RIP Gordon Lightfoot. Vocal ANALYSIS of "If You Could Read My Mind"

[@fractaljack210]

A master class in song writing. As Dylan said, Lightfoot's never written a bad song.

[@michaelbeckwith6177]

Bob also said when listening to Gordon you don't want the song to end!!

[@michaelb2068]

We will never have another gordon Lightfoot

[@jasonmaceyko1902]

Exactly

[@wildwillie5408]

DYLAN,DYLAN,DYLAN isnt time for some Bob!!!!! A perfect follow for Mr Lightfoot. "Idiot Wind" live in 76 would be a great Bob song to do

[@digitalmouse3314]

That's actually super true super influential when I was young.

[@danielviney]

I met Gordon in 82 at a restaurant on Vancouver Island. He showed up unannounced and played a 2 hour set to 15 people. Sat down with my dad and I and had a drink. Then sang me wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald. I'll never forget it. Great singer songwriter and a gracious man. RIP Gordon!😘🔥

[@Anymouse6980]

Good to find out he was like that.

[@dubbleplusgood]

This performance is proof positive not all songs are meant to get belted out at top volume. He's like someone talking at a normal level in a large room which forces everyone to keep quiet and listen to him. By far one of my favorite songs.

[@suecurtsinger60]

That’s what I like most about his song. They deserve to be paid attention and his gentle tone delivers the lyrics beautifully.

[@digitalmouse3314]

That's what makes this song amazing

[@TheJhtlag]

I would amend that to very few songs should get belted out at top volume. There's an issue - discussed in a video out there - about how many/most modern songs squeeze the dynamic range, that is everything is loud. Maybe that's necessary for a dance venue, but terrible for expressing oneself in the music. Think of a Billie Eilish in a tune like "No Time to Die" most of the song is her trademark "quiet" voice but when it comes time to belt out a climax, she doesn't have to work too hard for it, she has left herself room to make a good impact even though "wailing" isn't what she's known for.

[@carpeinferi]

@@TheJhtlag What you describe has often been dubbed "the loudness war", and it has played a strong part in destroying modern music.

[@TheJhtlag]

@@carpeinferi yeah, it's real.

[@maxcactus7]

I always felt this was Gordon Lightfoot's attempt to gently kill us all using nothing more than lyrics to break our hearts. It simply conveys that much emotion - regret, sorrow, heartache, melancholy, longing.... all wrapped in the sublime beauty of his voice and guitar playing. I regret never having seen him perform in person. RIP, Mr. Lightfoot.

[@stevenkovler5133]

This song makes me so sad ..

[@GrnChli]

Damn well said!

[@waynesanchez6504]

You absolutely NAILED IT! THANK YOU for perfectly encapsulating, defining the incredible genius, of this inspired, MASTERPIECE! To surrender oneself to it, is to know what an out of body experience is.

[@janepiper-lunt7655]

Although I have adored him since 1966 and owned every album he ever made ( including his Canadian releases) through most of his life he was a straight up assh@le, and this song is proof of it. This is not a touching song it is a romanticized justification for him being a jerk to his ex. He admitted it without apology. Many of his songs were like this.

[@janepiper-lunt7655]

BTW, his daughter asked him to change the line “ the feelings that YOU lack” to the feelings “we” lack. He did for a while when preforming it but later went back to the original.

[@pcart2785]

Gordon Lightfoot's passing left a hole in my life. His music and voice are part of what it means to be Canadian. Thank you for paying tribute to him and hoping that everyone can appreciate this truly astonishing musician

[@pdexBigTeacher]

Gordon Lightfoot, Oscar Peterson, Glenn Gould, Joni Mitchell; ya'll northern folk gave us some gems!

[@stevenmeyer9674]

@@pdexBigTeacher Glen Gould was a bit strange, but yea, I agree with your comment. Please add Neil Young and Buffy Saint-Marie to your list.

[@ChicagoDB]

The Canadian Troubadour! Much loved and respected…as is the Canadian Songbird ❤️

[@goreyfantod5213]

Same. I haven't lived in Saskatchewan for 30 years - music has always been my strongest connection to where I came from & who I am. All I have to say is the soundtrack of my childhood was Gord, Neil, & Joni- any Canadian would know who & what I mean. Every time we lose one of the singer-songwriters from the 70's, something in me dies a bit too, but sometimes it just feels more acute. I'm just so grateful that we have Gord's music. People toss around terms like the best or the GOAT. Gordon Lightfoot is incomparable.

[@ChicagoDB]

@@goreyfantod5213 I think Anne Murray has to be on that list also…

[@davidmyers5916]

One of the greatest singer-songwriters, and a part of the soundtrack of my youth. There was no one that sounded like Gordon.

