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Author
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Topic: Favorite Lightfoot Song & Why? II
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Borderstone
Member
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posted January 27, 2005 22:08
   
I heard Carfree Highway "1" time and it instantly became a favorite! ..but then again,so did most of his songs.  ------------------
"A knight of the road,going back to a place where he might get warm."  - Borderstone [This message has been edited by Borderstone (edited January 27, 2005).] IP: Logged |
James
unregistered
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posted January 28, 2005 16:09
The Canadian Railroad Trilogy would be my #1 favorite.
Why? I had my first trip to Canada a couple of years ago(Banff, Jasper) and took the greatest hits with me on the adventure. I knew I would never be the same. My friends with me on the trip also knew they were really hearing Lightfoot for the 1st time while we drove along the most beautiful mountains and wilderness we had ever seen.
Then flying out of Calgary, listening to Early Morning Rain on my walkman, pulling up above the clouds with the Canadian Rockies down below. I want to live it again one day!!IP: Logged |
SYDNEY STEVE
Member
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posted February 04, 2005 19:30
Having spent some time looking at favourite song entries it is clear I have nowhere near the breadth of knowledge of G.'s music. I have very recently bought a live DVD "Live in Reno" and the Canadian Railroad trilogy which I have heard many times before continues to grow on me , was wonderful. My 3 favourites though are "the Wreck..." (not very original I know.) "The House You Live In's" lyrics are a lesson in themselves , but I love the uplifting and joyful ,(maybe rather less profound), "Summertime Dream" which I love so much I intend to have it played at my funeral - hopefully in around 40 years time! A celebration of life song. P.S. I wish Gord. would tour in Australia - I don't think he ever has. IP: Logged |
BILLW
Member
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posted February 04, 2005 21:18
quote:
Originally posted by SYDNEY STEVE:
Having spent some time looking at favourite song entries it is clear I have nowhere near the breadth of knowledge of G.'s music. I have very recently bought a live DVD "Live in Reno" and the Canadian Railroad trilogy which I have heard many times before continues to grow on me , was wonderful. My 3 favourites though are "the Wreck..." (not very original I know.) "The House You Live In's" lyrics are a lesson in themselves , but I love the uplifting and joyful ,(maybe rather less profound), "Summertime Dream" which I love so much I intend to have it played at my funeral - hopefully in around 40 years time! A celebration of life song. P.S. I wish Gord. would tour in Australia - I don't think he ever has.
Welcome aboard Steve. Another member here who goes by "joveski" is from your neck of the woods. He knows exactly when GL was last down by y'all and I'm sure he'll have something to say. Bill IP: Logged |
Kathy in Michigan
Member
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posted February 04, 2005 23:28
This is my first post and I haven't read all the messages yet(it will take years, I think).I don't have a favorite song either...There are just too many. I have always fancied myself a devout Lightfoot fan. However, after browsing this message board, I'm lacking true knowlege! I have seen Gordon in concert 12 times beginning in the late 60's to 1999(?). If he ever gets within a hundred miles of me, I will see him again.
My favorite concert was in the early 70's...at the Olympia Stadium in Detroit (now long gone)...It was a World Hunger Benefit with Gordon, John Denver, James Taylor and Harry Chapin...no bands...just the four of them, in the round, with their guitars. They sang alone and together. It was very memorable and maybe my favorite concert of all time.
I wanted to share, but I've been reading this board for so long I'm crossed eyed! Good night.
Kathy
PS-Borderstone...you crack me up! IP: Logged |
Sheryl Klein
Member
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posted February 05, 2005 01:24
Welcome, Kathy! Glad to "meet" you! Browse around in here and post freely -- lots of wonderful folks in here who also love Gord and his beautiful songs. And, yes, Borderstone's a real gem!IP: Logged |
Sherry
unregistered
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posted February 07, 2005 16:14
If You Could Read My Mind was the first song I heard by GL and got me hooked forever after that.Beautiful was our wedding song almost 25 years ago! IP: Logged |
Sentimental
Member
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posted February 07, 2005 17:00
Absolutely impossible to choose! I suppose Song For A Winters Night would qualify but truely, there are sooooo many that I LOVE just as much.IP: Logged |
JenBC
unregistered
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posted February 08, 2005 11:29
I love "The Way I Feel" & "Race Among the Ruins"too many faves to list...but those are my constant favorites for sure  D IP: Logged |
missingyou
unregistered
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posted February 10, 2005 09:04
quote:
Originally posted by hopper_8888:
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!
