"The Last Time I Saw Her Face": GORDON LIGHTFOOT

This song by Gord is pure poetry. No video could ever do it justice.

[@glenmcgregor3366]

Carol and I were married Oct. 10, 1966. I was 20 and she was 22. We never left each other's side. In Jan. 67 I got my draft notice. It was like we were going to lose each other. Those 3 months in basic training were the longest days of my life. Carol was there the day I graduated. I had 30 days and I would have to leave again. This song reminds me of those days. We talked of running to Canada but the consequences, so I went. I've never felt so lost. It was worse when I arrived in Vietnam and spent over a year there. We are together now and always.

[@ivelissediaz9583]

Glen you story is beautiful.

[@marvinm.messier1120]

You painted a beautiful picture with words there, Glen. Much like our mutual pal Gord once did. Thanks for sharing.

[@ivelissediaz9583]

And funny i was listening ti his music. He popped into my mind a few days ago, and now he has passed on.

[@glenmcgregor3366]

@@marvinm.messier1120 Thank you Marvin. I am now 77+ and Carol is 79 (and a little). She still can melt me with her eyes and that smile. Our daughters still say they can't believe us. All hugs and kisses. Every single day is heaven. Our best to you.

[@bwest-yq3uc]

Thank you for serving and giving back to this Nation. We all have our National responsibilities, some accept and do them . Others refuse and expect someone else to do it.

[@robertlyon2926]

I lost the love of my life 48 years ago in a car accident . It was and still is a very painful memory . This song always brings a tear . Gordons music touched us all in so many ways . Still does .

[@dianelueske6296]

still listening in 2024.

[@paulgildan4388]

Alas, Canada! This octogenarian Texan, who has appreciated this great bard for decades, grieves with Canada for the recent loss of her national treasure. Farewell, Gordon. You will be missed.

[@magnum427]

Thank you Texas.

[@hillwalker8741]

perfect baritone vibrato for perfect words

[@jairus421]

And today he is gone. One of the best songs of lost love ever written. RIP Gordon.

[@patrickryan1515]

The poetry in this song is so penetratingly and the orchestral arrangement so very haunting. I have loved this song since I first heard it by Glen Campbell -- way back during my college years.

[@carrie0123210]

It was just over 38 years ago that he left ..I'm curious if he would feel this way about me. If he would have regrets because of all the things we never did. Oh Dave ...I think of you every day...miss you every day

[@winnielai7455]

The most beautifully written song EVER!!! Lightfoot was a romantic poet.

[@johnmaki3046]

He was.

[@MichaelTobin-rx5rl]

IN THE KINGDOM Hot Tuna Jorma Kaukonen Say so much, guitar is overdubbing

[@jobarryderafera6063]

The best love song I’ve ever heard. Thank you for the music.

[@bobguerrin5419]

I have loved this song for 50 years. IMO, this is Gordon Lightfoots most beautiful song ever. When the strings come in after the first verse, it adds a depth of both beauty and intense sadness what the song is all about. For some unknown reason this song has failed to get its due. It’s best listened to alone, in a dark room with a nice glass of Cabernet.

[@bwest-yq3uc]

Me too Bob but mine is a bourbon. His song are for listening and enjoying such a storyteller.

[@74bshs]

I agree, this is Gordon's most beautiful song, and performance.

[@helenmarshall7785]

This has always been my favourite song of Gordon Lightfoot just ahead of If You Could Read My Mind. It is so beautiful, I still listen and love it in 2023 as I do many of his other songs. They are all timeless classics.

[@patrickryan1515]

Intense sadness, indeed.

[@Highland804]

I just wish it didn't cut off abruptly before the song ended.

[@robertrockwell7581]

R.I.P. SIR. thank you for the music.

[@phillecompte3438]

How does one capture the essence of such an individual in words ?

[@AlannahRyane]

RIP Gordon you will be ever loved💞

[@artiglesias9317]

Yes, there is lost Love exactly so in reality. " A Tout Jamais " is what she and I pledged together. Yes, "she is a million miles beyond the moon". Perhaps it can only be exactly so for Soul Mates. Eternal truths Gordon Lightfoot made crystal clear, which touched my heart and soul; rest in peace Gordon Lightfoot.

