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Special joy when you can fall into an artists storytelling, over and over again!
Oh yes, thank you!
I'm a Canadian away from home and hearing Mr. Gordon is very comforting :-)
I'm a Canadian away from home and hearing Mr. Gordon is very comforting :-)
TheKing2 wrote:
Welcome to RP. William is the segue master.
From Mark Knopfler "So Far From the Clyde" to Gordon Lightfoot "The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald"
Is that coincidence?
Welcome to RP. William is the segue master.
So Far From The Clyde>Edmund Fitzgerald. Jesus I love this station. Thank you, Bill.
costoonces wrote:
As soon as Americans come to their senses and elect a sane president, I'd love to check it out. Until then my wife and I will stick to the northern side of Lake Superior. Elbows up!
Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum tells the story, plays the tune. Amazing experience.
As soon as Americans come to their senses and elect a sane president, I'd love to check it out. Until then my wife and I will stick to the northern side of Lake Superior. Elbows up!
Perfect segue after
So Far From The Clyde
William, bless your seafaring soul.
So Far From The Clyde
William, bless your seafaring soul.
Just absolutely fabulous songwriting.
DigitalJer wrote:
Not at all. You've just caught on to a rather brilliant DJ. Bill's mixes are thematic, thoughtful, sometimes funny, and usually simply amazing.
Indeed!
Not at all. You've just caught on to a rather brilliant DJ. Bill's mixes are thematic, thoughtful, sometimes funny, and usually simply amazing.
Indeed!
TheKing2 wrote:
Not at all. You've just caught on to a rather brilliant DJ. Bill's mixes are thematic, thoughtful, sometimes funny, and usually simply amazing.
From Mark Knopfler "So Far From the Clyde" to Gordon Lightfoot "The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald"
Is that coincidence?
Not at all. You've just caught on to a rather brilliant DJ. Bill's mixes are thematic, thoughtful, sometimes funny, and usually simply amazing.
TheKing2 wrote:
Yep, Bill just called it the "Dead Boat" segment...
From Mark Knopfler "So Far From the Clyde" to Gordon Lightfoot "The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald"
Is that coincidence?
Yep, Bill just called it the "Dead Boat" segment...
forthbrdge wrote:
For those not familiar, the Anderson was the ship that sailed through the storm with the Edmund Fitzgerald that night and was the last to hear from Fitz when McSorley radioed "We're holding our own."
Once watched the Arthur Anderson passing through the Portage Canal in Houghton, MI while this song played over the radio. It was a powerful moment.
From Mark Knopfler "So Far From the Clyde" to Gordon Lightfoot "The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald"
Is that coincidence?
Is that coincidence?
Grammarcop wrote:
I would imagine the church bell will chime 30 times, one more in memory of Gordon Lightfoot. He was such a fantastic story telling singer songwriter who embraced the event in his was of paying homage to the 29 men, their families and friends. I learned to play this song, particularly on my 12-string. Easy song to learn on guitar, not so easy to sing publicly... I would always choke up.
Forty-two years ago today. And this afternoon at Mariners Church in Detroit, the church bell will chime 29 times.
I would imagine the church bell will chime 30 times, one more in memory of Gordon Lightfoot. He was such a fantastic story telling singer songwriter who embraced the event in his was of paying homage to the 29 men, their families and friends. I learned to play this song, particularly on my 12-string. Easy song to learn on guitar, not so easy to sing publicly... I would always choke up.
lizardking wrote:
Bob Dylan, also a Lightfoot fan, called him one of his favorite songwriters and, in an often-quoted tribute, Dylan observed that when he heard a Lightfoot song he wished "it would last forever"
Well, I guess my 8's not high enough; if Bob likes it it's gotta be a 9 at least....so be it....9 it is....Long Live RP!!
Well, I guess my 8's not high enough; if Bob likes it it's gotta be a 9 at least....so be it....9 it is....Long Live RP!!
48 years ago today.
I first heard Lightfoot when I was in high school in the early 70s and his music has just been part of my life ever since. I've had the opportunity to perform with him as well a number of times over the years and he was a joy to work with. I live straight across the river from the Maritime Sailors Cathedral in Detroit and pass it often, always hearing a snippet of the song in my head when I do.
Canada’a greatest folk musician. Just ask Bob.
Alas, we lost our great treasure in May of this year. I took a pause from RP for the day and played as many of his albums as I could. Never got tired of his music.
Sadly, his wiki needs updating 
RIP Gordon x.
One of life's pleasures: Witnessing some of the special ones
I read they rang an additional bell for Gordon.
https://www.freep.com/story/entertainment/music/brian-mccollum/2023/05/02/gordon-lightfoot-mariners-church-detroit-bells/70175392007/
RIP Gordo!!