Is this who I think it is? IP: Logged |
doctortrd
Member
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posted February 11, 2005 16:32
The breadth,scope and brilliance of Gords portfolio is nothing short of astounding...he simply never wrote a bad song. Like the Beatles,Simon and Garfunkel Dylan and very few others,,you can only measure the greatness of one of his songs relative to his many masterpieces. Like the other aforementioned artists,GL is a genius and a master. He occupies a unique place in the parthenon of musical giants.IP: Logged |
doctortrd
Member
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posted February 11, 2005 16:33
The breadth,scope and brilliance of Gords portfolio is nothing short of astounding...he simply never wrote a bad song. Like the Beatles,Simon and Garfunkel Dylan and very few others,,you can only measure the greatness of one of his songs relative to his many masterpieces. Like the other aforementioned artists,GL is a genius and a master. He occupies a unique place in the parthenon of musical giants.IP: Logged |
Mariposa
unregistered
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posted February 13, 2005 17:14
my fav gl song is the original "Circle is Small" because we have all been through that kind of experience at one time in our lives.and he is being so upfront about it too.IP: Logged |
Gordadmirer
unregistered
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posted February 16, 2005 08:52
I think my favorite is his little-known and little-performed "Miguel." With its Spanish flavor, lovely melody, and haunting lyrics, the song is different from most of his much admired standbys. It appears only on his "Summer Side of Life" album. If you get a chance, you should listen to it.IP: Logged |
Kathy in Michigan
Member
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posted February 16, 2005 16:20
My favorite song this week is 'Stay Loose' from East of Midnight. I wake up with the song in my head and it's there all day!IP: Logged |
Ramblin' Bob
unregistered
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posted February 17, 2005 15:39
I've been listening to Gordon since the 70's. All his music is really good. I think my all time favorite of his is Wreck Of The Edmund Fitzgerald. I never get tired of listening to it.IP: Logged |
The Rez
Member
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posted February 20, 2005 03:31
Shadows: I once had the moment of setting w/ Gord (w/Alan, Brennan&Robin) in the hotel room. I asked him about Shadows.His response is one I'll never forget. He said, 'If I to l told you, then it wouldn't belong to you anymore.? IP: Logged |
john in Sebastopol, Ca.
unregistered
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posted March 03, 2005 20:48
Wow, it was fun to read everyones favourites, as they included so many songs Gordon doesn't usually play. My favourites are "Affair on 8th Avenue" for a girl I dated and almost married in high school and shadows, because now I'm fifty two, and it's the way I feel about love....So many good choices Seven Islands, High and Dry, Summer Side of Life...if you're listening Gordie, play some of these if you travel east to Reno, or north to Mendicino....
Thanks, John Miatech in Sebastopol Calif (I gave you some crystals for the kids a few years back at Luther Burbank, remember?).IP: Logged |
bobbyk57
Member
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posted March 05, 2005 00:31
That's like asking a shark what his favorite food is! One of my favs is "I'll Do Anything" off the Shadows album. It's just a beautifully-arranged and played song. "Miguel", and "The Circle is Small" are also great songs. But, I really like "Inspiration Lady" off the Harmony album. In fact, we're naming our new yacht "Inspiration Lady."IP: Logged |
The Rez
Member
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posted March 05, 2005 00:51
I've been taking in the many earlier pages of folk's favorites. It's a fine road to travel (Fine as Fine Can Be?)But, I must take this moment to say that after first hearing of Brave Mountaineers, I've never since worn a wrist watch. I'd already wanted to do that when Captain America tossed his away in '69. The Brave Mountaineers, never much bothered by time you know, made me stick to it. The Rez ------------------
It was a Beautiful Rainbow
A Beautiful Time in my Life
A Thing to Share
A Time to Care
To Be Alive IP: Logged |
Elisabeth
Member
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posted March 07, 2005 01:29
I know the music since 1972 and have been to a live concert in Amsterdam.My favourite songs depends on my mood but these are my favourites: "Afair on 8th avenue", "A long way back home", "Carefree Highway", "Restless feeling" are amongst the top 10 for me. IP: Logged |
Mattman
unregistered
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posted March 07, 2005 11:52
I loved Sundown!Actually, I first heard it on Homestarrunner.com. "We'll see if those trees you're always huggin' come and save you when Gordon' Lightfoot's creepin' round your back stair!" IP: Logged |
Slimster22
unregistered
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posted March 07, 2005 12:43
Ghost Of Cape Horn
Why? I guess because I remember listening to it as a kid in the 70's & 80's and it sort of putting me in this far off slightly erie place mentally. I could picture every part of the song in my head and placed myself in it and felt the emotions of the characters. It still scares the hell out of me, but I love it.IP: Logged |
candleaire
unregistered
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posted March 07, 2005 12:44
quote:
"We'll see if those trees you're always huggin' come and save you when Gordon' Lightfoot's creepin' round your back stair!"[/B]
Stare back. IP: Logged |
candleaire
unregistered
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posted March 07, 2005 12:52
quote:
Originally posted by Mattman:
"We'll see if those trees you're always huggin' come and save you when Gordon' Lightfoot's creepin' round your back stair!"[/B]
Stare back. IP: Logged |
mrbadhairday
unregistered
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posted March 08, 2005 21:02
My favorite Gordon Lightfoot song is "The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald". I am a former sailor and I HAVE been through 2 different hurricanes (David and Frederic) and I KNOW just exactly what it feels like...how helpless you are when there are 100 mph winds and HUGE waves out in the middle of nowhere. You cannot merely "pull off the road" so to speak. It is not a good feeling. November 10, 1975
This year is 30 years. My fellow sailors will NOT be forgotten. Here is my personal tribute to them I hope you enjoy and think of them as I do. Amen Steven
http://www.soundclick.com/bands/9/stevenmaxwellmusic.htm IP: Logged |
Mikhail
unregistered
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posted March 13, 2005 07:21
Hello from Russia!
