HE'S KEEPS US HANGING ON EVERY WORD! First Time Hearing Gordon Lightfoot - Sundown Reaction!

Welcome back, folks! In today’s video, we’re tuning into the timeless sound of Gordon Lightfoot with our first-time reaction to "Sundown." Famous for its captivating lyrics and Lightfoot’s soothing voice, "Sundown" is a classic that has enchanted listeners for decades. Join us as we dive into this iconic song and experience the storytelling mastery of one of folk rock’s greats.
⭐️ WHAT WE EXPLORE IN THIS VIDEO:
Our immediate reactions to the haunting melody and the lyrical intrigue of "Sundown."
Discussing Gordon Lightfoot’s songwriting skills, particularly his ability to weave complex emotions into simple melodies.
Analyzing the themes of love, betrayal, and jealousy that "Sundown" famously encapsulates.
Sharing our thoughts on how this song fits into the broader landscape of 1970s folk-rock music.
🎵 ABOUT GORDON LIGHTFOOT & "SUNDOWN":
Gordon Lightfoot is a revered Canadian singer-songwriter who has made significant contributions to the folk and folk-rock music genres. "Sundown," released in 1974, is one of his most popular songs, known for its evocative lyrics and memorable melody. The song topped various charts and remains a defining piece in Lightfoot's distinguished career, showcasing his knack for storytelling and emotional depth.
👫 WHO WE ARE:
We're a couple who loves exploring the stories behind legendary songs and sharing our genuine reactions with all of you. Our channel aims to connect with fellow music enthusiasts who appreciate the beauty and complexity of classic tunes.
💬 COMMENT BELOW:
What is your favorite Gordon Lightfoot song, and what makes "Sundown" special to you?
Are there other classic folk or folk-rock songs you'd like us to react to next?
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You can find Gordon Lightfoot - Sundown at the link below:
• Gordon Lightfoot - Sun...
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You can find Gordon Lightfoot - Sundown on Spotify and Apple Music at the links below:
open.spotify.com/track/1X6JYL...
music.apple.com/us/album/sund...
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#gordonlightfoot #sundown #firsttimereaction

[@bonniebrewer434]

"if you Could Read My Mind" is also a beautiful song.

[@thorfinsky1427]

Agreed!!

[@debbiekousmat6101]

My Favorite...

[@DoctorYianni]

As is Carefree Highway

[@user-fd2rk7ug5y]

One of the greats

[@nidh1109]

Yes would recommend as the next listen

[@llschnitz]

Bob Dylan said (Many years ago) “When I hear a Gordon Lightfoot song, I never want it to end”. Upon hearing of Gordon’s death last year, Dylan said, “Gordon Lightfoot died without ever writiten a bad song”.

[@tamibenz6626]

May he RIP! 💕🙏🏻🤗. He’s a true legend

[@stevejones7093]

"If You Could Read My Mind" is a masterpiece. One of the all-time greats.

[@robbob5302]

This song is about a former backup singer and love interest of Gordon’s named Kathy Smith. A woman known for bouncing from celebrity to celebrity, years later she would be convicted for manslaughter, in the death of John Belushi.

[@davef.6803]

The song is about a hard partying woman he was seeing and he suspected she was cheating on him. "If You Could Read My Mind" is a beautiful song written while he was going through a divorce. His best work I believe.

[@timhelgeson7453]

Carefree Highway and Early Morning Rain are a must!

[@keetahbrough]

YES! xo

[@kennyhuskisson2684]

Yes & Rainy Day People👍✌️

[@metalmark1214]

Next Gordon Lightfoot song I'd recommend - If You Could Read My Mind

[@metalmark1214]

The inspiration for this song came from Lightfoot worrying about his girlfriend, who was out at bars all day while he was at home writing songs. He recalled during a Reddit AMA: "I had this girlfriend one time, and I was at home working, at my desk, working at my songwriting which I had been doing all week since I was on a roll, and my girlfriend was somewhere drinking, drinking somewhere. So I was hoping that no one else would get their hands on her, because she was pretty good lookin'!" "As a matter of fact, it was written just around Sundown," he added, "just as the sun was setting, behind the farm I had rented to use as a place to write the album." Source: Songfacts

[@acorrado5529]

Thanks for your reaction! He wrote this song about Cathy Smith, groupie and drug dealer that wrecked havoc on many celebrity and musicians lives during a twenty year time period 1960's to 1980's. In the 1960's, she became involved with Levon Helm and other members of The Band, got pregnant. did not know which one was the father so she called it the band baby. She became involved with Gordon Lightfoot in the 1970's causing him drug, alcohol and legal problems. Gordon was married at the time and the affair cost him his marriage resulting in one of the most expensive divorces in Canadian history. Cathy Smith continued to create problems for more celebrities and musicians into the 1980's including John Belushi- she injected the fatal mix of heroin and cocaine that killed John Belushi but served only 15 months in prison for that! Her story on Wikipedia is incredible and details even more about her involvement with other musicians and celebrities and songs written while they were involved with her.