[@johnkieler5124]

Well said

[@jimclarke8260]

An interesting story about this song is in the lyric: "...the feelings that you lack", which he sings in this version. Years after the divorce and when his daughter got a little older (early teens), she chastised her father for that lyric, and told him that it wasn't just her mom that was lacking feelings, but that Gordon was also lacking the feelings (love and understanding) required to save the marriage. Gordon realized that his daughter was correct, and from then on he sang: "...the feelings that WE lack." This makes the song even more real and less of a victim song. I appreciate Gordon Lightfoot even more when I learned that he realized his own shortcomings, and took responsibility for what happened in front of his children.

[@ciaranobrien8709]

An earnest interpretation there, fantastic

[@meh8982]

I'm not surprised. In the 70s when I listened to that song I thought the same thing, and always sang it as "the feelings that we lack."

[@jamesandreadventures2284]

In Margaritaville, Buffett realized it was his own damn fault by the end of the song lol At least GL changed it later 👍

[@robbob5302]

If that girl thinks she has it bad, imagine how how Eminem’s daughter must feel!! 🤣

[@reedthompson8365]

Men are often made better by their daughters, and this is a good example. Credit to Mr. Lightfoot: a real man admits when he's wrong.

[@davewojcik1854]

I'm 60 years old and I have listened to Gordon since I was a small boy. His music still brings tears to my eyes especially now that he's gone.

[@rdred8693]

Same age, and yeah, it hurts that he's gone.

[@Deetroiter]

Being from Michigan, born and raised, Gordon Lightfoot’s song about the Edmund Fitzgerald is ingrained into you all your life. I think this goes for anyone who grew up in the Great Lakes region. He wrote beautiful songs and he paid great homage to those lives lost on the ship. He’s a true master level musician, no doubts about it. Michigan loves you and misses you, Gordon

[@BuckFlicks]

I grew up in Texas but it was still completely captivating to me. I used to go canoeing in the Boundary Waters and one time I decided to make a side trip to Superior, WI where the Edmond Fitzgerald started her last voyage.

[@Dana-fy8bg]

Something that demonstrates Gordon’s commitment to the Edmund Fitzgerald crew and their families, after a scientific study of the wreck he altered the lyrics about the hatch caving in to match the new information available.

[@BuckFlicks]

@@Dana-fy8bg I've heard that story, yet I've never heard a recording with the new lyrics.

[@Kotiare]

On the day after his death was announced, the Mariner's Church in Detroit rang their bell 30 times, 29 for the lives lost on the Edmund Fitzgerald and 1 for Gordon Lightfoot. It was a touching tribute.

[@harryhondo1013]

I grew up on the Indiana/Michigan border in South Bend (still vacation each summer in Michigan) and I echo your thoughts.

[@doconawalk9367]

As a Canadian, Gordon was always a presence in my life and in the fabric of our country. Canadian Railway Trilogy should be our National Anthem

[@mikerichardson60]

Definitely and we won't need to keep changing the lyrics every 15 years.

[@thing_under_the_stairs]

It would have to be either Railway Trilogy or Northwest Passage by Stan Rogers. Two brilliant Canadian folk songs. I sometimes wonder what Stan Rogers might have done if he'd lived as long as good old Gordon...

[@StealAwayTheStars]

My dad introduced me to Gordon Lightfoot's music when I was little and that one was always one of my favorites. I made a set of stamped copper cuff bracelets recently that read "There was a time in this fair land when the railroad did not run" Planning on making another with a line from Northwest Passage. Not Canadian, but a Michigander with a deep love of nature. I love Gordon Lightfoot.

[@MrBruinman86]

And to top it all off, he's playing the guitar beautifully.

[@timothymarkonis3630]

I'm glad SOMEBODY else commented on that. Playing fingerstyle guitar takes a tremendous amount of focused attention, even discounting finger memory. But as good a guitar player as he was, with Lightfoot it was ALWAYS about the song, the storyline first and foremost, and the vocal delivery of same. The seeming "clipped" vocal sound bits, imo, are deliberately placed and spaced and syncopated so as not to collide with or muffle the individual arpeggiated guitar string notes. And then there's Red Rhoades on the second guitar. Yes, this song IS a masterpiece, on multiple levels.

[@doughartley3513]

Wasn’t it Red Shea playing second guitar?

[@michaelkaster5058]

@@doughartley3513Red Shea was lead for Gordon until the mid seventies, so probably him. Terry Clements played lead guitar after for Gordon until Terry died. But I pretty sure this song is from early seventies.

[@SeedFiddler-kp4eg]

My wife and I were blessed to hear Gordon Lightfoot in concert in Seattle back in the 70's. No smoke... no fire... no flashing lights... no band... no backup voices... just Gordon Lightfoot sitting on a bar stool with a guitar. The only other presence on stage was a stained glass window with a light behind it. That's all he needed for props. He was fantastic. The story telling, the simplicity, and the emotion. Yes. I agree. The music was better then. I hope it returns to this someday.