I think "Sundown" album is a real brilliant. It's hard to name the loveliest song... Possibly, Carefree Highway. However, I love Too Late For Praying very muchIP: Logged |
redheart
unregistered
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posted March 13, 2005 10:58
What makes Gordon Lightfoot my favorite all-time singer/songwriter is his ability to reach people of all age groups and locales, and the fact that his music is just so timeless, profound, and memorable. I'm new to this site and must agree with the posts that liken his degree of fame to other music legends like Lennon, Dylan, etc. I can ramble endlessly about how he 'stikes every chord' of emotion and sings about so many different people, places, and experiences, but many of you have already given him that wonderful tribute. Many Thanks. What makes this gifted man so remarkable to me is the fact that through it all, he has remained a humble and 'ordinary man' in his mannerism and personality. It's refreshing to see such rare and admirable qualities in a world-reknown artist in today's age of glitz and glammor. Choosing a favorite song/s would be most difficult, but if I must,.... well,....OK, here goes: 1. Home From the Forest 2. Highway Songs 3. Song For a Winter's Night 4. The Watchman's Gone 5. Looking At the Rain ---- A decade ago I crawled out of the bottle for the last time, so song # 1 really does hit 'home', and it serves as a haunting reminder of what could have been. Song #2 resonates over and over as I'm traversing the scenic backroads of America on my Harley Softail. Song #3 conjers the image of my soulmate(who I've yet to meet) and I taking a horse drawn sleigh ride through the snow covered countryside on a cold, starry night. Song #4 bespeaks the 'watchman' inside of us all(our own human limitations), and how much better life could be if we could know that 'the watchman's gone'. Song #5 touches the heart of everyone who has lost someone. Finally, If ever I get the golden opportunity to meet Gordon in person, I would have to thank him for the gift of his music, and that his words carried me through my dark times, as well as made the happy times even brighter. How often does someone we've never met before become one of our best friends through their music? IP: Logged |
LSH
Member
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posted March 13, 2005 12:20
I don't usually read this thread, but I'm glad I took the time to this morning. That was beautiful. Well spoken.IP: Logged |
Cathy
Member
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posted March 13, 2005 13:24
quote:
Originally posted by LSH:
I don't usually read this thread, but I'm glad I took the time to this morning. That was beautiful. Well spoken.
I have to agree. That post could be easily be turned into a tribute song to Gord. Cathy http://www.cathycowette.com IP: Logged |
Cathy
Member
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posted March 13, 2005 13:26
quote:
Originally posted by Mikhail:
Hello from Russia!
I think "Sundown" album is a real brilliant. It's hard to name the loveliest song... Possibly, Carefree Highway. However, I love Too Late For Praying very much
Hi Mikhail and welcome to the group.
Is Gord well known in Russia? I don't know that we've ever had a Russian fan on this newsgroup, other than Rosanna, and she was just a figment of my imagination.
Cathy http://www.cathycowette.com
IP: Logged |
RCI
Member
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posted March 14, 2005 11:37
Hello to all,my favorite song is "Did she mention my name ?"
This song was often played by Radio Canada International- Gordon Lightfoot and Canada ist the same to me since that time.
