What Makes This Song Great? "If You Could Read My Mind" Gordon Lightfoot
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- Опубликовано: 3 авг 2020
- In this episode of What Makes This Song Great?™ we explore the Gordon Lightfoot 1970 classic "If You Could Read My Mind".
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I'm Canadian. Gordon Lightfoot just died, and I cried watching this. Thank you Rick, for appreciating him so much. I posted it in hope that others will appreciate it too.
❤
❤
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I’m not a Canadian but Gordon wrote the soundtrack to my life and I cried watching this.
Friday last in the car for no reason played Gords Gold on a short trip to my wife and son. Then I learned he passed. Such a loss.
Wasn't just you friend.
I've NEVER commented on RUclips EVER. But this is different. This is Gordon Lightfoot. I was in college in Orange County, CA in 1966 - 68, before I was drafted. I played guitar, but I was a strummer, didn't have the perseverance to learn how to finger pick. But I had a friend, Mike Dulak - he's out there somewhere - who was a seriously dedicated finger picker. He could play Doc Watson tunes that sounded almost like the Man Himself. He was good. And we loved Gordon Lightfoot. But what he loved most about GL, was his sideman, Red Shea. Red was AMAZING. And I know this because during those years Gordon played many dates at the Golden Bear in Huntington Beach. It was a small club. You could sit a few feet from the stage and watch the details of Gordon's and Red's guitar work. It was amazing. It was a venue that at most would have 75 people in it. We sat at the feet of the Master, attending every night that he played. Gordon was in his prime, as were we. I had a 6 string and 12 string Gibson, sunburst finish on both, and between Mike and me we could do a pretty good rendition of Canadian Railroad Trilogy. Those were the days. I love Ricks deconstruction of "If You Could Read My Mind." Gordon is a TREASURE. Thanks Rick.
The "Golden Bear?" Now THAT brings back memories. On a foggy, cool night, with my sweetheart, elbow to elbow with everyone packed in, watching the Mark-Almond band. A jazz fusion group with rock overtones, they dazzled with their virtuosity...so much so during the standing ovation afterwards they were grinning, glad-handing, hugging each other. They knew they had delivered. Afterwards we turned our collars up, smelled the sea, and walked through the mist back to our car through a mostly deserted town (not the permanent strip mall HB has become).
Craigexpat: Holy smokes! I'd give my left nut to have lived that experience! After reading your comment it's obvious you are well aware of how fortunate you are to have "been there/done that". It makes the rest of us a little less envious!😊
So many days strung together but doesn’t it just come down to a few of life’s defining moments as the one you described here? You are blessed to have this one to remember so fondly. Rick describes his missed opportunity to see Gordon live. You can’t get these moments back when they are missed. Thanks for sharing yours.
craigexpat oh how lucky you were to be so close to Gordon and Rick!
I used to sing my son to sleep with that song. He asked for it almost every night
After learning of Gordon’s passing tonight I came to watch this wonderful video again.
Rest in Peace Gordon lightfoot.
I would love for Rick to someday do a ‘What Makes This Song Great” with Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald. A truly inspired and haunting masterpiece.
He just did!
Yup
@@SuperNostalgia. what are you scared of?
@@SonOfTamriel 'Not a thing I'd wager!
I hear you. But I would go with "Summer Side of Life", instead. "Wreck........" is a decent tune but it is a bit overrated because of the sinking itself, imo. Summer Side is a beautiful and haunting song about young men right outta High School spending their last summer as fun loving and innocent kids before being sent to Vietnam to fight, and then coming home wrecked emotionally and forever changed because of war. His best song , and most moving song. From chasing girls as "his love was ripe" to "and if you saw him now, you`d wonder why he would cry all night". The man was such a huge talent, and I am always amazed at artists with that gift of songwriting perfection. God knows that it does not come very easily to me, but I sure wish it did. Celebrate Gordon`s long life and his music, rather than over mourn his passing. He really did enrich all of our lives, people like you and I who love and listen to him doing his thing. Cheers!
Had to revisit this upon hearing of Gordon Lightfoot's passing this evening. How great to slow the melody and melancholy, pause and reflect on the genius and the gifts Gordon possessed, and shared with us all.
I came here for the same reason. I had never heard this analysis. Now, I will never hear the song the same way again; it is as though the whole flower has opened, and I can see every petal. Now, I can hear so much more in the song than before.
This showed up in my feed after I heard the news. Beautiful song.
Me as well. I just love how wonderfully Rick points out all the different parts of the song that makes it so great that one would most probably miss unless musically and or vocally trained. Sadly I don't know a lot of the music theory Rick mentions, but I so enjoy learning about it just the same, as he breaks down the song so succinctly and clearly. And the great part of Rick breaking down what makes the song great, so wonderfully shows how incredibly musically talanted and gifted the musician, such as Gordon lightfoot truly was. I can't imagine any of today's pop vocals singers put out such beautiful and complex songs as this.
Mariners Church in Detroit had a small ceremony last week where they rang the church bell 30 times. Once each for the 29 members of the crew of the Edmund Fitzgerald, and a final 30th chime for Gordon Lightfoot, who kept the memories of the other 29 alive for so many years.
It's a cliche, but great artists never really die. Mozart lives again every time someone plays his music. Imagine in 2200 people will be listening to Gord and thinking, "Wow, what a talent!"
Was lucky enough to meet Gord in about 1975, his Aunt lived next door to my parents in Brantford Ont. When she passed away he came to the funeral and to the lunch afterwards. The local radio station found out that he was in town and decided to show up and try to interview him, very inappropriate, so my father invited him to our house. I was just learning guitar at the time and had an old Gibson Hummingbird. Long story short I had a private 1 hour concert and will never forget when he sung this song, one of the greatest moments of my life. What a kind humble man he is.
You lucky lucky fellow. What a great memory.
Speaking as someone with a lifelong affection for GL, and family ties to Brantford? I love this story. Thanks for sharing.
Awesome story. Would’ve made a great video to put on RUclips back then if it had existed.
Your story is so touching!
WOW! What a memory and experience. That's what gives his music such power/
The second verse of this song has some of the most soul-crushing lyrics I’ve ever heard. “Heroes often fail” is one of those sentiments that you know, in your bones, to be true…but nobody ever says it. The lyrics to this song are masterful from start to finish but that second verse is completely mind-blowing to me.
