I've been a Gordon Lightfoot fan for many
years. I own all his albums, including a couple of weird, third party collections. Of all the hundreds of songs, the one that's been my favorite almost from the beginning is Beautiful. Why? If you love someone, how could it not be. I can't believe no one mentioned The Canadian Railroad Trilogy, one of the best songs ever written. I can see it happening when I listen. |
I've been a Gordon Lightfoot fan for many
years. I own all his albums, including a couple of weird, third party collections. Of all the hundreds of songs, the one that's been my favorite almost from the beginning is Beautiful. Why? If you love someone, how could it not be. I can't believe no one mentioned The Canadian Railroad Trilogy, one of the best songs ever written. I can see it happening when I listen. |
"Beautiful" was used in our wedding in 1986, as it is in many weddings. Your right KenR, its a classic Lightfoot recording. Right now I just want to hear "Stone Cold Sober". I think it is the best unreleased song on SONGBOOK. Lots of honesty in that song.
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"Beautiful" was used in our wedding in 1986, as it is in many weddings. Your right KenR, its a classic Lightfoot recording. Right now I just want to hear "Stone Cold Sober". I think it is the best unreleased song on SONGBOOK. Lots of honesty in that song.
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As anyone who knows me will tell you - "Beautiful" is my fave song as well. I had it at my wedding as did the romantic Tom.
Some here discount the belief I have that it was written for me. You wait and see! lol Char |
As anyone who knows me will tell you - "Beautiful" is my fave song as well. I had it at my wedding as did the romantic Tom.
Some here discount the belief I have that it was written for me. You wait and see! lol Char |
Char - maybe we will be given the proof of
that statement in May ... http://www.corfid.com/ubb/wink.gif |
The song that first turned me on to GL was "The Mountain's and Maryann", so that will probably be my favourite forever. Although close behind is "Miguel" from my favourite Lightfoot album, "Summer Side of Life". A Masterpiece!
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I know some people are against Napster, but its not going away. I tried 7 or 8 months ago to get some hard to find songs by Gordon...no luck. Well times are changing quickly in cyberspace & I thought I would try again...JACKPOT! Just about every song is available so I'm in the process of downloading 10+ new songs by Lightfoot. Some I used to have on albums, but have not heard in YEARS, some brand-new to me. (I've never heard the songs Dan spoke of i.e. Mountains & MaryAnn/Miquel) I'm using this GREAT websight to help me search for titles. Florian, this site is a real tribute to a quality Star. I'm currently getting...
1. Only Love Would Know- The BEST song off that album. Worth getting the CD just for this one song. Seriously! Maybe his best song of the 9o's. 2. Mister Rock of Ages 3. Heaven Help the Devil 4. Bend in the Water - Talk about a "happy" song! I like the guitar playing in this one. 5. The Soul is the Rock 6. Approaching Lavender - Always wanted to hear this one(& Love and Maple Syrup) because of the people who post here. Never heard either one before! 7. Somewhere USA - Did get this one off Napster before, but lost it when my Hard-drive crashed! Great Great song, Great Album! 8. Looking at the Rain - ????? 9. Farewell to Annabel - Underrated song Anyone else have any good song(not on SONGBOOK) from the albums "If You Could Read My Mind" or "Summer Side of Life"? Never owned those albums. Thanks. Char, "Romantic Tom"?? Thanks, but my wife don't think so..lol. I think I'm more of a dreamer. -------------------------------------- "THE SOUL IS THE ROCK AND THE ROCK WILL ALWAYS ROLL" [This message has been edited by Tom (edited January 13, 2001).] |
I know some people are against Napster, but its not going away. I tried 7 or 8 months ago to get some hard to find songs by Gordon...no luck. Well times are changing quickly in cyberspace & I thought I would try again...JACKPOT! Just about every song is available so I'm in the process of downloading 10+ new songs by Lightfoot. Some I used to have on albums, but have not heard in YEARS, some brand-new to me. (I've never heard the songs Dan spoke of i.e. Mountains & MaryAnn/Miquel) I'm using this GREAT websight to help me search for titles. Florian, this site is a real tribute to a quality Star. I'm currently getting...