[@YeahRightInc]

R.I.P. Gordie. Thanks for all the great songs but especially this one. Written for all of us who lost a love and wept the first time, and many times thereafter when listening to this heartbreaking song.

[@johnmaki3046]

DEATH is the ULTIMATE "break-up"! I KNOW THIS!

[@andresferrari5859]

It was the summer of 1971 and I was trying to get over the loss of my first real love. This song was being played on local radio stations frequently that summer and it constantly brought tears to my face. Her name was Jane, and from the time we first met there was instant chemistry, mental, emotional, and physical. But after 5 incredible months, her first love wanted her back, and to my disappointment, she couldn't say no to him and I lost her. Maybe it was for the best, but I was inconsolable for a long time,.... and our relationship created the mold for what I wanted and needed in a relationship. Now I with a wonderful woman,... and it seems that we have the same kind of chemistry that Jane and I had. From time to time I wonder about Jane and how her life turned out. But I will never regret knowing her or our powerful relationship,... even with the hurt of us being over.

[@Strtrkr]

Sorry for your loss. Been there, lived it. Still affects me.

[@johnmaki3046]

I DO understand! My REAL LOVE, Cheri, is "under a marking stone", but NEVER forgotten!

[@annaross1681]

If this song doesn’t touch you emotionally, you’d have to be empty inside. Just beautiful!

[@johnmaki3046]

BEAUTIFUL WORDS/LYRICS! It reminds me SO MUCH of my GREAT/AWFUL times with MY LOVE (Cheri's not-so-much) and LOSS!

[@mr.sherlockholmes6130]

This song is so beautiful and haunting. Gordon Lightfoot is Timeless

[@74bshs]

Given Gordon Lightfoot's passing today, 5/2/23, I must say that this is my favorite song that he wrote and performed. The guitar riff at 1:20 brings tears to my eyes. What a class musician, certainly part of my high school and college years and beyond, they won't make them like him anymore. RIP, Gordon.

[@anthonycorbett9598]

Absolutely brilliant

[@starrlehner1881]

😢 I fall asleep every night to his music yet did not know this. Of course if you're not a super rich person we don't hear about it. Farewell Gordon

[@pambrown6260]

What has super rich to do with anything??

[@ittybittykittymama7582]

@@pambrown6260 Perhaps it is difficult and expensive to obtain all of Gordon Lightfoot's music in places outside his native Canada

[@patbrennan6572]

People like Gorden makes me wish I could live a thousand years, then I could learn to play their music. Good bye Gordie. You rest now.

[@mikeshea9294]

Are you kidding me!!!!!!! One of the world's great poets puts words to music. Truly a talent unmatched!!!!!

[@keexkwaankake]

His beautiful voice was silenced Monday, May 8th 2023, but not his music, it will be played somewhere everyday. We loved you Gordy, never stop singing. we will never stop listening!

[@williammyers9773]

5-2-23

[@cheryladams5175]

5/1/2023

[@dwhitman3092]

Thank you sweetie. His music will certainly transcend time.

[@kerrymullin94]

This song opens up years and beautiful and soft gentle memories of my youth when all was anew thank-you Gordon

[@marvinm.messier1120]

Beautiful, untouchable perfection in song. RIP our friend.

[@micheladonofrio2285]

This is THE most beautiful song he ever wrote! Poetic, moving, and sung with such emotion.

[@connieholderness6072]

He left us a gift of a lifetime. Talents rarely come along like this, to be enjoyed for generations.

[@70sladyalways25]

This is beautiful! So incredibly sad to lose this amazing songwriter/singer 💔

[@prankeinstein8637]

I remember my very first love...the love of my life...but I lost her.

[@LazarusRose]

And now he's crossed the bar. So long, Gord--so nice to know you.

[@gabrieli4734]

I'm glad I grew up listening to Gordon Lightfoot...I have too many years of enjoyment...and I will miss his presence....as I listen to these gems....

[@charlesbates9563]

Rest in peace, my beloved Renee.