Your entire comment needs more likes
Totally agree. The Heros often Fail line is the beat line I've ever heard in any song. Its a concept that we think heros save the day and live happily after but I'm moat cases the hero ends up sacrificing his or her life to save the day and they most times don't save the day. I've always thought about that line.
“But for now love, let’s be real.” Gets me every.time.
For me it's "you won't read that book again because the ending's just too hard to take." Tears every time.
True, just canadians. Leonard Cohen : Damn, I can't remember the song anymore.
Rest in Peace, Gordon Lightfoot. Thank you for your music. You will be missed!
We can agree that the lyrics are close to perfect
19:06 “oh! He does that slide AGAIN!” (The sheer joy on Rick’s face when his discovers this😊). Love it!
I'm a firm believer that this is one of the most beautiful songs of all time!
Well, there's two of us, anyway.
Ummm, three.
Four.
@@MarkFreedmanNY Five
six
When this song came out, my dad had just killed himself and we moved away from my hometown so I had to leave all of my friends. The Vietnam war was raging and this song evoked such incredible beauty and sadness. Gordon played in my town maybe 20 years later and I made some excuse about how I didn’t like his folky style of music and wouldn’t go see him. The truth is more likely that I was afraid of the emotions that I knew his songs would bring back.
@@herecomesaregular8418 emotional vertigo...spot on. Bridge Over Troubled Water & Let It Be are my two. Lost two friends in close succession to when these songs were in constant rotation and 45+ years later they still bring those emotions back from my childhood.
tomcoryell You need to find a person, or a state of mind, please be relieved. You are a real person. Be live.
Hang in there friend. A great song to remember and feel comforted.
I cannot even imagine the emotions this brought up for you and, I hope, healing. This song draws the blood of deepest emotion, and that string part is, for me, what drives the flood gate open. Powerful work.
@tomcoryell- There are certain events, and emotions, that are simply beyond our grasp, and must forever remain a mystery.. But please know that throughout your life, and in your search for an answer, you are not alone..
With Deepest Respect... Lary
Welp. He was incredible. You can't hear him without being transported back to the lovely vinyl sounds of the 70s.
its that beautiful smooth baritone. Breaks my heart
That is true. I have always said no one has ever told a story in lyrics like
Gordon Lightfoot. My musical hero.
Growing up in Detroit was wonderful then. We went back and forth between Canada and the US daily then. We were very aware of Gordon’s talent.
Every single song is a treasure.
As a Canadian myself, Gordon Lightfoot is a national treasure. I had the opportunity to see him live and it was truly incredible. Thank you for dissecting this classic.
I saw him live, too. Decades ago in San Diego. He's a Canadian national treasure.
I saw him live twice. I personally like Canadian Railroad Trilogy the best, followed by Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald.
@@kathleenflick6041 was that downtown sn diego in a 5000 seat theater about 1982 ?
@mollybeegood6342 - Quite possibly. Theater with great acoustics. I can't recall the name of it, or the year.
Also saw Arlo Guthrie there.
This is my 7 year old granddaughter’s favorite song. She’s a very perceptive child and commented on parts of the message in the song. She said the ghost is actually Gordon’s reflection in the well water. As he is Wishing he could go back to a happier time. I thought she might be smarter than Grandpa!
Wow! She nailed it I do believe. Who of us doesn’t wish we could go back and change things in our lives?
Wow! She is amazingly perceptive.
That's amazing. What a smart girl.
That's incredible. I think she's absolutely right, and that never occurred to me. I just got schooled by your brilliant 7 year-old granddaughter! Who sounds to me like she's gonna be a writer (of songs or words, or both)!
Wonderful, really amazing(and I hate that word almost as much as I hate the word "awesome," so if I'm using it here, it's legit.
I saw Gordon Lightfoot play two years ago, when he was 79. It was one of the last dates my wife and I had before she passed. He looked older than anyone's grandfather and didn't have much voice left, be he was still Gordon Freaking Lightfoot. I'll never forget that night. I'm glad Rick did this song. It brings tears to my eyes every time I hear it.
Sorry to hear about your wife.
@@rossstoneman832 That's very kind of you. Thank you, Ross.
G M thanks for sharing this beautiful memory. It captures my exact feelings for my dad who took me and my brothers to a Gordon Lightfoot concert before he became ill. These Cherished memories will stay with us forever and yes Gordon gave us a great show!
@@GM-lj8ct I'm so glad you have a fond memory of you and your wife seeing Gordon Lightfoot in concert before she passed...I'm sure you'll always cherish that memory every time you hear one of his songs!
@@Bongofury361 I do cherish the memories. It was Valentine's Day, which made it more special. There is no one like Gordon Lightfoot, and his songs mean so much more to me now.
Came here May 2nd, 2023 to hear Rick's take on this song again. Gordon Passed away yesterday.
RIP Mr. Lightfoot. This was easily my favorite song of his, and this serves as a PERFECT tribute to his memory.
Gord’s guitarist Red Shea was my first guitar teacher when I was a kid in Canada. Was a fantastic guy. I didn’t take another formal lesson again until I went to GIT in LA. Luckily saw Gord at the Royal Albert Hall in London a few years ago. The first time he played there in 35 years. Was a heck of a night.
Wow! Cool!!
I'm also Canadian. Also went to GIT (1981). Also a huge Red Shea fan. The part he plays on Song For A Winter's Night is crazy good. But all his guitar parts are... well... perfect.
I was at one of Gordon's Royal Albert Hall shows too, great gig!
I have loved Red Shea's work on Lightfoot's songs for years. But I can only find one video of him playing solo. Do you know of any recordings featuring Shea?
Oh man..what a fabulous treat to have been a student of Red Shea..I have lived most of my life within an hour of his home town of Prince Albert Sask..Love your comment and it is so good to see Red being recognized and honored this way..what a truly gifted guitarist he was..I so wish I could have been a student of his
"Heroes often fail." That lyric has always killed me.
My wife calls it a broken promise. I called it a failed hero.
I always took it as both sides. No one we see as a hero won't eventually fail us. And no true hero hasn't fallen hard, before getting back up.
It's silly, but that line, like the rest of the song, never fails to get me choked up.
Failure is pretty much the defining characteristic of a hero. The hero HAS to fail, then get back up and succeed anyway. That's what makes them a hero. Or even an anti-hero.
There's a reason the hero's journey is so prevalent in books/movies/etc.
