"In a musty old hall in Detroit they prayed In the Maritime Sailors' Cathedral. The church bell chimed 'til it rang twenty-nine times, For each man on the Edmund Fitzgerald" Gordon Lightfoot died on May 1st 2023 in Toronto. The next day at the Mariners Church in Detroit at 3:00pm the bell rang 30 times, 29 times for the crew of the Edmund Fitzgerald plus one more for Gordon Lightfoot.
Gordon later changed the word "musty" to "rustic" after someone from the Cathedral spoke to him and said "it is not musty". He updated other parts of the song too through the years.
Ten years ago I sang this song at karaoke in my cousins bar in Kewanee, Illinois. When I finished an older man came up to me to shake my hand and thank me for singing this song as that fateful night his Uncle was Third Mate Michael Armagost. It was always one of my favorite songs, but having that happen made me love it even more.
First and foremost... a Proper Salute is in order. I am a retired Piledriver who worked on waterways. Rivers during winter storms are dangerous. I can remember eating lunch inside of the job site barge... I went to use the john on the next barge ... it was completely gone. The river sucked it down. Our jobsite was less than from a dam. So, Sir... I understand. This song both honors and haunts.
We come here today, not just to honor the memories of the sailors, but to remember the passing of one of the greatest storytellers of the last century.
Yep. Couldn't have said it better myself, but here's my 2 cents. Ahoy ! Gordon, Sailor... rest your oars. You've crossed the bar. Fair Winds and Following Seas.😞😞😞😞
I remember when the song came out (I was a young kid in 1976)...I remember it playing on the radio often on the station my parents listened to....but for some reason, I always thought it was about a shipwreck from "the olden days".... It actually wasn't until several years later (I think I was in college) when I actually found out it had happened only shortly before the song was released.....it put a whole different feel on it for me....made it far more "real". But, once I found that out, I actually looked into the details of the event....much like you point out....I'd have never known about it, otherwise.
Thank you for providing that information. He deserved it! This is the first day I've been able to come to any of these sites but I am tearing up already.
Wanted to see if I could make it through this song, the first time I'm listening since his passing, without crying Then I saw this comment and lost that bet pretty much immediately
I had read that the bells were rung 30 times. One for Gordon. I just googled it ; “At 3 p.m. Tuesday, the bell at Mariners’ Church rang out again - now chiming 30 times to honor those perished sailors along with the artist who famously memorialized them in song”.
As a Michigander, who grew up in a house on Lake Michigan, I love the fact that Gordon Lightfoot wrote a song about my fellow Great Lakes natives who were lost on the Edmund Fitzgerald. I grew up watching the wicked power of the Great Lakes during rough storms with high seas. Our cabin like home would howl during the near constant high winds of the winter. I became a meteorologist with the National Weather Service when I grew up. I actually issued Nearshore Storm Warnings and forecasted for Lake Michigan. I hope my forecasts and warnings saved lives. Back in the 80s and 90s, my brother-in-law was an Ore Ship Captain. He would tell his crew that I was his brother as they listened to me on NOAA Weather Radio. RIP Gordon Lightfoot
❤❤❤ The universe is not out to f*** us we just have to notice how it puts us in the right place at the right time. You have an amazing story and thank you for sharing 🙏
This is a great story. Thank you for sharing it with us. This song has haunted me since I was a little boy in the 70s. Also, I would take it as an honor that my brother-in-law would just refer to me as “brother.” Well done.
Not endless. "He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and there shall be no more mourning or sadness or death or pain." The day is coming when every sea and lake will give up its dead, and no faithful Christian will have to suffer or mourn any longer. That is why Christian funerals are bittersweet rather than sorrowful- because we know that Christ rose from the dead and will come again to raise all of His faithful ones to everlasting life.
I love that phrase, my Father a musician and Band Director was always telling the percussion section that "Drums are to be felt not heard". That was way back in 1969.
Every time I hear the song about the Edmund Fitzgerald I think of my dad. My dad was with the United States Coast Guard when the wreck occurred. My dad was called the duty immediately and he boarded a coast guard vessel and went out but because of the weather it was impossible. Many days later my dad came home crying. The song Always tears up my heart but I know that everyone did what they could to locate these people. God bless you Gordon lightfoot. God bless the Mariners who went out there looking in the treacherous Waters and God bless the Coast Guard
Is your dad still alive ? Several years ago I spent a lot of time reading through many many comments on the various videos that have this song . One person said that their relative had been on the ship for years and retired shortly before the tragedy and that he said the ship was in really bad shape and never should have had all that iron ore on it . Somebody else said there was definitely a cover-up because they knew somebody who knew the guy that personally inspected the ship and that he had told the company which owned it that this ship was NO LONGER SEA WORTHY ... or needed a lot of repairs before she could sail again . ... something along those lines ... and that there was definitely a cover-up because the Edmund Fitzgerald never should have had such a huge amount of iron ore on it .
I’m 62 and have heard this song numerous times. I understood it was based on a real event but didn’t quite know the details. Recently found History Mystery Man channel and he did interviews with family members and I learned the in depth history. Yesterday I’m driving and it comes on the radio. Hadn’t heard it in some years. Talk about almost breaking out in a full cry. I really, truly now appreciate this ballad. The artistry and honor it possesses. And so do the families of those 29 crew members. Thank you Mr. Lightfoot ❤
@@gardensofthegods no my dad passed away many many years ago. My dad knew the captain and also some of the Mariners on board. It was a very sad day for everybody in the Great lakes. Nationwide it was horrible. Never witness such a storm like that and all my days my dad told me. He went over the weather maps and everything to find out how the storm really took shape and did what it did. My dad was sad for quite a long time and I think it's still bothered him before he left this world
The seas can be a gentle lover, a spirited mistress, or a screaming vicious bitch. She can change in no time at all, and all who sail are there at her grace and mercy, which can run out. This is something landsmen do not understand. Rest in peace, all those who have set sail and not returned, and to Gordon, who sang of these 29 souls.
My pop in our area on the coast of n.c cape hatteras commercial fisherman for 22 yrs - always talked about that ship the ed fitz - capts on the sea all know-
Gordon Lightfoot’s songs bring back days of my childhood like no other, I remember having my little transistor radio turned low under my pillow with either ear right on top of it listening to AM tunes in the ‘70’s falling asleep and dreaming dreams steered along by such great writers as Mr. Lightfoot, thanks for the memories kind Sir, this song is hauntingly beautiful and a great testament to brave men who go out into the fickleness of nature and even greater men who have the talent to honor them through tale and song…
I was steaming on the USS America CV-66 the night the Fitz went down. This is truly a sailors song. a wonderful tribute to the captain and crew of a great ship. God bless all their souls.
The song is a testament to all those hard-working folks who have put their lives in danger doing a rough job that gets little thought until something terrible happens.
Today is the 46th Anniversary of the loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald. God Bless the Crew and the families they left behind, and thank you for Gordon Lightfoot for this amazing memorial to 29 brave souls.
I used to live on Lake Michigan. And I drove my kids around Illinois, Michigan to 2nd Michigan down through Wisconsin back to Illinois. Also showed them Ontario n Erie. The lakes spell..H. O. M. E. S.
I was a kid working at an all-news radio station in Cleveland in 1975 when I moved into a new high-rise in downtown Cleveland. The day I moved in, I looked out from my 22nd floor apartment to see the afternoon sun over the lake. Off to my right, sitting at the dock, was the Eddie Fitz. The sun reflected off the lake, but you could see how long and red and beautiful she was. Weeks later, she was lost. Every word of Gord's story-song was what I - as a young reporter - experienced and lived through. When I first heard it, it was as if he was reliving this tragedy through my eyes, my words, and my heart. Every word of this song is truth. This is a masterpiece that does honor to those who died - and all those in peril on the sea. RIP Gord.
I lived through the (attempted) rescue! This was Duluth, Minnesota/Superior, Wisconsin, the LAST PORT for the "Edmond Fitzgerald"! My '68 Plymouth DUMPED its transmission that day, also!
i remember that night. i was 11 1/2 years old at the time when the ship sank. i live in upper peninsula of michigan. i remember that vividily. i live about 2 miles from the shore of lake superior. it was one hell of a storm a couple of mlles inland. i knew that the lake was vicouis that night. i, also, was glad that i wasn't on one of the oreships that night.. gordon lightfoot honored those men that died that night with this wonderful song. my family and i were going to my grandpa's house for christmas in 1975, when we first heard this song on the car radio. it was the first and only time that my dad told us kids to shut up, so he could listen to the radio in the car. he hated listening to the radio in the car. (it was just noise and a pain in the rear).
