|
Author
|
Topic: Favorite Lightfoot Song & Why? II
|
DMD3
Member
|
posted July 27, 2004 21:56
  
quote:
Originally posted by DMD3:
"Her names Leann and I'll be damned if she ain't just like you, she leaves me not knowin what I did"[This message has been edited by DMD3 (edited September 01, 2003).]
I'm awfully sorry for saying this about you Border'buddy'stone, if this has offended you. It's bin a long time, and I know I've said bad things about her, and saying your just like her... Oh well, this was back in the day before she went sour, like bad milk and green berries.
IP: Logged |
diego
unregistered
|
posted July 29, 2004 04:07
Favorite GL song of mine is "The Pony Man" because it brings to mind memories of being a child again and not having a care in the world, just playing and enjoying life.IP: Logged |
stationmaster
Member
|
posted July 29, 2004 10:04
quote:
Originally posted by diego:
Favorite GL song of mine is "The Pony Man" because it brings to mind memories of being a child again and not having a care in the world, just playing and enjoying life.
That pretty much sums up DMD3!
  ------------------
"The station is for travelers even you must ride someday" [This message has been edited by stationmaster (edited July 29, 2004).] IP: Logged |
c.c.sharp@verizon.net
unregistered
|
posted July 29, 2004 14:27
quote:
Originally posted by stationmaster:
That pretty much sums up DMD3!
I will be honest with you, I don't have A favorite song; however, I have a favorite LIST of Gordy songs! The reason is that Gordon's works seem to touch upon many different feelings, emotions, and experiences for me. I want to know when I can see him again in concert. My husband, daughter, and I have been checking monthly :-(
IP: Logged |
Porter
Member
|
posted July 29, 2004 16:17
how can you choose your favorite Gordy song, i dunno if i could, perhaps narrow down a couple good onesIP: Logged |
Sidney Freedmen
Member
|
posted August 03, 2004 13:45
I'd love to hear Hail Hero, but for now my fav's are The Trilogy, Carefree Highway and If You Could Read My Mind. Why?
Because IYCRMM tells of my love life, CRT tells of my history and CH also tells of my love life.IP: Logged |
DWeston
unregistered
|
posted August 03, 2004 17:44
I thought of another one... "The Last Time I Saw Her." The lyrics, mostly at the end of the song, always captivate me, and put vivid images in my mind. Also, "Too Late for Prayin." Just a good song, mellow. IP: Logged |
Sidney Freedmen
Member
|
posted August 08, 2004 22:36
Another one i love is Ordinary Man bcuse it's so soothingIP: Logged |
Kirk Swanson
unregistered
|
posted August 11, 2004 10:12
"Circle of Steel" is a real bruiser. I first heard it after my mother bought Gord's Gold back in 76 (I was 10). I was familiar with all of his hits through the radio, but I was struck by the landscapes of all those numbers I hadn't heard before--especially Circle of Steel. It's a song that has stuck with me, even moreso when I finally became a father. "Deck the Halls was the song they played in the flat next door where they shout all day." "A child is born to a welfare case where the rats run around like they own the place." "The sun hits the handle of her heirloom cup." I will always be moved by this utterly relentless song. It is one of the most evocative things I have ever heard--a Dickensian gem. I have to go hug my boy now. IP: Logged |
Matt R
unregistered
|
posted August 12, 2004 19:54
The song "The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald" has haunted me since childhood (it was played a lot on the radio at the time). I remember standing still in Woolworths when I was about 8 so I could listen to the whole thing. It is utterly beautiful. He conveys the lonely, cold peril of that night without reducing the lyrics to schmaltz (which a lesser wordsmith might so easily have done). I think any human being with a grain of empathy for their fellow man can't help but be moved by his eloquence. IP: Logged |
Bonnie
unregistered
|
posted August 20, 2004 13:02
I love almost all of his songs. But there are a couple that really speak to me for reasons I can't even explain. Minstrel of the Dawn is one. I think it's the musical genius that does it for me. Every time I hear that song I am amazed. The other song is Don Quiote. It speaks a different message to me each time I hear it. Most of his songs do that for me. No matter what year it is or what is going on in my life, the music, and especially the lyrics, seem to fit. They make me think. I usually end up finding solutions for my problems. I raised my daughter on GL. She spent every penny she had to buy the boxed set for me for my birthday. This will always be my treasured gift from her. Not so much because of the music, but for 20 years of her and I sharing a love of the same music. Not many mothers and daughters can say the same thing. That's what is special about Gordon Lightfoot.IP: Logged |
krazykritik
Member
|
posted August 21, 2004 11:29
They are all outstanding, but 3 really jump to the forefront of my Gordon Lightfoot psyche. Those three songs so deeply touch me, enthrall my emotional senses, reach down into my bare being and expose it only as Gordon Lightfoot's pure lyricistic magnificence can, that merely talking about these psychological works of art bring water to my eyes and force me to swallow.
