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Author
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Topic: Favorite Lightfoot Song & Why? II
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FerretMike
Member
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posted March 18, 2001 02:38
   
The song "If You Could Read my Mind" stole my heart. I consider Gorden Lightfoot my favorite singer songwriter. I am used to getting every album, sheet music book, picture, literally anything related to him.I had a songbook he had autographed in Eugene, Oregon which was stolen and that bummed me out. But the important thing I have from GL is the inspiration and heart warmth he give me. I also look forward to anytime he is within a thousand miles and I can get away to see him. Songs I like? I have trouble narrowing it down. What I don't like is a more managable data base in my brain housing group to narrow down to paper. Some of his stuff from "Endless Wire" and a couple of albums of that era had seemed too lounge oriented and had a too heavy drumbeat. "The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down," and "The Auctioneer" are not good versions of other people's material and I would have prefered him to publish his songs which we have not heard enough of. I question the premise of the line in "The Canadian Railroad Trilogy" which says "They built the mines, the mills, and the factories for the good of us all." More like they built them to exploit resources and people to make capital and build political punch, so I winch when I hear that. His stuff he has written in his later years shows he has gotten better at his craft, and I look forward to many more years of him working at it. I salute him for capturing my heart and imagination and holding them so long. I wish I could give him half of what he has given me. "I may not be alone each time I see you, along a street or in a small cafe. But still I won't deny you or mistreat you, baby if you'll let me have my way..." IP: Logged |
Ted
unregistered
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posted March 19, 2001 10:22
It's hard to single out an all time favourite but I have a couple. Steel Rail Blues is still one of my favourites. As a finger-style guitar player, I spent years learning by playing along with the records. This tune remains a favourite even though, as GL has "matured" it seems to have been dropped from his live shows. Perhaps his voice doesn't get to where it could reach 30 years ago. Another all time favourite for me is Carefree Highway. A catchy tune and descriptive lyric and I enjoy Terry Clements' licks in the breaks.
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MSR0205@aol.com
unregistered
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posted March 25, 2001 14:36
My favorite Gordon Lightfoot song right now is "Song For A Winter's Night." It reminds me of a perfect Valentine's Day I had, and how I wish every day could be like that!
"If You Could Read My Mind" is another favorite of mine. This song actually led me to have that perfect Valentine's Day in the first place! Both songs will always hold a special place in my heart. I look forward to hearing them sung live in concert at The Keswick on May 13th.IP: Logged |
rmrlaw
Member
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posted March 29, 2001 13:21
Touch choice but I would have to go with Beautiful. My wife and I had it sung by a friend of ours at our wedding (we each chose a song and I chose Beautiful). Love the lyrics and the melody. Close second is If You Could Read My Mind. Don't like its lyrics as much as Beautiful though.
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Lindsayanne
unregistered
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posted April 10, 2001 00:04
my favorite dong would be a song I THINK is called " if i could read your mind love". this song means the world to me because it was my father's favorite song. i'm sixteen years old and my father died when i was a small child. the only memory i have of him is hearing his voice sing this song to me when i was sick...IP: Logged |
J. M. Miller
unregistered
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posted April 10, 2001 02:07
My heart does not break easily, but the posting from Lindsayanne has left it shattered. How sweet and sad. Her remarks remind me to be grateful to my Heavenly Father that I still have an earthly one, though he is two thousand miles away. (In reply to this topic, I'll select a more obscure song as my favorite: ALL I'M AFTER, from Shadows. Gorgeous melody.)IP: Logged |
pleyore
Member
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posted April 10, 2001 15:56
My favorite Gordon song? How to choose from so many wonderful songs? I'd have to say though the choice is tough the song we are using in our wedding, Beautiful. That kinda says it all. Just plain beautiful!!IP: Logged |
DJ
Member
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posted April 17, 2001 19:08
Favorite Lightfoot song? Impossible!
However it would be from 1980 or before.