Yeah they did which was really special of them to do that, hes a part of the fitz history even if he never stepped foot on her. He made sure the fitz n her crew will never be forgotten rip
Still listening in Jan 2025. Great tune! A very sad and tragic event that happened in the past. Rest in peace all 29 crew members. Thanks for posting this.....
When I was 5 or 6 years old, this song was played on Irish Radio a lot, and I remember it making my mom cry. Years later, I listened to the words and understood why. The melancholic guitar sound is seared into my subconscious. The definition of bleak despair. RIP Gordon.
@@disneydanny2 I dunno, a lot of stations play Bohemian Rhapsody, and even worse, Stairway to Heaven, and even worse than that, November Rain. Lol. Of course, those three songs are absolutely fucking legendary. Probably tops the all-time list of greatest songs ever created by mankind. Right up there with some of the greatest classical pieces, like Ode to Joy, Overture of 1812, and Moonlight Sonata.
To be fair, it is an easy song to play and sing. He's the writer, so he knew the lyrics by heart, even before the first take. A simple song, but sometimes, the simplest songs are the best. Doesn't need a million different instruments with a complex score.
Gordon Lightfoot 1938-2023 age 84 years old the Canadian 🇨🇦 American🇺🇸 lead folk singer of sundown if you could read my mind love and the wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald rest in peace amen🇻🇦🇺🇸🇹🇳🇷🇴🇲🇽🇲🇬🇯🇵🇮🇹🇮🇱🇮🇳🇩🇪🇫🇷🇬🇧🇪🇬🇨🇦🇧🇷🇦🇺🩴🩴🧸📖⛪🎸📺🌹🧴🍾🍞🦍🦒🐘🐊🐻🐻❄️🐺🐯🦁
His autopsy it was ruled a massive accidental illness and he was cremated and he was buried at saint James cemetery in Toronto Canada 🇨🇦 and he was married to Katherine and had 6 dozen kids named Archie and Bentley and Sarah and woody and he had a star on the Hollywood walk of fame and the rock and roll hall of fame in Cleveland Ohio and it's a true story and rest in peace Gordon Lightfoot amen 🇻🇦🇺🇸🇹🇳🇷🇴🇲🇽🇲🇬🇯🇵🇮🇹🇮🇱🇮🇳🇩🇪🇫🇷🇬🇧🇪🇬🇨🇦🇧🇷🇦🇺🩴🩴🧸📖⛪🎸📺🌹🧴🍾🍞🦍🦒🐘🐊🐻🐻❄️🐺🐯🦁
It was back in 1982, on the evening of Feb 14 our ship was being battered by a fierce storm. Over the loudspeaker our cook yelled out "Crew it's too rough to feed you". I'll never forget those words for the rest of my life. On our ship the Seaforth Highlander, we were doing a Hydrographic Survey around the oil rig the "Ocean Ranger" on the Grand Banks off of Newfoundland. All 84 crew of the Ocean Ranger died that evening when it capsized and sank in the icy waters of the stormy north Atlantic. We made it back to St.John's after 18 hrs of fighting high waves and Gale force winds, the Lord Blessed us. The song "Wreck Of The Edmund Fitzgerald" is a beautiful, emotional and humbling song to me. God Bless You Gordon and may you and all those who have lost their lives offshore throughout the ages RIP for ever.
You gave me a chill, fernando. Anyone who lives through that kind of trauma is a fucking hero forever. This song has always been one of those emotional americana greats to me, and you just made it even moreso.
I think I saw a movie they made about that sad event. Those platforms are extremely dangerous. Heard about a guy getting winched thru a mousehole once, or something like that. As for that area of the Atlantic, I had a patient who was a professional fisherman and often fished Grand Banks. One night he was sleeping when his first mate shook him and said, "wake up!" He thought it was aprank and rolled back over. Few minutes later the guy came back soaking wet and said with great urgency, "Wake up, we're going down!" To this, he sprang into action. He went down to the engine room and found it waist deep in water. He dove under and felt the bottom to discover a plank had worked it's way loose and was now missing in action. He said he could reach right thru the hull to the open sea below. He got up, went upstairs, grabbed all his linen and made his way to the rail on the side of the boat near where the hole was and dove into the night time sea. He said as he swam towards the hole with his makeshift plug, the force of the water pulled it out of his hand and sucked it right up into the hole. He felt around a little and couldn't feel anymore suction so he surfaced and got hoisted back aboard. They went down to the engine room and the bilge pumps already had the water down to about knee deep and were easily keeping up. They started the engines and cruised slowly back towards land. When they reached shore, they beached their vessel near a bridge and waited for the tide to go out. Once it was out and they had the boat rolled over on her side a little, they got a new plank, nailed it in and slathered it with some tar pitch, waited for the tide to return, then went out fishing again like nothing had happened.
I grew up 50 yards from Lake Erie and my Mom played Gordon's songs while cleaning the house. Each song takes me back to early childhood. I was able to take to her Gordon's last tour in our town. I cried nearly the whole time. A legend.
RIP. Gordon Lightfoot represented an era, attitude and spirit that we're sorely lacking in todays music. A reminder of what we're missing, and a reminder of a golden age in Canadian music we can hopefully return to
Canada has produced a generation of Baby Boomers, a list to long to mention here, that has given my generation (born in `62) the greatest songs i treasure and love. R.I.P. Gordon Lightfoot, another Canadian Legend.
US and Canada, a special relationship and shared culture that no other two countries on the planet enjoys. Officially the UK is the US's closest ally. But culturally, not like Canadians and Americans. As a Pennsylvanian, we couldn't ask for a better neighbor. Canada has been the US's moral compass for 200 years, beginning with the final destination for escaped slaves. And Canada continues to be our moral compass today. US Democrats look to your country as a model to keep us steady in the face of fascism trying to destroy us.
RIP Gordon Lightfoot, this song has been a tradition to listen to since childhood on the drive to the lake going salmon fishing on Lake Michigan and Superior. This song has touched my soul and changed my life. Thank you Gordon Lightfoot!!!
He had enough respect for the crew and their families that in 2010 he changed the line, at 7:00 PM the main hatchway caved in to at 7:00 pm it grew dark it was dim, because the original line made it seem that crew error was responsible for the sinking. It has since been learned that the rough water caused the ship's hull to flex and break in half, similar to the way a piece of wire to break when you bend it repeatedly.
RIP to one of the greatest storyteller artists this world has ever experienced. Your voice echos throughout our lives and the memories invoked will never be lost. Thank you Gordon ❤️
"Superior they say never gives up her dead when the gales of November come early" a true line if ever there was one. Rest in peace to one of the greatest songwriters ever.
That line... is such a great reminder. That nature can be beautiful. It can be gentle. And it can absolutely rip apart almost anything we create. It always wins.
Yeah, it's more like a sad story, than a song. Many of his songs were like that. A great storyteller and artist. I cry when I hear this one, too. ❤ RIP Gordon!
Today is 8 Nov 2020, a couple of days from now marks 45 yrs. As I listen to this song it only took seconds for the tears to fall. My heart still goes out to all the sailors and their families on the Edmund. I can't even imagine the situation these guys were in. I am a Navy vet and did not experience anything close. Fair Winds and Following Seas to all the sailors out there.
I had the privilege of seeing First play in February 2019 before he'll broke loose..everyone loving this master storyteller singing. What a beautiful time, Chattanooga Tennessee.
Hey Jonathan, thank you for your service brother. I am comforted in the knowledge that you never experienced anything close to the fate of the crew of the Edmund Fitzgerald.
I'm a michiganer and I've been to Lake Superior. Gosh that lake is cold and deep even in the summer. I believe the first time I heard this song was when I went to whitefish point in the U.P. a few years ago. I remember feeling sad as I first listening to this song almost cried. I believe what lead me to Whitefish Point was my fascination of naval ships. And thank you for your service @Jonathan Smith
And my poetry isn't Shakespeare of the modern age. But readers could've let it be "swamped" by new posts instead of erasing it. 🤬 Let's hope they only "forget" the final. 🥱 🌊 🌌 🌕 🌖 🌗 🌘 🌑
This song with it's haunting lyrics and atmospheric music captures the tragedy perfectly. .RIP Gordon thinking of you singing to those sailors in heaven 😢
I am a member of Mariners church in Detroit, MI and was in attendence when he came and did this song during a church service. I treasure the CD and the fact that I got to meet him then.