Is there somebody who knows the story behind this song ? Take care,
Klaus from Europe IP: Logged |
RCI
Member
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posted March 14, 2005 11:38
Hello to all,my favorite song is "Did she mention my name ?"
This song was often played by Radio Canada International- Gordon Lightfoot and Canada is the same to me since that time.
Is there somebody who knows the story behind this song ? Take care,
Klaus from Europe IP: Logged |
Smeckelau
Member
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posted March 15, 2005 05:11
My favourite GL song: Hard call ... they're all so great but to choose one right now it is: Song for a Winter's Night. One of the prettiest songs I've ever heard.IP: Logged |
The Rez
Member
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posted March 15, 2005 21:56
Evenin' all,What a wonderous adventure it is winding thru this fabric-maze of thread: some new and barely known, some obscure discoveries, and some very familiar old friends. While I've mentioned most beloved tunes here before, I realize they ebb and flow with my own tides. Lately I've found myself both listening-in, and then playing, two to the seabirds. The Leaves of Grass, and
Black Day in July With appologies to those seabirds, The Rez ------------------
It was a Beautiful Rainbow
A Beautiful Time in my Life
A Thing to Share
A Time to Care
To Be Alive IP: Logged |
StingRay
Member
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posted March 18, 2005 04:40
I would have to agree with the Rez, it was very interesting for me to read each of your reasons for choosing a particular Gord song. Some just liked the tune, some liked the lyrics, some were touched personally by Gord's magic. For me it would have to be " Leaves Of Grass" and this is for the reason that I was touched by Gord's magic in his writing in my particular time of need. I noted some of you talking about the recent events in Alberta over the past few weeks and saw your posts with pictures of the "sea of red". I too have seen this up close and personal as I am an Emergency Services worker. You can substitute blue for the color of the uniform, and the hats look different but it was very much the same. At that time this song and fellowship with brothers and sisters helped me get through some very tough times. I still think of those times and my feelings every time I hear or sing this song. Many of Gord's songs have special meaning for me but this one can help me relate to my being, and my feelings about a very important time in my life. I really believe that music is a therapy of sorts if you are able to relate what you hear to your personal situation. A really timeless song, eerily relevant in 1969 when originally recorded, 2001 (9/11), 2002 (May 27, Billy you are not forgotten) or 2005. IP: Logged |
The Rez
Member
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posted March 18, 2005 12:14
Yesterday a friend asked me when I first came to love John Denver's music. Knowing and loving are two different things.Ever since that question, I've been re-running a time capsule to answer the question. The time capsule also contains a tune sung by Gord I hadn't thought of in quite a spell, yet have revisited more often than tongue can tell. One of the few Gord didn't write: "Like crippled ships that made it throught the storm and finally reached a quiet shore, the homeless found a home On Susan's Floor." The time capsule: The early 70s; North Shore Lake Tahoe; a gentle young lady - called herself Sam - took in Stray Dogs. They would drape themselves all over the furniture; pass the chips; pass the pipe; pass the guitar; and pass sweet fellowship.
The evening would begin to the soft John Denver and Poems, Prayers, and Promises floating from the stereo. Thus began the sharing, the caring, and the circle. A breath would occasionally occur. Sam would play just the right song for the moment on the stereo. Then the Stray Dogs would resume their stories. Sam would choose the time to bring the evening to a close W/ the playing of Shell Silverstein's beautiful lyric flowing from Gordon Lightfoot via the stereo. The Stray Dogs would slowly move from the furniture to the floor, and become still - the homeless found a home On Susan's Floor. As breathing came more deeply, Sam would play John Stewart and Chilly Winds - as those sweet dreams would come . . . I can't sing those songs without seeing that scene so long ago - as present as breath - and for a priceless moment, young. The Rez ------------------
It was a Beautiful Rainbow
A Beautiful Time in my Life
A Thing to Share
A Time to Care
To Be Alive [This message has been edited by The Rez (edited March 18, 2005).] IP: Logged |
redheart
Member
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posted March 18, 2005 17:11
The Rez is Right ---- It'd be hard not to agree with you on the notion that a 'favorite' would depend on one's state of mind at the time, aside from those few that reach down to the level of the soul. The way in which a song reaches each one of us is so subjective, since we all have that defining power of association. Science is only beginning to understand how various sounds affect us. We just get in touch with how a song makes us feel. How interesting to read other interpretations of songs I've heard for three decades now. IP: Logged |
Ron Jones
unregistered
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posted March 20, 2005 15:53
Being the rabid Gordon Lightfoot that I am this question comes my way frequently and I never know how to respond. Most times I try and deflect it by saying something stupid like "in which category?" In the late sixties at a concert in the little town of Alliston, Ontario Gord appeared there with his two band members at the time, Red Shea and John Stockfish. For the very first time I heard him perform "Bitter Green" and he make the reference that "This is a GOOD song." When it came out on the "Back Here On Earth" albumn I ended up taking a week off work just so I could have the time to absorb that recording at my leisure. Bitter Green turned out to be a song that grew on me in a way like no other Lightfoot song ever did. It is unique in the fact that Gord fingerpicks it on the six string guitar in the "drop D" tuning. I know of no others in that particular tuning on the six string guitar. His bigger songs like "Early Morning Rain" and "Canadian Railroad Trilogy" are done in the "drop D" tuning but they are strummed and played on the twelve string. Bitter Green is my favoutite song TODAY! RJ.IP: Logged |
wombat
unregistered
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posted March 26, 2005 19:30
Hi everybody!