I noticed no one mentioned, "Circle of Steel", which is an awesome song. "Affair on 8th Avenue" is a great love ballad. I'm trying to pick ones that haven't been mentioned. I've seen Gordon twice, in Minneapolis, and also in San Diego. I'd see him again if I get the chance. I'm 41 now and have been listening to him since I was seventeen. Oh..."The Patriots Dream" is an awesome song as well. "The Pony Man" is so vivid and attracts the child in me. One of the earliest songs that hooked me, was when I was asking about questions concerning life (and still am),is, "Wherefore and Why", which was written for an old movie that "starred" Michael Douglas called, "Hail Hero". The best that I can say, is that if Gordon had never written a note, and had written poetry only; he would be one of the greatest poets ever. What a way with words and images!!! IP: Logged |
Daylight Katie
Member
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posted April 19, 2001 03:04
Is there such a thing as a favorite GL song? I swear that Gord has a song for our every mood and for different phases of our lives. We all love him so much because he has a song for everybody. It seems like he has always been there. I grew up listening to him and now that I'm older, I love him even more because now I can relate with what he is saying.(lost loves, new loves, the morning after blues, etc.)Currently, I'm in a groove where I can't stop listening to Gord! That's how I discovered this site. Like I said, he's always been there, but at this particular point, he is just triggering a pleasure point in my head and I can't stop listening to him. I'm like a Gordan Lightfoot junkie! I can't get over the size of this site. I now know I am not alone. Thanks. IP: Logged |
ken laurion
Member
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posted April 23, 2001 01:14
I love IF YOU NEED ME from Dream Street Rose.
That album ranks right up there with Sundown.
Seven Island Suite, The Watchman's Gone, and Is There Anyone Home
are an amazing trio of tracks to be laid down on one album.
Nothing has compared.IP: Logged |
miran
unregistered
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posted April 25, 2001 09:04
There are so many of his songs ingrained in my psyche, that are part of me... but the one that I floats to the top, every time I try to find a favorite, is Don Quixote. Having been a lit major, I read both Don Quixote and the bio of Miguel de Cervantes, but this song goes beyond that story. One of my best friends is a struggling musician, a man who writes and sings the most beautiful stories of his life... much like the man this site is dedicated to, I suppose. For me, this song has become the story of the performer himself, a man with something to say, a passion for shining light into the darkness. Perhaps there's a bit of the old knight in all of us... IP: Logged |
Guido
Member
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posted April 25, 2001 15:51
Somewhere USA off of Sundown. "Out on the road like a low down joe and the bar where we are is so cool I'd like to stay." My friend and I must have listened to this 1,000 times traveling cross country in 1975.IP: Logged |
GARYB
unregistered
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posted April 27, 2001 22:22
Circle of Steel is my favorite. Every time
I listen it reminds me how lucky I truly am.
As he puts it so well "you place your bets on
a great big wheel". This song just hits a nerve with how fragile life is. To me the
Sundown album was his best followed by
Cold On The Shoulder. I've been a fan for
27 years ever since hearing If You Could Read
My Mind as a 7 year old.IP: Logged |
Russ Houser
Member
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posted April 28, 2001 02:10
shadowsIP: Logged |
Janine
unregistered
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posted April 28, 2001 13:50
It's been a long time since I visited this site until today and I had posted on this original topic before it was lost. Of course my favorite song has changed since then! "I heard you talking in your sleep" is my new favorite. The song deals with infidelity and I wonder if this is from Gordon's life or if it is just something he thought on. I do know that no matter what he is singing about, when you are sad it makes you feel like he is just as hurt as you are and you are not alone. It is the magic of Gordon Lightfoot.IP: Logged |
Azala
unregistered
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posted May 09, 2001 12:29
Favorite Lightfoot song(s)?
It would have to be Seven Island Suite from Sundown -- I grew up on Puget Sound and I like to imagine that he is singing about the San Juan Islands.....
more in the water vein: Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald, so eerie. There is a segment on a show on Discovery Channel about Shipwrecks about the Edmund Fitzgerald and they play the song as a backdrop for the bell ringing 29 times.....IP: Logged |
Azala
unregistered
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posted May 09, 2001 12:50
Favorite Lightfoot song(s)?