[@DanielFrost21]

Gordon was so incredibly talented.....my favorite song of his is "If You Could Read My Mind".

[@betsybabf748]

Gordon wrote this for his hard-partying girlfriend at the time, Cathy Smith. That was a volatile relationship. She was a well-known groupie when he met her and started dating her. Cathy Smith is also the same person who gave John Belushi his fatal shot of drugs, killing him. She served time for that.

[@Lakeshore14]

Gordon wrote this song with Cathy Smith in mind. She had been one of his backup singers and they were romantically involved during the 1970s. She later gained notoriety in the 80s as the person who obtained the heroin and cocaine that she administered to John Belushi, resulting in his death. She was subsequently tried and found guilty and served 15 months in a California state prison.

[@boki1693]

Love little tangent stories like this.

[@looneygardener]

Cathy was a groupie and then a drug dealer for musicians.

[@davidpierce1945]

Didn't know that I was wondering the meaning and I'm old school.

[@visaman]

Sundown is rumored to be Bruce Cockburn, who was allegedly involved with Smith.

[@montylc2001]

Ya, I never understood her influence over the greats of the time....unless she was really a freak in the sheets.

[@peterginger]

Sundown-their relationship is sinking like the sun on the horizon

[@mikeg.4211]

Samantha is right, as always. Like almost all songs, this is literal. Lightfoot was literally writing this song at sundown while his girlfriend was out drinking, and she was very wild. He was worried about what she was getting up to.

[@donventura1834]

I agree with many other commenters that a lyric video of 'If I Could Read My Mind' will blow you away....

[@SG-js2qn]

Next should be "If You Could Read My Mind" and "Carefree Highway." All well-known hits by Lightfoot.

[@RodRuth]

You are correct about Sundown. He is referring to his girlfriend at the time. She liked to hang out in bars while he was at home working on lyrics. She was pretty, and he was concerned somebody would pick her up while he was working. The song was finalized while the Sun was setting, and it seemed to relate to Gordon regarding his concern about his girlfriend going out to the bars at night.

[@mikemiller3069]

"Rainy Day People" should be on the list as well as "Beautiful".

[@tessasnow]

Sam nailed it!!! I was 13 when this came out. 63 now…damn it goes by fast…🇨🇦🖖🏻

[@theodoreritola7641]

NOV 4 ME 196O WE WHERE OVER SPOILED WITH OUTSTANDING MUSIC IN THEM 70DZ

[@tessasnow]

@@theodoreritola7641 damn straight!!!🖖🏻🇨🇦

[@hectorsmommy1717]

You really should listen to the "Canadian Railroad Trilogy" IMHO it is his best written song. You can picture the movement of the railroad as it connects the two oceans across the entire continent. He wrote it as a commission for the 1967 Canadian Centennial.

[@user-kg7co9vi5r]

Really a masterpiece

[@oldad6207]

Agreed!

[@MongooseTales]

Agreed, it's a masterpiece with an epic theme and would be a great listen after "If You Could Read My Mind".

[@novacacciotti6217]

If You Could Read My Mind is excellent too ❤

[@jeffgordon3444]

Gordon wrote a song for Canada's 100th anniversary - YOU MUST LISTEN to Canadian Railroad Trilogy.

[@rubroken]

My grandmother's first husband(not my blood relative, worked as a railroad worker in Canada and died in a railroad accident in 1917)of course I didn't know him but hearing of railroad accidents or songs, I think about him

[@kennethohnemus3192]

Carefree Highway is another banger from Gordon Lightfoot. Also he NEVER made any money off the Edmond Fitzgerald song. He donated ALL proceeds to the families of survivors from the wreck.

[@redpine8665]

Feelin' no pain is an old school term fpr being drunk. So he's saying it's a shame that being drunk is the only way he gets relief from the pain of knowing his woman hasn't been faithful.

[@Denimsmith2023]

First drink at sundown…

[@eddyd3298]

Summer side of life - Gordon Lightfoot

[@Mr2012Ultra]

The meaning Sundown is a term for a guy who visits your lady when you’re not around.

