Reading His Mind

[dalyot]

It would be wonderful if someone undertook a true analysis of Gordon's work instead of a critique of his drinking & alimony payments. People have done in-depth studies of Dylan, Seeger, Miles Davis, Springsteen, etc. Lightfoot is certainly worthy of an equally intense study.
What I mean by true analysis is an album by album, track by track discussion of everything Gordon has recorded. This sounds like a true fan's dream &, actually it is. When you see all the memoriliabia dedicated to these flavours of the week such as Britney, 'nsync, whatever, don't you think Gordon is worthy of a full-scale critique of everything he has done from "Early Morning Rain", to "Uncle Toad Said"?
Hopefully one day someone more ambitious than me will carry out this project.

In the meantime,
All the best Lightheads,
James Hill

[james hill]

It would be wonderful if someone undertook a true analysis of Gordon's work instead of a critique of his drinking & alimony payments. People have done in-depth studies of Dylan, Seeger, Miles Davis, Springsteen, etc. Lightfoot is certainly worthy of an equally intense study.
What I mean by true analysis is an album by album, track by track discussion of everything Gordon has recorded. This sounds like a true fan's dream &, actually it is. When you see all the memoriliabia dedicated to these flavours of the week such as Britney, 'nsync, whatever, don't you think Gordon is worthy of a full-scale critique of everything he has done from "Early Morning Rain", to "Uncle Toad Said"?
Hopefully one day someone more ambitious than me will carry out this project.

In the meantime,
All the best Lightheads,
James Hill

[mytoyota@earthlink.net]

I hear you.
I've often wished for something along the same lines.
Like seeing him on "Biography" or something similar.
Until a few years ago I wondered why I never heard him on the radio, his name in compilations where he would fit right in or hear about his concerts rather than finding them on the internet. I came to the conclusion that he has a hand in this and it must be that he is comfortable with the way things stand.
Why, you may ask, I don't know.
I was so surprised to see a commercial for his greatest hits and then the Gateway commercial with Sundown.
Will there be more to come in the US?
Canada certainly makes sure he knows he is apreciated.
Good topic.
Kim

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paperback dreams . . .

[SilverHeels]

Good thinking, James
If only it would happen - maybe one day.
I like the way you think, Mr. Hill.
Looking forward to meeting you in November.

[BossMan]

I think an analysis/compilation would be brilliant!

Did you mean a lyrical analysis, musical analysis, or both?

One of the things I like most about his music is his songwriting, imagery, and the way his words make me think. I was thinking that it would be really neat to use this forum to post ideas about each of his albums, then if anyone could get Gord himself to have some comments, that would be the best! that would be my dream.....

Any takers? and thanx to the original poster- excellent idea!

[MinstrelOfTheDawn]

I think an analysis/compilation would be brilliant!

Did you mean a lyrical analysis, musical analysis, or both?

One of the things I like most about his music is his songwriting, imagery, and the way his words make me think. I was thinking that it would be really neat to use this forum to post ideas about each of his albums, then if anyone could get Gord himself to have some comments, that would be the best! that would be my dream.....

Any takers? and thanx to the original poster- excellent idea!

[james hill]

Hello Minstrel!

Love your name. One of Gordon's finest songs.
In answer to your question, both. I'm serious about this. Lightfoot deserves much better than what's been written about him so far. I'd like to see what a true musicologist's interpretations would be of his whole body of work. Don't mean to sound stuffy about it, but his music is sadly overlooked & underrated.
anyways, hope to see you & all the other members in November!

All the best!

James Hill

[james hill]

Hi Silverheels!


Likewise! I'll see you in November! I don't know if i'll be sitting with the rest of you, but hopefully we'll meet up!

"Old Dan's Records" rolls into the Toronto c.d. shops this coming tues. No word yet on "Dream Street Rose". Oh well, one is better than nothing!

