We emigrated from Yorkshire England to a small town around Georgian Bay Ontario in 1974 . Home sick , culture shock call it what you want. This song is amongst the many that live on in my heart to this day . It is the epic Canadian legacy of singers & song writers & Canadian bands that really really stand out in the world.
Left there in Sept 1974. Growing up, I sailed all over Nottawasaga Bay, from my cottage at Deanlea Beach (north of Wasaga). Had a commanding view of the bay from our cottage on the hill. Could see Collingwood, Tobermory, Lion's Head, Christian Island, and the sun set directly into Georgian Bay from our view. About 90% of the photos locations in this video I have been to. House was north of Lawrence a block west of Yonge St. Glad you made Canada your home, thank you for the compliment on "our" music.
We came from Manchester in 73 and moved to Toronto ... family hated it , and we moved to Waterloo, then finally Burlington. I was the same. Culture shock, homesick, missed my friends. Its funny because all these years later I still call the UK home even though I was 5 when we left. Cheers ✌
This is my favourite song about Toronto. It was great to see all the pictures of a Toronto that does not exist any more. Thank you to whoever created the video.
@@jessestewart169 I think ol' Murray got the credit he deserved when he was inducted into the Canadian Songwriters' Hall of Fame by Gordon Lightfoot. That's a lot of credit.
This song saved my sanity for a while. I was living abroad, in a city where I had no friends and very sparse language skills. "Alone but never lonely" are words I have learned to take to heart
My mother was a singer of many songs but this was a favourite. She came to Toronto in the early 60’s seeking a new life. She embraced all the culture it offered (high, middle, low) and its entire way of life. She gifted that to her children and provided us with the freedom to explore and kindle our own love and appreciation of this city.
Same! I know literally nothing about Toronto, but I imagine it’s experienced decline like the rest of America, nostalgic for a place I’ve never been. Also great song
I love Murray, and all the pictures were great. Really enjoyed it. Brings back a lot of great memories of Toronto. It's not the same anymore...................
met Murray in Goose Bay few years back...great chat...was able to get my whispering rain album signed and a great talk about music and life, and was glad to be able to thank him for his music and the influence it had on a lonely lost kid, way back when.
I blew a kiss to Honest Ed. He was so good to my family when we had just moved from England. Oh my, these pictures made me feel old, though. Good times!!!
@@teaburg i remember when I lived on Annette St, my neighbors were Italian immigrants who told me they arrived to Toronto in 1964. Felt like a long time ago, though it was only about 30 years ago at the time! 30 years ago is now the fall of 1991. Good grief.
Hi John, I just came across this video today. I was born and raised in TO but now live in France. I love this song and the great images from home. Thank you!!!!!
I am SO thrilled and grateful to you for having put together such an incredible video! I grew up in Toronto in that era and so was thrilled to be zipped back into that special place and time. As somebody said: this is one of the very best video I have ever seen!
After 10 years, I was finally back in Toronto last summer, taking my daughter on a college tour. Much had changed, I almost got lost around Bloor and Hoskins. But Kensington and The Annex remained charming, and were largely in tact. I even took a selfie at The Henry Moore!
Makes me feel nostalgic for Toronto and I've never been east of Calgary. Born and raised in Vancouver but this is my favorite song of Murray McLaughlin's. Thanks.
Oh my God !!! this isn't nostalgia.....it took me right back there; studying at Ryerson in the late sixties,Nathan Phillips Square, Yonge and Dundas, Sam the record Man,The Hawk's Nest, The Silver Rail, Yonge and Carlton, Maple Leaf Gardens, Bower, Horton and Baun, sitting in the end blues to see the Leafs' last three Cups.....I wanted to have fun and I did. I never yearn for the past and this song just let me relive a pivotal time in my life. Great gratitude for the trip !!!