GF lowers his voice to sing those words. I wonder if there is a personal experience that makes him almost sound like he's stating an embarrassing personal fact.
Maybe just to drive home the impact of that line. But, who knows.
Back to revisit this video after Gordon passed away. Rick always manages to add to my appreciation for a song, and not only that, the emotional connection to the song doesn't get lost in all the stops and starts of pointing something out. Now, when I hear the song in its entirety, all those subtleties Rick pointed out, are fully present. Gorgeous song by GL, beautifully touching analysis by RB.
Hey Bruce, good to see you here.
i had this song played at my wedding and then we played it at my husband's funeral. It means so much to me.. Thank you Rick for bringing it back and making it so divinely lovely.
Hold on to the good musical memories you have of those times and enjoy. There are days when I've had to rely on the power of the music to get me by.
It's that rare, perfect song, isn't it? Blessings to you and yours
@Gordon Lightfoot RIP, GL ❤
"I just have something in my eye..." Every. Single. Time.
who's chopping onions?
Same.
I used this very song to fodder many a tear after a high school breakup...i think i used to punish myself with this song~
It's like he's admitting his vulnerability. Takes heart
Me, although i dont even like tbem
I was driving a taxi in NYC during the summer break from college, when I parked and wet to see Gordon Lightfoot at the Bitter End. Afterwards I walked to the cab, and drove past the venue. Gordon flagged me down, and he and his woman got in. It was a 20 minute drive to his uptown apartment. We spoke, and he was so nice, down to earth, and cool. One of my fondest memories.
That's crazy
My sister is a huge Gordon fan and I got to surprise her for her birthday one year by getting front row seats to see him in concert at Humphreys by the Bay in San Diego. She was grinning from ear to ear and just beaming the entire show. That's a memorable evening she'll never forget and I'm glad I was able to make it happen. So often we have no idea what gift to get for someone but that's one time I got it right.
@@moeball740 well done Moe!
I was a cab driver in NYC too, so I can really understand your experience .
I drove in Toronto for the whole 90s. I pulled a Uturn in the busiest intersection in Toronto in rush hour to pick up 4 guys. Their accent gave away that they were from the US. I asked the guy in the front seat why they were in Toronto. "We're musicians". I asked what they played," Well, Im Lenny Kravitz.". I said," I heard of you." He said,"Yea, I wrote THAT song." :)
Thank you Rick. Revisiting this again after hearing of Gordon's passing. He doesn't get enough credit for being an amazing musician and songwriter .
Will never tire of listening to this song. Now that Mr. Lightfoot’s gone, there’s an added layer of melancholy to the song. Goosebumps while listening to it again. ❤️🎶
Funny how when you break down the magic, it’s still magical
I don't know. It's kind of like analyzing the brush strokes on the Mona Lisa. The song is a magical piece of art and the chord progressions are the way they are because they sounded good to Gordon. I can write songs for the rest of my life and they'll never come close to this because I'm not a musical genius.
I agree. I think it is because he really loves it.
And yet, when you break down magic, it's not.
The breakdown of this song is definitely Beato at his best. Rick made listening to this great song an even greater experience.
What is the song about(?)
@@wmrtransportation294 If I remember correctly it's about the break-up of his first marriage. There's a video here on RUclips where he was interviewed and he tells the story.
@@wmrtransportation294 I'm pretty certain it was the interview on the Official W5 channel.
MERCY! I know about music theory a little bit, but Rick shows me there’s a depth to it that Is so far beyond my comprehension!
Rick is the Human Upbeat.
He propels the groove man!
Gordon died yesterday, May 1, 2023. I've been listening to this song for over 50 years, and have always loved it. When I love something, I don't need to know why, but thank you, Mr. Beato, for explaining what makes this song so beautiful. One thing I've never noticed before today, is that there are no drums. Amazing.
Listening to this wonderful episode after hearing of Gordon’s passing. What a masterpiece.
I know that Gordon Lightfoot is a star, particularly in his home country, Canada. I know that he has received many awards and honors. With all that said, I will confidently assert that Gordon Lightfoot is the most criminally underappreciated songwriter of the past sixty years. The sheer quantity of great work he has given us is astonishing, but "If You Could Read My Mind" is that rarest of creations: a perfect song.
Eric Hodge 100%
Underrated but not like The Replacements
Tony Rice would agree
Eric Hodge he blows the much celebrated and overrated Leonard Cohen out of the water like a battleship!
The only two singers Bob Dylan has spoken of publicly that he likes are Gordon Lightfoot and Townes Van Zandt.
The inflection of mood when Gordon Lightfoot says “heroes often fail“. Man, that gets me every time.
Yep. It's so short. Succinct. True
Gord isn't only a brilliant singer/songwriter but also has a deep understanding of human nature.
Amen brother!🙌. Beautiful song!
I am writing this on the morn of Gordon's passing. I stand with all of Canada in mourning today. Gordon Lightfoot's music is timeless, his lyrics ethereal. I have loved his compositions for 5 decades and will continue to do so for the rest of my life. R.I.P. and know you made a difference.
After all these years,....this song still gives me Chills when I hear it. Just perfect.
I never would have guessed this would be my favorite of the series. But here it is. Smiling at Rick's unbridled passion, and tearing up (just alergies) at Gordo's painful masterclass.
Amen. I felt the same thing.
This song is one of most glorious, beautiful and powerful songs ever recorded. Just the lyrics alone gives me chills.
My thought exactly. Chills.
Agreed. Love it so much.
Absolutely!! Grew up with that! Actually I grew up way before that with the beatles but yea grew up with that! Love It!!!
The lyrics and the music, especially the strings, create a feeling of melancholy that just aches. And you can hear the heartbreak in his voice, it's gut wrenching, knowing that this passionate love relationship is ending.
Me too when I was a kid it really was almost a scary song, but I loved it.
Rest in peace, Gordon Lightfoot. Rick - I hope you dedicate another video or videos to Gordon and his music and talents.
The ‘Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald’ 👍🏼
Sundown
Rest in Peace, Mr. Lightfoot. I first heard his music when I was only five or six, and it bypassed my intelligence and went directly to my soul. At forty-eight now, his songs are part of my very being.
I love Rick's euphoric expressions when he listens to these songs. He so appreciates every note. 💖
You are so right! He sings, he plays air drums, air guitar, air piano and laughs and smiles in rapturesque delight like a teenager in love. It's definitely contagious.
