Um, well, I think the jury is out on that lyric. A number of online fans have discussed it and we have NOT reached (no pun intended) a concensus. It sounds to me like "sorting" and "reach" is a sailing term. Not knowing anything about sailing, I can only "fumble" (hmmm) with an explanation, but reach has something to do with sailing at right angles to the wind. So "sorting" may mean figuring out the wind direction? Anyhow, I'm afraid there is only one person who can tell us for sure what he is singing ...
PS: There is also a vote for it being a railroad term ...
quote:Originally posted by paddletothesea:
The song "Borderstone" on the recent Box Set has a line in it I cant figure out the meaning.....any imput???
" The sorting of the reach is a thing no school can teach ya I confess. I've been outfumbled"
Im thinking it some sort of nautical term or phrase.......what the heck does it mean???
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Valerie Magee
Visit my GL web site at
gordonlightfoot.com
[This message has been edited by vlmagee (edited October 28, 2001).]