I love this video. I just LOVE it . Thank you so much...I've watched it many times, and it always makes me smile and remember the beautiful winter day when I visited all the places Murray mentioned in this song when I lived in Toronto...just to say I'd once done it. This is also my traditional opening song when I perform at the bandstand in my Nova Scotia hometown every July 1st. Raise your glass to Murray McLaughlin--a great songwriter. A great Canadian.
Wow, talk about memories. I did not have to get out of my chair to take a long walk down memory lane. All those places I've been in my little town of Toronto through all these years. Awesome. Thanks for posting.
Exceptional job on this one!! Some of the pics and photos are timeless, not to mention Murray's classic song to go along with it all. Thank you for posting!! Steve (Etobicoke boy)
Thanks so much for sharing this John. Fovorite song too. My family has been huge Murray fans for years. Like E1 else said, it brings back so many memories of growing up in T.O. I even rode that Turbo train with my aunt when I was young.
Just watched it again for the 51st time (or who knows lol). Classic Canadian song, such a great video as other people have mentioned. My favorite song of his as well. It has been 25 years or more since I have visited Toronto. The city seemed to be so wonderful at that time ( King of Kensington days for example). I am sure it has changed much since that, but Hope it hasn't lost it's charm. Thanks again for the wonderful video. All the best.
What a great trip into the Toronto that formed me! I've been to almost every place shown in the video, and I recognize almost everyone in it. They left out the Island ferry though.
Johnny Bower (1:50) was my hero in 63 when I was an 11-year-old netminder in Newmarket. Reading the Toronto Star sports column by Scott Young (Neil Young's late Father.)
In my late teens and early 20's I had been to all the bars referenced in this song, those were fun times. When talking my daughters lately, I found out that they too have frequented the same bars.
this is one very cool video some great canadian icons some from other countrys and the great city of toronto love watching this ive watch it about 40 times now
Takes me back to the Yorkville days. Murray has always been a favorite, have seen him from coast to coast. Your pics of Toronto really add nicely to the theme, Thanks!
Awesome! I've booked Trigger and This Movie Is Broken at the library and that led me back (after many years!) to Bobby Wiseman, another "Canadian" (Newfoundland) treasure.
Love the song. Nice job with the photos to span the years. My time spent in TO was in 90s, beyond the years this song captures, but still like to visit the city to catch up with friends & hit the old neighbourhood.
I just like another song from my past back when lyrics and good singing talent actually meant something. I just wish I could pull out the old transistor radio and tune in AM and listen to music like this again. CD
Wow! I love this video! I was just chatting on Facebook with some friends about Henry Moore sculptures, thought of this song, and decided to try to find it on Facebook. What a great collection of Toronto memories! This town has changed so much since then.
Nice one John ~ Mary looks like she's about 18 years old in that photo and nice to see Ned, and Richard Underhill, Dougie Gilmour and so many others. Thank you!
Really good job on selection and sinking the photos with the lyrics. Just returned to the 'GTA' from Calgary, AB and falling in love with Toronto all over again. Came looking for this song and found your video. Thanks. Beth
A great song...written back in the days Toronto was worth singing about. I was born there and seen it change from not so good, to worse, to downright cold. It was a happening place, culturally, and musically back in the 50's to the mid 70's.
I agree with a lot of the comments below. Murray McLauchlan is another one of our unsung heroes - he deserves more credit. John - you nailed this video - thank you. Does anyone know the key of the harmonic and is it a standard blues harmonica or something different?
South House and the Quad....Victoria College...UofT. Toronto is still cool.....We were down a couple of years ago...Miss the Bambo and the Duke's at the Eaton's centre...but the Gloucester and the Dodger are still going and getting better.
You are all so very welcome. I am actually from Montreal. Toronto was my second home in the early 80s... I made this after learning of the death of a friend from that era, Tracy Wright (she is pictured at the end). I now live in the States, miss that old town dearly.
+Taylor Gray Moore The reason's pretty obvious. The "friend" telling Murray Toronto isn't all that is Leonard Cohen, and his answer to Toronto is of course Montreal.