He's teaching me exactly why I love this song and always have
Mr. Lightfoot lived on my street for a couple of years in the early 1970’s. I use to see him coming and going. I’d say hello (remember I was 11 or 12) and he would always say hello back and ask me how I was. Lightfoot was very neighborly. Very nice.
That’s awesome. 👍🏻
Wow, that's incredible, your lucky, I wish I could have known Gordon, I like his music
Confirms he’s a humble man, that’s how he’s come across in interviews. Thank you for sharing, very good memory to have.
Rumor was he was going to move to Baton Rouge but chickened out because word got around town. Who knows?
I assume this was in Toronto
Thank you Rick, when I heard of his passing tonight , I knew right where to go.
Came back here today to listen to this wonderful tribute. RIP Gordon Lightfoot
In this age of sonic bombast and monster chops, such detail and finesse get overlooked. Thank you for highlighting the beautiful structure and poetic grace of this stellar composition and recording.
beautiful comment :) " finesse " is a french word, I appreciate )))
There are current bands sneaking these delicate moments into their albums. Mastodon's 'Jaguar King' off Emperor of Sand is a good one, or several moments on Baroness' Gold and Grey album.
Well said, Michael.
Very cool to see Rick sharing a song so personal and explaining why. His enthusiasm is contagious! Great analysis also, I've watched quite a few of these shows now and I'm learning so much. Rick you are changing the way I hear music.
Legend has it, even Vulcans are moved by this song.
But not all-some seem to be giving this video a thumbs-down... Silly Vucans.
@@EliFleming Vulcan Supertramp fans. It's the only (do I need to say it) conclusion.
Mr. Spock would love this song (as much as I do).
Those fickle vulcans
Only HALF-Vulcans, that is. ;-)
I had to revisit this video once again after hearing that Gordon Lightfoot passsed away. Thank you Rick for showing us the beauty in his music. RIP Mr. Lightfoot.
Me too. Gord wrote with such tenderness and conviction and poetry. His songs snd albums still resonate today, maybe because they were produced so well or maybe because Gord plucked at our heartstrings and laid our emotions bare.
Rick says at near the end of the video: 'I love this, it never gets old to me.' This sums up why these videos are so great. His love and enthusiasm for these songs radiates through him (his voice, facial expressions, etc.).
Remember my dad telling me his mom would listen to Gord whenever something was wrong or when she was down. She’d put one of his records on, pour herself a glass of southern comfort and listen to it front and back. He’d often join her, often reminiscing about better times. She always said listening to his music was like a campfire for the soul.
I wish she was still around. Passed away from lung cancer when I was only a toddler. She sounded like an amazing woman, I would’ve loved to have known her as an adult.
It’s funny, I was given her old records when I first moved out. Think I’ll blow the dust of them and give them a play. Maybe even pour one out for her too.
I can relate with your Mum 100%.
I do the same thing whenever I am feeling down, only mine is with Gord's music, a glass of sherry - with that soothing campfire burning in my mind's eye.
Do it again. Pull them out now, lol. 😆 If it makes you feel good, do it.
What a beautiful memory of your mom. Sorry you lost her at such a young age. Campfire for the soul, great image
"His music was like a campfire for the soul", my God, I love that!
Gordon Lightfoot is my all time favorite artist. He has a unique voice and style, but also powerful songwriting skills. Anyone who can take a newspaper article, tweet it a bit, and put it to a song that so chillingly evoked the disaster of the Edmund Fitzgerald. He is just great, I came to love his music with Sundown, all these years later I still love him.
"The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald" is a classic piece of songwriting.I live in Michigan and that song still gives me goosebumps everytime I hear it.
The music so perfectly fits the lyrics. I think Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald is one of the best pieces of "storytelling put to music" I've ever heard. My uncle was in the US Coast Guard and was stationed on the great lakes. He said he gets the "willies" when he hears that "damn" song.😊 And I too get goosebumps when I hear it.
@Dave Ktver All that remains are the faces and the names of the wives, the sons, and the daughters - every time I hear that line, it gives me goose bumps and brings a tear to my eye.
Yeah - The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald captures that tragedy masterfully in words and music. But I can understand Rick picking If You Could Read My Mind to highlight and analyse. Because this song (and perhaps the song Beautiful as well) are, in terms of musicality, more interesting and beautiful than most other songs for radio ever were.
Heard that song as a kid. I couldn’t grasp the thought of a lake that wrecked huge ships. That is until I drove along the UP in winter, and watched the fury of Lake Superior. It made me awful glad I was in a truck instead of a big lake freighter. A vivid story.
Michigan native here. "Wreck" is such great writing that even stodgy old me has to overlook the two factual inaccuracies in the lyrics: (1) it's called Mariners' Church instead of "Maritime Sailor's Cathedral," and (2) the Fitzgerald's ill-fated final load was actually destined for Detroit, not Cleveland.
But that said, on (1) he had to fill eight syllables in that line and the church's correct name would only have gotten him halfway there, and on (2) he needed a city name with first-syllable emphasis to fit the meter of the song. It's called artistic license, and Gordon Lightfoot was a master of it.
Always really liked Lightfoot. This the first time I've really paid attention to the lyrics of this song. As a youth it would not have resonated but, you live a life and it goes right into your soul. Incredible.
Isn’t that so true??!! This song hit me when I was going through some troubling times in my marriage. It hit me like a freight train, especially the line “I don’t know where we went wrong…” Fortunately, our ending has not happened, it was just a rough patch.
After listening to the song tonight, came back to this video just to dwell on genius now gone. RIP to possibly the best & most Canadian of musical geniuses
Gordon Lightfoot, Jim Croce and America made me fall in love with acoustic driven music.
Yep…3 of my earliest “Best of” records…
In my opinion this is one of the greatest songs ever written.
Expertly produced as well.
It evokes a multitude of emotions, themes and moods.
How many songs can you say that about?
Haunting lyrics, heartfelt chord progressions, yearning string section, and of course, GL's ghostly voice.
Breaks my heart every time I hear it.
Whenever I play it on guitar I can't sing the words myself because they are much too painful.
Thank god it was expertly produced. It plays on the radio today extremely well. About a half century later....
Agreed... I've never understood how singers sing sad songs without breaking down sobbing! Always have tears in my eyes hearing this one. I might choke out a few lines along with it, but can't do it for long.