[@bookwormben]

My dad said the same about seeing Dan Fogelberg in concert. I’m a fan of both thanks to him

[@aedeenhickey372]

Just a beautiful voice and beautiful music Nothing else needs.

[@thomast8539]

This live performance was immaculate. Complete silence in the mesmerized audience. Not one cough, chair squeal or other distraction. Just plain awesome.

[@michaelgrossman5913]

I saw him open for Peter Paul and Mary at The Hollywood Bowl in 1970. He was all but unknown at that time. Not for long!

[@woody3590]

I met him in Peterborough at the festival of lights and he said I paid him one of the nicest compliments he has ever recieved. I told him ..I dont think there is another artist out there that can make the music feel what the lyrics are saying...like you do! Yes I love his voice too. R.I.P Gord your music will never leave this world.

[@firstlast9916]

That’s pretty deep. His lyrics make his music cry.

[@lenandov]

Somebody is gonna take it to mars on their iPod :p

[@thelatinist5024]

“I never knew I could act this way, And I’ve got to say that I just don’t get it. I don’t know where we went wrong, but the feeling’s gone and I just can’t get it back.” This phrase perfectly sums up the confusion and helplessness of two people falling out of love.

[@cottagecraftncrochet]

So true

[@rebels1982]

Often times one person falls out of love long before the other realizes it, and sadly, it’s too late and the feeling is gone. Confusion and heartbreak are all that remain for the one left behind.

[@timcordrey3581]

One of the best lyric lines ever.

[@Wraithlen]

I totally feel that. It's not something you want but it happens. GL...I'll always love your music.

[@TheDirtRoadChapel]

His lyrics and voice had a haunting melancholy. Always loved his music. He and Jim Croce had a lot of similarities.

[@andrewthecelt3794]

Yes, Croce, totally. And both had the same common sense sensibilities.

[@mattburgess5697]

Yeah I was thinking of Croce hole listening. I think part of it is the guitar style.

[@suzanneemerson2625]

Imho, Jim Croce was way better. Lightfoot always sounded morose to me, and like his sinuses were blocked.

[@Progressive_Canadian]

A little-known fact about Gordon Lightfoot is that his hit song "The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald" played a role in the recovery efforts of a sunken ship. In 1976, a Navy diver who was part of the team retrieving bodies from the wreck reported that he sang the song underwater to keep calm and focused during his dives. Lightfoot later met the diver and expressed his gratitude for the diver's courage and strength.

[@jvandoren69]

Very cool

[@bigham1jb]

Which ship was that?

[@davidschmidbauer3930]

Cool story bro. They dove to recover bodies in May 76, the song was released in August 76. Never let facts stop a good story though.

[@bigham1jb]

@@davidschmidbauer3930 they never attempted to recover the bodies. All 29 crewmembers are still there.

[@thorfinsky1427]

Great snark guys, if you actually read the comment, it says "a sunken ship". There was no claim that it was the Edmund Fitzgerald.

[@flickwtchr]

This is one of the most painfully beautiful songs ever written and performed.

[@alanmacvean2053]

Here in Michigan , Mr. Lightfoot appeared every year and always was glorious , I must have attended over twenty performances and cherish them all. A gentleman and a consummate professional and an awesome talent. Every song was his craftmanship .

[@Deetroiter]

Gordon lightfoot is music royalty here in Michigan. He may be Canadian, but he’s a part of the fabric of Michigan with every ounce.

[@alanmacvean2053]

@@Deetroiter you are so right , and he was so loyal to his fans , a truly endearing man of music !

[@Deetroiter]

@@alanmacvean2053 I never had the privilege of seeing him play, but I know many people who've seen him throughout our state. I've only heard great things about his performances and him as a person.

[@alanmacvean2053]

@@Deetroiter I saw him in East Lansing and of course all over the Detroit area , amazing talent , such a long career , a true gentleman , even after he's quit smoking and his voice was a tad lighter in depth , he still sounded beautiful and those lyrics ...pure magic !

[@aaronstandingbear]

@@Deetroiter We are all North Americans. side by side in many wars. Born in Toronto. I saw him as a 19 year old in a coffee house basement in 'The Villiage' Yorkville Toronto a Hippy/Bohemian area in 1966. He was a kid then and just starting. Those days of youth turning to flower power and free love would make a welcome comeback. We had much hope for civilization despite ongoing wars like Korea and then Vietnam to oppress us. Gordon lifted us up and continues to all these years later.