Went to U of T , 69 to 74, think most of the photos are from that time frame, recognize most of them almost 50 years later and I remember Murray was just starting out at that time.
awsome song and super great video filled with alot of canadian icons i wish i lived in toronto back in the 60's &70's it would have been a blast back then. now you cant walk around toronto without wondering if your going to get shot.to bad one of the greatest city's in the world is going to shit.
I first heard this off a compilation "Great Rock Hits/ All-Time Great Rockers", also including Edgar Winter, Billy Joel, Billy Swan, Michael Murphy, Three Degrees...
And for those into rock'n'roll history, Bob Dylan first met Robbie Robertson and "the Band" in 1965 at a tavern which is now the Hard Rock Cafe at the corner of Yonge and Dundas Square. And THAT's a FACT!!!! All in all, not a bad town.
I loved this song in 74,75. 10 years old then and still love it now!!!!!!!!💖👍
A wonderful, yet heartbreaking remembrance of things past.
We emigrated from Yorkshire England to a small town around Georgian Bay Ontario in 1974 . Home sick , culture shock call it what you want. This song is amongst the many that live on in my heart to this day . It is the epic Canadian legacy of singers & song writers & Canadian bands that really really stand out in the world.
Left there in Sept 1974. Growing up, I sailed all over Nottawasaga Bay, from my cottage at Deanlea Beach (north of Wasaga). Had a commanding view of the bay from our cottage on the hill. Could see Collingwood, Tobermory, Lion's Head, Christian Island, and the sun set directly into Georgian Bay from our view. About 90% of the photos locations in this video I have been to. House was north of Lawrence a block west of Yonge St. Glad you made Canada your home, thank you for the compliment on "our" music.
We came from Manchester in 73 and moved to Toronto ... family hated it , and we moved to Waterloo, then finally Burlington. I was the same. Culture shock, homesick, missed my friends. Its funny because all these years later I still call the UK home even though I was 5 when we left. Cheers ✌
This is my favourite song about Toronto. It was great to see all the pictures of a Toronto that does not exist any more. Thank you to whoever created the video.
Toronto is great.
A great Canadian singer and one of the best songwriters. He deserves more credit than he has gotten.
totally agree 👍
@@jessestewart169 I think ol' Murray got the credit he deserved when he was inducted into the Canadian Songwriters' Hall of Fame by Gordon Lightfoot.
That's a lot of credit.
I agree 100%
Many good musicians never get even as much credit or fame as he did get, he did alright for himself
🌟This is one of the best 🎶❤️❤️❤️
Brings back wonderful memories 💫🌟💫🌟💫
Thanks 😘
This song saved my sanity for a while. I was living abroad, in a city where I had no friends and very sparse language skills. "Alone but never lonely" are words I have learned to take to heart
My mother was a singer of many songs but this was a favourite. She came to Toronto in the early 60’s seeking a new life. She embraced all the culture it offered (high, middle, low) and its entire way of life. She gifted that to her children and provided us with the freedom to explore and kindle our own love and appreciation of this city.
Awesome video the pictures bring back so many great memories growing up in TO
oh and fantastic song
I can't believe that I'm seeing this for the first time, it's fabulous!
Thanks Gillian. A little simple today. I'd love to update it.
Same! I know literally nothing about Toronto, but I imagine it’s experienced decline like the rest of America, nostalgic for a place I’ve never been. Also great song
I love Murray, and all the pictures were great. Really enjoyed it. Brings back a lot of great memories of Toronto. It's not the same anymore...................
So nostalgic, thanks.
Cheers from the Pacific West Coast of Canada.
met Murray in Goose Bay few years back...great chat...was able to get my whispering rain album signed and a great talk about music and life, and was glad to be able to thank him for his music and the influence it had on a lonely lost kid, way back when.
For those who lived in Toronto or knew the city back then, this is a great montage... atrip down memory lane.
I blew a kiss to Honest Ed. He was so good to my family when we had just moved from England. Oh my, these pictures made me feel old, though. Good times!!!