I thought I was the only one who felt so deeply about this beautiful and sad song. It's so full of emotion that you can experience in one's own life.
I can totally relate! I was never able to end this song once I started playing it.
"Ghostly voice". Perfect description especially for this song about metaphorically being a ghost.
Gorden Lightfoot....RIP ..i remember my daughter when she was dealing with depression that she would play his albums over and over. His music is haunting and brings back many difficult times ..dealing with the death of my youngest...sob..
💔💕💖
RIP Gordon Lightfoot! We will miss him but we will always have his music 😢
I'm pretty sure this is one of the most beautiful melancholy songs I've ever heard.
So is his “The Last Time (I Saw Her Face)”
I can only think of a couple of songs that have that feel.
Breads Diary or the wreck of the Edmond Fitzgerald.
Right. Right along with Same Old Lang Syne by Dan Folgelberg
@@StewartMarkley funny...Dan Fogelberg came to mind during this video too.
Favorites sometimes change, but most of the time I call this my favorite song. Period. I'm sure that millions of people agree. Beato's enthusiam is infectious. The great irony of Gordon Lightfoot is that his music was incredibly knowing but in his own personal relationships, he admits to being a shithead who hurt people b ut now regets it deeply.
When I was 5 or 6 years old I was standing with my much older cousin in front of a corner store eating candy. My cousin was smiling and looking at a man across the street. He said to me 'that's Gordon Lightfoot'. I later learned he lived in a basement apartment a couple of blocks away from our street in Toronto. It must have been just before he skyrocketed onto the world stage. It's also strange at that age I knew who he was talking about. Don't know why I still vaguely remember that day but I do. It's not the reason why I'll always love his work, it's just a memory.
Growing up in Canada, I don't remember a time in my life that I did not know and love Gordon Lightfoot's music.
Here I am, watching this lesson for at least the second time, tears in my eyes as one of the best produced pop songs of all time is so lovingly and passionately celebrated. This song never gets old. This is why artful music is so important - it gives life and joy to an otherwise simple existence.
How do we get over this loss? A beautiful song and incredible singer/songwriter. Thank you Rick. Rest in Love Gordon.
I couldn’t get any of my friends to go see him here at The Coach House in San Juan Capistrano ; so I drove alone and loved every minute of the show in a 500 seat hall sitting 10 feet away!🎶🎶🎶🎶
Great venue for shows like this. Saw Gary Hoey up there doing his Christmas show two years ago?
Ruben Padilla for sure Coach House has so many great acts, arena size acts now playing smaller venues 🎶🎶🎶
racegts I used to go there often when I lived there. Great venue!
I'll bet that was a great show. The Coachhouse is a super cool venue. Not too big, not too small, and they book excellent acts. I've seen so many killer shows there, and actually got to play there a few times. They treat the artists excellent also, which is not always the case...for sure. Peace.
Dylan is not wrong. I tear up hearing those sweet strings come in every time. Even after hundred of times hearing this track.
I've been a fan of Gordon Lightfoot for as far back as I can remember. His music has always been part of the soundtrack for my life.
Watching this today, on the day of Gordon Lightfoot's passing. It's really lovely to have my attention drawn with such love to his skill, artistry, and poetry like this. Sure glad you did this one, Rick.
First off. Hanging out with Rick for 20 minutes restores my belief in humanity. He’s incorruptible.
Amen! You said it.
Nick so reminds me of Anthony Bourdain. Love your work. Great stuff. I learn so much each time.
What I love as much as anything is how his videos just... start! He gets straight to it, no hype, no bs. Even the occasional plugs for his 'revenue stream' are zipped through with evident impatience. The guy's quite uniquely likeable.
I also want to add that I think Rick is being too humble about his position regarding fair use and the whole senate hearing thing. I’m all for making sure the artists get paid fairly, but these “What Makes This Song Great “videos Rick produces make me want to listen to artists light Gordon Lightfoot and Led Zeppelin and maybe even purchase some tracks. So in a very important way, Rick is helping expose these artists to new fans and generating new appreciation among old fans. I would have thought the artists would appreciate that exposure and at least be willing not to block; and I would suggest they should be willing to at least split the Google revenues. Anyway, just my opinion, but thank you Rick for all of these videos , the content is incredible .
well said!
Agreed!
Well in 99% of the cases, the artist has zero to do with these things. The rights to the material are in the hands of their studios or labels and they simply have a plethora of lawyers that enforce every single bit of 'misuse' of their product. I can somewhat even understand that they have to go against every non-paid use of their property, but they simply don't differentiate enough between 'fair use' and straightup 'piracy'.
Indeed. This is a song that I have always loved, but always listened to on the radio. This WMTSG made me go buy the album on Apple Music. The best WMTSG are ones that make me go out and buy the artist's track or album so I can appreciate it myself, if I don't already own it.
@@SchmaexiMcMaexi If the artist's still maintains control of their publishing rights in arrangement with the label, then the label takes direction from the artist as whether or de-monetize or block. Such as the case with the Eagles where the dictate to block comes from Don Henley.
Impossible to explain what he meant to us. He was not only a Canadian icon, our bard, our national storyteller, but every Canadian has at least one memory of a significant personal moment when Lightfoot's music was playing - prom, first kiss, first date, the loved one that never showed up as the clock ticked forward, the airport on the way to friends or family, the tears driving home after a breakup, all punctuated by a Lightfoot song on the radio, the PA, or covered by the band. He was not only a public figure, but embedded in our personal histories. He was a part of the soundtrack of our lives. We will miss him terribly.
Gord Downie.
I love how much you went into this Rick. It clearly meant a lot to you. Gord died last night here in Toronto and the outpouring of love and respect is overwhelming
Rick I just love how you take a song that we older folks have heard hundreds or maybe even thousands of times and force us to listen to them a new and different way. Like your brother did to you, you make us put our ear to the speaker and REALLY listen. Thank, you so much!
You right there.
I'm fast becoming addicted to RIck's videos. Can't get enough. The editing of the videos is incredible, let alone the information he rapid fires at you with such precision and enthusiasm.
Exactly - that’s what I’m doing now.