It would have to be Seven Island Suite from Sundown -- I grew up on Puget Sound and I like to imagine that he is singing about the San Juan Islands.....
more in the water vein: Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald, so eerie. There is a segment on a show on Discovery Channel about Shipwrecks about the Edmund Fitzgerald and they play the song as a backdrop for the bell ringing 29 times.....IP: Logged |
hemlock
Member
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posted May 13, 2001 03:52
Wow; there's an impossible one to answer. I'm torn between Protocol, Race amoung the Ruins, 14 Carat Gold, Shadows, and EVERY other song Gord's ever done! I'm serious, I'd have to pick 100 or so songs to be fair.IP: Logged |
joebeckey
Member
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posted May 13, 2001 12:40
"Black Day in July", has to rank right up there. The words, the music, the percussion. A song for all ages and all times. Hopefully something like that will never again happen here, in that magnitude. Sadly, we are not a peaceful world. BDIJ is a gut shot to all of us who have ever thought ill of one another. Like Smokey the Bear always said, "Only you can prevent forest fires". If only folks would listen. "The streets of Motor City are now quiet and serene. But the shapes of gutted buildings, strike terror to the heart, and you say how did it happen,and you say how did it start. Why can't we all be brothers, why can't we live in peace. But the hands of the havenots, keep falling out of reach. Black day in July."------------------
joe beckey IP: Logged |
c0untryboy
Member
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posted May 14, 2001 11:13
This is a fantastic website. It has been a long time since I've been here. My favorite Gordon Lightfoot song would be a toss-up between, "Sixteen Miles", and "Carefree Highway".
"Sixteen Miles" reminds me of the breakup of my first marriage and the emotions of that situation.
""Carefree Highway" is the song that mad me a Gordon Lightfoot fan and is a song I used to sing with an old flame who I worked with long ago.------------------
John IP: Logged |
Nodrog Toofthgil
Member
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posted May 15, 2001 15:42
without a doubt my favorite gordon lightfoot song, and the best one too, is The Wreck Of theEdmund Fitzgerald.Historically accurate, it captures the mood without pandering or preying on the deceased. IP: Logged |
mhanse1
Member
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posted June 03, 2001 22:28
My favourite song is probably Yarmouth Castle. I recall my father having the 'Sunday Concert' album, which was one of the few records we had around the house up in McKenzie in the early 70s. When I was young, I remember laying by the record player listening to this record. My father still has it, it is such a thick piece of plastic, much more so that LPs that came out later in the decade. I still remember all the words to the song, my favourites being 'Oh Lord she groans I'm burning, let someone understand, but her silent plea is wasted in the playing of the band'. As I have aged, I have other special songs, but this initial exposure remains my favourite.IP: Logged |
gibmartin
Member
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posted June 07, 2001 22:54
So hard to name one favorite GL song. Many have spoken to me over the past 35 years that I have listened to GL. While I think he is a legendary lyricist, my first exposure was of an Ewan McColl song "Changes". I fell in love with his voice and the imagery, thinking he had written the song. I began buying his albums and learned he truly was a gifted songwriter. I have enjoyed performing his songs more than any other artist I cover. Early Mornin' Rain, On Susan's Floor, Second Cup of Coffee, Walls, I'll be alright.....many obscure, but Gordon you have scripted or reflected a great deal of what I have experienced in life and relationships... I'll just keep listening and sharing Lightfoot's music.....IP: Logged |
Dave Horwell
unregistered
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posted June 14, 2001 17:51
Sorry guys, us brits don't get to hear much of GL. The only song for me is "Sundown". I heard it only once and have never forgotten it. Hard to believe once only, but true.IP: Logged |
JayK
unregistered
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posted June 14, 2001 18:39
quote:
Originally posted by gibmartin:
So hard to name one favorite GL song. Many have spoken to me over the past 35 years that I have listened to GL. While I think he is a legendary lyricist, my first exposure was of an Ewan McColl song "Changes". I fell in love with his voice and the imagery, thinking he had written the song. I began buying his albums and learned he truly was a gifted songwriter. I have enjoyed performing his songs more than any other artist I cover. Early Mornin' Rain, On Susan's Floor, Second Cup of Coffee, Walls, I'll be alright.....many obscure, but Gordon you have scripted or reflected a great deal of what I have experienced in life and relationships... I'll just keep listening and sharing Lightfoot's music.....