[@LA-dx4jz]

Anyone who has ever lost someone they loved can feel it in this song. the truth behind the lyric "And if time could heal the wounds, I would tear the threads away that I might bleed some more" pierces my soul., and the melody brings me to tears every time. Although it's been years, this emotion remains. Thank you, Gordon

[@davidlarson897]

Yes, thank you Gordon... it pierces my soul too and tears.... sigh......

[@richardlim9851]

​@@davidlarson897😮

[@johnmaki3046]

A GREAT (sad, for me) SONG!

[@PeteForester1]

Her name was Dawn. The last time I saw her face, we were shouting "HAPPY NEW YEAR!" across the road that separated our houses, through the cold winter rain as 1976 rang in... Forty-five minutes later I would learn that her house had burned and that she had died... I have never forgotten her... I have never stopped loving her... "And if time could heal the wounds, I would tear the threads away that I might bleed some more." ...One can only love like that once in life... ...Thank you, God, for Dawn. Thank you Dawn, for the love. Thank you, Gordon, for the song that brings her face to life in my mind...

[@jameskidd6122]

Nobody understood that songs and poetry were supposed to be beautiful like Gordon did.

[@alansmith2203]

"If time could heal the wounds, I would tear the threads away that i might bleed some more." I think back to a good woman who loved me. Her love was so pure and good that I would not allow myself to trust . I will never forgive myself for breaking such a soul. Gordon....it is exactly written as I feel it. How can we do such things to such wonderful women? I weep at your melody...every time

[@janicehaynes1528]

Most heartgrabbing achingly beautiful song ever sung

[@bwest-yq3uc]

I have felt this pain, never to be the same. I was a fool to let her go..She left but the pain stayed for evermore.

[@hendrikdebruin4012]

I feel for you sir I see myself 110% in this song. We as men need an overhaul from God if that will even help.

[@donaldcook3112]

@@hendrikdebruin4012 . . . It is … much more complicated than merely an ‘overhaul’, Hendrik. . . Not at all certain that God herself, would be able to make the sense out of so much … senselessness, when and where humans inter-twine and then disassociate.

[@dianelueske6296]

still listening 2023!

[@donniedickerson8077]

RIP Gordon Lightfoot, timeless

[@ittybittykittymama7582]

Gordon's voice is so beautiful, so strong, so full of feeling on this song. It's so full of longing, it tugs at my heart and makes it sad.

[@johnmaki3046]

Glen Campbell "sorta" covered this in '71, but in "pop" version.

[@geraldcalderone5228]

Rosa. It has been over 3 years since God called you home. There hasn’t been a single waking hour that I haven’t thought of you. Each time that I hear this song, I mourn your death and my emptiness.

[@bsc4344]

There are a lot of admirable Canadian troubadour most ppl cant even name ... but there is only one Gordon Lightfoot Ppl of the world have no idea what soul we just lost. RIP, dear Sir.

[@TheSoundOutside]

He will be missed. Absolutely unique. A beautiful voice and a lyrical gift second to none. Rest easy my friend.

[@tomdevol6035]

Glen Campbell is the one I heard do this one back when I was 12 or 13, so that's the one I identify with the most. I hadn't even heard Gordon's version until at least twenty years later, which is a bit ironic because I've always been a fan of his. Still gotta give him credit for writing such a beautiful song.

[@harper626]

I liked both singers. Kudo's to Gordon for writing song but I like Glen's version a little better.

[@John_Fugazzi]

I first heard it by Glen Campbell as well. in the summer of '71 when he released it. I was surprised that it wasn't a hit for him. It is a beautiful, heartfelt song done well by both men and had the distinctive rhythmic flow that Lightfoot songs often had as well as the kind of melancholy which he was so good at evoking.

[@johnmaki3046]

Gordon Lightfoot's version was HEARTFELT! Glen Campbell's was "sales-felt"!

[@angieash9560]

They were the good days

[@lestock]

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 The last time I walked with her Her laughter was the steeple bells That ring to greet the morning sun A voice that called to everyone To love the ground she walked upon Those were good day The last time I held her hand, Her touch was autumn, spring and Summer, and winter too The last time I let go of her, She walked a way into the night I lost her in the misty streets, A thousand months, a thousand miles When other lips will kiss her eyes A million miles beyond the moon, That's where she is 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 The last time I saw her face, Her eyes were bathed in starlight And she walked alone The last time she kissed my cheek Her lips were like the wilted leaves Upon the autumn covered hills Resting on the frozen ground The seeds of love lie cold and still Beneath a battered marking stone It lies forgotten

[@oonojoe]

Thank you.