I was almost 3 years old when this song was released, and I've always loved it
Oh wow, I haven't heard this in years, and I have now just rediscovered why I've always loved this song. In fact, I now understand in more detail why I love this song, as each detail that Rick pointed out makes it all too clear what genius is behind this. This is the kind of song where you are transported into the composer's soul, the hair stands up on the back of your neck and you get a lump in your throat and a tear in your eye, not necessarily because it's sad, but because it's so moving and beautiful.
Perfect description, Heath.
Well done, Rick. Love your observant skill and ability to show us what we can’t always explain but somehow feel about a beautiful song. Thanks too for hitting all kinds of music to help us all appreciate more.
Perfect, thank you
Heath Weber Very well said. And I concur.
Heath Weber yes,yes,yes
Had to come back to this video again after hearing the news.
This can also double as a tribute to Gordon.
We've lost a very special one today.
Rest in peace "Gordo".
Returning to watch this again. Never got to see Gord live, though I had tickets for a show that was postponed due to covid, then canceled a few weeks ago. Now he's on that carefree highway... RIP, and thank you, Mr Lightfoot, for the music, and Mr Beato, for celebrating it. 💓🎶🎶🎶💓
Gordon lightfoot is a true living legend. A treasure, a gift to all. I was a kid 17 years old
Sailing on an oil tanker in the Great Lakes the night the Edmund Fitzgerald sank on that November night, we were in Lake Huron and it was rough going. I cannot imagine Lake Superiors fury that horrible night. Thank you Mr. lightfoot .
Wow!! Glad you made I back home. Scary night and sadly very tragic. Another great tune by Lightfoot. As they say sad but, also true
@@lawrencetaylor4101 He's a terrific human being, but the Edmund Fitzgerald is maybe the only GL song I don't like. Strange, but that's the way it is. No disrespect.
@@roderickcampbell2105 the song has more meaning to the folks that live in and around the upper Great lakes...and more meaning if you lived during the tragedy time period, which took place in the mid 70's
@@ryerob741 Hi Rye. I understand I think. I was in the Great Lakes region at the time although quite young. Teenager. I certainly get that anyone directly affected may feel very differently than myself.
Not quite that old, well mabey, rember it was high school, vacationing in Michigan The Edmond Fitzgerald brought Gordon into my life, Still call him one of the most underrated writer, musicians ever.
Gordon Lightfoot's voice gives me goosebumps. Just one of the greatest voices of all time, period. 💟
A few of his songs give me goosebumps, too.
But no, not necessarily an all-time great. Even great ones like Sinatra are now forgotten. No one is loved forever.
But Gordon had a distinctive sound and style. Memorable for a generation who listened closely.
The Soul Is The Rock doesn't just give me chills, it drops me into Antarctica!
This hits hard right about now. Sharing this with people, 'cuz it's the closest I come to praying for someone.
My late father wore this album out. Bless you!
Well, I was hoping against hope when I wrote that comment, but now we all know it was inevitable.
As a child growing up in Canada in the 70’s with rules about the radio playing Canadian artists, I consider myself lucky that he was there making music. His songs always makes me think of childhood. I love how people have been doing reaction videos to his songs - all kinds of people are appreciating his genius. RIP Gordon Lightfoot❤
When Gordon starts to sings you are in for a journey. His songs tell a story that you become part of. Thank you Rick.
Lightfoot is extremely underrated, I would put him up there with the greats, yet very few people listen to his stuff.
One of my favorites, I do hear him every once in a while on the throwback radio
Very much listened to and appreciated here in Canada 🇨🇦
@@FreetoGrowBand One of our national treasures.
Did you see his performance during pand?
Lightfoot, Taylor, Denver, Croce. Some of the elite songwriters of the 70s
I moved from the UK to Canada 2 years ago. When Gordon died, my Canadian husband told me that he was a fan of his music, so I bought him a cd of his greatest hits. This song, which I'd heard before, really captivated me. Whenever I'm in the car on my own, I turn it up and play it over and over again. Having watched this brilliant video of Rick's, I will listen to it with fresh ears. Thank you Gordon for the many hours of enjoyment you have given me.
I'm glad I got to see him a few years ago. Gone but never forgotten.
This is the best show on RUclips for the non musician right to the professional.
The way he breaks down the parts is very powerful and relatively easy to understand.
He doesn't just tell you about the technical side of string arraignments, the guitar chords and such, he is exposing the average person to the sheer emotional power of acoustic man made music.
I'm from just outside of Gordon's home town and I got goosebumps listening and watching.
Nice job Rick you made this somewhat cynical metal head come close to tears.
Bravo pal.
P)l ml ml ml ml ml lolmbi 1otk ml
Agreed!
Nice work
Brave words. Moved me Ross.
A lot if truly moving music is like that, oddly... 🤔 At least for me... I have won over a few people over the years, when trying to turn them on to specific song or album, and getting them to appreciate it in the same way that I do...
That's also why I (subconsciously) put songs into two categories, usually, upon hearing them. It's not 'songs I like' and 'songs I don't', either. There's either something else 'there' or there isn't. Even songs that I don't initially like, I will revisit, if they have that 'something else' - even if it's not my style and even if I don't ultimately end up caring much for it, in the end. This way, at least I can appreciate it to a deeper degree. (Likewise, there are also many songs that I really like that DON'T have the 'something else' to be dissected, just because they are pretty, or poetic, to-the-point, rhythmically moving, or "catchy", or just because they're my style. Lot's of legitimately "good" music is like this! ...but many of the songs that have taught me the most, or been the most emotionally moving, have been songs that I had to sort of work at, and dive into, before I could truly appreciate them). This is why, so long as there is that 'something' there, I try to really dwell on a song, album, artist, etc., before I form an opinion... ESPECIALLY if I am 'uncomfortable' with it (stylistically), initially...
At least, I try to... This song is far from my typical style(s) of music, but it DEFINITELY has something beautiful to be discovered, if you take the time to unwrap it... 😄🤘
I could have listened to you talk about this song for hours. My dad taught me to play this song on guitar when I was a kid and I still play it from time to time. It's simply one of the greatest songs every written by humankind. Having just gone through a separation it's currently in the "Sob every time I hear it" category, but eventually in time will go back to making me cry from the joy of the song, rather than the sadness.
That era in songwriting was the best home psychotherapy money could buy. Its unfortunate that most contemporary writers bend to the machine, the box the music industry squeezes them into. You actually have to shop boutique labels and some self published artist to find a level of that genius. For me, Bread's "Everything I Own" is devastating, to the point I'm welling up just thinking of it. A better song about a son missing his dead father has yet to be made.