For me 'back then' was 1990-1997 and this song makes sense to me. Probably older than that, though.
@@Tiqerboy I'm going back to 1964.
@@teaburg i remember when I lived on Annette St, my neighbors were Italian immigrants who told me they arrived to Toronto in 1964. Felt like a long time ago, though it was only about 30 years ago at the time! 30 years ago is now the fall of 1991. Good grief.
@@Tiqerboy the song was released in 1975 ... it made sense then too 😉
Wow. I'm from Toronto but haven't been back since 2004. Thanks for the memories.
Hi John, I just came across this video today. I was born and raised in TO but now live in France. I love this song and the great images from home. Thank you!!!!!
Thank you. I attended the University of Toronto from 1973 - 1977 and this is the Toronto I remember.
Today, Saturday July 9, 2022. Murray will be honoured with his Induction into the Canadian Songwriters Hall Of Fame!!!
One of Canada's greatest artists. He deserves this honor. I don't think he ever got the credit he deserved.
People here in Montreal laugh because I say I love Toronto. This is such a great video -- it shows the best of the city. And Murray is amazing!
The cut from Glenn Gould to Johnny Bower is inspired.
Fantastic ! I haven't heard it in years. One of Murray's very best. He is a REAL Torontonian. Love the slideshow of genuine Toronto pics !
Love this!!! Many, many happy memories from Toronto back then. Is it just me, or was there a certain refreshing innocence about it?
I am SO thrilled and grateful to you for having put together such an incredible video! I grew up in Toronto in that era and so was thrilled to be zipped back into that special place and time. As somebody said: this is one of the very best video I have ever seen!
After 10 years, I was finally back in Toronto last summer, taking my daughter on a college tour. Much had changed, I almost got lost around Bloor and Hoskins. But Kensington and The Annex remained charming, and were largely in tact. I even took a selfie at The Henry Moore!
Brilliant! Evoked that whole era in TO some of the best times of my life.
Makes me feel nostalgic for Toronto and I've never been east of Calgary.
Born and raised in Vancouver but this is my favorite song of Murray McLaughlin's.
Thanks.
i can relate to u totaly tim
It’s definitely his best. I only know him from his version of Carmelita but I like it
I'd forgotten this song. Great tune a wonderful montage!
Oh my God !!! this isn't nostalgia.....it took me right back there; studying at Ryerson in the late sixties,Nathan Phillips Square, Yonge and Dundas, Sam the record Man,The Hawk's Nest, The Silver Rail, Yonge and Carlton, Maple Leaf Gardens, Bower, Horton and Baun, sitting in the end blues to see the Leafs' last three Cups.....I wanted to have fun and I did. I never yearn for
the past and this song just let me relive a pivotal time in my life. Great gratitude for the trip !!!
For this ex-Torontonian, your photo choices are like a breathe of fresh air! (love the Maple Leafs joke.)
Great post John.
I love this video. I just LOVE it . Thank you so much...I've watched it many times, and it always makes me smile and remember the beautiful winter day when I visited all the places Murray mentioned in this song when I lived in Toronto...just to say I'd once done it.
This is also my traditional opening song when I perform at the bandstand in my Nova Scotia hometown every July 1st.
Raise your glass to Murray McLaughlin--a great songwriter. A great Canadian.
It makes me smile too. At times when I want to cry.
The old Toronto, all the pics bring back a memory or two
Wow, talk about memories. I did not have to get out of my chair to take a long walk down memory lane. All those places I've been in my little town of Toronto through all these years. Awesome. Thanks for posting.
Saw him in concert last week, really enjoyed his music and his thoughts on politics, racism etc.
Great montage, great playing , iconic canadiana
Exceptional job on this one!! Some of the pics and photos are timeless, not to mention Murray's classic song to go along with it all. Thank you for posting!!
Steve (Etobicoke boy)
Nice montage, like the fact that most of the photos are a bit blurry, makes it even more nostalgic - great tune, Murray.