Rest in peace, Gordon
Funkybro wrote:
Too bad he is Canadian! Sort of blows the American jingoism out the window, don't you think?
North American?
Too bad he is Canadian! Sort of blows the American jingoism out the window, don't you think?
North American?
Is that a Moog doing the keyboard vibrato, especially at the beginning? There's a Moog keyboardist, Gene Martynec, credited on that album.
This song came front and center for me when stopping in to the Visitor Centre in Lake Superior Provincial Park (in Ontario) last summer. There's an informative display explaining the distinct weather systems that happen on Superior--and how the storm that took the EF happened. Tragic history, but so wonderfully remembered through Lightfoot's masterpiece.
Fantastic song. The Rheostatics cover is also excellent. The album version is on Melville and the live version is on Double Live.
More Rheostatics please!
More Rheostatics please!
This song deserves a reverent listen, and I realized that when I first heard it in high school. Still raises goosebumps. A horrible way to die.
Growing up in Ohio and knowing some Great Lakes sailor families as a kid, this song sent shivers up my spine then and still does.
Cheesy? Perhaps. Overplayed? Maybe. Brilliant? Without a doubt.
Grayson wrote:
How about:
"Does anyone know where the love of God goes
When the waves turn the minutes to hours?"
"That good ship and true was a bone to be chewed
When the gales of November came early"
Lyrics like that don't come along every day.
How about:
"Does anyone know where the love of God goes
When the waves turn the minutes to hours?"
"That good ship and true was a bone to be chewed
When the gales of November came early"
Lyrics like that don't come along every day.
When the gales of November came early"
Lyrics like that don't come along every day.
We're looking at a storm in a couple of days that is expected to bring 24-foot waves to Lake Superior. The Soo Locks remain open until Dec. 31. That means much of the fleet is still out there even though it's Dec. 21. Good luck, guys! Get to port ASAP.
Interesting to hear this on December 21, 2022, a couple of days before the Great Lakes are about to get smashed by an almost identical windstorm.
Forty-seven years ago today.
(If you are not following @LakeSuperior on Twitter, you really should be.)
(If you are not following @LakeSuperior on Twitter, you really should be.)
I remember when this came out - real high rotation on the local FM stations. Had already gave up on AM by that time......
On a recent cross-country trip we randomly ended up in Briquettes Smokehouse in Ashtabula OH. While enjoying the wonderful smokehouse food, I noticed a big wall of beer, checked it out & was immediately drawn to the Edmund Fitzgerald Porter (Great Lake Brewing Co.) - had to buy a 6, & did not regret it. Hope this isn't too much like a commercial to be allowed as a post. But yeah, that song has been part of my psyche forever!
ciarataylor wrote:
Not to be pedantic: by volume it's Lake Baikal, by surface area it's Superior. Baikal is e'rso deep...
Lake Superior: couple of facts. Largest lake by volume in the entire world. Rarely freezes over, only 3 years on record. More hazardous than any ocean in winter. 55'-75' waves not uncommon.
Not to be pedantic: by volume it's Lake Baikal, by surface area it's Superior. Baikal is e'rso deep...
One of the prettiest voices of the 60's!
Gordo Gold!
Discoverin'...
Some ireland rhythm. And sea
Some ireland rhythm. And sea
Andy_B wrote:
Those who have been through such a voyage truly understand what it is "when the waves turn the minutes to hours."
Having spent 31 hours crossing the Gulfstream in my old 47' Alden ketch during a freak summer nor'easter with winds over 50kts and seas 15 to 20 feet, I can easily identify with this song. Several times I thought we were gone but my old boat brought us home safely. She was built to go around the world by her original owner (and did) and you better believe I was thankful of that considering the pounding we took.
Sing on Gordon. Every time I hear this I mourn the deaths of my fellow seafarers.
Those who have been through such a voyage truly understand what it is "when the waves turn the minutes to hours."
Always loved this song, made it a 10
Another Canadian great! 
It's always been a 10 to me. Still sends shivers down the spine.
Captn_Pea wrote:
Watching a storm front come across the lake toward your little spec of a canoe out of Isle Royale is an enlightening experience.
Hey, Great tune... From a Michigan Sailor... For those who are not familure with the lakes, and the storms that roll through, they can be everything but a vacation paradise. This song remindes me of every storm I've sailed through that has left me wonding... "what the hell am i doing out here".... Capt'n
Watching a storm front come across the lake toward your little spec of a canoe out of Isle Royale is an enlightening experience.
A great song that has this lyric which it overcomes, but I always chuckle at
"As the big freighters go, it was bigger than most".
So the ship was big, eh, Gordon?