[@matthewhead1465]

“And that hero would be me/but heroes often fail” I don’t often get emotional at the passing of celebrities, but when I woke up on May 1st of this year and read that Gordon had passed I began to cry. As a Canadian we lost a national treasure, and as a music lover we lost one of the most talented singers and songwriters ever to have come from this great land. As Canadians we always tend to understate the success artists have outside our borders and as much as Gordon impacted the Canadian musical landscape it was still surprising to see the tributes pouring in from people all over the world. Musical legends like Bob Dylan and Billy Joel mourning the loss of such a great artist. The way Gordon told a story was amazing, he not only told it through the words but through the tone he sang them with, he was a master at getting emotion across with his voice. Another truly under appreciated element of his work is his ability with an acoustic guitar. He does wonderfully subtle little things with six strings.

[@donnam5891]

I'm an Australian, and I cried also. What an amazing musician and songwriter and storyteller. I grew up listening to Gordon's music, and it's just as sublime today as the day he wrote it.

[@debbiedogs1]

His songs were orchestral compositions, plus he had the talent of a poet with his words.

[@jesseellyson6543]

The first live concert I saw was Gordon Lightfoot. How's that for a metal-head's confession? Gordon Lightfoot is one of the best singer/songwriters the world has ever produced. It blows my mind and breaks my heart that he's not a thousand times more popular than he is.

[@johnniejupiter]

Last song I sang to my late ex-wife before she died. Great artist.

[@dmphax]

My condolences. xoxo

[@Lagib28]

Your comment made me tear up. My condolences as well.

[@fresnokidsr]

😢

[@jvandoren69]

Your late EX wife or late wife?

[@marylreddick]

So beautiful.

[@RandyRanson-d5x]

As a Canadian, I gave my heart over to Gordon Lightfoot, I loved him as much as the Beatles, and for all that he's done for Canada, and all of us Canadians, he was an honest troubadour, with a big heart and a great poet, he inspired the best out of us and fame never went to his head, a real down to earth and deeply missed gentleman. The minute a new Lightfoot album came out, the money would leap out of my pocket to buy it immediately, I'd take it home and listen intently, that's how it was. I was fortunate to meet him a few times in the sixties, it's tough to lose someone you grew up with and appreciated so much. He performed for Queen Elizabeth and sang the Canadian Railroad Trilogy song to her, and he sang it perfectly too! A class act! He's a national treasure and always will be regarded as one. Wish there were more like him these days.

[@SuperStrik9]

As a fellow Canadian I consider Gordon a national treasure (May he RIP). He's one of the great Canadian songwriters imo, along with the likes of Joni Mitchell, Neil Young, Leonard Cohen, and others.

[@paulprutzman6529]

For me, GL was FAR FAR better than the Beatles. His voice was just wondrous and matched with his music, lyrics and accompanying musicians, he was a master with few, if any peers.

[@MrDalebenberger]

@RandyRanson you perfectly described the enthusiasm for buying a new record, “ the money leapt from your pocket”! 😊

[@taylordawnxoxo]

As a Canadian fan of yours, I’m so happy to see you react to this. Majority of us grew up with Gordon’s music in our lives through all different stages. He was an absolute treasure. ❤️

[@TheBCBuddy]

Agreed, now she should have a listen to Burton Cummings!

[@opiumdennis7249]

Calgary here... Agreed. She's a delight!

[@raymo6795]

He was a treasure, we grew up with him in The USA as well..RIP Gordo

[@DB-zo5ng]

@@TheBCBuddy Cummings would be an amazing choice - Stand Tall or Break it to them Gently. Have you ever heard him do his imitation of Gordon Lightfoot?

[@joandigney2411]

@@DB-zo5ng yes, just last week. Burton’s take was spot on 😅

[@DavidTateVA]

I know why you prefer live performances, but the studio version of this is an all-time masterwork. Worth a separate listen.

[@justayankhouston741]

Agree, it has more depth and power to it. Millions of ppl have told sum1 " I don't know where we went wrong............". Haunting in his delivery

[@darkshadow31415]

Totally recommend Rick Beato's video on why this song is great. Breaks it down note by note because, well, every note in this song matters.

[@garymaidman625]

​@@justayankhouston741I disagree. Don't get me wrong, the studio version is excellent, but in this version, he is so emotional, it's almost like he is fighting back the tears.

[@Colt-ii4qn]

Studio is better for sure 👍

[@gordonwaugh2815]

The violins in the studio version add a lot.

[@aBeatleFan4ever]

"I don't know where we went wrong.... but the feeling's gone... and I just can't get it back." One of the best lines ever written. 21:36

[@andrewthecelt3794]

Growing up in Canada in the 70s, Lightfoot was ubiquitous, he is the soundtrack of sunshine, roadtrips in summer, soulful humble reflection and wistful sadness yet you always knew things would be okay with Gord on the radio.