The poetic masterpieces are, in random order, Sit Down Young Stranger, Someone To Believe In, and Summer Side of Life.
I was so touched and honoured at being able to actually share some of the feeling about those songs personally with Gord, and tell him of the barrels and barrels of tears I had shed while those songs bathed me in the fluidity of his masterful lyrics and crying guitar.
He sang those songs for me. He knew not who I was, he knew not the crushing pain I had lived and was living, yet somehow he knew to put those words to music and make them find me.
What's most important though, is now he knows, and forever we shall be be like some kind of long distance brothers, caring for and deeeply respecting one another's reason for being in this world, even though our eyes have never even met. they never have to.
Thank you Gord. Thank you for your music. But more importantly, thank you for letting me tell you how much it has done in keeping me alive so I could grow and watch my family grow too.Love, your brother in spirit as only you and I can know, Mike IP: Logged |
Melissamajors
unregistered
|
posted August 24, 2004 00:10
My favs have been, of course, The Wreck, the Pony Man, and If You Could Read My Mind. The wreck has the most mystical and ominous sounding music in it. As if the lyrics weren't descriptive enough, the "windy" noises created by Gordon really takes you to that November night. Jump ahead to 2004, I am a 37 year old first time mother of a 13 month old. My fav song to sing to her is Pony Man. She gets so still in my arms when I sing it and you can tell that the lyrics totally pacify her. She had a somewhat painful medical procedure at 8 months of age and the doctors told me to sing to her. When I started to sing the Pony Man, her wailing was reduced to little sobs, even at that young age. I had to bring in the lyrics for the staff at my daughters next visit!IP: Logged |
the shadow lord
unregistered
|
posted August 24, 2004 11:51
I'm from england and the only times i've ever heard Gordie are on our 2/3 CDs (The combination of "early lightfoot" [which is actually lightfoot for anyone in canada or the USA] and "sunday concert", the other Album is The Way I feel)So i haven't actually heard most of the songs you've talked about and although i have heard of "wreck of the edmund fitzgerald" i haven't heard it. My favourite songs would have to be: Crossroads
Bitter Green
Steel Rail Blues
and The Canadian Railroad trilogy
(and maybe home from the forest) IP: Logged |
Lordstriker
unregistered
|
posted August 24, 2004 17:21
My favorite song is Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald. I grew up on Lake Superior, and it is one of those stories we still all talk about, even to this very day. He captured the heartbreak and loss everyone suffered that fateful day. Thank you sir! My father knew some of those men. He said it was a fitting tribute. IP: Logged |
Virginia Guy
unregistered
|
posted August 25, 2004 21:42
I never really get tired of listening to "Seven Island Suite". A masterpiece of a song.IP: Logged |
BostonGordFan
unregistered
|
posted August 27, 2004 12:13
I guess my favorite is a toss between Summer Side of Life & Early Morning Rain.But the most haunting for me is Circle of Steel. I come from a good family but I have a sister who is bi-polar and has a lot of trouble just living in the world. She is also a single mother and my heart bleeds for her and her children. That song just haunts me because it describes her to a tee and makes me think of her situation. It just shows Gordon empathizes with people. IP: Logged |
hopper_8888
unregistered
|
posted August 31, 2004 18:16
quote:
Originally posted by Florian:
What is your favorite Lightfoot Song & Why?(topic originated by Wes Steele)
[This message has been edited by Florian (edited February 26, 2000).]