I'll feel with you from here for awhile man, just to help out a fellow human being because we all could use a friend who understands and cares!
Jim Shorts that’s a great song. In that same subject matter - as much as I generally disdain them - Green Day’s “Wake me Up When September Ends” is a really, really thoughtful song with tons of impact squeezed into their corporate punk sound.
Brother I’m with you. I’m 55 and still grieving the divorce from my first love 2 years ago. Yeah I’ve got tears down my cheeks. Hang in there.
@@jimshorts6751 I love Mike and the Mechanics' 'The Living Years ' for the same reason.
Gordon has just passed and I had to listen to this again. Always...and forever...the perfect song.
I'm a HUGE Lightfoot fan! I think he's the world's greatest lyricist, and even though he may not break any new ground with his music, he speaks to the soul of the baby boom generation. Really puts his heart on his sleeve and sings about things we can all relate to - the joys and pains of love and life. The highs, the lows, the mistakes and everything in between. Brilliant songwriter.
Very well said.
I appreciate your comment and would say that the essence of “breaking new ground” (for me) is when an artist is just him/her-self, expressed through the originality of their unique talent and musical abilities. There was only one Gordon Lightfoot as there is only one Dylan. They’re groundbreaking just by doing what they do.
I think if Gordon saw this, it would have to be very powerful for him. Despite the millions who loved him, he would know that at least one person fully understood what he accomplished with this song.
In 1976 in Boston a very bad snowstorm happened. Gordon Lightfoot was scheduled to appear at a local venue. He played a full concert for around 20 people. I will never forget his generosity.
I heard this song daily on the radio, but never got it, until Rick's forensics exposed the bones. This is the video that turned me on to Rick, and now I've listened to it again (couldn't stop), I hear even more. Please understand, my knowledge of guitar, modes, and music production is about at the level of 9-year-old Rick.
@@bettym7346 You know what, Betty M? I never heard anyone say it as succinctly as you did: Rick is a musical forensics guy. Forensics is the absolute perfect term for what he does in this series. In my line of work, what you said is what we call an “insight” - a penetrating truth that perfectly frames what is going on. I am wondering if Rick ever thought of it that way . . .
@@bettym7346 I have studied music theory for six years at the highest level, and your comment is more relevant than any explanation I can think of.
Still alive, still performing, still knows that he's revered, but still humble. Saw him at Massey Hall about a decade ago... unfortunately the magic appeared to be long gone but at least I saw him... IMPORTANT👍❤🇨🇦
This song chokes me up every time I hear it. Gordon's voice is so moving, and the lyrics are heartbreaking. And as Rick says, such a great arrangement.
I wonder who wrote the string arrangement. It is fantastic.
its the onions i always say :P
For those of us who have ever endured the heartbreak of a relationship slipping away, these lyrics capture the pain and the feeling of helplessness. And the feeling that the other person just doesn't really see you for who you are. This is a master class in lyrics.
It's rare to see the perfect merger of lyrics that tell a coherent story with a tantalizing melody with an impecable harmonic progression. This song came out in 1970 and I remember being mesmerized when I heard it on the radio. "If You Could Read My Mind" has an incredibly sophisticated merger of acoustic guitars and orchestral strings that's nothing less than a sumptuous musical banquet of delight.
What's interesting is how the first verse casts him in as a tragic ghostly character in an epic fairy-tale castle-fortress setting while the second verse describes his lover's thoughts as the contents of a paperback novel, which suggests rather trashy hack romance writing. That contrast sets up a dialectic between his own magical (if despairing) thoughts and what he believes are his lover's unrealistic expectations of him. He can't be the hero of her pulp fiction story. Then his lover becomes a remote film queen, suggesting he's projected a lot of his own hopes and wishes on her (she's supposed to bring out all the good things in him). But in the end, he can't figure out why the relationship has failed.
It's perhaps the most beautiful failed-relationship rationalization poetry ever written. It hits people in the gut because almost everybody goes through a relationship where there are unrealistic expectations and projections from both sides. People are screwy that way.
I think Lightfoot hits this point of compositional mastery again in his song "Beautiful." It's a flawless love song without all of the complex inner psychic content of "If You Could Read My Mind." I've performed "Beautiful" at a few weddings and audiences just love it.
Was privileged to see Gordon live in 2016-17 after he recovered from a stroke. Marvelous concert for an audience that totally adored him. Pretty sure every last audience member was weeping by the end of Edmund Fitzgerald. Wow. A true bard like this only comes a few times in any generation.
RIP GL... no words can fill the empty space at such departing
One of Canada's National Treasures. We absolutely are in awe of his musical genius
Yes. You are so right. GL is a genius and a legend.
I was up in Toronto to see Rush on one of the last times they played before they packed it in but I had to swing by Massey Hall because I'd seen Tangerine Dream play there in the 80s and wanted to see if the building looked how I remembered it. It had been many years since I'd been there. Anyway, it turns out that Gordon Lightfoot had the place booked for the ENTIRE WEEK we were there. We had a timetable so I couldn't managed to see him there but it would have been cool to have done so and I was happy that he was doing multiple engagements still at his age. Long may he sing. That voice!
My wife bought tickets for us for Christmas. It turned out to be the last show at Massey Hall before it closed for renovations. I don't think I've had a more Canadian moment.
This is one of those radio "through the pillow" songs. After my parents sent me to bed I'd slip the transistor under the pillow and listen for hours. Thanks for this one Rick, as you'd say ...I love it!
Yes, and the battery would be dead in the morning!
ditto!
Man, I thought I was the only one who did this!!!!!
chuck madden Nice to meet a fellow pillowian. I learned so much about music exactly this way. My first transistor radio was from Sears, with the “stand” being the antenna. I took it everywhere. Loved how late at night I could get stations from the midwest and even the east coast sometimes while in California.
I'm not musically educated, so all of the technical explanation is a foreign language to me. What makes this song great is the perfect blending of all of that musical alchemy with a soulful voice and poet's heart. And I did have the chance to see Gordon in 1974 when about half a dozen from our dorm made the trek to Detroit's Masonic Theater - a small intimate venue perfect for his music before everyone started booking sports stadiums. Still one of my favorite concert memories.
Barenaked Ladies - Pinch Me❤
Beautiful comment.
