The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald is remarkable because of the whole impression that it gives. Initially, if I were told that an artist was going to write a song about such a catastrophic event, and the brave people who make their living day in and day out in perilous situations, as Merchant Mariners do, I would dismiss it as trite. I would have considered the topic too sacred to be turned into pop music. However, somehow Gordon was able to write with his characteristic brilliance about the heroic efforts of everyday men working to support their families in an industry that is both rewarding and merciless. Anyone who has relied upon the fickle sea for their livelihood lives with that haunting tune in the recesses of their being, knowing that the sea is selective.

Gordon did a great honor to the those 29 men in writing the Wreck, and that honor is appreciated by so many.

Yarmouth Castle also tells a story well, but the focus of the Wreck on the individuals who died in service to the vessel that was their home and sustenance is truly compelling, at least to me.


"...All that remains
is the faces and the names
of the wives, and the sons and the daughters..."

I am partial to 'Fitz.' Part of what makes it one of Gord's greatest, in my mind, is the music which accompanies the lyric. Perhaps no song of GL's, or any song period, is more recognizable than 'Fitz' by its musical score. The musical composition adds much to the tragic story the song conveys. I have heard only one version of 'Yarmouth,' that being from the 'Sunday Concert' CD. The lyrics are good, but the musical accompaniment is less than inspiring. Therefore, as a total piece, I vote for 'Fitz,' hands down.

How about 'A Passing Ship' as a top 10 nautical song? It surely makes my list.

potter

'A passing ship
It is midnight on the ocean
Give me no lip
The waves roll by as I press on'

GL

I am partial to 'Fitz.' Part of what makes it one of Gord's greatest, in my mind, is the music which accompanies the lyric. Perhaps no song of GL's, or any song period, is more recognizable than 'Fitz' by its musical score. The musical composition adds much to the tragic story the song conveys. I have heard only one version of 'Yarmouth,' that being from the 'Sunday Concert' CD. The lyrics are good, but the musical accompaniment is less than inspiring. Therefore, as a total piece, I vote for 'Fitz,' hands down.

How about 'A Passing Ship' as a top 10 nautical song? It surely makes my list.

potter

'A passing ship
It is midnight on the ocean
Give me no lip
The waves roll by as I press on'

GL

A Passing Ship certain deserves mention, although it would be further down on my list, probably right after Cape Horn. I like the lyrics but I dislike the straining in Gord's voice as he sings it. Maybe Gord should do it in a lower key. (Tho I wouldn't walk out of a concert if he sang it. Right LAMS? LOL)

To be fair, I should probably give the song a fresh "listen."

A Passing Ship certain deserves mention, although it would be further down on my list, probably right after Cape Horn. I like the lyrics but I dislike the straining in Gord's voice as he sings it. Maybe Gord should do it in a lower key. (Tho I wouldn't walk out of a concert if he sang it. Right LAMS? LOL)

To be fair, I should probably give the song a fresh "listen."

Regarding Marie Christine, does anyone know if that refers to an actual boat and event?

I agree that Christian Island is such a relaxing, toss your cares to the wind song. I love it. A whole album could be made of all of his nautically inspired songs. Wouldn't that be great?

quote:Originally posted by Long River:
Regarding Marie Christine, does anyone know if that refers to an actual boat and event?


This one's come up before. The short answer, from an interview is as follows:

"A few weeks ago I was in the Princess Hotel in Edinburgh, Scotland. I met a girl named Marie Christine Dupuis. She couldn't speak English, and being a Canadian I couldn't speak word of French. We spent five lovely hours together. This song is about a woman compared to a ship. It is definately [sic]ahead of its time."

September 1968 Macleans article by Marjorie Harris. For the whole topic discussion from April 9 of last year, see http://www.corfid.com/ubb/Forum1/HTML/001459.html

quote:Originally posted by Long River:
Regarding Marie Christine, does anyone know if that refers to an actual boat and event?


This one's come up before. The short answer, from an interview is as follows:

"A few weeks ago I was in the Princess Hotel in Edinburgh, Scotland. I met a girl named Marie Christine Dupuis. She couldn't speak English, and being a Canadian I couldn't speak word of French. We spent five lovely hours together. This song is about a woman compared to a ship. It is definately [sic]ahead of its time."

September 1968 Macleans article by Marjorie Harris. For the whole topic discussion from April 9 of last year, see http://www.corfid.com/ubb/Forum1/HTML/001459.html

What album(s) is this song on? I still haven't heard it yet. http://www.corfid.com/ubb/frown.gif

What album(s) is this song on? I still haven't heard it yet. http://www.corfid.com/ubb/frown.gif

Back here on earth


or the united artists 2cd set


great song...

I feel that I'm ultimately qualified to comment on this topic as "Yarmouth Castle" (strangely enough) is what brought me here in the first place! (I was only looking for information about this ship - and I found all of you!) But this is still difficult - I grew up with the "Wreck" and now I love the "Castle" - and even more than this "Christian Island" is my own personal "chill out zone" whenever I need it! If I had to choose one and one only - then "Christian Island". Couldn't live without it now!