My dad told me one morning “Gordon light foot died today” and I had absolutely no idea who he was. My dad played this song in the car and I never expected it to become one of my favorites. Rest in peace Gordon.
I hope the 29 met him at the Gates, and thanked him for immortalising their story so they're never forgotten. He wrote a beautiful tribute to not just them, but all those lost on the Great Lakes- both lost and never found, and lost and recovered.
I've heard some dislike the song because, musically, it's too repetitive---no choruses or bridges. Perhaps, but that's the very thing that makes it so hauntingly beautiful.
Agreed Gives this sorta haunting lullaby of distance/time and sorrow. Its not over done or flashy its simply a telling of a legend and a sad deal. Its true to the crew the ship and the lake Id say.
Because the choruses/bridges would make it too happy. This song is meant to commemorate the sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald, nothing about the sinking was hopeful or happy in any way. The pride of America sunk to the lake they had known for hundreds of years. The families of the people who mated this ship probably miss their husband/friend/fathers. It's supposed to be repetitive, none of this is supposed to be musically soothing or unique. It's like saying AC/DC needs to start playing more piano because it's a rock band
I'm from Germany and I've discovered the song on an old self-recorded cassette of my father when I was a kid, it's still a beautiful and haunting ballad of a sad story. I do not know the lake, I do not know the families of the lost crew, but maybe some of them will read it randomly: I am very sorry abouth the death of your beloved man 46 years ago and I'm wishing you comfort, strength and peace, also for today's service in Detroit.
Lake Superior is huge ... it's an inland freshwater sea. It is 22% the surface area and 15% the volume of the Caspian Sea (which is the world's largest inland sea) and contains 10% of the world's surface fresh water volume.
It is the deepest of the lakes in the area; it is big enough to create some of its own weather-systems by itself. (Als Bodensee 25 oder 30 mal groesser, und doch viel tiefer...) The waters never get warmer than 15 or 20 C degrees at all whether summer or winter... it freezes on the edge in winter... ) When I was at Uni (USA: back when I was a college student, a long time ago), 3 friends on a nice summer day went out in a boat from Wisconsin into Lake Superior to go fishing in the lake; they were still close to the shore. Two of them died when their little boat went over, the last one survived that summer day, but psychically/mentally he was never quite the same afterward. We think because his body was so fat (!), that was enough warmth/survival - protection from being fat, and he managed to swim to shore that day, and survived... It can be a terrible lake ... ich erzaehle jetzt aus wahrer Erinnerung ... nichts 'gedichtet' ...
I was driving into London, ON in 1979, and at a stop light at Oxford & Richmond Streets, I looked over at a tan-coloured Lincoln Continental in the lane beside me. The driver was Gordon Lightfoot. I recognized him and waved. He waved back.
Some people are fundamentally broken. I've heard at least one person say they don't like the melody - faulty ears if you ask me! This song is hauntingly beautiful.
Nobody has ever painted a more vivid picture of a shipwreck and what those men went through. I love that he weaves in strands of legends and Native American lore that describe the need to respect this massive lake's power and unpredictability.
Gordon went to every family's house and asked permission to write and record this song before he did anything. What do you call that? Honorable? Respectable?, I don't know, But whatever that is, that's Gordon. I've read some stuff about Gordon and his relationships. The problem with human beings is they expect their Idols to be perfect. Idols are not perfect. And Idols are not idols but only mere human beings susceptible to misbehavior. Those without sin cast the first stone.
I’m not a musician but this seems like the perfect ballad to me. It tells a story, setting the stage for the voyage, and then imagining being on board, and covering the aftermath. The meter and the rhyme and the imagery are flawless. The music is haunting and to me, the echo is like he’s singing in a sepulcher. The drums kick in as the storm hits as if to emphasize the seriousness and the struggle. It’s one of the most complete and consummate songs that I know of.
I’m so saddened to hear of the passing of Mr. Lightfoot. As a fellow Hoosier near Lake Michigan, your song on the Edmund Fitzgerald is what made me have a deep appreciation of the history of the Great Lakes that I otherwise wouldn’t have been aware of. Your music will live on! 😢
Ditto: Detroit. I worked about five blocks from Mariners Church. I’m a Texan now but every time I’m home driving by the church, this song pops into my mind. RIP to those souls. RIP to Gordon Lightfoot. 🙏🏻
Glad to hear your stories! I have actually been so moved by this song that I’ve gone to the Shipwreck Museum in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan which has the bell from the ship there. 😢
I'm a Pennsylvanian, but from North central PA. Proud my state also is on the Lakes, and also almost on the Atlantic. New York the only state that can boast about bordering both great bodies of water.
and yet, to my knowledge, he never re-recorded the song when "a main hatchway caved int" turned out to be inaccurate, simply just changing the inaccuracy to " it grew dark it was then"
I grew up in Minnesota, also lived for a couple of years in Duluth where you can feel the force of Lake Superior. All over the Great Lakes there have been more than 6000 ships and 30,000 lives lost. Everyone was shocked by the sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald but its Gordon Lightfoot's ballad that places this ship's tragedy above all the others.
For people like me, it makes the dangers of sailing on the Great Lakes very real. I have never seen the Great Lakes. This song really made me realize how brave & courageous those in the shipping business are! Great respect, love & light to all those souls lost at sea. God Bless.
I also grew up in northern MN. For a 3rd-grade field trip, we got to go aboard the William A. Irving which was docked (I'm not sure if it still is). Fascinating stuff.
I recently watched a documentary about this that really explained exactly what happened on that ship that night. Incredibly moving. This song is a lasting tribute to those men. Somebody commented that whenever this song was played on a bar jukebox all chatter would cease until it was over.
December 2, 2024, I'm watching Modern Marvels: The Wreck of The Edmund Fitzgerald. In the 70s, I thought this was the most eerie song I'd ever heard, but yet I was drawn to it. Laying under the covers at night, listening to 92FM WLPL, the song would come on and I'd listen. It wasn't until later in life, I realized, it was based on a true story. Even now, I'm still fascinated when I hear it. Rumor has it, he never recieve a dime of money from this song. He gave it all to the wives and children, of The Wreck of The Edmund Fitzgerald!!! Way to go Gordon!! Now that's a class act! RIP
I was born on the day the Edmund Fitzgerald sank, 48 years ago today. The ship's loss would be unknown to me if not for the epic tale woven by Gorden Lightfoot- forever cementing it into the nation's memory. The power of music and poetry.
Here in 2023 on the anniversary of this event, I’m shedding tears listening to this haunting song remembering those men. May their memory be a blessing 🙏🏼
You can't help but listen closely to the words of this song as Gordon Lightfoot masterfully tells the story of the Edmund Fitzgerald on that fateful day. Rest easy, sir, and thank you for your music.
Grew up in Minnesota I know exactly what yer saying...This song is also tribute to these incredible bodies of water. People on the coasts don't often get it. "They are lakes, not oceans" they will say. Yeah ok then they are not oceans, they are the Great Lakes!
Tonight I saw a show that mentioned th Edmond Fitzgerald, I never forgot this song and it's haughting melody. May all those that work on the water be kept safe in God's loving hands. And all those that wait on shore be granted their loved ones returning embrace.
A song that tells a story. A story that puts you on the ship and brings a chill across your body. What those guys felt the night they knew they would die at sea in the dark .Thinking about the family they would never see again a body that would never be found...RIP Gordon this song will live on
Rest In Peace Gordon Lightfoot (1938-2023) An absolute icon, and a brilliant musician. This is still one of my favourite songs! *You may be gone, but the legend lives on!*
I never forgot this song and how the words cut so deep, grew up right by Lake Michigan and an hour away from the infamous Superior... Rest In Peace and you will never be forgotten!🙏⚓️
Tears always come to my eyes when I hear this song. We were in the U.P. years ago at Copper Harbor. I spoke with a old local guy and he told me on that day, the winds were so fierce, that the Earth shook.
It’s crazy because I’m not at all an emotional dude and I’ve never spent any time on anything more than a bass boat but this song really pulls at the tears every time I hear it.
A true Canadian icon and international legend. You will live on forever in your music, in the hearts of Canadians and others. Rest in peace, Gordon. Thank you.
A true Canadian legend and icon . Thank you for everything Gordon, you were so talented and shared it with the world. Canada has lost a Northern Star... a guiding light to all of us. Travel well, you have earned your rest , but do share a song or two while you go. RIP Mr Lightfoot , may your guitar always be in tune and your voice strong and clear.
And he's never taken a penny. All royalties went to the wives/children of the lost men!!! That's a Hero!