[@annmarieblanc6363]

NAILED IT!

[@ChicagoDB]

Gordon Lightfoot, “If You Could Read My Mind” and Elizabeth/The Charismatic Voice…Tuesdays don’t get much better straight out of the box. Gordon was truly one of the greats…the Canadian Troubadour!

[@mikecrockett3669]

His voice, his lyrics, his guitar playing…..it combines to swaddle my soul!

[@rusty9129]

All these decades later and this song never fails to break my heart. I sit here with tears on my cheeks and my eyes won't stop welling. There's just something about his delivery as well as his poetry that slays me.

[@davidholdren1358]

I react the same way, every time

[@singtweetypie]

As do I. The words, the lyrics and his voice just grabs my heart and shatters it. Every time. My favourite song.

[@MangrovesToMountainsOutdoors]

Same here. Tears every time.

[@redrosewarrior2806]

You know a person has fulfilled their destiny when they effect others like he does us. There are many of his songs that touch my heart. His voice really does it for me. Simply beautiful.✨️🥀💫

[@ciaranobrien8709]

Lad, lady, it don't matter. This is a beautiful tune 😢

[@swampyankee72]

Watching your face and seeing how the song affected you spoke volumes about Gordon's music's greatness.

[@jasondayton1581]

A masterful songwriter/lyricist, Gordon Lightfoot was not just a "National Treasure"...but a "Worldwide Treasure".

[@robbob5302]

True. That being said, I give Canada permission to their core!

[@michaelmello42]

A gifted musician and storyteller extraordinaire. RIP Gordon Lightfoot.

[@antonkovalenko364]

Gordon has long been a favorite for me since i was a kid back in the 70s/80s. #RIP

[@davidalexander-watts6630]

Many comments rightfully extolling Gordon Lightfoot, but listen to the analysis: a true masterclass in itself. A worthy tribute to the man.

[@dannyberry8725]

I am so glad I was a child in the 70's when singer-songwriters actually got played on the radio. This style of music more than anything else is why I started loving music; Gordon, James Taylor, Jackson Browne, Joni Mitchell, etc. You can even throw Elton John and Fleetwood Mac in this category as well.

[@kevinpaulboucher]

Jim Croce, Harry Chapin, Cat Stevens, Billy Joel, Van Morrison, Paul Simon…

[@ktpinnacle]

And for those on the wilder side, Warren Zevon.

[@reneeeiier4818]

We really did grow up with the absolute best most diverse music. Everything from folk to metal was played. My mother had a Gordon Lightfoot album with this song, and I know I must of nearly worn it out. I find it just as hauntingly beautiful at 61 as I did at 14 or 15.

[@rudewalrus5636]

@@reneeeiier4818 And there were fewer radio stations; they weren't as specialized and played a wider range of music, as I recall.

[@ShaunHensley]

Carole King

[@Tbone51]

Gordon Lightfoot is one of my very favorite artists from the 20th Century. I consider him to be one of a very small group of modern day troubadours. A poetic, pure, folksy vocal artist.

[@krenwregget7667]

Gordon is considered by many (rightly so) the finest lyricist and storyteller in music history. His songs never fail to reach down a touch a part of you.

[@bocephus1911]

Harry Chaplain, and , Jim Croce , are up there

[@justayankhouston741]

My boy john prine?

[@TheJhtlag]

@@justayankhouston741 I understand his intent: he likes GL but that statement is a little over-the-top.

[@sandman_says_runrunner4701]

@@TheJhtlag Not really. Ask any competent song writer what they think of Gordon and it would be almost unanimous in terms of reverence. As Bob Dylan said he never wrote a bad song. If not the finest he is definitely one of them, which means not "over-the-top".

[@davelindstrom6005]

@@bocephus1911 - Harry CHAPIN?

[@michaelfrost4584]

Yes, l have tears every time l hear his song and think about my divorce and lm 67yrs old . R.I.P Great man

[@ixeyeb]

Gordon was a master story teller and writer. His songs will always be with us and touch people for generations to come. RIP Gordo!

[@gaylemcphee3009]

Truly one of the most beautifully written and sung songs of all time. Proudly Canadian.🇨🇦

[@christopherwhite1648]

My mother took to see Gordon Lightfoot for my 30th birthday in 1987. We were both big fans, and his performance was outstanding. My mom passed away a few years ago, and listening to Gordon brings back so many memories. Even when I was in my teens, I appreciated his music, and some were so emotional. I still get tears in my eyes listening to many of his songs. Rest in peace and Godspeed Mr Lightfoot.

[@Gemini_Mama]

I grew up listening to Gordon Lightfoot thanks to my mom (gone five years this month now). This song and "Pussywillows, Cattails" are my top favorite songs of his. Enjoy, Elizabeth! 😊

[@Listior]

I‘m insanely in love wirh this song and it’s so good not to be alone with that. What a great loss indeed.