Thanks so much for sharing this John. Fovorite song too. My family has been huge Murray fans for years.
Like E1 else said, it brings back so many memories of growing up in T.O. I even rode that Turbo train with my aunt when I was young.
Just watched it again for the 51st time (or who knows lol). Classic Canadian song, such a great video as other people have mentioned. My favorite song of his as well. It has been 25 years or more since I have visited Toronto. The city seemed to be so wonderful at that time ( King of Kensington days for example). I am sure it has changed much since that, but Hope it hasn't lost it's charm. Thanks again for the wonderful video. All the best.
Ya I kinda love it too. I mean I could redo it with better quality today, but why bother. It' came from the heart. Thanks Allan.
What a great trip into the Toronto that formed me! I've been to almost every place shown in the video, and I recognize almost everyone in it. They left out the Island ferry though.
thank you so much John, this was a fabulous trip back to Toronto for me, with a really great tune. Great 60's and 70's images!! thanx again.
Johnny Bower (1:50) was my hero in 63 when I was an 11-year-old netminder in Newmarket. Reading the Toronto Star sports column by Scott Young (Neil Young's late Father.)
I grew up a Habs fan, but if you have any respect for the game, at heart you feel for the Leafs. And my dad was a big Bower fan. Thanks Tom.
Went down there finally after listening to this song so much.
makes me cry missing my chilhood years
Why'd you miss them? Weren't you there for them?
English is a funny language
In my late teens and early 20's I had been to all the bars referenced in this song, those were fun times. When talking my daughters lately, I found out that they too have frequented the same bars.
Great video. Brings back fond memories of Toronto! Thanks!!!!
Just saw Murray in Calgary in Oct. his voice is still great, good sense of humour..love him!
this is one very cool video some great canadian icons some from other countrys and the great city of toronto love watching this ive watch it about 40 times now
Moved away from Toronto 10 years ago. That video brought back many memories.
I wish Murray M. gets more vibetime- For much the voice of Canada- Love since 50 years on--- Greatness.......
Takes me back to the Yorkville days. Murray has always been a favorite, have seen him from coast to coast. Your pics of Toronto really add nicely to the theme, Thanks!
Yorkville for brunch outdoors on Sundays.
Awesome! I've booked Trigger and This Movie Is Broken at the library and that led me back (after many years!) to Bobby Wiseman, another "Canadian" (Newfoundland) treasure.
Love the song. Nice job with the photos to span the years. My time spent in TO was in 90s, beyond the years this song captures, but still like to visit the city to catch up with friends & hit the old neighbourhood.
Murray was writing songs about his hometown before it got big.
Takes me back to the Toronto of my youth
Sam Sam the Record Man! That's MY Toronto! Thanks Jan :-)
That's a gorgeous picture of the town I grew up in and loved.
If this doesn't walk you through the past, then nothing will.
I just like another song from my past back when lyrics and good singing talent actually meant something. I just wish I could pull out the old transistor radio and tune in AM and listen to music like this again. CD
Thanks for the evocative photos that fit the song so beautifully!
Thanks for this tour of my ol' hometown, really enjoyed it!
WOW....what a great job on the pictures John...ABSOLUTELY brilliant ...and the song....well I fkg love it....words , music....and that harp,,,.yessss
What an excellent video!! Pure Canadiana. Beautiful.
Love this song makes me happy.
I love the touch that every time he sings "don't you want a change from losing?" the video has a shot of the leafs.
People are whizzes at making these now, back then when I made this it was a bit of a challenge to synch all those up. Thanks.
@@RockyG1978 Go Leafs... I played church league down at Eglington, and a few other rinks. #7 defense, left shooter. :)
Great video production for a great Mclaughlin song...thank you
Weirdos brought me here. Proud to be Canadian :)
I enjoyed the photos of Toronto as well.
Gorgeous city.
Wow! I love this video! I was just chatting on Facebook with some friends about Henry Moore sculptures, thought of this song, and decided to try to find it on Facebook. What a great collection of Toronto memories! This town has changed so much since then.