[@dollyhobbs4529]

I wanted to save those words but didnt know how!

[@mikegreene8461]

​@@dollyhobbs4529 Don't bother saving those words there are a lot of mistakes

[@luguy8347]

Thank you for writing it for us ♥️🇨🇦

[@johnmaki3046]

So does mine.

[@jeffreycampbell-ic3ng]

Who writes like this? No wonder,Bob Dylan said,about Lightfoot,when listening to Gordon,"I wished the song would never end! Amen,brother...😢

[@dannyboy6349]

This could be his very best. Nobody writes songs like this! Sadness, like a wave.

[@seanspencer9396]

First time hearing this and I'm not disappointed. A Lightfoot song TELLS me lots of things and is always a song to remember!!

[@leticiapadilla236]

Gordon, Thank you for the beautiful songs. You touched so many life's with your songs. RIP.

[@sharonannrees2824]

I’ve always loved this song, the melody, the composition and the poetry of his words, so touching. Rest In Peace Gordon.

[@katrinepaterson2768]

It sends shivers up my spine every time I hear it. Beautifully orchestrated.

[@johnmaki3046]

GREAT (very sad) SONG!

[@rickbullock4331]

What a beautiful song. I haven’t heard this song in many years and just came across it again. Gordon had such a melodic voice. Gordon is definitely missed.

[@erichodge567]

Missed? Oh yes. There will never be another like him.

[@ashaquila]

The words I see coming up so often in comments about his work (and those of other 60s, 70s singer songwriters) is “gentle”, something you don’t get much in music (or movies) these days. Have we forgotten our gentleness…our gentlemen. The poets (including Joni) can lead us gently by the hand back there…all we need to do is listen.

[@johnmaki3046]

TALENT!

[@jamesduffy3361]

Gordon Lightfoot was in a class of his own!...

[@lindaspaulding3900]

Poetically beautiful!

[@dannyowens7452]

Thank you so much Mr Lightfoot for all the precious memories. Your songs touched a part of my soul and I will always hold a special place in my heart for that part of me You opened to there wonder. God bless you sir 😊❤️✝️

[@danielc.8875]

Memories are times we borrow to spend till we get to tomorrow.

[@davefistr]

ANOÒOOO !!!❤❤❤❤❤❤😢😢😢😢😢

[@helmutsecke3529]

Still kills me this number....,, 😭 ❤️ 🎵

[@maggiesullivan8821]

I thought I would cry for a long time. I did for an instant when I heard, but then I looked up into the night sky to the North, and there you were. Just as my heart saw you when your soul of a poet, and your voice of an angel, made a 17 year old girl's whole world fade away. I wore a Canadian flag around my neck for ten years, until the chain broke, and I lost the flag. But, I never lost you. How can I cry when your memory fills my heart with gratitude and joy? Sing on, my love. Sing on...

[@dwhitman3092]

Oh my God, sweetie. I totally understand and appreciate your lovely prose.

[@rhshear]

What beautiful words!!

[@josephhudson9589]

I haven't heard this in years. I couldn't listen to it for a long time because it hurt much.

[@edwinlipton]

Never forgotten. To those who once spoke to my soul.

[@jmrivera5390]

So many heartaches and tears... Miss you, Susan.

[@edwinlipton]

We were young and our future was the present. The world was our promise of laughter, curiosity and wonder wonderfully lived in the moment. I held her hand, I was her Saint.

[@glenmcgregor3366]

To know such love is a once in a lifetime precious gift. Carol and I met in '65 and we've known such love every moment since then. We have the memories and live them each day.

[@ReverendNillerz]

I'm not crying, you're crying.

[@traditionsHome]

Have not heard this song in over 40 years. Wow, where does the time go?

[@markdettra1794]

The time goes with Sandy Denny.

[@danielc.8875]

Gorden had a way with words that no one else could duplicate

[@johnmaki3046]

GorDON!