1. Only Love Would Know- The BEST song off that album. Worth getting the CD just for this one song. Seriously! Maybe his best song of the 9o's. 2. Mister Rock of Ages 3. Heaven Help the Devil 4. Bend in the Water - Talk about a "happy" song! I like the guitar playing in this one. 5. The Soul is the Rock 6. Approaching Lavender - Always wanted to hear this one(& Love and Maple Syrup) because of the people who post here. Never heard either one before! 7. Somewhere USA - Did get this one off Napster before, but lost it when my Hard-drive crashed! Great Great song, Great Album! 8. Looking at the Rain - ????? 9. Farewell to Annabel - Underrated song Anyone else have any good song(not on SONGBOOK) from the albums "If You Could Read My Mind" or "Summer Side of Life"? Never owned those albums. Thanks. Char, "Romantic Tom"?? Thanks, but my wife don't think so..lol. I think I'm more of a dreamer. -------------------------------------- "THE SOUL IS THE ROCK AND THE ROCK WILL ALWAYS ROLL" [This message has been edited by Tom (edited January 13, 2001).] |
Whoops! I started to dl "Moutains & MaryAnn" and noticed it was on SONGBOOK Disc One track 13. I'll have to listen to that song again, I don't listen to Disc One too much. http://www.corfid.com/ubb/redface.gif
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Whoops! I started to dl "Moutains & MaryAnn" and noticed it was on SONGBOOK Disc One track 13. I'll have to listen to that song again, I don't listen to Disc One too much. http://www.corfid.com/ubb/redface.gif
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well, that's a matter of personal taste (i.e. everyones fave songs!)
But go for: If i could the auctioneer songs the mintsrel sang salute broken dreams Then, go and buy the albums! |
How about this one for a favorite?
"The Watchman's Gone". It's Gord playing the instrument he plays best: an acoustic 12-string...great chord changes...references to getting on a freight train...and I have a feeling that Gord wouldn't mind, when he dies, just being placed on one of the hills around the town he was born in, his face up towards the sky and "leave me be". And, of couse the only cuss word I've heard in one of his songs: bullshit, which I'm sure he's uttered from time to time. |
How about this one for a favorite?
"The Watchman's Gone". It's Gord playing the instrument he plays best: an acoustic 12-string...great chord changes...references to getting on a freight train...and I have a feeling that Gord wouldn't mind, when he dies, just being placed on one of the hills around the town he was born in, his face up towards the sky and "leave me be". And, of couse the only cuss word I've heard in one of his songs: bullshit, which I'm sure he's uttered from time to time. |
Thanks for the recommendations. I can tell you right now that the best new song so far is "Love and Maple Syrup". I like the jazzy ska singing & rythym changes. Nice song.
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Thanks for the recommendations. I can tell you right now that the best new song so far is "Love and Maple Syrup". I like the jazzy ska singing & rythym changes. Nice song.
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Tom, I adore the song Love And Maple Syrup too! But Summer Side Of Life is my favorite album, just about all of the songs on that CD are keepers. It's definitely worth the investment - you should pick it up, you won't be sorry you did.
Janice |
quote:Originally posted by KenR:
I can't believe no one mentioned The Canadian Railroad Trilogy, one of the best songs ever written. I can see it happening when I listen. Ken: I've always had a great respect for this song. Have it on lp and have seen it performed in concert, but when I saw it on my new video http://www.corfid.com/ubb/smile.gif, "brilliant" was the only way to describe it. There are so many subtleties in that song even aside from capturing the sound of the wheels. Even more jumped out on video that I hadn't noticed before. Oh I could go on and on...I agree, one of the best songs ever written by anyone! |
quote:Originally posted by KenR:
I can't believe no one mentioned The Canadian Railroad Trilogy, one of the best songs ever written. I can see it happening when I listen. Ken: I've always had a great respect for this song. Have it on lp and have seen it performed in concert, but when I saw it on my new video http://www.corfid.com/ubb/smile.gif, "brilliant" was the only way to describe it. There are so many subtleties in that song even aside from capturing the sound of the wheels. Even more jumped out on video that I hadn't noticed before. Oh I could go on and on...I agree, one of the best songs ever written by anyone! |
[QUOTE]Originally posted by Rob1956:
[And, of couse the only cuss word I've heard in one of his songs: Rob, you need to listen more carefully. LOL. Seven Island Suite, also on the Sundown album, has the cuss-word phrase "Brothers will desert you when you're down and s*** outta luck." I can't think of any others, though. It's curious that both appear on the same album. I wonder what was going on inside his head at that time that might have contributed to this? ------------------ "And the laughter came too easy for life to pass me by." - SDYS |
[QUOTE]Originally posted by Rob1956:
[And, of couse the only cuss word I've heard in one of his songs: Rob, you need to listen more carefully. LOL. Seven Island Suite, also on the Sundown album, has the cuss-word phrase "Brothers will desert you when you're down and s*** outta luck." I can't think of any others, though. It's curious that both appear on the same album. I wonder what was going on inside his head at that time that might have contributed to this? ------------------ "And the laughter came too easy for life to pass me by." - SDYS |
Rob1956,
My new favorite song...The Watchmans Gone. Classic Lightfoot...guitar playing is perfect, restless lyrics, voice in top shape. Funny thing is I had "SUNDOWN" LP, but I don't remember this song. It's been over 10 years since I had a turntable...I think at the time I just was listening to "Sundown" "7 Island Suite" "Somewhere USA" & "Carefree Highway". The backside of the LP was confusing because as I remember it didn't have track order listings. "Watchman's Gone" is what music is all about. Thanks again. http://www.corfid.com/ubb/smile.gif -------------------------- THE SOUL IS THE ROCK AND THE ROCK WILL ALWAYS ROLL |
Rob1956,
My new favorite song...The Watchmans Gone. Classic Lightfoot...guitar playing is perfect, restless lyrics, voice in top shape. Funny thing is I had "SUNDOWN" LP, but I don't remember this song. It's been over 10 years since I had a turntable...I think at the time I just was listening to "Sundown" "7 Island Suite" "Somewhere USA" & "Carefree Highway". The backside of the LP was confusing because as I remember it didn't have track order listings. "Watchman's Gone" is what music is all about. Thanks again. http://www.corfid.com/ubb/smile.gif -------------------------- THE SOUL IS THE ROCK AND THE ROCK WILL ALWAYS ROLL |
Sea of Tranquility is my favourite song... very vivid imagery of the outdoors and I love fishing! Maybe he will perform it in concert this May at Massey.
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Sea of Tranquility is my favourite song... very vivid imagery of the outdoors and I love fishing! Maybe he will perform it in concert this May at Massey.
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2Much2Lose,
That is interesting if its true that SUNDOWN has Gord's only songs with expletive lyrics. I could swear(no pun intended) there are others. I think he says something about not using swear words to express himself in songs in SONGBOOK, I'd have to search through again. He must have been going thru some serious trials at the time. SUNDOWN is one of his very best. I was thinking of another song from the 9o's that was my favorite(he only had 2 albums) it would have to be "BOATHOUSE" or "MY LITTLE LOVE" |
2Much2Lose,
That is interesting if its true that SUNDOWN has Gord's only songs with expletive lyrics. I could swear(no pun intended) there are others. I think he says something about not using swear words to express himself in songs in SONGBOOK, I'd have to search through again. He must have been going thru some serious trials at the time. SUNDOWN is one of his very best. I was thinking of another song from the 9o's that was my favorite(he only had 2 albums) it would have to be "BOATHOUSE" or "MY LITTLE LOVE" |
I could change my mind everyday about this one. But the few tracks I always make sure to hear when i listen are circle of steel, beautiful, cotton jenny, and old dans records
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I could change my mind everyday about this one. But the few tracks I always make sure to hear when i listen are circle of steel, beautiful, cotton jenny, and old dans records
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"The Watchman's Gone" is such a fantastic song. I would love to hear that song in concert. I'm trying to figure out the meaning....can anyone else help out? Obviously the Watchman refers to the guy who's job it is to guard the train from hobo's and the like who try to get into the traincars. The song seems to be about a guy who is leaving a failed relationship("As I leave you in the sunset") & hitches a train bound for "the golden sun" the dream of a new start somewhere else. He makes it, but warns others to "beware knowin' the watchmen's always there". I'm not sure what he's trying to say. The ending is a little confusing for me too (i.e. "if you find me feedin' daisies"). I love the Canadian accent on "Kickin' your dreams ABOUT". http://www.corfid.com/ubb/smile.gif What a classic!