Hi GIBMARTIN,I like the song "Changes" also;I know other artists have recorded it,but I thought it was written by Phil Ochs.
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Bobkatfore
unregistered
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posted June 15, 2001 19:51
The first time I heard Lightfoot was "Sundown". I grew to hate that song because my brother bought the album and played the hell out of it; not to mention the radio. Then I sat down alone and listened to the album. I loved it. As hard as it is to pick a favorite, and it is hard. I would have to say that "The Watchman" is it; I guess because it was where I was at at the time. Restless, wanting to run. The Edmund Fitzgerald is probably the best he has written. The lyrics and the production, along with that voice, put you there. It was also the first song I learned on the guitar. Also the mosty requested.IP: Logged |
gsmdmom
Member
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posted June 16, 2001 21:09
"On Susan's Floor." I used to work in Nashville where Sue Brewer worked (Music City News), and I actually lived in the same apt. building. By then (1977) Sue had inoperable breast cancer and died in '78. but she had stories to tell!!!!!! And a sense of humor to the end! Of course, Krostofferson wrote the song, and I don't think she actually ever put GL up for the night. But I can see Sue's eyes sparkle every time I hear GL sing the song (and he does it much better than Kris!) I am proud to say I spent quite a few hours on Susan's floor myself, listening to her reminiscences of the "good old days" in Nashville!IP: Logged |
BILLW
Member
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posted June 17, 2001 06:33
gsmdmom,Enjoyed your story and I also love Gord's version of "On Susan's Floor". But fyi the song was written by Shel Silverstein and Vince Matthews. Shel was also known for his children's books, among many talents. Bill IP: Logged |
featherov
Member
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posted July 01, 2001 23:30
Someone up above mentioned "The Ballad of the Yarmouth Castle". That's our favorite, too. What a piece of work. Sorry to confess that we're unable to pinpoint just what it is that we find so mesmerizing about that song. It just leaves you in awe, even after 25 years and thousands of listens.------------------
Sammy and Rebecky IP: Logged |
RichinVan
unregistered
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posted July 07, 2001 22:02
Just found this website and as a longtime Lightfoot fan don't know why I didn't look for it before! Anyway been reading through a lot of replies. All very interesting. My favorite Gord song would have to be 'Canadian Railroad Trilogy'. The vivid imagery he creates gives me chills every time I hear it. This song defines Canada!Alot of runners up: Sit Down Young Stranger,Bitter Green,Don Quixote,Song For A Winter's Night,Ode To Big Blue and my vote for his most underrated song Approaching Lavender. And that only scratches the surface. Lightfoot is truly a great and original talent.
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ordinaryman
Member
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posted July 10, 2001 10:30
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).]
i have so many favourite gl songs. right now, i'd have to say 'looking at the rain'. evocative, and i love the string section!
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ordinaryman
Member
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posted July 10, 2001 10:51
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).]
i have so many favourite gl songs. right now, i'd have to say 'looking at the rain'. evocative, and i love the string section!
IP: Logged |
DJ
Member
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posted July 17, 2001 21:09
favorite song? again impossible
My children love "Canary Yellow Canoe", I guess cause it is something they can identify with and it's energetic.