Take care!
James Hill

[james hill]

Hi Kim,

You're probably right. Maynard Collins's book wasn't very in-depth musically. Alfrieda's was closer to the mark, but went pretty much unnoticed. Gordon most likely has distanced himself from too much scrutiny in print, & instead given us "Songbook". The Final Four wraps it all up nicely.
However, I'm not giving up on my book idea. Hopefully, someone out there will pick up on the idea, too.

Thanks for responding, Kim!
Probably see you in Nov. James Hill

[james hill]

Hello Watchman!

I agree that Gordon most likely wouldn't partake in such a book. What i would like to see, however, is someone with a good hold on what Gord's music is about do a comprehensive study on his work in general. True enough, we all have our own interpretations of his songs, or maybe i'm just too much of a fan. I say bring the book on!

James Hill

[joveski]

not to be a party pooper but i don't see it happening (even though i'd love it for to happen).
there were some liner notes in songbook but i don't see anything further. he's like bob dylan, who never has given anything away apart from saying "the songs speak for themselves"
another thing to consider is will it actually sell?. sure, the fans like us will buy the day it comes out, but the general public?.
it's just like the new CDs that have come out. fans are happy and bought them as soon as they were released, but they didn't burn up the charts.
i think it's best for us to draw our own conclusions on the songs!

mende

[james hill]

You're all right!

In lieu of a thorough discography, I think the next best thing would be to see all of you at the convention & just have a good old gabfest & see what our own thoughts are!

Can't wait for November!!!
James Hill

[Jayne]

I'd like to see Gord on something like VH1's Storytellers. MAYBE a Behind The Music. And hey, I wouldn't have bet that he'd have given as much away in Songbook as he did, so who knows?

Great Topic!

[Old Dan]

I'd like to see Gord on something like VH1's Storytellers. MAYBE a Behind The Music. And hey, I wouldn't have bet that he'd have given as much away in Songbook as he did, so who knows?

Great Topic!

[Brian 57]

As far as Gordon's contribution to telling his own story, look at the lyrics of "A Painter Passing Through" especially "If you want to know my secret don't come runnin' after me, For I am just a painter passing through in history". In these days of self-promotion passing as talent, I think Gord is one of those who are the exception. He truly deserves to be called an artist because he wants you to look not at him, but at the the work he created and left behind for you. I'm curious to know what makes him tick as a songwriter, but then it would be like finding out how a magician does his illusions. They never are as special once you know how they're done.

[2Much2Lose]

Great topic! I agree with the sentiment that while I would love to know what inspired a song, or what it is "about", I also agree that sometimes we are just better off not knowing. What images a song might conjure up for me, are no doubt different than what they might mean to someone else.

I once raised the theory that Bitter Green was about a dog, and I probably ruined it for a number of people! While I suggested it mainly in jest, if you listen to the lyrics and think about it, it could work. Most of us have an image of a young maiden, now there's a whole group of people that can't shake the image of a collie! Imagine that with other songs.

I think the true beauty of these songs, and what makes them so personal and meaningful is what they mean to each of us. A song can mean one thing for years, or even nothing, then when something happens in your life, it has new meaning. IYCRMM had one meaning when I was 14, but didn't really mean as much as it did when I became older and really realized the depth of it. The Wreck was an interesting song to me until I saw the documentary on the Fitzgerald, then it had a whole new power.
I know I would be disappointed if I found the inspiration for a phrase or a song was something like the back of a cereal box.That said, I would love to see one of the TV biographys about Lightfoot. I doubt we ever will see it either though.
Jenney

[Jenney]

Great topic! I agree with the sentiment that while I would love to know what inspired a song, or what it is "about", I also agree that sometimes we are just better off not knowing. What images a song might conjure up for me, are no doubt different than what they might mean to someone else.

I once raised the theory that Bitter Green was about a dog, and I probably ruined it for a number of people! While I suggested it mainly in jest, if you listen to the lyrics and think about it, it could work. Most of us have an image of a young maiden, now there's a whole group of people that can't shake the image of a collie! Imagine that with other songs.