WOW! I never knew that, thank you for sharing. Bless You ! 🙏
Thank you for telling me that!!! that's cool my grandfather lived up that way!
Wow...amazing
He wrote the song because names were spelled wrong in the news. He did so much to honor those men.
@@Ron20003 Nice story and all but it's false. He did take the pennies, probably the millions as well from writing that one song.
"In a musty old hall in Detroit they prayed
In the Maritime Sailors' Cathedral.
The church bell chimed 'til it rang twenty-nine times, For each man on the Edmund Fitzgerald"
Gordon Lightfoot died on May 1st 2023 in Toronto. The next day at the Mariners Church in Detroit at 3:00pm the bell rang 30 times, 29 times for the crew of the Edmund Fitzgerald plus one more for Gordon Lightfoot.
Amazing 👏
Gordon later changed the word "musty" to "rustic" after someone from the Cathedral spoke to him and said "it is not musty". He updated other parts of the song too through the years.
What are the odds the as I’m looking in the comments the song makes the lyrics
Respect
That has been revised to 30 in honor of Gordon a great storyteller and musician!
The fact all royalties goes to the families of the crew of the Fitzgerald is a true tribute to those of The Fitzgerald! Thank you for that!
Wow amazing
👍 O7
How do you know this info
@The Hermit wrong he gave the rights to the 29 families.
Very honorable.
49 Years ago today, The church bell shall ring 30 times today, 29 for the crews and one for Gordon and the other sailors
I was 14 when this tragedy occurred
Absolutely love that my friend ❤
The extra bell rings for all mariners lost to the sea.
Gordon got his bell once for the work he did making sure the 29 were never forgotten. Today any extra bell is for those still lost at sea
❤
48 years ago today, the ship sank with all 29 aboard. Respect and Remember those that died on this day back in 1975.
Amen to that 🙏
Love your channel!
29.
I know you!
Love your stuff
🍻
Just came here after watching your video. Good stuff man. Very sad disaster.
Ten years ago I sang this song at karaoke in my cousins bar in Kewanee, Illinois. When I finished an older man came up to me to shake my hand and thank me for singing this song as that fateful night his Uncle was Third Mate Michael Armagost. It was always one of my favorite songs, but having that happen made me love it even more.
That's awesome man. Solid leveling with another human being and their experiences.
May God bless you. That must have been a great feeling. I love this song, sense I was a Lil kid in the 70's. Keep safe friend 😊
Oh dang, I live only 20 minutes from Kewanee. That's really cool.
Beautiful story. It has always been one of my favorites ..
Your post made my eyes fill with tears. Real people died on that lake, sons, husbands, nephews etc. Thanks for your memory of this song.
"Does anyone know where the love of God goes when the waves turn the minutes to hours?" What a superb line.
My favourite line to sing! :)
Yes love of God. Beautiful indeed.
Some guy's page
The whole song is a masterpiece of songwriting. Every line is perfect.
The mans a poet. Genius
"Twas the Witch of November came Stealin"
Ex-Navy and working on Lake Michigan, this song is so powerful (Nov 13, 2024)
May you always have fair seas.
Be as careful as the job allows, @KingoftheNorth56
First and foremost... a Proper Salute is in order.
I am a retired Piledriver who worked on waterways. Rivers during winter storms are dangerous.
I can remember eating lunch inside of the job site barge... I went to use the john on the next barge ... it was completely gone. The river sucked it down.
Our jobsite was less than from a dam.
So, Sir... I understand. This song both honors and haunts.
We come here today, not just to honor the memories of the sailors, but to remember the passing of one of the greatest storytellers of the last century.
Yep. Couldn't have said it better myself, but here's my 2 cents. Ahoy ! Gordon, Sailor... rest your oars. You've crossed the bar. Fair Winds and Following Seas.😞😞😞😞
Yes…true words there for a wonderful talent. Makes me sad that era is slowly fading away.
Thank you ☮️
Well said
@@chrisradley7542That is just beautiful.
Without this song a lot of people would have probably forgotten about or never known of this tragedy.
It's an historical account as much as it is a song! And from every thing I've ever read about sailing on Superior, it's spot on.
My dad is to sing it to me on guitar. I'm almost 34.
Superior has claimed many a soul.
RIGHT ON!
I remember when the song came out (I was a young kid in 1976)...I remember it playing on the radio often on the station my parents listened to....but for some reason, I always thought it was about a shipwreck from "the olden days".... It actually wasn't until several years later (I think I was in college) when I actually found out it had happened only shortly before the song was released.....it put a whole different feel on it for me....made it far more "real". But, once I found that out, I actually looked into the details of the event....much like you point out....I'd have never known about it, otherwise.
Eight Bells (End of Watch) was rung today in Detroit’s Mariners Church for Mr. Lightfoot. Rest easy Sir, thank you for your beautiful songs.
Thank you for providing that information. He deserved it! This is the first day I've been able to come to any of these sites but I am tearing up already.
That is great to hear. Long love this legend. From the big lake they call gitche gumee
Wanted to see if I could make it through this song, the first time I'm listening since his passing, without crying
Then I saw this comment and lost that bet pretty much immediately
God Bless. Some great music in heAver.❤
I had read that the bells were rung 30 times. One for Gordon.
I just googled it ;
“At 3 p.m. Tuesday, the bell at Mariners’ Church rang out again - now chiming 30 times to honor those perished sailors along with the artist who famously memorialized them in song”.
As a Michigander, who grew up in a house on Lake Michigan, I love the fact that Gordon Lightfoot wrote a song about my fellow Great Lakes natives who were lost on the Edmund Fitzgerald.
I grew up watching the wicked power of the Great Lakes during rough storms with high seas. Our cabin like home would howl during the near constant high winds of the winter.
I became a meteorologist with the National Weather Service when I grew up. I actually issued Nearshore Storm Warnings and forecasted for Lake Michigan. I hope my forecasts and warnings saved lives.
Back in the 80s and 90s, my brother-in-law was an Ore Ship Captain. He would tell his crew that I was his brother as they listened to me on NOAA Weather Radio.
RIP Gordon Lightfoot
Gordo was great
Nice ❤ . Awesome job
❤❤❤ The universe is not out to f*** us we just have to notice how it puts us in the right place at the right time. You have an amazing story and thank you for sharing 🙏
That’s so amazing! Thanks for saying that..
This is a great story. Thank you for sharing it with us. This song has haunted me since I was a little boy in the 70s. Also, I would take it as an honor that my brother-in-law would just refer to me as “brother.” Well done.
45 years, 29 souls, 1 timeless song.
Endless sorrow.
It was a bad scene.
Not endless. "He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and there shall be no more mourning or sadness or death or pain." The day is coming when every sea and lake will give up its dead, and no faithful Christian will have to suffer or mourn any longer. That is why Christian funerals are bittersweet rather than sorrowful- because we know that Christ rose from the dead and will come again to raise all of His faithful ones to everlasting life.
Amen.
@Lisa Bunnie - What a perfect comment… ❤️
@@andrewpatton5114 Amen 🙏🏻 ✝️
R.I.P Mr. Lightfoot. You were a legend in life and your legendary music will continue on long into the future. You will never be forgotten
So sad. Listening to this song brings tears to my eyes.
My history teacher actually played this as a tribute at the beginning of class.
💯
@@peggysavage7526 me too, the line about the church bells rang 29 times for each man on the Edmund Fitzgerald really gets me. RIP Gordon.
@@davidwillis3913
I remember the first time I actually really listened to the words. Before that I thought Lake Superior was just a lake.
This song is “ felt” as much as it is “heard”. Amazing story telling
Yes it is.
Well said
exactly my thought too
I love that phrase, my Father a musician and Band Director was always telling the percussion section that "Drums are to be felt not heard". That was way back in 1969.
you are correct.
Who is listening end-December 2024? This came out in my high school grad year. Chilling then, chilling now. That slide guitar gets me every time.
January.
Every time I hear the song about the Edmund Fitzgerald I think of my dad. My dad was with the United States Coast Guard when the wreck occurred. My dad was called the duty immediately and he boarded a coast guard vessel and went out but because of the weather it was impossible. Many days later my dad came home crying. The song Always tears up my heart but I know that everyone did what they could to locate these people. God bless you Gordon lightfoot. God bless the Mariners who went out there looking in the treacherous Waters and God bless the Coast Guard
🗽🗽🗽👍👍👍💕💕💕
Is your dad still alive ?
Several years ago I spent a lot of time reading through many many comments on the various videos that have this song .