My favorite song, I think, is If You Could Read my Mind. I like it because....well...I dunno,it`s one of those songs you just automatically like! IP: Logged |
rand zimmerman
unregistered
|
posted September 01, 2004 09:38
tatoo lyrically its brilliant... and, like many of his songs, i really identified with its theme. on tattoo his baritone voice is an excellent marriage of masculinity and sesitivity... to me, what lighfoot is ALL ABOUT. and the harmonic flow of the descending guitar lines in the bridge/chorus is beautiful and classic. it brings tears to my eyes, as many of his song can do... "time has been wasting away... you know time doesnt wait for someone to find what theyre after" rand z (tropical soul)
IP: Logged |
rickkoegler
Member
|
posted September 02, 2004 12:22
Definitely Canadian Railroad Trilogy. It's such an incredibly magnificent chronicling of the development of the Canadian Railroad, and it elicits such emotion and paints such a clear picture of the scenes that must have existed during that time. The music in many places seems to replicate the accelerating movement of a train, and I just think it's a spectacular achievement. Many of his songs are prettier, but I don't think any is better.IP: Logged |
G.L._Rocks
Member
|
posted September 02, 2004 17:58
I like the song If You Could Read My Mind.I like it because.... Well...I dunno, it`s one of those songs you just automatically like!
 IP: Logged |
marc
unregistered
|
posted September 13, 2004 14:06
At this moment, my favourite song is The Wreck of The Edmund FItzgerald. It is a wonderful sweeping tale of courage and loss. Mr Lightfoot's gift for melody shines in this song. He has captured the feel of the water and the swell of the waves. For me, the most powerful moment is this line; Does anyone know where the love of God goes when the waves turn the minutes to hours. It speaks volumes. Another poetic twist, although this is a question, it is phrased as a statement. Again, it speaks volumes IP: Logged |
djb
Member
|
posted September 13, 2004 14:12
Marvellous insight, Marc.The Wreck is always in my revolving list of favourites, and always will be. It is a very powerful story of courage and loss, told with an amazing amount of class and respect. IP: Logged |
superiorsings
unregistered
|
posted September 13, 2004 14:46
I love the Wreck most of all, and any one of Gord's ship songs. ( I can't imagine the juxtaposition of hearing it in Woolworth's as a previous post says)
Then Seven Island Suite and Ghosts of Cape Horn and the Trilogy. A nod goes to Don't Beat Me Down as a favorite underrated song.
I go more for the upbeat ones than the slow romantic tunes and the big radio hits.
I love Whispers of the North as well and Boathouse. But I never tire of the Wreck, imagining those huge waves and that awful cold water."Superior sings in the rooms of her icewater mansion" IP: Logged |
L'Anse
Member
|
posted September 13, 2004 23:40
Drink Yer Glasses EmptyWhen a good man, a huge fan of Gord's, died on StormKing he wasn't hear'n this cd. I always thought this song his swan/epithet. Smokejumpers n'hotshots, drink yer glasses girls and boys it's time to hit the sky. IP: Logged |
Monkey
unregistered
|
posted September 16, 2004 00:16
Rainy Day People. There enough "sunshine" everywhere. IP: Logged |
Late-night Listener
unregistered
|
posted September 22, 2004 23:34
There are just so many beautiful Lightfoot songs, which makes it such a great question to ponder. I especially enjoy "Wild Strawberries." The melody and lyrics are splendidly soothing. I can listen to Gordi for hours, and often times I do. He seems to have a song that suits any feeling a person may have.IP: Logged |
Eli
unregistered
|
posted September 24, 2004 20:37
My favorite Gordon Lightfoot song has changedin the last few months. Right now I am 16 and my dad would always play Gordon's Gold in the car, and I memorized all the lyrics to the songs. Between then and a few months ago, my favorite song was Circle of Steel, because of its vivid imagery, especially in the last verse. But, since I have fallen deeply in love with someone, softly is my new favorite song, and The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face is the runner upIP: Logged |
nelsonaddison
Member
|
posted September 25, 2004 13:09
As someone who has been religiously devoted to GL's music since my childhood in the early seventies, I own and listen to all Gord's studio albums. I would have to admit a three-way tie for favorite song."Affair On 8th Avenue" - This song sends chills up my spine. Not only is it hauntingly beautiful, but it reminds me of one my more intense relationships. I also think Gordon is telling us not to try so hard to control our affairs, but to accept them for what they are and when they pass, let the moment go and cherish it's memory. How long, said she, can a moment like this
Belong to someone
What's wrong, what is right, when to live or to die
We must almost be born
So if you should ask me what secrets I hide
I'm only your lover, don't make me decide "The Hosue You Live In" - There are two people on the planet who give truly sound ethical advice, The Dahli Lama and Gordon. This song teaches a balance between our needs as a human and our responsibility to others. When you're out on the road and feelin' quite lost
Consider the burden of fame
And he who is wise will not criticize
When other men fail at the game "Same OLd Loverman" -- I just love this slow, bluesy ballad. It reminds me of my truck-driving daddy. Now, ask me tomorrow and I'll pick three different songs. I love the entire span of his career, from Lightfoot! to Harmony. IP: Logged |
johnfowles
Member
|
posted September 25, 2004 14:51
quote:
Originally posted by nelsonaddison:
As someone who has been religiously devoted to GL's music since my childhood in the early seventies, I own and listen to all Gord's studio albums. I would have to admit a three-way tie for favorite song.