Got one more nothin' I'd like to say "You don't know me, A son of the sea am I" |
"The Watchman's Gone" is such a fantastic song. I would love to hear that song in concert. I'm trying to figure out the meaning....can anyone else help out? Obviously the Watchman refers to the guy who's job it is to guard the train from hobo's and the like who try to get into the traincars. The song seems to be about a guy who is leaving a failed relationship("As I leave you in the sunset") & hitches a train bound for "the golden sun" the dream of a new start somewhere else. He makes it, but warns others to "beware knowin' the watchmen's always there". I'm not sure what he's trying to say. The ending is a little confusing for me too (i.e. "if you find me feedin' daisies"). I love the Canadian accent on "Kickin' your dreams ABOUT". http://www.corfid.com/ubb/smile.gif What a classic!
Got one more nothin' I'd like to say "You don't know me, A son of the sea am I" |
Can anyone help me out on the above question? http://www.corfid.com/ubb/confused.gif Thanks!
I've been on the town Washing the *Barbara Striesand* down |
Can anyone help me out on the above question? http://www.corfid.com/ubb/confused.gif Thanks!
I've been on the town Washing the *Barbara Striesand* down |
THE WATCHMAN'S GONE
The more I listen to it, I think the end part about "If you find me feedin' daisies/Please turn my face up to the sky" I think he's talking about dying. It seems from the song he leaves for good to "follow the golden sun" and when his time is up "leave me be". Until then he will keep on drinking remembering his past pains: "Whatever I was/You know it was all because..." It's both a freeing song and yet he's still imprisoned. Does that sound right, or does someone else have a different viewpoint of the song? |
THE WATCHMAN'S GONE
The more I listen to it, I think the end part about "If you find me feedin' daisies/Please turn my face up to the sky" I think he's talking about dying. It seems from the song he leaves for good to "follow the golden sun" and when his time is up "leave me be". Until then he will keep on drinking remembering his past pains: "Whatever I was/You know it was all because..." It's both a freeing song and yet he's still imprisoned. Does that sound right, or does someone else have a different viewpoint of the song? |
The Watchman's Gone (Sundown) 4:25 Just like birds of a feather We too have followed the golden sun It feels so good, Knowin' the watchman's gone If I give you a rose, buddy Would you please bury it in the fields? I seen a rose Watchin' it all fold out he's talking about being on his own and free from prying eyes, judgements and restraints - possibly those caused by a relationship? burying the rose in the fields - perhaps "planting" a rose in his memory because it seems when he saw a rose it opened up the way he saw life as opening up. There's a train down at the station It's come to carry my bones away Two engines on Twenty-one coaches long End to end Twenty-one coaches bend The watchman's out Kickin' the bums about A funeral train perhaps? for when he/someone dies. the watchman's out doin his job keeping the bums off the funeral train. If I wait for the right moment You can bet I'll climb aboard unseen I've done it before I know I can do it in my sleep he mentions he's gonna get on aboard so it's probably not him that dies. The watchman's out Kickin'the bums about The watchman's out Kickin' your dreams about bums/hobos all have dreams of the free life of riding the rails but the watchman's job is to keep them off the trains so that means he's kicking their dreams about too - literally and physically i guess. As I leave you in the sunset Got one more nothin' I'd like to say "You don't know me A son of the sea am I" As I say to you, my brother If you live to follow the golden sun You better beware Knowin' the watchman's always there when he leaves the train after perhaps getting on on one shore after he left the sea and headed across the country to the other shore and another ocean (he's a son of the sea) he lets the other guy know for what it's worth, that he needs to watch out for the watchman cuz he's always there. If you find me feedin' daisies Please turn my face up to the sky And leave me be Watchin' the moon roll by Whatever I was You know it was all because I've been on the town Washin' the bullshit down a lot of hobos die along the train routes and many are alcoholics. he wants to be buried face up to watch the moon. he's explaining his life as being what it was because he got into the drinking too much and that ruled his life. The watchman's out Kickin' your dreams about It feels so good Knowin' the watchman's gone It's like a song Knowin' the watchman's gone when you die the "watchman" (big brother, bosses, etc.) is no longer watching you and is the only time you are free of being watched by anyone. he finds peace with this knowledge. I think it can be about living your life under intense scrutiny (perhaps as a successful performing artist) by people who will judge you by outward appearances mostly and that it only stops (for you) when you're dead and that's when peace comes. It also relates to everyone though be it a boss, spouses, parent etc. that plays the part of the "watchman". i think! lol char |
