Gord has used many, many names of people in his songs, and I'm wondering if any of you know what the links are (if any) to actual people, or in other words what the story is behind the names used in the songs.

The song that pops into my head this very moment is Old Dan's Records. Anyone know if there is or was a real "Old Dan"?

[Gord, I would like to cordially invite you to jump into this discussion and enlighten us Lightheads!!!]

Hey it doesn't hurt to ask...

I have no idea. Perhaps some names are real, perhaps it's the correct number of syllables to keep the song flowing along.

I recall Gord saying in an interview that some songs do indeed come from from his own experiences, as well as from the lives of others, and even a mish-mash of many experiences rolled into one.

Years ago I had thought it was Get Out Old Dance Records. Sorry Dan.

"Marie Christine" was a real woman (not a ship) he met for a few hours long ago; there's a recent thread on this somewhere.

And though not his song, "On Susan's Floor" was written about a real woman in Nashville who took in wandering troubadours, so to speak, as they made the rounds looking to sell their songs. She died some 10? years ago and I think they used to hold a 10K race or something in her honor. Sorry I can't remember her last name.

Thanks Auburn Annie, I found one of your posts from a few years ago, and with your permission, I will repeat:

"...when, looking for something else, I came across an article on Wayne Francis' site. It's the cover story from Maclean's magazine, September 1968, written by Marjorie Harris. She's describing a road trip of Gord's to a concert in Alliston, Ontario. A few paragraphs down, this jumped out at me:
'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.'"

That is very romantic, and I'll bet they found other things to do for those 5 hours, than chat. This is exactly what I had imagined when I began this topic. Incredible!

[ December 29, 2006, 13:20: Message edited by: Gitchigumee ]

GG, I believe there was an older relative of GL who was the inspiration for 'Old Dan's Records'. Note: I believe but am not sure of this. Anyone know more about this?

I thought it came from "Old Dance Records". Not sure though.

I had heard that Gord actually over heard someone talking and they said they really liked the old dance records. He wrote it as old dan's records.
Aha!! In the Gord bible - the songbook book it says:

"Kind of a play on the words old dance records. It reminds me of my Uncle Jack's 78-RPM dance-record collection. It reminds me of hanging out with the grandparents at Christmastime or some other holiday, having a party and getting out the old vinyl."

Don't forget Ann from "Carefree Highway".

Daylight Katy of course.

Marie Christine.

Betty Called Me in.

Why he used them? I don't know but glad he did. :)

From "Marie Christine"

"Of all the men who sailed on her, in truth I sailed her best..."

Romantic, indeed. :)

Don't forget 'Lavender' (if someone didn't mention it already).

Regarding Old Dan's Records, I think it's ironic that what I originally thought it said--Old Dance Records--is actually what it was, and that Gord changed it to Old Dan's Records. He obviously sees and hears things that are different than what ordinary people see and here, which is why he is so special.

Regarding Marie Christine: "Of all the men who sailed on her, in truth I sailed her best..." Yikes, getting pretty personal there. It is incredibly interesting learning some of these things, takes listening to a whole new level.

Anyone have any knowledge of the story behind Daylight Katy. For some reason I have always had in my mind the idea that Katy is a cat. However, I have never read the actual lyrics to the song, which could dispel that vision I have. I guess that's the reason I don't go find them and read them.

You're not alone. Although I never had that imagery, I do recall reading a less than glowing review of Endless Wire in Rolling Stone magazine. About Daylight Katy, the critic wrote " He may as well be talking about a cat".

Well I guess before I realized what the actual name of the song was, I thought he was singing something about a Kitty. Guess that's where the idea started with me. I think the melody is beautiful, especially the refrain, and I know I'm not alone in thinking that. There were some other lines that fit in with the idea of Katy being a cat, although "she walks ... with her high heels on" is not one of those lines. Anyway, who cares what Rollingstone says, it's a great song, whether it is or is not about a cat.

Old Dans Records
Real stories of good family gatherings .I think he said it .

Hey Robby, long time no talk with you. We used to email. Welcome back...

Anyway getting back to the topic, does anyone know who is, Annabel? Fiction or real person?

"Farewell To Annabel" on Old Dan's Records. :eek: :)