[@allanbluzdude]

I thought that term was back door man

[@ddiamondr1]

Gordon was an iconic national treasure. He was a member of the Order of Canada, the highest honour Canada bestows upon civilians. Please give the.Canadian Railroad Trilogy a listen. It was commissioned by the Canadian broadcasting corporation to celebrate Canada’s 100th birthday in 1967. It is, as ever, a musical feast, and lyrical magic that tells the story of the building of the Canadian railway from sea to sea.

[@tom7471]

He was truly a great singer/songwriter! His songs 'Canadian Railroad Trilogy', 'If You Could Read My Mind', and 'Early Morning Rain' are all outstanding among many other songs. Thanks for reacting to him!

[@lauraopper2571]

Song for a Winter's Night is a beautiful little piece of music that's often overlooked among all of the other great songs Gordon Lightfoot wrote.

[@lesgrice4419]

What a voice he had - his masterpiece is perhaps 'If you could read my mind' - its a surrealistic story of love won and lost....I think, quite unique...

[@maureencollins5177]

"If you Could Read My Mind" was Lightfoot's first hit and one of his best. "Rainy Day People" is another great one.

[@trainman5323]

“Feeling no pain” is an old time reference to being drunk and feeling no pain. Feeling better when you’re drunk.

[@jeffreycaldwell8579]

Y'all should check out "If You Could Read My Mind"!!! But read the background on it first...True storytelling at it's best,!!

[@allengray5748]

LIGHTFOOT is a Heavyweight in song writing!! IF YOU COULD READ MY MIND CAREFREE HIGHWAY RAINY DAY PEOPLE 3 solid Gordon tunes!! Peace 🕊️☮️♾️😎

[@correctlyrics]

Phil & Sam, when you listen to "If You Could Read My Mind", (which is about his divorce ) there's a line, "The feelings that you lack"... Gordon's teenage daughter told him she didn't like that line because it makes it seem like his divorce was his ex-wife's fault, but their marriage failed because of both of them. So, after she told him, every time he performed the song, he sang, "The feelings that we lack".

[@gwwayner]

Honest music from the heart; no Auto-tune or gimmicks. Great harmonies and guitar work, a masterpiece.

[@pamhunter-to4xs]

Also "if u cud read my mind".. fav of all time, top 5 songs❤️🇨🇦🙏

[@kennethrussell1158]

Canadian icon (RIP) Musician/Songwriter

[@barrycounts490]

" If You Could Read My Mind " is one of the best songs of all time ! It's My favorite Gordon Lightfoot song for sure =) Thanks Y'all✌👍👍

[@RLG-]

If You Could Read My Mind should be next.

[@cccs800]

Always LOVED this swanky, groovy tune by the GREAT Gordon Lightfoot, regardless of who it's about. Cathy Smith's been "in a room where you do what you don't confess" more than a few times (John Belushi just one of them)! RIP Gordon ♥️🇨🇦

[@karenstacymayne4156]

Don’t let it bother you if people criticize in the comments when or how you pause to talk, this is your channel, we are choosing to watch you and we wouldn’t do that if we didn’t like your channel. At least I wouldn’t. Thanks for the great reaction! And I agree with another post, If You Could Read My Mind is beautiful!

[@dagmar.6954]

I was so sad to hear of Gordon Lightfoot's passing away recently. Loved his music. One of the best songwriters & storytellers. He was a Canadian legend. Gordon Lightfoot has had many hits through his long career such as "If You Could Read My Mind", "Early Morning Rain", "Steel Rail Blues", "Ribbon Of Darkness", "Carefree Highway", "Rainy Day People", "Cotton Jenny", "Black Day In July", "Canadian Railroad Trilogy" etc.

[@kimk.4710]

FOund this on song facts: The inspiration for this song came from Lightfoot worrying about his girlfriend, who was out at bars all day while he was at home writing songs. He recalled during a Reddit AMA: "I had this girlfriend one time, and I was at home working, at my desk, working at my songwriting which I had been doing all week since I was on a roll, and my girlfriend was somewhere drinking, drinking somewhere. So I was hoping that no one else would get their hands on her, because she was pretty good lookin'!" "As a matter of fact, it was written just around Sundown," he added, "just as the sun was setting, behind the farm I had rented to use as a place to write the album."

[@clydeb7713]

Feeling no pain means when you're high, you are numb and feel no pain. Many GREAT songs by Gordon.

[@shawnfynn7889]

Huge Hit! Went #1 on the US Billboard Weekly Pop Chart in the summer of '74.