[@j.dolanbyrnes2110]

One of the most beautiful emotional songs written in the 20th century. It brings me back to a night nearly 50 years ago when my heart was ripped out. But that was so long ago I can scarcely feel the way I felt before... That's why I don't come back to this song very often but when I do, I realize the genius of Gordon Lightfoot's lyrics. I would tear the threads away...

[@rodericktbeaman1997]

t is impossible to overstate the entire arrangement of this recording. I bought the album Classic Lightfoot in 1971 or 1972. I’d thought that it had his then current breakout hit “If You Could Read My Mind.” It didn’t but it had this gem, and others, from his time with United Artists. It grabbed me immediately. I can’t imagine that the orchestral accompaniment could be improved. I can not listen to it without choking up. The lyrics are filled with splendid metaphors that I wish I could have thought of. Lightfoot is a genius and his vocals soared with the dashed frustration of lost love. Magnificent!

[@larrysmith7153]

Takes me right back to the love of my life when I was 19. At that age, I thought a love such as I felt just had to work out, but I was wrong. Over 30 years later, I wrote a letter to her which referenced my feelings in the following lines of the song: “But that was so long ago, that I could 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!” I still feel that, Gloria, if you ever do take time to listen to this song, as I asked you to, now too many years ago!

[@dianamihalache3360]

It's soo special a love like this... I didn"t get 30 years "ago" yet, only I would do some 20...but I know what you mean. I hope she was really în love with you, that's all...I f not, don't bother anymore-...

[@larrysmith7153]

Diana Mihalache I think we can tell when there’s a forever bond between two souls, be it kindred souls through eternity or soulmates this lifetime. It’s there when the other person fills your every waking moment with magic and wonder, a kind of feeling that comes along but once in a lifetime. The catch is that it isn’t necessarily meant to work out the way we might think or want this time around-sometimes God has other things in mind. So often, we look back later, reflect, and see his purpose in bringing two together. Brings to mind something Einstein once said about coincidence. Coincidence is God’s way of remaining anonymous.

[@dianamihalache3360]

I doo agree. I bless my way through life for enter înto this love, even if now, happylly married and with children, could not turn around anymore. But he just called ME to declare ME another Time "The one" - glorios think on one hand... thoughtfull think on the other... Ido agree on Einstein and i do lecture things în reguard to metaphisics, I sau you did understand The meanings. I might too...

[@glenmcgregor3366]

Larry back in 1965 I was working with a young lady. We worked together for over a year and a half then I got my draft notice. I never was able to come up with the words to tell her how much I loved her. So much it hurt. I was gone over two and a half years in Vietnam. When I returned I learned that she had disappeared shortly after I left. I've spent the past 50 years tearing through city, county, state records, police files, telephone books, reverse directories. Finally about 2 years ago I talked to someone on the phone and they knew where she was. She had been married but for just a few months and she was alone. I got the address and went there. She answered the door, and saw me. It was like we had never parted. She tried to tell me how much she loved me still but never could find the words. We are now married. Carol says most folks our age live on the memories, we are getting to live our love right now. We always say "always and forever". We do wish it had worked out for you and your lady. Best wishes Carol and Glen

[@larrysmith7153]

Glen McGregor what a wonderful story. I am so glad things ultimately worked out for both of you! Some might call it fortuitous or coincidental, but I believe Albert Einstein was on to something when he said coincidences are God’s way of remaining anonymous. Best wishes to you forever!

[@janowens2212]

❤Remembering how beautiful this 😍 song is.

[@comeupandseememakeme]

Wow it's just blowing me away. It's such a testament to a young man's yearning over a memory of a female he once knew.

[@johnmaki3046]

Yes. VERY TRUE! I am an OLD man, though!

[@davidschecter5247]

John Simon did the gorgeous string arrangements on this song.

[@acousticsong-guitarco964]

Which is very beautiful! I was in awe when I heard it for the first time, needs to be listened to in stereo! Strings sweeping from one side to the other.

[@craigmcintosh7241]

Wish there was a post of him performing this song life.

[@glenmcgregor3366]

It's here on KZbin. Look for "bishadeal" it's one of his. It's from a performance of Gordon's in 1977. I haven't seen it yet, just saw it listed and thought of you. Give it a try. No guarantees.