[@davidberkowitz3363]

My wife and I were blessed to see him right before the pandemic. This man will always hold a special place in my heart. I will always be a metalhead at heart, but no one can deny the special talent this man was.

[@SongbirdGaming]

Omg the nostalgia. As a Canadian child of the 80's, his music was always on the radio... this takes me back and makes me so emotional. ❤️❤️❤️

[@JKevinCarrier]

A brilliant songwriter with a truly unique voice. I love this whole era of singer/songwriters -- Lightfoot, James Taylor, Jackson Browne, Jim Croce, Joni Mitchell, and so many others. Beautiful ballads full of honesty and emotion.

[@James-hd6ez]

Neil Young? In my opinion the greatest of them all.

[@aliciahager2961]

Here, you will find an a wonderful and educated analysis of Gordon's voice. I have caught Rick Beatos' analysis into this song's musical background. I hope you will check Beatos' analysis out as well as Elizabeth's. Together, they expertly give a complete analysis of this song that propelled Lightfoot's career into worldwide recognition. I wish Rick and Elizabeth could get together to discuss If You Could Read My Mind. It's wonderful to hear the song performed live; it's an experience to hear the song delivered up in the studio, expertly engineered, with an orchestra and violins. I guarantee you will come away with the total package of genius that Gordon Lightfoot was -- minstrel, troubador, singer, lyricist, songwriter, composer. Please, please, check out both analyses. Thank you for your insight into his voice!

[@rebeccamay6420]

Thanks for the tip on Beato's analysis. I must add that to my list of videos to watch next!

[@SauliusMatas1]

I love the idea of Elizabeth and Beato doing a video together. Each of them are the best music educators online.

[@darkshadow31415]

​@SauliusMatas1 the Elizabeth/Rick crossover is the content we need

[@moon4music]

This great singer/song writer/story teller was born in my home town, Orillia, Ontario, Canada. He was always held in high regard in our town and by many for that matter. There is a bust statue outside the Orillia Opera House and a very nice tribute statue in Tudhope Park in Orillia, which is the location of the Mariposa Folk Festival where Gordon has played in the past.

[@wildwillie5408]

Didn't realize Neil and Gordon came from approx. The same area. Prolific area for singer songwriters eh??

[@skatpk9196]

That is my favourite Gordon Lightfoot song. My wife and I saw him in concert in Victoria, British Columbia about 25 years ago. A legend and master story teller. You don't just hear the music, you become the person in the song. It brings tears to my eyes.

[@christineellis1071]

This song is excruciatingly beautiful lyrically and in Mr. Lightfoots voice. It still brings me to tears, even after all of these years of listening to it….

[@madsquishy3410]

Ahhhhhh the days when music was just real music. No auto tune, no pitch correction, no miming over a track, just a man and his guitar pouring his heart out into a microphone. I could listen to music like this all day. His voice just hits you right in the heart, and the lyrics.........uuuuuggghhhhh so so so beautiful!! Also his guitar playing is so nice. Music is supposed to make you feel something and this is definitely making me feel. I love it so much

[@ronpark3809]

Don't forget that amazing guitar playing while he is singing

[@skisunfb]

I was very moved by your passion in revealing all the magic moments in this song as well and as Gord’s masterful rendition. Watching your facial expressions, straight from the heart, reminded me of how this life just wouldn’t be the same without great music. Thank you. Frederic 👏

[@digibirder]

Elizabeth is the perfect person to react to Gordon Lightfoot. A truly profound artist. Her knowledge and sensitivity perfectly illustrates the amazing depth and subtle power of his music. His music was part of the sound track of my life growing up.Thank you so much!

[@ericburd]

A voice that is like a warm sweater and his songwriting is from another world

[@jmartin4396]

In addition to his fantastic voice, he had a way to make you FEEL his songs. He will be sorely missed.

[@johndidomenico6558]

Been singing 27+ years. Love Gordon Lightfoot. That crazy fast vibrato, is all throat. I've never been a big fan of this vibrato style. It was before my time. I get images of 17th, 18th century folk style singer of that time used that crazy vibrato. And even listening to this huge talent still transports me to those singers. Freddie Mercurys amazing vibrato is an example of control in this area. I you listen to his vibrato in various songs, you can hear when he goes in and out from breath vibrato to throat. The breath vibrato just sounds so much more natural and flowing. My favorite vocal feature of Gordon's is the velvet smooth, and I call the whisper vocal. He can remain in the whisper even after he projects his vocal stronger and higher effortlessly maintain the amazing consistant flow. He is/was just an amazing talent. As the Podcaster pointed out, when he adds his slide to the whisper he makes it look and seem easy. Just amazing

[@isoldejaneholland8370]

"In a castle dark, or a fortress strong." I love that archaic poetic language and syntax. "But heroes often fail. And you won't read that book again because the ending's just too hard to take." 😢. 🥺. 🥰

[@terryatherton7897]

I saw Gordon Lightfoot sing this song in a very small venue, maybe 80 people, in the late 1970's. He faded out the last cords and it was a full minute of dead silence before we could so much as breath. Amazing. Never before or since have I been so moved.