@@Teachering 📓🎼❣
Got to see him this past year as he showcased the reopening of the legendary and acoustically excellent Toronto Massey Hall. His voice may not have the strength it once had, but his heart and emotion was a rich and vibrant as ever.
went for so many years to his 1-week residencies at good old Massey Hall. - late 60s to early 70s, I think. Overwhelmingly modest and inclusive of his audiences. I remember taking a young woman I very much wanted to impress. We had balcony seats, stage right. Great, except for one thing - there was a great bloody post between her seat and mine! Great memories.
Ah, Massey Hall. I have never been in a concert hall like it. The acoustics are out of this world.
An interesting note about Red Shea’s contribution to this song:
In A 1972 BBC In Concert show, Red was playing his lead parts for this song without a capo and appeared to be finger-picking the beautiful embellishments. This concert is available on You-tube for those who really love this tune. Truly one of the most beautifully written popular songs of the 20th century!
As a Canadian I am so proud that the two songwriters who’s lyrics you mentioned share my homeland. Ask Mr. Lightfoot to be a guest on one of your videos. I bet you a dollar he’d say yes.
To this day Lightfoot is a very proud Canadian living in Canada. Orillia Ontario. Makes me proud to be a Canadian despite the idiot we have destroying our country.
Really Peter... Somehow you felt the need to turn this political? Boooo!!
@@peterhessels2903 Forest Hill, Toronto these days, not Orillia. He did a Canada Day concert in front of his mansion this year.
@@peterhessels2903 he's from Orillia (my hometown) but lives in Toronto now
@@peterhessels2903 Your idiot isn't half the idiot of our idiot.
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. I was having a crappy day. I set down to eat a late lunch and turned on youtube and there was a video by you about the musician of my childhood, the great Gordon Lightfoot. I literally cried as I watched the video. I am 57 years old and Mr. Lightfoot was my mother's favorite and I vividly remember laying in bed as a child and hearing his music waft up the hall as my mother sat in the living room and listened to his records. I grew up Atlanta suburbs and was lucky to see him live several times. I think I saw him first time when I was around 12 at the Atlanta Civic Center and then again around 15 at the Fox. Saw him last back in late 90's at Chastain Park. Thank you for helping me hear new things in a song that means so much to me. Thank you for the joy you have in your face when you talk about music which is helping me again find the joy I had in music when I was younger.
Your comment is fantastic
very well put .. "the joy you have in your face when you talk about music"
Rick, my heart was lifted from my chest & floated up to the heavens so many times as I watched & LiSTENED to your sincere & deeply felt appreciation of this song, its beauty, lyrics, embellishments & subtleties … if only this girl could truly read the mind of this wonderful poet, Gordon Lightfoot, whom I have loved along with all his songs since childhood … I saw him live in 1969!! Im 73 now. Thank you for this beautiful video appreciation, my friend … Drew
Gordon Lightfoot
Is one of those rare artists whose music transcends time and categorization. Thank you Rick for breaking this down. I love the song even more after watching your video!
This song is so intensely sad, that I will often cry if I’m somewhere I can allow myself to be vulnerable. When I was younger, I would get mad at it, to not let it in!
My god druwk, Very well said.
sissy
My Mom, who passed away earlier this year, was a lifelong fan of the Gord and passed the love of his music on to my brothers and I. Seeing this notification brought a smile to my face and a tear to my eye. Thanks for honouring this great troubadour Rick
💞for Moms!!!✌you too
I couldn’t agree more. Thanks Rick
In 1968, when I was 12, my mom took me to see Gord in concert. It was my first concert. Even now, 52 years later, I remember it vividly. Incredible concert. Sorry your mom's gone. Condolences. I am so lucky my mother is still with us.
I am 78 now but saw Gordon in Ft Worth at a small venue where it was like he was playing in my living room. He stayed after and many of us stayed and moved forward surrounding him on the floor. I have not forgotten a note because it was so great. When I married, I had my husband play GL songs when I couldn’t sleep. My husband has passed but my memories of both these men is lasting.
Hi Rick: Gordon is a Canadian legend and a national treasure. We lived in Orillia, Ontario which is Gordon's home town, and my son worked at the Orillia Opera House where Gordon has performed many times. Gordon was very kind to my son, and as it turns out this was the night when Gordon became gravely ill. I distinctly remember hearing the air ambulance that night and my heart sunk once my son told me what happened. Fortunately for everyone, he recovered from this event. Gordon has never forgotten his home town and he always gives back to his community. Thanks for preparing this video to honour him. Regards, Keith Pinn
Hey Keith I know your son Craig.
I worked with him at Waypoint.
Great kid real intelligent and thoughtful towards other people.
It was a real pleasure working with him .....
Give him my best.
Thanks Ross for taking the opportunity to provide this feedback to us. We are so proud of everything that Craig has accomplished during his life, but your wonderful comments are simply the icing on the cake. Thank you so much again for these comments. Keith
He's a world treasure. I'm American and have loved his music for 50 years.
Pussywillows, cat tails, soft winds and roses
Props to Rick for covering Canadian musicians.
I’m one of ten children. We used to sneak in my dads closet and take his Gord’s Gold album. We played it on a fisher price turntable and would dance and sing to it all day long. I miss those days! Love to all my brothers and sisters ❤️. Gord is the best 🙂
My all time favorite song. Quite possibly the most perfect song ever composed and performed and Rick, you explained it beautifully. A love letter to Gordon. Rest in Peace, he has been a part of my life since the late 70s.
My favourite is, 'The Last Time I Saw Her'.
Rick, thank you for the amazing analysis of this song, and tribute to Gordon Lightfoot. On this day after his passing, we Canadians are all remembering and cherishing Gordon's contribution to our culture. Love your work.
When I was a kid in the mid-fifties, my uncle owned Muskoka Lodge, a vacation resort on the banks of Lake Muskoka in Ontario, Canada. Gordon Lightfoot was a dishwasher there. He'd work in the kitchen during the day and sing in the evening.
I've always thought "If You Could Read My Mind" was the greatest song about lost love ever recorded. Thanks, Rick.
Now how about a WMTSG on Elvis Costello And The Attractions?
WOW, I love the Muskoka region of Ontario (my home province), and how cool is THAT...that Gordon Lightfoot worked as a dishwasher in your uncle's lodge!
Way cool! Is this common knowledge? I've never heard this before.