[@glenmcgregor3366]

I just checked it. He's singing live, but it's not a tape of his performance. Just a pic. of Gordon. Best I can do for you. Good luck.

[@larrymiller4]

Absolute mastery. This is pure artistry. I also love the string arrangements on this album, and how it was produced. The accompaniment has this far-away quality, appropriately atmospheric.

[@tiredlawdog]

Glen Campbell did a fine rendition of this beautiful song also. I really can't say which one I like better. The words and the song itself carry a message to each man that has lost a love one. Thank you sir for writing this song. For Sandra Jo Bruce, who I'll never forget, my sister.

[@mysticmaverick1]

And woman.

[@janicebowlen8929]

@@mysticmaverick1 It means just as much for the love of my life that was killed.

[@carmenarjoon6729]

I really prefer the version by Telly Savalas. His voice - so romantic. The violins are soothing on the mind and heart. A cool lay-back version.

[@annaross1681]

They both sang it beautifully!

[@dejazz3786]

@@carmenarjoon6729 z

[@donnagaxiola9675]

Wow.......just wow! Thanks for posting. His songs remind me so much of my high school days. RIP Mr. Lightfoot.

[@josefnocera4414]

Perfect song 🎶❤️🙏🏻

[@josefnocera4414]

Although where is that last chord 🤷🏻‍♂️😡

[@jsilence418]

What a fabulous melody writer. But let's leave the last chords in shall we ?

[@patrickryan1515]

I think this is Gordin's loveliest composition. Listen to Glen Campbell sing it -- excellent.

[@johnmaki3046]

GordOns was CLASSIC! Glen Campbells' was "SELLING"!

[@tomthomas4151]

You are SOOO right!@@johnmaki3046

[@FeelinFineFeelinFanc]

In life the heart yearns for beautiful words and feelings. Each one has a gift, a gift reflected from the soul, loving, caring, a passion that show's their beauty.

[@RobSmith-bz2uu]

I lost my Karen in 2008. I miss her everyday. This song touches my heart.

[@bigbub5219]

Same here 56 years now

[@starrlehner1881]

Really like the background orchestra

[@nancylotton7526]

That voice

[@lilianmcguigan9240]

Musical poetry, evoking memories long dimmed.

[@liliansepulveda2451]

Demasiado hermosa,la voy escuchando en un bus camino a mi casa y no paro de llorar....es demasiado hermosa

[@mysticmaverick1]

What a beautiful song. I love the strings on this too.

[@edwinlipton]

Miss you lil sister. Every minute.

[@zhugeliang1000]

A real man

[@pattyoneill6724]

A very pretty love song. .

[@maxj777]

I held her hand and she asked me "what would you do if something happens to me or if I not end up with you?" I said "maybe in next life". We were meant to meet 4 days after but she left me in a most unexpected way. It's been a year. I haven't gone to the room where I've left my clothes ready to meet her. I'm a very sick man now. I wish she knew this, I'd at least be happy if she wrote for me telling that she's fine. Guess it's a day that'll never come.

[@louisaellingham602]

Oh good heavens...why don't you try to find her?? Hoping the best for you (and her)!🌹🌹🌹

[@victoriagovan9677]

Yes, Try to contact her. Do you have anything to lose?

[@blairfraser3146]

Sooo beautiful...❤❤❤❤❤

[@richardg9638]

sublime

[@JosePereira-ep6hf]

Great song!!

[@pacerusa449]

Beautiful

[@Thomas-ys4rc]

R.I.P SIR. ❤

[@mimsicle1]

The best thing to come out of Orillia.

[@cindyreseck4429]

Just so beautiful

[@tjops1000]

R.I.P. Gordon! Anita Jackson, SA

[@dougmeade5393]

So beautiful

[@peffirot]

The last time I saw her it was 1965. This song reminds to her my great love Linda.

[@peffirot]

I dont know where she is today, I dont know if she is alive or in heaven arms.

[@peffirot]

Her maiden name was ..Linda MacMahon Browns Mills N. J.

[@toddedwards3391]

Amazing!!!!

[@weebrianful]

What a song .!