[@djd2819]

Sundown was his inspiration one evening when his gf (Cathy Smith) went out for an evening. Lightfoot new how Smith operated and he had his own issues (alcoholism - hence, "feeling no pain") but was a brilliant songwriter. As he watched the sunset from his farmhouse, the lyrics flowed. There's absolutely a story here but it's less directly told than Edmund Fitzgerald. "If You Could Read My Mind" is a brilliant song - you definitely should give it a listen.

[@jtf2dan]

That lead guitar though.....it fits so perfectly and makes the song.....

[@daleennis3140]

He was a genius ,story teller!!

[@keving4792]

This song hit #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1974. I remember riding home from school on the bus. Driver let us listen to the radio. When this song would come on, most of us would sing along with it.

[@donsavignano4396]

What a great Canadian that wrote so many great songs.r.i.p. Gordon🙏

[@benspiteri3807]

Rainy day people RIP gord.

[@taun856]

I've been a Lightfoot fan since the early 1970's. Love his music. If I were going to build a Mount Rushmore of Singer-Songwriters, my four would be Bob Dylan, Paul Simon, Al Stewart and Gordon Lightfoot. Of course others will have their favorites, but these are mine. I'd like to suggest the song that I think is his best lyrically, "Don Quixote"

[@bobhathway6718]

Pussy willows, cat-tails, soft winds and roses. A great example of a poem set to music

[@looneygardener]

I love Song for a Winter's Night

[@dianaskrutskie7314]

Gordon’s songs are all gorgeous. I usually love every song on his entire albums. “ If you can read my mind” is a masterpiece. Carefree Highway is another great one. I love “The Watchman’s Gone”

[@kennethrussell1158]

I graduated from high school the year this was released (1974)

[@looneygardener]

Bittergreen is a gorgeous ballad, another story of love lost from Gordon.

[@katherinebosse5706]

Always loved Rainy Day People. ❤

[@specialed36ify]

1 vote for Early Morning Rain!

[@williambarnes4709]

Grew up on Gordon Lightfoot! Would highly recommend “Beautiful”. Wonderful soulful song. This song played at my wedding in 1975.

[@user-wc2ii2pl3f]

CANADIAN RAILROAD TRILOGY IS A MUST! Almost everyone puts this as their No 1 of his songs, even over The Wreck........which is itself an amazing song. The Cdn RR Trilogy makes me weep (not just cry, actually weep), as it does many Canadians. It tells a story, an important part of Canada's history and the sacrifice of so many men to build a railroad to cross this huge and amazing country, as only Gord Lightfoot could tell it. I'm in my 70s now, I grew up listening to Gord's records during my adolescence and beyond. I saw him live in Ottawa in a tiny coffee shop venue when I was only 14, so close to the little stage because the place was so small. Unforgettable! RIP Gord, we miss you!

[@timjenkins4065]

Agreed with the ‘if u could read my mind’ comments

[@aletmartins6940]

I met him after a small show at a university in the seventies - very nice man, excellent music.

[@mikenolan7970]

Story Telling songs? “Sutter’s Mill!” Dan Fogelberg…a GEM

[@Dan-zq5wt]

This song evokes a faded, jaded life of a poor guy who was badly hurt by a fast, false woman who might be a prostitute. Very evocative, melodic and memorable. Trust me, you’ll be humming this tune for days.

[@user-nr3sk8ib4w]

Time flies, I can't remember when/ how long ago, at least 10 years ago, I was flipping through channels and on PBS was a GORDON LIGHTFOOT concert, man it was great, he sounded EXCELLENT

[@maverickblackhorse3068]

Th "Canadian Railway Trilogy" is a great historic storytelling song.

[@jamesmorgan4121]

Songs like this make me think of what we have lost in music these days. In Recording companies search for perfect music (perfect pitch, perfect tune, perfect beat), they have lost the human element. Back then no singer had perfect pitch or perfect anything, but it was perfect music.

[@DEWDLES]

If you could read my mind is one of the most beautiful sad songs ever .

[@leepeartlifeson3311]

One of my all time favorite artists. So many beautiful songs, Carefree Highway, If you could read my mind, Beautiful...

[@johnlisonbee6494]

You could play any song from the album “Gords Gold”! He didn’t like his earlier work so he re-recorded them for Gords Gold. He was fantastic in concert. I was lucky to see him twice back in the day and once with my wife in Deadwood just a few years ago. He was definitely one of the best!