[@paullacroix527]

So many great songs but this is his best. A great Canadian..

[@pageribe2399]

This made me cry. Followed him from 1969 until his death. Traveled all over the Southeast numerous times to see him live. He had it all! I miss him.

[@acarter4173]

His songwriting ability was simply off the charts. Then throw in that haunting, captivating voice. On top of that, you had a phenomenal guitar playing duet with Red Shea, who was an unheralded wizard; their relationship was much like Jim Croce and Maury Muehleisen.

[@spotty67]

Red Shea was one of my favorite guitar players. The early stuff him and Gordy did was brilliant. I still don't know why they parted ways. Every once and awhile I play those older albums and am always amazed at how talented Gord and the trio were. I miss them.

[@DoctorPepper445]

@@spotty67it was purely because Red wanted to be a family man. He still worked with Gord well into the 80s, just not as a part of his touring band.

[@jameslparry961]

The emotions playing across your face as you listen to that song are priceless. Been right there where you were.

[@jeffreyflint6286]

Man do I miss this cat. Thank for doing a tribute to him Elizabeth. My personal favorite is wreck of the Edmonton Fitzgerald.

[@jeffreyflint6286]

@@AndrewBlacker-wr2ve yeah after I posted it, I noticed the misspelling.

[@hansgordy]

Gordon Lightfoot... a master.

[@static2430]

Long before I enjoyed heavy metal, rock, hip hop, and everything else there is today.... I was listening to this legend. My Dad would sing me some of these songs when I was a kid and he was tucking me in bed. By far, Gordon's music is the strongest feeling of nostalgia and happiness that I've ever felt... ever.

[@sterlingfury]

This is simply one of the most beautiful songs ever, along with Beautiful ❤❤❤❤❤❤ Beautiful guitar ❤❤❤❤

[@dontworrybehappy8080]

"I don't know where we went wrong, but the feeling's gone, and I just can't get it back". My god! That line is so relatable. Heavy on the heart.

[@edyoung6573]

Yup!!! for some reason this guy's songs make me cry!!!! Just hits me in the soul! Huge Loss! Where going to be losing the greatest music generation (in my humble opinion) left and right. I love your Channel.

[@smillstill]

This is one of those songs that is so good that you are sad that it ends.

[@praxtiprat]

When i was a very small girl (in 77 or 78) i remember hearing this on the radio and just crying my 3 year old little heart out. I didnt know what the somg was about all i knew was that it hurt so bad.. i felt that pain in his chords and his voice.. there will never be another gordon lightfoot. Thank you for doin an analysis of one of his amazing songs

[@lnautomobile3248]

I remember hearing this song at a very young age, before I could even comprehend the lyrics and I could still feel the emotions he was conveying. His music was very much a part of my youth.

[@reneefoy4296]

Wonderful song writer. Wonderful story teller. A serious loss.

[@josequintana9617]

For years listening to this song... I always imagined Lightfoot's continuous phonation in speech-like singing was like his way of intimately getting confessional words off his chest at a point where he exhausts breath. Gordon Lightfoot: The Last Troubadour is a wonderful exposé on his life. RIP 😢

[@MisterAbysmul]

He brought the world beautiful music, and he left us with a hole in our hearts.

[@daventunes3822]

I wore out his "Gord's Gold" double LP back in my college days. Full of masterpieces!

[@SylviusTheMad]

The cassette of that was played on every drive to Grandma's house. Every time.

[@marclevesque3147]

@daventunes3822 - Same here, came out in 75 I think, and the man was far from done, he came out with many more albums and great songs the following years, and kept at it never resting on his Laurels, I think he really loved creating music, songs and performing for his fans!

[@mattbrown5511]

Gordon Lightfoot was a true bard of legend. The world is lessened by his passing.

[@jonlate4581]

The lyrics on this one never fail to get to me.

[@briangriffin5524]

Finally an appreciation of a folk singer. There are singer songwriters who are more effective with their voice and acoustic guitar than a 100 electric guitars.

[@kathowed]

I was just a boy when I first heard this, and it ripped my heart open. I didn't fully understand the complexity of the lyrics, but Lightfoot's voicing said it all. Thank you so much for talking me through this most beautiful song and helping me understand what it is about Lightfoot's songs and singing that can still shatter me.