I think the true beauty of these songs, and what makes them so personal and meaningful is what they mean to each of us. A song can mean one thing for years, or even nothing, then when something happens in your life, it has new meaning. IYCRMM had one meaning when I was 14, but didn't really mean as much as it did when I became older and really realized the depth of it. The Wreck was an interesting song to me until I saw the documentary on the Fitzgerald, then it had a whole new power.
I know I would be disappointed if I found the inspiration for a phrase or a song was something like the back of a cereal box.That said, I would love to see one of the TV biographys about Lightfoot. I doubt we ever will see it either though.
Jenney

[lightbunny]

i think it is best said, "If You Could Read My Mind".

as Jenny, my mind and especially my heart is filled the stories and visions of Gordon in my own context. i've read the technical stuff on dylan and others, but as Gordon writes, the effect on me is tenfold of any other writer. i wouldn't want to be jaded by a third-party analysis of why he may have written something the way he did.

the meer fact that he contemplates such a simple line as "All the lovely ladies in their finery tonight" and then delivers one of the most beautiful songs written is enough for me.

i've listened to GL for thirty years now. and of all the great writers and musicians that have come and gone, Gordon is the only one that i listen to each and everyday. i personally don't need an analysis of what i love. <g>

[ambrose woodfellow]

i think it is best said, "If You Could Read My Mind".

as Jenny, my mind and especially my heart is filled the stories and visions of Gordon in my own context. i've read the technical stuff on dylan and others, but as Gordon writes, the effect on me is tenfold of any other writer. i wouldn't want to be jaded by a third-party analysis of why he may have written something the way he did.

the meer fact that he contemplates such a simple line as "All the lovely ladies in their finery tonight" and then delivers one of the most beautiful songs written is enough for me.

i've listened to GL for thirty years now. and of all the great writers and musicians that have come and gone, Gordon is the only one that i listen to each and everyday. i personally don't need an analysis of what i love. <g>

[Brian 57]

Great songwriting is like old-time radio shows-- it's "Theater of the mind".

[Cathy]

Well Jenney, I don`t agree with your dog theory. The part that really ruins the theory is in the second verse:
Some say he was a sailor who died away at sea
Some say he was a prisoner who never was set free
Lost upon the ocean he died there in the mist
Dreaming of her kiss.

Now, I know some of us are really attached to our pets, but not to the extent where kissing them would be our last dying wish.

However, I still think Daylight Katy is a cat!

She lives nine lives in her midnight world
While her old man's fast asleep
And she doesn't have to get up in the mornin'
With her hair so soft and long...


Cathy

[Brian 57]

Cathy and Watchman,
Let's just call her a resident of a cathouse, and you can both be right.

[vlmagee]

Of course Daylight Katy is a cat. Shirley's cat!

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Valerie Magee

Visit my GL web site at gordonlightfoot.com (http://gordonlightfoot.com)

[vlmagee]

Of course Daylight Katy is a cat. Shirley's cat!

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Valerie Magee

Visit my GL web site at gordonlightfoot.com (http://gordonlightfoot.com)

[james hill]

Daylight Kitty?

James Hill

[Cathy]

quote:Originally posted by TheWatchman:
Who's Shirley?


Who's Shirley? What? Everybody knows Shirley!

Cathy

[Cathy]

quote:Originally posted by TheWatchman:


Daylight Katy is a whore, not a cat.[/B]

I'm posting the lyrics. Now, where is the part that says she's a whore? I don't see it.