I just found this site and have been reading this thread. I've been a huge Lightfoot fan since If You Could Read My Mind first hit the radio so many years ago. I've seen him in concert more times than I can remember. As for a favorite song, that would be almost impossible to say. He has created more of my Favorite Songs than anyone else (except for possibly Al Stewart). Shadows might be his most beautiful. Or maybe Affair on 8th Avenue.... on the other hand, Canadian Railroad Trilogy is astounding in a different way. The man is a genius with few equals in his field, and I'm looking forward to seeing him again this summer in Glenside, PA.IP: Logged |
Russell
unregistered
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posted March 29, 2005 19:16
My favorite song is The Wreck of the Edmund fitzgerald, because it is just an epic tune that Icould sing over and over againIP: Logged |
Georgia Moen
unregistered
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posted March 30, 2005 15:56
My favorite is "Approaching Lavender." It takes me back to a time in my life when I was madly in love, freshman in college and loving being a hippie. It is such a beautifully romatic song!IP: Logged |
The Rez
Member
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posted March 30, 2005 23:57
Approaching Lavender . . .Gord once said, years ago, he was a bit let down that no one had come to him to tell him they'd named their daughter Lavender. In younger years I approached a lady called Lavender. It was her "hippie name." I'm glad I never knew her borning name. She was everything expressed in Gord's song. Hence her "hippie name." In older years, I had a daughter. Her name is Summer Joy. I don't know if I want her to become too familiar w/ "Approaching Lavender" just yet . . . the lonesome hippie says. But, oh, how right about the song and the time, and . . . . . . for the Love beyond our lives,
The Rez ------------------
It was a Beautiful Rainbow
A Beautiful Time in my Life
A Thing to Share
A Time to Care
To Be Alive IP: Logged |
The Rez
Member
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posted March 31, 2005 01:04
A small PS:That little scrap of lyric I use as a signature could be well called Approaching Lavender #2 (minus the genius, of course.) It is a song memorializing that time and space for "hippie names"; written at the time of Lavender; same meter and feel as Gord's gem; my young attempt; my elder friend . . . Why did I happen here so late in the night? It's not at all fair . . . The Rez
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It was a Beautiful Rainbow
A Beautiful Time in my Life
A Thing to Share
A Time to Care
To Be Alive IP: Logged |
Patti
Member
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posted March 31, 2005 07:27
I would like to hear Gordon's Hula Hoop song.IP: Logged |
The Rez
Member
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posted March 31, 2005 18:00
Is that still done at roller rinks?  The Rez It was a Beautiful Hula Hoop
A Beautiful Hoop in my Loop
A Hula here - a Hula there
Hula Hooping everywhere
IP: Logged |
max
Member
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posted April 01, 2005 11:38
AFFAIR ON 8TH AVENUE
A little dark love movie, rich of beautiful details.......a short moment that can last a life-time.And, in certain ways, that's my story too... Max
Florence, Italy IP: Logged |
Miklos
unregistered
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posted April 01, 2005 14:05
I'm not as familiar with GL's music as I'd like to be, but right now my favorite of his is "The Watchman's Gone" from 'Sundown'. The idea of a couple of 'Brothers of the Road' appeals to me.
"If you find me feedin' daisies,
Please turn my face up to the sky..."IP: Logged |
wombat
unregistered
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posted April 03, 2005 00:13
Approaching Lavender; that's one of my favorites too, along with a whole list of little-known songs that never got played on the radio and never will, but I "rediscover" them whenever I play an album. Saturday Clothes, Your Love's Return, Miguel, Go My Way, Same Old Loverman, Spanish Moss....every album has a few of them.IP: Logged |