One person said that their relative had been on the ship for years and retired shortly before the tragedy and that he said the ship was in really bad shape and never should have had all that iron ore on it .
Somebody else said there was definitely a cover-up because they knew somebody who knew the guy that personally inspected the ship and that he had told the company which owned it that this ship was NO LONGER SEA WORTHY ... or needed a lot of repairs before she could sail again .
... something along those lines ... and that there was definitely a cover-up because the Edmund Fitzgerald never should have had such a huge amount of iron ore on it .
I’m 62 and have heard this song numerous times. I understood it was based on a real event but didn’t quite know the details. Recently found History Mystery Man channel and he did interviews with family members and I learned the in depth history. Yesterday I’m driving and it comes on the radio. Hadn’t heard it in some years. Talk about almost breaking out in a full cry. I really, truly now appreciate this ballad. The artistry and honor it possesses. And so do the families of those 29 crew members. Thank you Mr. Lightfoot ❤
@@gardensofthegods no my dad passed away many many years ago. My dad knew the captain and also some of the Mariners on board. It was a very sad day for everybody in the Great lakes. Nationwide it was horrible. Never witness such a storm like that and all my days my dad told me. He went over the weather maps and everything to find out how the storm really took shape and did what it did. My dad was sad for quite a long time and I think it's still bothered him before he left this world
Wow, Thank you for sharing Tim Colby.
“Does anyone know where the love of God goes, when the waves turn the minutes to hours? “ RIP Mr. Lightfoot
Powerful and so true to how those men must have felt in those fatal final hours. R.I.P. Legend.
One of the heaviest lines ever spoken and so true, we can only imagine this horrific tragedy
Greatest line in a lyric that I have ever heard!!!!
The seas can be a gentle lover, a spirited mistress, or a screaming vicious bitch. She can change in no time at all, and all who sail are there at her grace and mercy, which can run out. This is something landsmen do not understand. Rest in peace, all those who have set sail and not returned, and to Gordon, who sang of these 29 souls.
This lyric is Way up there.. along with "two lost souls swimming in a fishbowl"
As a captain that runs the Great Lakes in November, this song always hits home. Fair winds and following seas to the crew of the mighty fitz
Stay safe, God bless.
Thank you ,for all that you do ,stay safe
My pop in our area on the coast of n.c cape hatteras commercial fisherman for 22 yrs - always talked about that ship the ed fitz - capts on the sea all know-
Darby blount- capt ""susan browne" wanchese n.c
I was a petty officer on the U.S.S. Paul Revere in the Pacific. But I can only imagine that kind of cold.
the bell rings 30 times now, one more for Gordon Lightfoot. RIP
As will be done , so mote it be.
Came to make sure someone said this already.
Well said
@@MartyWininger How do humans find humans with heart> On threads like this one.
A tribute and honor well earned, I think.
Honestly, Mr. Light foot says more in 5 minutes than most writers do in a book. This guy knows how to write a song!
Gordon Lightfoot’s songs bring back days of my childhood like no other, I remember having my little transistor radio turned low under my pillow with either ear right on top of it listening to AM tunes in the ‘70’s falling asleep and dreaming dreams steered along by such great writers as Mr. Lightfoot, thanks for the memories kind Sir, this song is hauntingly beautiful and a great testament to brave men who go out into the fickleness of nature and even greater men who have the talent to honor them through tale and song…
I pay my respects to you Gordon and sailors who have died
Rest in peace Gordon 😔
I think his name was edmund fitzgerald. Lightfoot is the airplane?
Tis a bard’s tribute~ sail sweet Gordon… you gave us haunting tributes~
Rest in Peace Gordon Lightfoot, playing this tonight in honor of you.
Rip 😭 😢 I am a US navy veteran from the desert Storm era I love this song 😊
I was steaming on the USS America CV-66 the night the Fitz went down. This is truly a sailors song. a wonderful tribute to the captain and crew of a great ship. God bless all their souls.
🙏
The song is a testament to all those hard-working folks who have put their lives in danger doing a rough job that gets little thought until something terrible happens.
Wow!! Thank you for sharing your story. I love history and this song is superb!
Did you know my friend Jerry ? He was an ordinance man on the America. His nickname was "Big Nick" a play on his size and last name.
My first hubby was on the USS America in 75. H was killed in an auto accident in 80
I don't care what anybody says. It's a classic song and it's on my playlist
Today is the 46th Anniversary of the loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald. God Bless the Crew and the families they left behind, and thank you for Gordon Lightfoot for this amazing memorial to 29 brave souls.
I used to live on Lake Michigan. And I drove my kids around Illinois, Michigan to 2nd Michigan down through Wisconsin back to Illinois. Also showed them Ontario n Erie.
The lakes spell..H. O. M. E. S.
America in all it's colors remember you all God continue to be with you all. BLK
x59
What a tragedy. 🙏🙏🙏😇😇😇
P
I was a kid working at an all-news radio station in Cleveland in 1975 when I moved into a new high-rise in downtown Cleveland. The day I moved in, I looked out from my 22nd floor apartment to see the afternoon sun over the lake. Off to my right, sitting at the dock, was the Eddie Fitz. The sun reflected off the lake, but you could see how long and red and beautiful she was. Weeks later, she was lost. Every word of Gord's story-song was what I - as a young reporter - experienced and lived through. When I first heard it, it was as if he was reliving this tragedy through my eyes, my words, and my heart. Every word of this song is truth. This is a masterpiece that does honor to those who died - and all those in peril on the sea. RIP Gord.
What a poignant connection.
And im a douche
I lived through the (attempted) rescue! This was Duluth, Minnesota/Superior, Wisconsin, the LAST PORT for the "Edmond Fitzgerald"! My '68 Plymouth DUMPED its transmission that day, also!
❤
i remember that night. i was 11 1/2 years old at the time when the ship sank. i live in upper peninsula of michigan. i remember that vividily. i live about 2 miles from the shore of lake superior. it was one hell of a storm a couple of mlles inland. i knew that the lake was vicouis that night. i, also, was glad that i wasn't on one of the oreships that night.. gordon lightfoot honored those men that died that night with this wonderful song. my family and i were going to my grandpa's house for christmas in 1975, when we first heard this song on the car radio. it was the first and only time that my dad told us kids to shut up, so he could listen to the radio in the car. he hated listening to the radio in the car. (it was just noise and a pain in the rear).
I believe they’re ringing the bell 30 times today; once for each of the crew, and once for Mr. Lightfoot.
Yeah they did which was really special of them to do that, hes a part of the fitz history even if he never stepped foot on her. He made sure the fitz n her crew will never be forgotten rip
❤
THAT IS RESPECT.
Still listening in Jan 2025. Great tune! A very sad and tragic event that happened in the past. Rest in peace all 29 crew members. Thanks for posting this.....
When I was 5 or 6 years old, this song was played on Irish Radio a lot, and I remember it making my mom cry. Years later, I listened to the words and understood why. The melancholic guitar sound is seared into my subconscious. The definition of bleak despair. RIP Gordon.
it'd probably be hard mow to find a radio station that would play it as most stations probably wouldn't want to play an almost 6 minute song.
probably struck a chord with the Irish spirit and the plight of mariners i gather.
It makes me cry right now I'm 61
@@disneydanny2 our small city local radio station plays this often. Also American Pie. We always just assume someone had to go to the bathroom.
@@disneydanny2 I dunno, a lot of stations play Bohemian Rhapsody, and even worse, Stairway to Heaven, and even worse than that, November Rain. Lol.
Of course, those three songs are absolutely fucking legendary. Probably tops the all-time list of greatest songs ever created by mankind. Right up there with some of the greatest classical pieces, like Ode to Joy, Overture of 1812, and Moonlight Sonata.
This was recorded in one take, and it was the first time playing it together. Truly legendary.
❤
To be fair, it is an easy song to play and sing. He's the writer, so he knew the lyrics by heart, even before the first take.
A simple song, but sometimes, the simplest songs are the best. Doesn't need a million different instruments with a complex score.
Ty Amanda
And the Mona Lisa was painted with a single brush stroke.
That sounds almost spiritual doesn't it! Wow I did not know!
5/1/2023. RIP Gordon Lightfoot. I imagine there are 29 mariners waiting to greet you and give you their thanks.
They now ring the bell 30 times now in honor of Gordon
Thanks to Gordon, those men will never be forgotten.
They’re all together
Our daughter, who lives in Minnesota, reminded us that this is Edmond Fitzgerald Day. So here we are to honor all sailors.