"Minstrel of the Dawn", is profoundly simple and melodic, and of course poetic. "Summer Side of Life", is very powerful. In any case I like Gordon's pre 1976 music better because it seems more emotionally powerful...It seems to me that there's more of an honesty and edge to it; which is to say that he's probably mellowed some through the years. In any case...when one chooses...one never loses...all is Gord's good.IP: Logged |
DJ
Member
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posted July 17, 2001 21:15
The posting by Lindsayanne is a tough one to read. I would only suggest that you not listen to, "If You Could Read My Mind" so that you could preserve the memory of your father singing to you...then again maybe you should listen to it. I started listening to Gordon at age 17, and he helped me through many depressing years. I hope you'll find what you're looking for, or are able to express what you feel.IP: Logged |
Peter Bellairs
unregistered
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posted July 24, 2001 01:47
As everyone else seems to suggest - picking the best is a nightmare. Tattoo is wonderful as is The Last Time I Saw Her and You're Not Supposed To Care. For me though, It's Worth Believin' has been my favourite since it first came out (in '75?) and despite the appearance of a swag of great songs since, nothing has managed to surpass it. From APPT, Much To My Surprise is my favourite.IP: Logged |
angela
unregistered
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posted September 08, 2001 14:32
My favorite song is "If you could read my mind". I guess the reason is because I can relate to his point of view in this song. Such poingnant beauty seems to be meant for the lovers, the dreamers, and the songwriters...IP: Logged |
David Hays
unregistered
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posted September 11, 2001 16:08
Once, I asked one of my older students where she had grown up. She laughed and replied, “I grew up in California in the late 60’s and thought I was Joni Mitchell.” “ I know what you mean,” I smiled as I retorted, “I went to college in the Northwest and believed I was Gordon Lightfoot.” In the early 70s, I used to thumb the highways of Idaho, Montana, Wyoming and points everywhere from there. I would wait on the on-ramps and sing any of 40 of his tunes I had memorized. One of my favorites was off Old Dan's Records, "Highway Songs", - 'Bottles, beads & cigarettes, lovers that I ain't had yet, pickin' with a friend till dawn, singing all those highway songs.' and 'I would travel all my life, if lonliness were not the price...' One of many great tunes.
David Hays
Boulder, CO
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enright455
Member
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posted September 19, 2001 15:54
"The Wreck Of The Edmund Fitzgerald," no question. I can't begin to describe how the haunting tune moves me. I had only turned 14 and wasn't even aware that this happened. When the song came out it meant a lot to me as a musical piece, but when I found out it was true and the Fitzgerald sank on my birthday, it really embedded itself in my spirit. So this song is very much in my heart. Thank you, Gordon Lightfoot, for this beautiful tribute. The death the men on the Fitzgerald faced was every bit as real to them as those on the Titanic, yet they may not have been remembered so exquisitely without your song. To this day I listen to it as passionately as when it first came out, and even more so because of personal memories it brings back. I wish James Cameron or Steven Speilberg would make a movie about the Edmund Fitzgerald and let this song grace the soundtrack. IP: Logged |
Payallin
Member
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posted September 19, 2001 16:57
Favorite G.L. song? That would have to be "Now and Then". I'm not sure what it is about that song that makes me stop everything I'm doing when ever it is playing. Lyrically it is a very strong song and musically, when you hear the bass being played with a "heartbeat" like beat is very effective when GL sings the line "and still the pounding of my heart hasn't changed, leavins so strange". This is a very under rated song of his and was very glad to see it added to the boxset.IP: Logged |
Selene
Member
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posted September 21, 2001 13:42
How does one choose a favorite Lightfoot song? Recently my favorite has been 'Minstrel of the Dawn', for reasons best known to myself. My favorite line is 'Look into his shining eyes, and if you see a ghost, don't be surprised'. In a way this is true of Lightfoot himself, and true of all of us. We are the sum of our experiences, we all carry ghosts within us. But some of us keep them well hidden, and others allow those ghosts to be seen. When I hear this song, and I have heard it done not only by Lightfoot, I can almost see The Minstrel arriving, being welcomed. He warms himself at the fireside, tunes his guitar and asks for a glass of wine in payment for the stories he is about to tell, stories set to music, stories about his life and the life of the people listening...
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Darrell
Member
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posted September 22, 2001 23:35
I'm new to the list, but after having read everyone's list of favorite songs, I have to admit they're all good and yes, it's difficult to choose just one of GL's songs and say, "this is my favorite GL song". However I'd like to mention one that I've not seen mentioned by anybody else yet...a song that has certainly stuck with me every since I first heard it. It's "Daylight Katy" from the Endless Wire album. Much has been said over the years about GL's artistry in writing great songs --- georgeous melodies and lyrics that literally define our lives. Truly, it's all well deserved.