"As the big freighters go, it was bigger than most".
So the ship was big, eh, Gordon?
I am going to have to assume Bill & Rebecca know that 🍁 01-July🍁 is CANADA DAY, hence the scheduling of this brilliant story-telling song, following on the heels of a decent tune from fellow canuck Feist.
I have it cranked to 11, as it should be any time this classic hits the airwaves, or intertubes, as the case may be.
Big thanks.
LLRP.
I have it cranked to 11, as it should be any time this classic hits the airwaves, or intertubes, as the case may be.
Big thanks.
LLRP.
I remember hearing this, at 14, when it was first released. Every time it comes on, it hits deep. The potency of this song hasn't abated a bit over all these years.
And from now on I'll always pronounce it Dee-troy-it in honor of GL's genius.
And from now on I'll always pronounce it Dee-troy-it in honor of GL's genius.
This reminds me of how Mark Knopfler writes some of his songs. Makes me wonder if he was a fan of Lightfoot.
surfrider4life wrote:
Too bad he is Canadian! Sort of blows the American jingoism out the window, don't you think?
Hard to craft a more solid song than this.
Iconic American songwriting !
Too bad he is Canadian! Sort of blows the American jingoism out the window, don't you think?
Hard to craft a more solid song than this.
Iconic American songwriting !
Iconic American songwriting !
Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum tells the story, plays the tune. Amazing experience.
BCarn wrote:
We treasure him in the U.S.A. too!
I never tire of this masterpiece. GL is national treasure.
We treasure him in the U.S.A. too!
Lightfoot did an LP before this one called Summer Side of Life that is amazing. He is a talented man with an amazing voice.
Grammarcop wrote:
I grew up near Detroit and remember well when this happened. They showed the bell being chimed on the news and I tear up every time I hear this song. I love to sing along with it, but my singing goes to crap when I sing about "the wives, the sons, and the daughters".
Forty-two years ago today. And this afternoon at Mariners Church in Detroit, the church bell will chime 29 times.
I grew up near Detroit and remember well when this happened. They showed the bell being chimed on the news and I tear up every time I hear this song. I love to sing along with it, but my singing goes to crap when I sing about "the wives, the sons, and the daughters".
this song paints quite a picture !! love it
I never tire of this masterpiece. GL is national treasure.
ciarataylor wrote:
By volume the largest is Lake Baikal in South Eastern Siberia, and by a distance. Superior has a surface area about equal to England but it is relatively shallow, probably what causes the extraordinary wave heights.
By volume the largest is Lake Baikal in South Eastern Siberia, and by a distance. Superior has a surface area about equal to England but it is relatively shallow, probably what causes the extraordinary wave heights.
ciarataylor wrote:
Not sure where you're getting your facts, but to say it's more hazardous than any ocean is quite a stretch but yes it's way underestimated. 55'-75' waves are uncommon most anyway but the North Sea in the winter. Do they happen on the lake, sure, but to call it common is a stretch.
Lake Superior: couple of facts. Largest lake by volume in the entire world. Rarely freezes over, only 3 years on record. More hazardous than any ocean in winter. 55'-75' waves not uncommon.
Not sure where you're getting your facts, but to say it's more hazardous than any ocean is quite a stretch but yes it's way underestimated. 55'-75' waves are uncommon most anyway but the North Sea in the winter. Do they happen on the lake, sure, but to call it common is a stretch.
Classic. An all-time favorite!
Bill,,, how about playing the cover of it by The Dandy Warhols?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d8GZ33mda5A
Bill,,, how about playing the cover of it by The Dandy Warhols?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d8GZ33mda5A
Bob Dylan, also a Lightfoot fan, called him one of his favorite songwriters and, in an often-quoted tribute, Dylan observed that when he heard a Lightfoot song he wished "it would last forever"
Well, I guess my 8's not high enough; if Bob likes it it's gotta be a 9 at least....so be it....9 it is....Long Live RP!!
Well, I guess my 8's not high enough; if Bob likes it it's gotta be a 9 at least....so be it....9 it is....Long Live RP!!
Over a lifetime of listening, this song has become a part of me.
Adore this song. Love water. Love big water.
This song makes me want to put on a Stan Rogers album.
This song makes me want to put on a Stan Rogers album.
Love U Mom
Rockit9 wrote:
I prefer small lakes.....
Lake Ontario? It's almost a "pond" compared to the big lake they call "Gitche Gumee".
I prefer small lakes.....
Lake Ontario? It's almost a "pond" compared to the big lake they call "Gitche Gumee".
treatment_bound wrote:
You finally stopped at 15...do you go boating on Lake Superior?
Too Big....I prefer small lakes.....that slide guitar kills me! 15
You finally stopped at 15...do you go boating on Lake Superior?