Remember ......😢
RIP Gordon Lightfoot. Your music has touched so many people and your voice will echo through the ages.
Gordon Lightfoot 1938-2023 age 84 years old the Canadian 🇨🇦 American🇺🇸 lead folk singer of sundown if you could read my mind love and the wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald rest in peace amen🇻🇦🇺🇸🇹🇳🇷🇴🇲🇽🇲🇬🇯🇵🇮🇹🇮🇱🇮🇳🇩🇪🇫🇷🇬🇧🇪🇬🇨🇦🇧🇷🇦🇺🩴🩴🧸📖⛪🎸📺🌹🧴🍾🍞🦍🦒🐘🐊🐻🐻❄️🐺🐯🦁
His autopsy it was ruled a massive accidental illness and he was cremated and he was buried at saint James cemetery in Toronto Canada 🇨🇦 and he was married to Katherine and had 6 dozen kids named Archie and Bentley and Sarah and woody and he had a star on the Hollywood walk of fame and the rock and roll hall of fame in Cleveland Ohio and it's a true story and rest in peace Gordon Lightfoot amen 🇻🇦🇺🇸🇹🇳🇷🇴🇲🇽🇲🇬🇯🇵🇮🇹🇮🇱🇮🇳🇩🇪🇫🇷🇬🇧🇪🇬🇨🇦🇧🇷🇦🇺🩴🩴🧸📖⛪🎸📺🌹🧴🍾🍞🦍🦒🐘🐊🐻🐻❄️🐺🐯🦁
@@JohnnyKennedy-sf4sf he could tell it and sing it beautiful ly rip Gordon lightfoot by
Iraq 🇮🇶 ❤❤❤
He was Canadian!
The soundtrack of my youth. I'm so blessed to have been born in 1950.
I found out that Gordon recently passed away. RIP Gordon.
The church now rings 30 out of respect for his story for the fallen. Proud 🇨🇦 for our 🇺🇸
Men may perish, but Legends live on forever.
January 1st 2025 and still enjoy this song . As well as Gordon Lightfoot's other music! Highly underrated talent!
Yurr
It was back in 1982, on the evening of Feb 14 our ship was being battered by a fierce storm. Over the loudspeaker our cook yelled out "Crew it's too rough to feed you". I'll never forget those words for the rest of my life. On our ship the Seaforth Highlander, we were doing a Hydrographic Survey around the oil rig the "Ocean Ranger" on the Grand Banks off of Newfoundland. All 84 crew of the Ocean Ranger died that evening when it capsized and sank in the icy waters of the stormy north Atlantic. We made it back to St.John's after 18 hrs of fighting high waves and Gale force winds, the Lord Blessed us. The song "Wreck Of The Edmund Fitzgerald" is a beautiful, emotional and humbling song to me. God Bless You Gordon and may you and all those who have lost their lives offshore throughout the ages RIP for ever.
I just read up on the tech and wow design flaws a/.
You gave me a chill, fernando. Anyone who lives through that kind of trauma is a fucking hero forever. This song has always been one of those emotional americana greats to me, and you just made it even moreso.
I think I saw a movie they made about that sad event. Those platforms are extremely dangerous. Heard about a guy getting winched thru a mousehole once, or something like that. As for that area of the Atlantic, I had a patient who was a professional fisherman and often fished Grand Banks. One night he was sleeping when his first mate shook him and said, "wake up!" He thought it was aprank and rolled back over. Few minutes later the guy came back soaking wet and said with great urgency, "Wake up, we're going down!" To this, he sprang into action. He went down to the engine room and found it waist deep in water. He dove under and felt the bottom to discover a plank had worked it's way loose and was now missing in action. He said he could reach right thru the hull to the open sea below.
He got up, went upstairs, grabbed all his linen and made his way to the rail on the side of the boat near where the hole was and dove into the night time sea. He said as he swam towards the hole with his makeshift plug, the force of the water pulled it out of his hand and sucked it right up into the hole. He felt around a little and couldn't feel anymore suction so he surfaced and got hoisted back aboard. They went down to the engine room and the bilge pumps already had the water down to about knee deep and were easily keeping up. They started the engines and cruised slowly back towards land. When they reached shore, they beached their vessel near a bridge and waited for the tide to go out. Once it was out and they had the boat rolled over on her side a little, they got a new plank, nailed it in and slathered it with some tar pitch, waited for the tide to return, then went out fishing again like nothing had happened.
Ive been suffering for 30+ years up to and including today!
? @@jaya1000
Rest in peace, Mr. Lightfoot. May your legend live on from the Chippewa on down, and may the 29 lost sailors raise a cup with you.
Amen
Well written tribute!
They were there at The Pearly Gates welcoming Gordon Lightfoot from The Canadian side...
@@unclexeresI didn't even know he died. I'm just here because yesterday was the 48th anniversary of the sinking
I had to do a project about this song and all the symbolism when I was in 6th grade(2 years ago now, wow) and I've loved this song ever since
One of the greatest story-telling songs ever written and performed. RIP, Gordon.
I grew up 50 yards from Lake Erie and my Mom played Gordon's songs while cleaning the house. Each song takes me back to early childhood. I was able to take to her Gordon's last tour in our town. I cried nearly the whole time. A legend.
RIP. Gordon Lightfoot represented an era, attitude and spirit that we're sorely lacking in todays music. A reminder of what we're missing, and a reminder of a golden age in Canadian music we can hopefully return to
Well said my friend!👍
Canada has produced a generation of Baby Boomers, a list to long to mention here, that has given my generation (born in `62) the greatest songs i treasure and love. R.I.P. Gordon Lightfoot, another Canadian Legend.
US and Canada, a special relationship and shared culture that no other two countries on the planet enjoys. Officially the UK is the US's closest ally. But culturally, not like Canadians and Americans.
As a Pennsylvanian, we couldn't ask for a better neighbor. Canada has been the US's moral compass for 200 years, beginning with the final destination for escaped slaves. And Canada continues to be our moral compass today. US Democrats look to your country as a model to keep us steady in the face of fascism trying to destroy us.
Yup it was a time when music belonged to the people and now it belongs to a devil named greed.
@@theprinceofallsaiyans5830 "For the words of the profits were written on the studio wall" ~ another great Canadian musician.
RIP Gordon Lightfoot, this song has been a tradition to listen to since childhood on the drive to the lake going salmon fishing on Lake Michigan and Superior. This song has touched my soul and changed my life. Thank you Gordon Lightfoot!!!
The legend now lives on in our memories. RIP Gordon Lightfoot
January 2025, 50 years ya'll, R.I.P. Gordon Lightfoot thank you for this masterpiece.
Such a beautiful, yet haunting song. Very respectful too.
truth...
This is good music. Respect the others that taught us.missy
Very true
He had enough respect for the crew and their families that in 2010 he changed the line, at 7:00 PM the main hatchway caved in to at 7:00 pm it grew dark it was dim, because the original line made it seem that crew error was responsible for the sinking. It has since been learned that the rough water caused the ship's hull to flex and break in half, similar to the way a piece of wire to break when you bend it repeatedly.
Makes me cry everytime I hear it...
47 years today. I don't think that I'll ever hear a song that so perfectly combines music and lyrics into such a haunting story.
Hello how are you doing today?
RIP to one of the greatest storyteller artists this world has ever experienced. Your voice echos throughout our lives and the memories invoked will never be lost. Thank you Gordon ❤️
0:18 thanks to Gordon Lightfoot not only will it's legend live on, the voice of Gordon Lightfoot has been immortalized for all time
"Superior they say never gives up her dead when the gales of November come early" a true line if ever there was one. Rest in peace to one of the greatest songwriters ever.
That line... is such a great reminder. That nature can be beautiful. It can be gentle. And it can absolutely rip apart almost anything we create. It always wins.
In the end he will always be right they are frozen in time
@@MikeKirkReloaded 2:35 2:45 2:46 her name is?
RIP Mr. Lightfoot, hopefully the crew of the good ship can finally thank you for this peerless and immortal tribute to their memories 💜
⚓🇨🇦🇺🇲 🔔🔔🔔🔔🔔🔔🔔🔔🔔🔔🔔🔔🔔🔔🔔🔔🔔🔔🔔🔔🔔🔔🔔🔔🔔🔔🔔🔔🔔 🇺🇲🇨🇦⚓
🎸🇨🇦 🔔 🇨🇦🎸
I cry everytime i hear this song. Chills run up my spine and the hairs on the back of my neck stand tall. This song really hits me in the feels.
