Lyrical Analysis Gordon Lightfoot The Watchman's Gone

Here is an in-depth analysis of the lyrics for 'The Watchman's Gone', one of the songs that can be found on Gordon Lightfoot's hit 1974 album 'Sundown'.
Produced by: Steve Struthers
Narration written by: Steve Struthers

[@vincestapleton703]

Interesting take on that song, thanks! I have imagined some of the same things you mentioned, you could be exactly right.❤

[@badfinger61]

One of my favourites. The entire Sundown album is beautifully written. This is one of the standout songs - love the lyrics, also the musicianship on this track is top notch. Some pretty enigmatic lyrics here and you've taken a good stab at some in-depth analysis. Another very enigmatic track from this album (which I also love) is Is There Anyone Home? Gordon's writing has always been top shelf stuff.

[@stevestruthers6180]

There is no question that Gordon had some serious, serious chops when it came to writing lyrics. Maybe I'm coming off as biased here, as I have always been a huge fan of his music, but I think his capacities as a writer were genius level and well above most musicians in his day. I mean, the way he could paint pictures in your mind... And yes, many of his songs contain cryptic lyrics, and I think he wanted to write them that way - not just to make the song more interesting, or to fit the musical arrangements better, but maybe also to leave them as puzzles for his listeners to try to solve. That's my story, and I'm sticking to it. Perhaps the most cryptic of all his songs is 'The Soul is the Rock', from his 1975 album 'Cold on the Shoulder.'

[@badfinger61]

@@stevestruthers6180 Totally agree with all of your points, Steve. One of the greatest songwriters ever. Thanks for your work - us Lightfoot fans very much appreciate it.

[@marianjones6193]

Very well analyzed. Many of us just sing, play or listen to the songs without thinking about the meaning of them. I've always had a fascination with sorting that out. Sometimes he dropped hints but even then, evasive. Thanks for this Steve. I look forward to more. Ron Jones.

[@kieranlobo1752]

Holy cow, really nice analysis. I'd love to hear your analysis of others of his... this made me admire the song and Lightfoot even more... thank you.

[@stevestruthers6180]

Thanks for the kind comment. I'm glad that you liked the video and that you got some value from it. Stay tuned! More videos like this one are coming!

[@BruceMacLennan-mk1jc]

My favorite Lightfoot song.....

[@dankeck6230]

good job Steve. Where are the other songs you were going to analyze?

[@joeysanguine3596]

Happy to subscribe; I’m in tune with you😊

[@tommytomtom5531]

It has a layer about alcoholism and his conscience about being tempted to drink. Knowing the watchman's always there. The watchman being his conscience.

[@stevestruthers6180]

You got it. Precisely that.

[@genemulkey5066]

Good stuff

[@jashall3804]

You Don't know me a sailor of the sea I am.

[@stevestruthers6180]

Actually, that lyric is "A son of the sea am I", and multiple sources on the web confirm this. Thanks for playing! Don't forget your consolation prize at the door on your way out!

[@mysteryseaker1914]

Nah