[@chrisbricky7331]

A Canadian treasure. That is what Gordon Lightfoot was. Also check out 'If You Could Read My Mind' a song about his lost love and relationship. His story telling and song writing and composing is masterful. Thanks for sharing your passion. Chris

[@dunringill1747]

"If You Could Read My Mind" will give you a 3 for 3 with Gordon Lightfoot.

[@justmoose6534]

"If You could Read my Mind" is his signature song. I'd do the studio version with a lyric video. The live versions I've seen are when he was older and his voice wasn't as strong. "Carefree Highway" is another good song.

[@firedoc5]

When I was in the Navy, my best mate and I really bonded due to our same taste of music, especially this song. "...looking like a queen in a sailor's dream". Gordon has always been one of my all-time favorites and if I had just an ounce of musical ability, I'd want to be like him.

[@glawnow1959]

Jim Gordon is the drummer here. They recorded the guitars in Canada and sent the tapes to L.A. for Jim to overdub his part. An amazing drummer, and yes, I know what happened several years later.

[@sharonh951]

As many people have suggested, "if you Could Read My Mind" is a must. I'd also like to suggest "Beautiful". It really is beautiful.

[@stevedahlberg8680]

Wow, Sam, you totally nailed it. So well said. Gordon Lightfoot is such a good songwriter all of this stuff works on multiple levels but that is certainly one of them I have always thought since I was a young kid when I heard this, and I think you just described it really well.

[@andreasoice5905]

Don't know why but it always makes me think of my grandfather coming back from WW2 having to deal with being a survivor and having to learn to be a husband to a young wife he had married after he had enlisted. Becoming a father to kids he'd fathered on leave. While letting the guys who had been keeping grandma company know he was home to stay. Love Lightfoot!💖

[@rhphotocdn]

"Carefree Highway" and "If You Could Read My Mind", a couple more Gordon Lightfoot (A CDN Legend) songs you have to check out.

[@eoghanferry6845]

Early morning rain is a really good song for a story

[@rlew49ers]

Also reaction worthy: Beautiful and Early Morning Rain

[@lynnborsa7201]

I saw him live about 8 years ago, I was so grateful to see him before he passed

[@onionhead5780]

I remember this was my mom’s favorite song when I was a youngster in the 70’s.

[@davidigleniec2483]

Early Morning Rain is a nice rocky folk song and Carefree Highway is a lovely radio type song.

[@marlarogers9304]

My mom and I saw him live about 6 years ago. He was in his 80's, and sounded amazing!

[@argonwheatbelly637]

Another piece I play on my 12-string. Awesome music from '74.

[@masterravi77]

Circle of Steel is another good one!

[@jimfulkerth6052]

Absolutely the best 12 string player I’ve ever heard….so underrated as a musician.

[@jayweb51]

The first Gordon Lightfoot song that l heard and loved is If You Could Read My Mind, it is a genuine classic Lightfoot song.

[@claytondietl8136]

If you want to listen to an really awesome Gordon Lightfoot song, give "If You Could Read My Mind" a shot. Easily my favorite song of his. Also, I noticed you haven't reacted to any Dan Fogelberg songs. You are missing out! Give a listen to "Leader of the Band", "Same Old Lang Syne" and "Longer".

[@shawn1432]

Gordon Lightfoot music is DNA in my life now in my 70’s and as always Gordon would always bring you back to center and calming tones made you crave to listen to him a master story teller and a outstanding poet keeping you captivated with every verse. This is one of my favorite songs.

[@George-kv6gm]

I always thought Sundown was referring to a time of day, when not-so-great things begin to happen with a girl he cares about. And a girl who lived with him, because he says "my back stairs". But the "creepin' round my back stairs", in my world, means a guy coming around after dark. You better take care would be what, in my day, didn't mean I might be upset. It would mean a whole lot more of "upset". Thanks for a great reaction! God bless you!

[@NetVoyer]

This song has a fantastic groove and has a distinct message.

[@douglasstrayer-ng5ql]

If could read my mind ! Is another great song of his !

[@markransome7052]

All the lovely ladies is pure poetry

[@christianhoneyman9001]

Great reaction to a Great Canadian singer and songwriter. My favorite song of his. Take care. 😀😃😄😁😊

[@davidigleniec2483]

He rocked a 12 string acoustic like a mofo. I played his greatest CD so much at work 2 guys decided to snap it I kept a shard.

[@Rommereil]

"the watchman's gone" is fuckin great too. "Second cup of coffee", "steel rail blues". All absolutely great songs. I miss you Gordon! RIP

[@granthrr8369]

Elvis covered 2 of gords songs Early morning rain and that’s what you get for loving me. Early morning rain is one of my favorites, I remember listening to it on my dads albums.