Yeah, it's more like a sad story, than a song. Many of his songs were like that. A great storyteller and artist. I cry when I hear this one, too. ❤ RIP Gordon!
49 years ago tonight...and I always pay tribute.
❤❤❤
I do to, and I'm listening to it now
Today is 8 Nov 2020, a couple of days from now marks 45 yrs. As I listen to this song it only took seconds for the tears to fall. My heart still goes out to all the sailors and their families on the Edmund. I can't even imagine the situation these guys were in. I am a Navy vet and did not experience anything close. Fair Winds and Following Seas to all the sailors out there.
I had the privilege of seeing First play in February 2019 before he'll broke loose..everyone loving this master storyteller singing. What a beautiful time, Chattanooga Tennessee.
Nice man
Hey Jonathan, thank you for your service brother. I am comforted in the knowledge that you never experienced anything close to the fate of the crew of the Edmund Fitzgerald.
When I saw how many people died on titanic (1503 people) it also brought me tears
I'm a michiganer and I've been to Lake Superior. Gosh that lake is cold and deep even in the summer. I believe the first time I heard this song was when I went to whitefish point in the U.P. a few years ago. I remember feeling sad as I first listening to this song almost cried. I believe what lead me to Whitefish Point was my fascination of naval ships. And thank you for your service @Jonathan Smith
As a Midwesterner and listening to tales from people during this time. It's like the Titanic of the Great Lakes. It's hauntingly beautiful
Not everything is Titanic
@@FVStageII-hg3dp no this was the Titanic of the great lakes
@@Tristinthereviewguy2003 No she wasn't.
And my poetry isn't Shakespeare of the modern age. But readers could've let it be "swamped" by new posts instead of erasing it. 🤬 Let's hope they only "forget" the final. 🥱
🌊
🌌
🌕
🌖
🌗
🌘
🌑
@@Tristinthereviewguy2003 titantic had like 2000 people on it
This is our first anniversary of the sinking without Gordon. May he and all those who lost their lives in the wreck rest in peace.
This song with it's haunting lyrics and atmospheric music captures the tragedy perfectly. .RIP Gordon thinking of you singing to those sailors in heaven 😢
I am a member of Mariners church in Detroit, MI and was in attendence when he came and did this song during a church service. I treasure the CD and the fact that I got to meet him then.
That must have been epic. What a memory.
tragic yet memorable and what a gesture from an artist and just a good man.
You were Lucky indeed. I want to come Detroit the next they Ring Bell for the Crew of the Edmund Fitzgerald and of course for Gordon Lightfoot
@spiritofanu3112
❤
Unfortunately there isn't, and never will be a songwriter or entertainer of today that could ever hope to create a masterpiece like this.
no doubt. those days are gone forever.
No one has the patience to dedicate time to their talent! Everyone wants fame and fortune as quickly as possible!
My dad told me one morning “Gordon light foot died today” and I had absolutely no idea who he was. My dad played this song in the car and I never expected it to become one of my favorites. Rest in peace Gordon.
I hope the 29 met him at the Gates, and thanked him for immortalising their story so they're never forgotten. He wrote a beautiful tribute to not just them, but all those lost on the Great Lakes- both lost and never found, and lost and recovered.
I've heard some dislike the song because, musically, it's too repetitive---no choruses or bridges. Perhaps, but that's the very thing that makes it so hauntingly beautiful.
Agreed
Gives this sorta haunting lullaby of distance/time and sorrow. Its not over done or flashy its simply a telling of a legend and a sad deal. Its true to the crew the ship and the lake Id say.
Because the choruses/bridges would make it too happy. This song is meant to commemorate the sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald, nothing about the sinking was hopeful or happy in any way. The pride of America sunk to the lake they had known for hundreds of years. The families of the people who mated this ship probably miss their husband/friend/fathers.
It's supposed to be repetitive, none of this is supposed to be musically soothing or unique. It's like saying AC/DC needs to start playing more piano because it's a rock band
The folks who disliked this song have no soul.
Its a story not a song
And it lives rent free in ma brain
Still as haunting now in 2020, as it was when I listened to it on the radio in 1975.
Actually it was released in 1976
@@Def_7470 Nobody cares you piece of shit. Let people have their memories.
@@Def_7470 wow a whole 1 year off who gives a shit
@@SamuelTrademarked yeah, don't worry about facts, just believe whatever you like...jackass. You must be a liberal. " I feel, therefore I am " lol
@@SamuelTrademarked your just gana curse at me just for a small correction
I'm from Germany and I've discovered the song on an old self-recorded cassette of my father when I was a kid, it's still a beautiful and haunting ballad of a sad story. I do not know the lake, I do not know the families of the lost crew, but maybe some of them will read it randomly: I am very sorry abouth the death of your beloved man 46 years ago and I'm wishing you comfort, strength and peace, also for today's service in Detroit.
Lake Superior is huge ... it's an inland freshwater sea. It is 22% the surface area and 15% the volume of the Caspian Sea (which is the world's largest inland sea) and contains 10% of the world's surface fresh water volume.
@@incanus9 Thanks for the information!
It is the deepest of the lakes in the area; it is big enough to create some of its own weather-systems by itself. (Als Bodensee 25 oder 30 mal groesser, und doch viel tiefer...) The waters never get warmer than 15 or 20 C degrees at all whether summer or winter... it freezes on the edge in winter... ) When I was at Uni (USA: back when I was a college student, a long time ago), 3 friends on a nice summer day went out in a boat from Wisconsin into Lake Superior to go fishing in the lake; they were still close to the shore. Two of them died when their little boat went over, the last one survived that summer day, but psychically/mentally he was never quite the same afterward. We think because his body was so fat (!), that was enough warmth/survival - protection from being fat, and he managed to swim to shore that day, and survived... It can be a terrible lake ... ich erzaehle jetzt aus wahrer Erinnerung ... nichts 'gedichtet' ...
Thank you!! I was a kid when all this happened and this song just makes me remember!
There is a very good book on this awful tragedy including a section by Gordon Lightfoot...!!¡!!
A 73 year old Canadian here and Gordon is our musical historian. No one will ever compare. Saw him live many times ❤❤❤
I was driving into London, ON in 1979, and at a stop light at Oxford & Richmond Streets, I looked over at a tan-coloured Lincoln Continental in the lane beside me. The driver was Gordon Lightfoot. I recognized him and waved. He waved back.
And don't forget this Canadian. Talk about some next level compositions and musicianship. watch?v=hjHzijI_80g
If you don't shed a tear listening to this you're not human,one of the greatest ballads ever written.
This and I was only 19 are probably the only songs that make me tear up.
Indeed, it is a good song. I like it, especially for the historical story of it. 👍
truth
This is a great song but never one I’d consider tear-jerking personally
You shouldn't make such a sweeping generalization, satisfying as it feels. 😔
Thank you for the memories Mr Lightfoot. A Canadian legend and lyrically brilliant. Even though you're gone, your songs will stay with with us always.
I'll never understand how someone could ever dislike this masterpiece of a song, it just makes no sense to me.
Sadly people are assholes
Some people are fundamentally broken. I've heard at least one person say they don't like the melody - faulty ears if you ask me! This song is hauntingly beautiful.
I was just thinking the same thing. 8/4/2021
Because they'd rather listen to rap
Because a cat or a bird walked across the keyboard. They're very jealous and you can do a follow-up song on that one
Nobody has ever painted a more vivid picture of a shipwreck and what those men went through. I love that he weaves in strands of legends and Native American lore that describe the need to respect this massive lake's power and unpredictability.
What always struck me about this incerdible song is the effortless rhyme. No forced or tortured words made to fit. As close to perfect as one can get.
well said, brother
yes
Exactly, songwriting defined.
no doubt
Rest in peace Gordon. You are a legend on the American side. Thank you for the gift you gave us all over the years. 😢
Absolutely.
RIP Gordon . Loved his music . From Australia
Wow
This Song Says It ALL God bless them all.
Gordon went to every family's house and asked permission to write and record this song before he did anything. What do you call that? Honorable? Respectable?, I don't know, But whatever that is, that's Gordon. I've read some stuff about Gordon and his relationships. The problem with human beings is they expect their Idols to be perfect. Idols are not perfect. And Idols are not idols but only mere human beings susceptible to misbehavior. Those without sin cast the first stone.
True my friend...true
"Heroes often fail", right? But that was extremely considerate of him.
A good man falls 7 times but gets back up again (from Proverbs), the main thing is never give up doing what is right.
Such a grand gentleman and kind. You can tell by his song writing and singing
Every penny that he’s made from that song goes to the families of the victims.