The Watchman's Gone (Sundown) 4:25 Just like birds of a feather We too have followed the golden sun It feels so good, Knowin' the watchman's gone If I give you a rose, buddy Would you please bury it in the fields? I seen a rose Watchin' it all fold out he's talking about being on his own and free from prying eyes, judgements and restraints - possibly those caused by a relationship? burying the rose in the fields - perhaps "planting" a rose in his memory because it seems when he saw a rose it opened up the way he saw life as opening up. There's a train down at the station It's come to carry my bones away Two engines on Twenty-one coaches long End to end Twenty-one coaches bend The watchman's out Kickin' the bums about A funeral train perhaps? for when he/someone dies. the watchman's out doin his job keeping the bums off the funeral train. If I wait for the right moment You can bet I'll climb aboard unseen I've done it before I know I can do it in my sleep he mentions he's gonna get on aboard so it's probably not him that dies. The watchman's out Kickin'the bums about The watchman's out Kickin' your dreams about bums/hobos all have dreams of the free life of riding the rails but the watchman's job is to keep them off the trains so that means he's kicking their dreams about too - literally and physically i guess. As I leave you in the sunset Got one more nothin' I'd like to say "You don't know me A son of the sea am I" As I say to you, my brother If you live to follow the golden sun You better beware Knowin' the watchman's always there when he leaves the train after perhaps getting on on one shore after he left the sea and headed across the country to the other shore and another ocean (he's a son of the sea) he lets the other guy know for what it's worth, that he needs to watch out for the watchman cuz he's always there. If you find me feedin' daisies Please turn my face up to the sky And leave me be Watchin' the moon roll by Whatever I was You know it was all because I've been on the town Washin' the bullshit down a lot of hobos die along the train routes and many are alcoholics. he wants to be buried face up to watch the moon. he's explaining his life as being what it was because he got into the drinking too much and that ruled his life. The watchman's out Kickin' your dreams about It feels so good Knowin' the watchman's gone It's like a song Knowin' the watchman's gone when you die the "watchman" (big brother, bosses, etc.) is no longer watching you and is the only time you are free of being watched by anyone. he finds peace with this knowledge. I think it can be about living your life under intense scrutiny (perhaps as a successful performing artist) by people who will judge you by outward appearances mostly and that it only stops (for you) when you're dead and that's when peace comes. It also relates to everyone though be it a boss, spouses, parent etc. that plays the part of the "watchman". i think! lol char |
Thanks Char. I'm "dying" out here trying to figure this song out! http://www.corfid.com/ubb/smile.gif Sometimes I wish we could email Gordon Lightfoot with questions, although I read he doesn't use a computer.
I agree with some of your insights. I like your idea of the "watchman" being more than just the train worker, but also possibly representing "Big Brother", Bosses, Spouses, Parents, etc. And how they literally & physically "kick" our dreams around. I disagree with the part about "planting" a rose. The song asks the friend/buddy to "bury" the rose in the field, not plant it. Maybe he feels like that rose? I don't think it is a funeral train. My daughter asked the same question right after I dl the song. lol It's just a train that carries his body to another place/city in "the golden sun". Thanks for your imput Char. I'm the kind of person that has to figure out what a song means to fully appreciate. Can you break down IYCRMM? I still don't understand that one either! lol |
Thanks Char. I'm "dying" out here trying to figure this song out! http://www.corfid.com/ubb/smile.gif Sometimes I wish we could email Gordon Lightfoot with questions, although I read he doesn't use a computer.
I agree with some of your insights. I like your idea of the "watchman" being more than just the train worker, but also possibly representing "Big Brother", Bosses, Spouses, Parents, etc. And how they literally & physically "kick" our dreams around. I disagree with the part about "planting" a rose. The song asks the friend/buddy to "bury" the rose in the field, not plant it. Maybe he feels like that rose? I don't think it is a funeral train. My daughter asked the same question right after I dl the song. lol It's just a train that carries his body to another place/city in "the golden sun". Thanks for your imput Char. I'm the kind of person that has to figure out what a song means to fully appreciate. Can you break down IYCRMM? I still don't understand that one either! lol |
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