Thanks Paul, talbot...
The points I made are also based on my own interpretation of the man and his music, from the perspective of one who was still in my nappies in the early/mid 70's
Unlike many of my peers, I do appreciate what is romantic and reflective. I love Gordons songs about shipwrecks, sea-faring, wanderlust, heartbreak and wild misty mountains. :D :D
As I was recently telling a friend; those of you who grew up in the 60's and 70's are blessed to have experienced a great generation of songwriters who actually wrote songs! Once the video age came about in the 80's there is far less emphasis on songwriting and more on creating an outrageous image.
When I listen to an artist like Gordon Lightfoot (or Billy Joel or Cat Stevens, Croce, etc) the "image" presented to me are the ones portrayed in the songs.