Go Gord!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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mrpoetryman
Member
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posted October 16, 2001 21:50
I would have to say it would be "Canadian Railroad Trilogy." My ancestors traveled to the Western US on the railroad, so that song reminds me of those times.IP: Logged |
Wendy
Member
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posted October 21, 2001 07:45
The Wreck of The Edmund Fitzgerald is my favorite. This song is so moving; every time I hear it, I get goosebumps, and have a difficult time keeping my composure; anyone else get like that? Like earlybird, I grew up w/the song always playing, but not until that PBS special did I realize the actual events...I was 8 when the Fitzgerald went down.IP: Logged |
mike h
unregistered
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posted October 24, 2001 07:13
"The house you live in". Should be required listening for anyone contemplating adulthood!
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dave1701
unregistered
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posted October 26, 2001 14:40
I would have to say my all-time favorite Gordon song is "The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald". This song is truly one of the most stirring songs of his career. Everytime I hear the song, I get shivers imagining the events the crew went through. I have been a fan since the early 70's and continue to be. The Wreck was the first song I was introduced to and it continues to be my favorite.IP: Logged |
SilverHeels
Member
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posted October 26, 2001 16:06
It is impossible for me to choose just one
song - well, aside from CHRISTIAN ISLAND
which manages to fill me with a warm glow
as I 'drift' along with the lyrics. But
I also have a favourite song of the day ...
Lately I've o-ded on Too Much to Lose and
Heaven Dont Deserve me. Both stunning
examples of Lightfoot at his best.
Today its been 'I'll Tag Along' - and I
visualise Gord singing it at the Massey
while sitting on a stool, just him, no
backup. One day I hope he will sing it for
us just that way. Maybe next year.
Yesterday it was 'I'm Not Supposed to Care',
which always brings on the tears. I find it
particularly emotionally charged.Does anyone else play 'song of the day' game?
IP: Logged |
Brenda
Member
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posted October 26, 2001 17:26
My all time favorite has always been If You Could Read My Mind -- it just gets me every time I hear it. I don't exactly have a different favorite every DAY, but I do tend to get stuck on a different one every few weeks. Seven Island Suite and Watchman are two big ones with me. And I'm Not Supposed To Care, All I'm After, Same Old Obsession...this is impossible!IP: Logged |
joveski
Member
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posted October 27, 2001 01:06
at the moment, the favourites are If I could, Poor little allison, borderstone, much to my surprise and red velvet, but they'll change next week :-)IP: Logged |
CRTRAIN
unregistered
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posted October 29, 2001 20:55
My fave GL song? Well, like most fans, I have a favorite for just about every day of the week, but my all-time favorite will always be "Early Morning Rain". It will always remind me of my Army days when one didn't stay in one place for very long, and a good portion of my time was spent in airports to and from duty stations and on leave. "Early Morning Rain" is my ultimate "So long" song, and whenever I am leaving somewhere for a long time or making a major life change, EMR is my major theme. I remember seeing a movie from Hong Kong about a love triangle called "Dream of Desire", and at the end of the movie, as we see the main character's 747 take off to take him to a new life, a pop song with acoustic guitars plays, and it sounds like something GL would play. I always fantasized about being the producer of that movie, and when they would give me a choice of songs to use for the closing scenes, I would, without hesitation, insist on EMR. My wife is from Korea, and whenever we fly there, I always have EMR playing in my walkman during takeoff. The sound of it, particularly the steel guitars and bass during the musical breaks(I'm a bass-player myself!)always evoke images of saying farewell to those that you leave behind, and how that feeling of promise and a whole new world opening up for you are feelings that just can't be beat! Whenever I travel, be it by car or plane, Gord's Gold goes with me (even on my honeymoon!), and EMR will always play. IP: Logged |
victor
unregistered
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posted November 01, 2001 01:37
like mr. lightfoot i am someone acquainted with the drinking of alcohol and with it's effects. therefore, "BLACKBERRY WINE" is what i offer as my fave song. IP: Logged | |
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