"
Nicely said Nelson I guess this is you:-
We could do with a professional comedian around here!!! Jimmy Jones is running out of steam... NOT
------------------
My Gordon Lightfoot webring
starts at
http://www.johnfowles.org.uk/lightfoot IP: Logged |
nelsonaddison
Member
|
posted September 26, 2004 16:20
Oh my God, I can't believe you actually took the time to find my photograph on the net. Yes, that's me in all my comedic glory.IP: Logged |
lexie
unregistered
|
posted September 29, 2004 22:06
Early morning rainIP: Logged |
GoGoGordo
Member
|
posted September 30, 2004 03:14
My Favorite Song is Wreck of the Edmond Fitzgerald, Because even though it happened 2 years before i was born I can Relate to it, Im from New England originally and Some of My family Members are and Some now Dead are Commercial Fisherman And Some Have Died At Sea, So When I hear the Song It sends Shivers Down My Spine Like Ghosts Haunting in the Melody of the Song. eerie But Damn Good Song, Also Carefree Highway is my 2nd Favorite. My Friends Pick on me Because Most 26 yr olds dont listen to Gord, But He's So Awesome. Rock on Gord!!!IP: Logged |
Young Listener
unregistered
|
posted October 05, 2004 14:40
Don't worry Go Go Gordo; I am only 20, and I have listened to more hours of Lightfoot than I could ever count. Studying, Going to bed, preparing food, on bus rides to track meets, and the list goes on and on. I too have been picked on for it, but I don't let anyone come between me and my favorite music. "Wild Strawberries," "Restless," and "Seven Island Suite" are on the top of my list.IP: Logged |
hercules411us
unregistered
|
posted October 08, 2004 23:19
Beautiful. Fan from Ohio. Fell in love with the music 35 years ago. In 1976 I met a woman who was wonderful. I wrote out the Lyrics of Beautiful and left them on her windshield. She became my wife and still is. Beautiful that is. Thank you Gordon.IP: Logged |
Northern Lighfoot
unregistered
|
posted October 16, 2004 10:21
Man!! He's my Campfire buddy. i remember my mom liking him and hearing him as he hit the radio hard in 1973-74-75. He'll always bring back wonderful memories and teach me something new at the same time. Early Morning Rain is a sentimental fave as i got use to hearing it on my twilight returns from Fly fishing in the Au Sable River in Michigan. Pine Trees,Orange-Purple skies a soft breeze and Gordon. thanks guy...you'll always be "Up-North" to me!Mike IP: Logged |
jeremy london england
unregistered
|
posted October 17, 2004 02:34
just heard early morning rain. it is so simple and so perfect. what was it inspired by, you experts?IP: Logged |
ScottD
Member
|
posted October 23, 2004 18:09
If You Could Read My Mind is my favorite Lightfoot song and song is probably my favorite song, period. I was 13 when it was a hit on the radio and from the first time I heard it, it has been the one song that I have never been tired of. It's the song that when it comes on the radio, you turn it up and tell everyone to be quiet for a minute. It makes you feel sad and good at the same time. It's just a beautiful piece of song craft and I know it has never gotten the acclaim that it deserves as a truly great song. Other GL songs that I love are Early Morning Rain, I'm Not Supposed to Care, Bitter Green, and The Circle is Small. And even though he didn't write it, his version of The First Time Ever I saw Your Face is absolutely incredible. I am glad I found this page and hope to visit it again soon.IP: Logged |
Auburn Annie
Member
|
posted October 23, 2004 18:28
quote:
Originally posted by jeremy london england:
just heard early morning rain. it is so simple and so perfect. what was it inspired by, you experts?