Nice one John ~ Mary looks like she's about 18 years old in that photo and nice to see Ned, and Richard Underhill, Dougie Gilmour and so many others. Thank you!
Really good job on selection and sinking the photos with the lyrics. Just returned to the 'GTA' from Calgary, AB and falling in love with Toronto all over again. Came looking for this song and found your video. Thanks. Beth
Great old pics. Thank you.
seriously underated talent this man carries... terrific post :)
A great song...written back in the days Toronto was worth singing about. I was born there and seen it change from not so good, to worse, to downright cold. It was a happening place, culturally, and musically back in the 50's to the mid 70's.
GREAT JOB,GREAT SONG,GREAT SINGER,AND LIKE THE VINTAGE PHOTOS OF TORONTO!
Saw him perform this live at a taping of the Vinyl Cafe... RIP Stuart McClean
Every city and town in Canada should have it's version of this song.
I miss toronto of my youth , time changes ,live in the now looking back is one thing but try to live now ,lifes a garden dig it
Love this song brings back fond memories.
Love Borjie. RIP
Forgot I had him in there!
Great song and photos, thanks for posting.
I agree with a lot of the comments below. Murray McLauchlan is another one of our unsung heroes - he deserves more credit. John - you nailed this video - thank you. Does anyone know the key of the harmonic and is it a standard blues harmonica or something different?
wow, we're in this!
You are!!!!!! How could you not be??!!
@@RockyG1978 hah!
Went to see him last tour with my dear departed mother it was a great show
as a torontonian expat living in seoul, korea, just gotta say - thanks for the memories
South House and the Quad....Victoria College...UofT.
Toronto is still cool.....We were down a couple of years ago...Miss the Bambo and the Duke's at the Eaton's centre...but the Gloucester and the Dodger are still going and getting better.
Thank you for posting this... I miss T.O. in a big way
You are all so very welcome. I am actually from Montreal. Toronto was my second home in the early 80s... I made this after learning of the death of a friend from that era, Tracy Wright (she is pictured at the end). I now live in the States, miss that old town dearly.
Is that why you put the clip of Montreal in at 0:49?
Fantastic memories!
Love Murray!
Excellent video
Thank You For Posting. I still have it on 8 Track. So many memories.
Love this song even though I live in Montreal. LOL
Ya, I'm from Montreal. I've been trying to think of one to do for Montreal. I'm still thinking.
+Josiane Ochman Well, the video includes pictures of Montreal for some reason, so... (and also live there :p *Waves*)
+Taylor Gray Moore The reason's pretty obvious. The "friend" telling Murray Toronto isn't all that is Leonard Cohen, and his answer to Toronto is of course Montreal.
+john allore indeed. I figured that out a little after. :P thanks though
Went to U of T , 69 to 74, think most of the photos are from that time frame, recognize most of them almost 50 years later and I remember Murray was just starting out at that time.
Absolutely great
I love the shot of Johnnyy Bower kneeling when Murray says, "Don't you want a change from losing?" Yes, Murray, yes, we all want that.
They may have had a chance this year. But alas the hockey gods had other plans.
It would have been back to back for the raptors too😕
great video!!
awsome song and super great video filled with alot of canadian icons i wish i lived in toronto back in the 60's &70's it would have been a blast back then. now you cant walk around toronto without wondering if your going to get shot.to bad one of the greatest city's in the world is going to shit.
I first heard this off a compilation "Great Rock Hits/ All-Time Great Rockers", also including Edgar Winter, Billy Joel, Billy Swan, Michael Murphy, Three Degrees...
I 💖Toronto.
Canadiana,,this song should be one of our anthems.
What a find!
And for those into rock'n'roll history, Bob Dylan first met Robbie Robertson and "the Band" in 1965 at a tavern which is now the Hard Rock Cafe at the corner of Yonge and Dundas Square.
And THAT's a FACT!!!!
All in all, not a bad town.