last boyfriend . We had a good relationship but we lost the spark and in the end of it after being together for years we just could not make it last . We just wished each other the best and let go . This song digs deep and it will always have a special place in my heart .

[@davidbarker77]

This a great and passionate song. Surprisingly, a terrific cover of this is by Barbara Streisand. Gordon is one of our many Canadian treasures. Often nicknamed, “Four-chord Gord,” it’s amazing what he can do with four chords.

[@badplay156]

Gordon Lightfoot is a true treasure. He has done so many albums of excellent songs. Some of my favourites are Pussywillows, Cattails (a tone painting of emotions), Canadian Railway Trilogy, Black Day In July (a white non-American trying to understand the Detroit Riots). There are so many and I really don't think there is one bad song. Some like Go Go Round is a little dated but the fundamental story is timeless

[@rodneystumphf9296]

Another Great Canadian songwriter, singer, performer like Rush, Joni, Neil Young etc... Gordo is one of a kind just like Joni Mitchell. The mold was broken after them!!

[@chriscraftguy]

Such a prolific period for the singer/songwriter. Gordon certainly ranks among the best. I don't know that I've ever heard a song of his that wasn't worth the listen.

[@karenj3611]

Amazing singer/songwriter

[@christopheryochum3602]

How do you listen to this song and not cry? I gotta wipe my eyes. So gorgeous and poignant.

[@scottsmith1712]

Would love to see you react to what has to be his most underrated song, if you're lucky enough to have had an 'old Dan' in your life it will get you choked up every time...'Old Dans Records'.

[@tcanfield]

Like the sentiment of this song ! It became real for me when several years ago I discovered a band called “Big Bad Voodoo Daddy” and loved their retro- swing excitement. They have a video of dancer’s doing the “Lindy Hop” with their song “ Go Daddy-O” and was reminded that my deceased parents once won a competition doing that wild/ athletic dance. Even went to see them live once; the old folks would have been proud !

[@kenrk]

Check out Eva Cassidy some time, she does a great cover of Gordon's song "Early Morning Rain".

[@philpartynski3125]

Anything by Eva! Her rendition of Over the Rainbow is pure magic!

[@garya7893]

I did not want that song to end

[@paulprendergast3184]

Neil Young, now Gordon Lightfoot. Next react to Joni Mitchell for the Canadian Yorkville folkie trifecta. Recommend California

[@TW-me4lw]

California - BBC Live In London 1970 is my favorite version. That whole solo concert, though, really shows off her musical and songwriting abilities, and is a must-see, imo. Woodstock, from that concert is amazing, too.

[@jthaw]

Those are indeed great Canadian artists. I would also recommend the little known, but exceptional, Rankin Family. They are defunct, but their records are still available...in Canada.

[@rossgill7462]

You don't hear it too often but I just love Lightfoot's 'Seven Island Suite'.

[@dinaghikas7933]

Genesis 'the Brazilian' live at Wembley stadium 1987. I've known the song for decades, but I just watched the live version and it blew me away! The drum duet between Phil Collins and Chester Thomas is unbelievable. If God is a drummer, these two must be His archangels. And the Mike Rutherford guitar solo at the end is gorgeous.

[@brendaotoole4012]

Gordon is just a treasure. He has sooo many amazing songs. He is a beautiful songwriter. He is a mood. He paints a picture. You should really do yourself a favor and listen to Gord’s Gold. There’s a great recent documentary about him too. Canadian Railroad Trilogy, Sundown, Steel Rail Blues....too many to list.

[@laurenpeck3609]

One listen and you got it!!! Perfect reaction, and absolutely correct!

[@frandavila7847]

Was incredible when this song dropped. The melody is addictive and his words haunting. RiP Gordon Lightfoot ♥️♥️🇺🇸👵🏻🧑🏼‍🦽

[@joanbarclay3833]

'Early Morning Rain' is a real tear jerker

[@rubbersole79]

Fans should search YT for Gordon, Bob Dylan, and Joni Mitchell hanging out in Gordons living room. A great glimpse of the times...........An amazing singer songwriter. We've seen him live twice. Always excellent!

[@jamespasifull3424]

Roger Whittaker, with 'Durham Town', or 'I don't believe in if any more', or 'The last farewell', or 'The Mexican whistler', or..............! Everything he ever performed was worth hearing!

[@ajcbng8289]

This song is like a fairytale. A story your grandma told you at bedtime.

[@beeseewill2407]

Gordon Lightfoot is a great story teller in his songs.The music production is very soothing.

[@Kim-hc5si]

Ugh, just the raw beauty. It’s stunning. Another good one is Jim Croce. He was amazing, too. ❤️

[@TBBrickYT]

Daylight Katy is one of Gordon's lesser know offerings. It is my favourite of all. He wrote about his golden cat that would wander at night.

[@burtonmediaprod]

MORE GORD - Take songs from GORD'S GOLD!!!

[@jmelio1]

another classic

[@brendatrump5163]

"I walk away like a movie star who get's burned in a three way script; enter number two."

[@anniegoodrich262]

'Carefree Highway' and 'Rainy Day People' are fantastic adds but my all time favorite is 'Sundown'.

[@sherryarflin726]

This is an amazing song. One of my favorite songs.

[@konradv7]

Sundown is a must.

[@nathanwahl9224]

Excellent analysis, thank you. Interestingly, the Edmund Fitzgerald song tells of the chapel where the bell rang 29 times for each man lost. When Gordon died the rang the bell 30 times; an extra one for him. He finally joined them.

[@northernassassin6056]

I've been waiting 5 years for people to react to this song. The last few weeks it's blown up. Pleased.

[@W.Vanderbilt]

I have loved him for a very long time. However when I here this song, I always think of my mother. We had some good times and some hard times. I miss her so much! Does the Heartache ever go away?

[@markdettra1794]

Song 'Witchita Lineman' performed by Glenn Campbell , written by Jimmy Webb.

[@johnandrews3151]

Someone recommended Al Stewart in the comments. May I suggest the epic song called Roads To Moscow by Al. It is a very poetic story song and should be part of his "must hear" list. It is a deep album cut and was very popular on the album formatted FM stations in the late70's and throughout the 80's.