[@touchstoneaf]

Same! Haunted me since I can remember.

[@Lord.Kiltridge]

This song has brought tears to my eyes for thirty years.

[@kennywilkus1632]

He was such an amazing songwriter and his voice is so haunting at times. Now you have got to do Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald!

[@ryanharvey9091]

Simply put the best story telling musician of all time and a proper Canadian

[@scottbourret1190]

Gordon's vocals are highly underrated. He's a storyteller, that few are able to compare to. The isolated vocals for several his songs are haunting to hear.

[@nzlemming]

He was a Master, and is definitely missed. RIP Gordon.

[@markjames8664]

No matter how often I hear him sing this song, it gets me every time. The line “but for now love, let’s be real” as he delivers it just cuts into you b

[@xanbex8324]

Thank you for your authentic embrace of our buddy's beautiful talent. Your embrace is very sensual..........you are great

[@jdbly5934]

"I don't know where we went wrong but the feeling's gone and I just can't get it back" My wife used this line in a letter she wrote me when we were separating and getting a divorce. I still listen and love this song as it kind of became a healing mechanism as I got older. I can't think of another song that touches deeper.

[@wfemp_4730]

wow

[@anneahlefeld1989]

That is my favorite line . I watched his documentary and this song was going g through my head for days.

[@tomdamon7208]

I played this song when my marriage broke up . I cryed for 3 days . Played it again and cryed for a year . Love you gorden !

[@ShaunHensley]

Love isn’t a feeling. It’s a choice. It’s sacrifice.

[@wfemp_4730]

@@ShaunHensley I'd say love isn't something you choose, but you do choose to make sacrifices.

[@joeuncoolio]

His voice is like a well used and loved blanket. Not soft and silky smooth but is sure wraps you in cozy warmth.

[@richarddaugherty8583]

This is terrific, but you should listen to the studio release for even more. String and guitar fills in key places that I never heard before Rick Beato did a video about why this song is so great. Now when I hear this song I'm listening for all these elements. You called out even more that's going on in his voice and the song. I love that and so appreciate your ability to do this.

[@EvilPain666]

He was my dad's favorite singer ... I got to know his songs by heart becuz he was playing Lightfoot's recods non stop ... and especially growing up in Michigan , the song "Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald" struck me ... because we would goto that very lake shore during summers ...... When I did , I did remember the lyrics and had a moment for the 26 men that lost their lives in the tragic accident ...... Years later when I finally got that exact vinyl in my collection I felt like my childhood was fullfilled ... after coming back and living in Seoul ...... //-_- This is a great song of course but I hope you do any song from "Summer time dream" album ... it's a masterpiece full of GREAT songs all throughout the album ... Especially "Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald" is a 1 melody - 1 riff song but it will leave you in AWE ...... Thank you for this Lady Charisma for another great review/reaction ...... R.I.P. : Gordon Lightfoot ...... Canada should erect his statue at the shore of the north side of that lake ... with the detailed 12 string guitar ...... |m|_ //-_- _|m/ ...... ...... ......

[@skamm5012]

I consider myself blessed that as a child, I had Canadian friends who introduced me to Gordon Lightfoot's music before he became well known in the US. He provided the soundtrack of my life and my dreams.

[@cgluck]

Since the man has now passed, every time I hear this song, I start crying.. Seriously, this song is hard for me to listen to now. So beautiful.

[@duanephillips2343]

My wife and I got to see Gordon in concert in Maryland not long before his death. We had purchased tickets many months earlier but the show was delayed because he was injured. It was so worth the wait; he gave such a great performance . So sad that he passed - thanks for this analysis of a true classic.

[@coreywickramasekera9968]

Brings back such great childhood/ memories of innocence, etc

[@jameslparry961]

I adore Gordon Lightfoot. This was the first radio song I ever sang in public. Senior choir concert. I had a friend who played 12 string guitar and my choir teacher let us perform it. It was a big hit with the audience. It brought tears to my eyes when Gordon died. He was special in every way.

[@tomhussey4511]

Singer, songwriter, storyteller, and musician. Every time I listen to Lightfoot, I always find myself focusing on something different about his talents and marvelling. It never gets old.

[@larryvermeer6170]

Good afternoon my friends I was born in 1955 to I grew up listening to this great angel voice to Today's music 🎶🎵 is like garbage to RIP Gordon Lightfoot a true canadian to Am still listening to this music in august of 2024 to Gordon Lightfoot thanks for the music to

[@nzonesportssocal2458]

My dad first introduced me to this song when I was in high school. Even as a younger man I've always appreciated this song because it's real, raw, and relevant. Alot of us have felt this way in our lives. Not only that but alot of us have experienced the heartbreak of seeing our parents divorce for reasons perhaps lightfoot expresses here.