One of Wayne Francis' album reviews has this:
"And then Early Morning Rain! What more can be said about this song that hasn't already been said? Covered by the likes of Dylan and Presley, it was written in 1964, but Lightfoot drew upon an experience some six years earlier when he was studying music in Los Angeles in 1958 and he found himself at LAX one early morning, more than a little homesick." Also from Wayne Francis: "I've recently come across a Lightfoot quote that clarifies a lingering
question on this group, that is, what inspired the idea for Early Morning
Rain. Lightfoot attended Westlake College of Music in LA back in 1959 as a 20 year
old, and he has confessed to feeling homesick at times while out there. I can certainly relate. I travelled a couple thousand miles to university when I was 19 and I knew the feeling well. Anyway, Lightfoot says there was a particular day when he was at the LA
airport in 1959, when he had those feelings of longing for home. The idea stuck and 5 or 6 years later he drew upon that day to begin writing Early Morning Rain. Lightfoot's stay at Westlake proved invaluable to him in more ways than simply giving him the musical theory training he's put to such good use! So that dollar in his hand was a US dollar! Who would've guessed!? Wayne" IP: Logged |
Sophie
unregistered
|
posted October 24, 2004 15:22
"Promises". I think it's on the Shadows album. It's sweet and romantic, but realistic. It evokes memories of lost love without any bitterness. But really, the list of 'favorites' is quite long. Got on this site wondering what Gordon is up to now?IP: Logged |
djb
Member
|
posted October 24, 2004 15:30
Thank You For The Promises, perhaps?Good song on an underrated album. IP: Logged |
sophie
unregistered
|
posted October 28, 2004 15:30
quote:
Originally posted by djb:
Thank You For The Promises, perhaps? Yes, tthat's the one. Thanks.Good song on an underrated album.
IP: Logged |
Marcia
unregistered
|
posted October 28, 2004 19:08
The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald raised goosebumps up and down my body when I first heard it many, many years ago. I am listening to it right now (Itunes), and it still has the same effect on me.IP: Logged |
Cathy
Member
|
posted October 28, 2004 20:22
quote:
Originally posted by Marcia:
The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald raised goosebumps up and down my body when I first heard it many, many years ago. I am listening to it right now (Itunes), and it still has the same effect on me.
One of my friend's mom absolutely refuses to listen to Wreck. She heard it right after it hit the charts and it creeped her out, like she was having an anxiety attack, just thinking of what the men on the ship must have gone through that night.
She loves Lightfoot music, but she will not listen to Wreck. Cathy http://www.cathycowette.com IP: Logged |
djb
Member
|
posted October 29, 2004 04:03
quote:
Originally posted by Cathy:
One of my friend's mom absolutely refuses to listen to Wreck. -- snip -- She loves Lightfoot music, but she will not listen to Wreck.
Same with my wife. Gord is one of her favourite artists, but Wreck gets a skip as she refuses to listen to it.
IP: Logged |
Michael
Member
|
posted October 30, 2004 20:28
I suppose my favorite is Canadian Railroad Trilogy. Both my wife and I really enjoy all of his music. We've done extensive traveling throughout the US as part of my work, and listening to his music has created some very special memories. We got see him in Phoenix, Az while we livng there in the mid 80's, and then again in the early 90's in Chicago. We hope this man sings on forever!IP: Logged |
Jesse
unregistered
|
posted October 31, 2004 14:02
Oh, so many. GL has the capacity to condense the best and worst of what we are into a few verses and color them with music to lighten the soul. But I always have to listen intently to the backup singers on the "Summer Side of Life." There is a lady with a wide vibrato there who gives me shivers every time I hear that song. God bless the musicmakers.IP: Logged |
eaglepack
unregistered
|
posted November 11, 2004 05:56
I have been a fan of GL for many years.As for a Favorite song there are far to many to put down. But the ones that have left an impression would have to be 1. Black Day In July. Growing up in southwestern Ontario I remember only to well the riots in Detroit. 2. Go Go Round, only because it reminds me of a very special friend.
GL is more that just a song writer/singer, he is a story teller, and history teacher.
His songs and music will be remembered for many generations to come.IP: Logged |
Natucketej
unregistered
|
posted November 19, 2004 19:55
quote:
Originally posted by Florian:
What is your favorite Lightfoot Song & Why?(topic originated by Wes Steele)
[This message has been edited by Florian (edited February 26, 2000).]
IP: Logged |
ginothek
Member
|
posted November 21, 2004 11:02
favourite song? has to be THE LAST TIME I SAW HER...why? there was a girl i knew in Seattle and the song reminds me of how we were and how we ended.IP: Logged |