I’m not a musician but this seems like the perfect ballad to me. It tells a story, setting the stage for the voyage, and then imagining being on board, and covering the aftermath. The meter and the rhyme and the imagery are flawless. The music is haunting and to me, the echo is like he’s singing in a sepulcher. The drums kick in as the storm hits as if to emphasize the seriousness and the struggle. It’s one of the most complete and consummate songs that I know of.
You are absolutely correct. A sad story to be told and put to beautiful but haunting music. You explained the songs perfection, perfectly.
I’m so saddened to hear of the passing of Mr. Lightfoot. As a fellow Hoosier near Lake Michigan, your song on the Edmund Fitzgerald is what made me have a deep appreciation of the history of the Great Lakes that I otherwise wouldn’t have been aware of. Your music will live on! 😢
Ditto. Cleveland.
Ditto: Detroit. I worked about five blocks from Mariners Church. I’m a Texan now but every time I’m home driving by the church, this song pops into my mind. RIP to those souls. RIP to Gordon Lightfoot. 🙏🏻
Glad to hear your stories! I have actually been so moved by this song that I’ve gone to the Shipwreck Museum in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan which has the bell from the ship there. 😢
@@lisamartin3346 You're never a Texan if you weren't born there, Lisa. Sad yet true. Just saying.
I'm a Pennsylvanian, but from North central PA. Proud my state also is on the Lakes, and also almost on the Atlantic. New York the only state that can boast about bordering both great bodies of water.
This song is the audio equivalent of a Bob Ross painting.
its a masterpiece
😉Oh my gawd🌸😊🌸yes 🎶 🎶 🎶
Can like your comment about 1 million times
Instead of happy trees, it was full of angry waves and wind.
You actually think you are
there...amazing song..
@@davidheath3788 I was there,!🗻🌃🎇🌆🐯🌃
this song is underappreciated
Not by me🙌
Still one of the best folk songs of all time
It's probably one the best songs to date
@@HarryPotter-zh1gh if not the best
You mean notwithstanding Bob Dylan's oft repeated love of this song and of Gordon Lightfoot's entire body of work?
It's impressive that he sang a real story into a song
Most songs are stories homie… fun fact most songs are classified as stories also
@LaloThadon well no shit but not all of them did the same as gordon
And this was the first take without practice, I think.
and yet, to my knowledge, he never re-recorded the song when "a main hatchway caved int" turned out to be inaccurate, simply just changing the inaccuracy to " it grew dark it was then"
I grew up in Minnesota, also lived for a couple of years in Duluth where you can feel the force of Lake Superior. All over the Great Lakes there have been more than 6000 ships and 30,000 lives lost. Everyone was shocked by the sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald but its Gordon Lightfoot's ballad that places this ship's tragedy above all the others.
For people like me, it makes the dangers of sailing on the Great Lakes very real. I have never seen the Great Lakes. This song really made me realize how brave & courageous those in the shipping business are! Great respect, love & light to all those souls lost at sea. God Bless.
Hello from Michigan
I also grew up in northern MN. For a 3rd-grade field trip, we got to go aboard the William A. Irving which was docked (I'm not sure if it still is). Fascinating stuff.
@@caitlyncherro6025 I believe it’s now a museum
You Betcha ya!!
Possibly one of the best folk songs ever recorded.........haunting,nostalgic,emotional,memorable...........like a living memorial.
I recently watched a documentary about this that really explained exactly what happened on that ship that night. Incredibly moving. This song is a lasting tribute to those men. Somebody commented that whenever this song was played on a bar jukebox all chatter would cease until it was over.
That's the kind of respect the dead deserve.
December 2, 2024, I'm watching Modern Marvels: The Wreck of The Edmund Fitzgerald. In the 70s, I thought this was the most eerie song I'd ever heard, but yet I was drawn to it. Laying under the covers at night, listening to 92FM WLPL, the song would come on and I'd listen. It wasn't until later in life, I realized, it was based on a true story. Even now, I'm still fascinated when I hear it. Rumor has it, he never recieve a dime of money from this song. He gave it all to the wives and children, of The Wreck of The Edmund Fitzgerald!!! Way to go Gordon!! Now that's a class act! RIP
I was born on the day the Edmund Fitzgerald sank, 48 years ago today. The ship's loss would be unknown to me if not for the epic tale woven by Gorden Lightfoot- forever cementing it into the nation's memory. The power of music and poetry.
Here in 2023 on the anniversary of this event, I’m shedding tears listening to this haunting song remembering those men. May their memory be a blessing 🙏🏼
One of my sons favorite songs brings a tear to my each time I hear it
I live that song n I'm from Wisconsin
Meant love that song n was only 13years old when it went down n remember it like today
🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
RIP Gordon Lightfoot. Your legend will live on.
Im 57 and still cry when I hear this song. How can you not? Rest eternal ,crew of the Edmund Fitzgerald 🙏😇 and Gordon Lightfoot
I too. I grew up in MI and I am 57 too. I remember!
This song makes me feel a pain in the heart, too. It has touched my emotions ever since I first heard it as a kid.
You can't help but listen closely to the words of this song as Gordon Lightfoot masterfully tells the story of the Edmund Fitzgerald on that fateful day. Rest easy, sir, and thank you for your music.
Rest easy gordon and rest easy to the crew of the Edmund Fitzgerald. May they rest forever in the thoughts of the ones they loved.
Growing up in Wisconsin, this song is an anthem that takes me back to the Great Lakes no matter where I am in the world.
Grew up in Minnesota I know exactly what yer saying...This song is also tribute to these incredible bodies of water. People on the coasts don't often get it. "They are lakes, not oceans" they will say. Yeah ok then they are not oceans, they are the Great Lakes!
Tonight I saw a show that mentioned th Edmond Fitzgerald, I never forgot this song and it's haughting melody. May all those that work on the water be kept safe in God's loving hands. And all those that wait on shore be granted their loved ones returning embrace.
Hello how are you doing..?
"Does anyone know where the love of God goes when the waves turn the minutes to hours?"
Fallen world fallen waves.. literally!! 🌊
Can't forget the tragic disaster, or this tribute to them.
A song that tells a story. A story that puts you on the ship and brings a chill across your body. What those guys felt the night they knew they would die at sea in the dark .Thinking about the family they would never see again a body that would never be found...RIP Gordon this song will live on
Rest In Peace Gordon Lightfoot (1938-2023)
An absolute icon, and a brilliant musician. This is still one of my favourite songs! *You may be gone, but the legend lives on!*
It gives me the same chills today as it did when I was a kid in the ‘70s
I was 15
ABSOLUTELY
I never forgot this song and how the words cut so deep, grew up right by Lake Michigan and an hour away from the infamous Superior... Rest In Peace and you will never be forgotten!🙏⚓️
A real good song writer Gordon Lightfoot Another legend gone a whole year...RIP Gordon
right on!
Tears always come to my eyes when I hear this song. We were in the U.P. years ago at Copper Harbor. I spoke with a old local guy and he told me on that day, the winds were so fierce, that the Earth shook.
Hey how are you doing?
I was 19 when the Edmund Fitzgerald went down. This song still brings tears to my eyes all these years later.
Same for me on both of those.
Same here, Betty. I was 20 then.
I was -33 when it went down
Maybe the most haunting words ever sung:
"Does anyone know where the love of God goes
When the waves turn the minutes to hours?"
Dennis Hale knew. You should read his book about being the lone survivor of the Daniel J Morrell.
It’s crazy because I’m not at all an emotional dude and I’ve never spent any time on anything more than a bass boat but this song really pulls at the tears every time I hear it.
As a sailor we have a prayer: "Dear Lord your sea is so vast and my ship is so small, have mercy on me."
Stunning piece….really moved me….every time I hear it
Ask any Hurricane Katrina survivors about this line and they will agree.
With all respect to the lost sailors, may their lives and the eventual sinking be forever remembered in this beautiful and sad song.
A true Canadian icon and international legend. You will live on forever in your music, in the hearts of Canadians and others. Rest in peace, Gordon. Thank you.
A true Canadian legend and icon . Thank you for everything Gordon, you were so talented and shared it with the world. Canada has lost a Northern Star... a guiding light to all of us. Travel well, you have earned your rest , but do share a song or two while you go. RIP Mr Lightfoot , may your guitar always be in tune and your voice strong and clear.
Beautiful.
@@martinmcdonald4207 Thank you sir.
RIP to one of the best singer songwriters off all time. One of the best Canadians
With Gordon gone now absolutely no other artist should ever touch this song ever