She walks by the sea where the seaworld is
And she waits for the man to come
She lives in town with her high-heeled friends
And she knows it's a long way down
But she doesn't have to get up in the morning
With her hair so soft and long

Daylight Katy come on
Daylight Katy come on
If you can't follow me down
Daylight Katy go home

Daylight Katy come on
Daylight Katy come on
If you can't follow me down
Daylight Katy go home

She walks to the sea where the seaweed is
Where the rust and the dirt runs deep
She lives nine lives in her midnight world
While her old man's fast asleep
And she doesn't have to get up in the mornin'
With her hair so soft and long

Daylight Katy come on
Daylight Katy come on
If you can't follow me down
Daylight Katy go home

Daylight Katy come on
Daylight Katy come on
If you can't follow me down
Daylight Katy go home

She lives by the sea when the summer wind comes
And the sea don't mind at all
She talks to the sea when the sea runs wild
And the waves run steep and tall
And she doesn't have to get up in the mornin'
With her hair so soft and long

Daylight Katy come on
Daylight Katy come on
If you can't follow me down
Daylight Katy go home

Daylight Katy come on
Daylight Katy come on
If you can't follow me down
Daylight Katy go home

[Cathy]

Well, Watchman, I suspect your analysis is probably right. I don't think Daylight Katy is REALLY a cat. I'm just giving Jenney a good ribbing about her Bitter Green / dog theory, knowing she's away for the week and isn't around to defend herself.
And I didn't type the lyrics. I copied and pasted them from Val's site.

Cathy

[BILLW]

PHEWWW!!! I'm glad you're all still friends,
I thought y'all were getting ready to fight. This is better than watching TV, I affirm.

Hang loose bruddas and sistas http://www.corfid.com/ubb/cool.gif

Bill

[james hill]

i've read & re-read the lyrics to "Daylight Katy" & listened to it as well. i can only come to one conclusion: she's a whore!
somebody wake up the old man!

James Hill

[sad&lonely]

"waiting for her man to come" what is he trying to say?
"We used to be in love,
but now we are in hate.
You used to say I came too early,
but it was you who came too late".
What CAN these people be alluding to?

[Brian 57]

Okay, how about this theory for "Daylight Katy"-- she used to be kind of low-life who married into money. She takes off in the middle of the night and goes back to the dockside where she's got a rendevous with a guy (or guys) from her past. Since she is able to sleep in every morning, she can stay out till all hours and no one will be the wiser. The genteel life is growing on her, though and she's not the same dockside dolly she used to be, and the sarcasm of "if you can't follow me down, Daylight Katy go home" is the dockside guy feeling like she's better than he and can't relate to his social status anymore.

[Rob1956]

Getting back to not hearing more of Gordon, or if he will ever be on VH1 Storytellers, I think the A&E series "Live by Request" would be perfect for him. However, even after all these years, I think he is uncomfortable on television. I do believe we would all be amazed by how much tv he does turn down. I have a cousin who used to work in guest booking for the Letterman show, up till around 1999. He tells me that Dave is a Lightfoot fan and has tried to get Gord on the show for a number of years, but gets turned down. One story goes, Gord wanted to just come on and do 2 songs, but Dave's staff insisted he come over and sit with Dave, but didn't want to.
Anybody think Gord will ever pen an autobiography

[SilverHeels]

I dont think he ever will but I wish he would permit me to write his biography!

[johnfowles]

Basically with reference to the topic on Al Watchman's picture. In trying to locate Janice's reference to a pic of "our" Watchman I searched for watchnan dog the first topic that came up was this one which includes Cathy's reference to Bitter Green being a dog (or should that have been Biter Green??? and many refernces to a posting by the Watchman.It took me a while to realise that the the various qoutes and responses were to one of the slew of postings that Al deleted in his fit of pique (or something-I am not suggesting that he actually had a fit!!!)last year. Nevertheless I thought this topic deserved reairing so I am now doing a Borderstone to bring it back to the top of the list. I further note that James Hill does not post here very often although he was one of those who welcomed newcomer Trudie/Shazia back in February.
so msybe this will encourage him to post again. And of course he was unable as he hoped to meet many of us in Toronto in November 2002. So maybe later this year or early next??

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My Gordon Lightfoot webring
starts at
http://www.johnfowles.org.uk/lightfoot