Too Big....I prefer small lakes.....that slide guitar kills me! 15
Lake Superior: couple of facts. Largest lake by volume in the entire world. Rarely freezes over, only 3 years on record. More hazardous than any ocean in winter. 55'-75' waves not uncommon.
eerily wonderful!
Something so poignant about the old cook, coming on deck, saying "Fellas, it's been good to know ya."
Forty-two years ago today. And this afternoon at Mariners Church in Detroit, the church bell will chime 29 times.
Hard to surf a big wave day on Lake Mich without having this song in the back of your mind.
Rockit9 wrote:
You finally stopped at 15...do you go boating on Lake Superior?
RonF wrote:
If this is not a 10, then what could be?
15You finally stopped at 15...do you go boating on Lake Superior?
RonF wrote:
If this is not a 10, then what could be?
15 RonF wrote:
14
If this is not a 10, then what could be?
14
RonF wrote:
13
If this is not a 10, then what could be?
13
RonF wrote:
12
If this is not a 10, then what could be?
12
RonF wrote:
11
If this is not a 10, then what could be?
11
If this is not a 10, then what could be?
Having spent 31 hours crossing the Gulfstream in my old 47' Alden ketch during a freak summer nor'easter with winds over 50kts and seas 15 to 20 feet, I can easily identify with this song. Several times I thought we were gone but my old boat brought us home safely. She was built to go around the world by her original owner (and did) and you better believe I was thankful of that considering the pounding we took.
Sing on Gordon. Every time I hear this I mourn the deaths of my fellow seafarers.
Sing on Gordon. Every time I hear this I mourn the deaths of my fellow seafarers.
Once watched the Arthur Anderson passing through the Portage Canal in Houghton, MI while this song played over the radio. It was a powerful moment.
I was on a ferry on Lake Superior and the water was rough and people were sick. One guy was whistling a familiar tune, but I couldn't put my finger on it. Fifteen minutes later, it came to me. He was whistling The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald.
Does anyone know where the love of God goes when the waves turns the minutes to hours?
A nice seque for the next song would be the Enter the Haggis song Down With The Ship
Does anyone know where the love of God goes when the waves turns the minutes to hours?
A nice seque for the next song would be the Enter the Haggis song Down With The Ship
yep, chills.
melzabutch wrote:
Great pic. thanks
Brilliant song
Great pic. thanks
The ship my dad worked on (S.S. Wilfred Sykes) was the last ship to have "The Fitz" on radar.
This is a painful mix tonight. Death by fire and death by drowning. Lived in Chicago when the Edmund Fitzgerald went down.
kcar wrote:
How 'bout that PSD button, gents. Does it not work in your northern climes?
Booo!
How 'bout that PSD button, gents. Does it not work in your northern climes?
Booo!
bstevens1951 wrote:
How 'bout that PSD button, gents. Does it not work in your northern climes?
As a 65 year old American, I totallly don't ever have to hear this again. I didn't like it the first time around.
DocStrangelove wrote:
DocStrangelove wrote:
A great song, but as a 54 year old Canadian I think I do not need to hear it again. Never again.
How 'bout that PSD button, gents. Does it not work in your northern climes?
brings chills
1975 I think. Pretty sure no lives have been lost on the Great Lakes since then. (Mariners, shippers, crew that is).
I have a bit of an idea after driving to WI during a witch of November event, even on land it wasnt something I ever want to repeat.
Bill - why you gotta make my ugly cry at work? :,)
westslope wrote:
written in the style of sailing songs of old
Any seafaring peoples here? Norwegian here.....
This song speaks. One of Lightfoot's best.
This song speaks. One of Lightfoot's best.
written in the style of sailing songs of old
As a 65 year old American, I totallly don't ever have to hear this again. I didn't like it the first time around.
DocStrangelove wrote:
DocStrangelove wrote:
A great song, but as a 54 year old Canadian I think I do not need to hear it again. Never again.
Brilliant song
During Cold Missouri Waters (song before last) I thought to myself that it is the Edmond Fitzgerald of the West... Two songs later... Get outta my head Bill!!! 
Ready dear I am schön.
starts with, so fair with fromm glide
starts with, so fair with fromm glide
Haven't heard in ages. Adored it as a child and it still sounds pretty damn good
Brilliant juxtaposition with Cry Cry Cry — Cold Missouri Waters! 😆
MINDREADER
Detroi-eht
Hey_Porter wrote:
My daughter might have been on the same ride. Some lady in the back of the boat blew chunks all over her.
My brother has video of that trip. I get sick just watching it on his phone.
My dad was on the trip too. He was in the Navy as a young man and went through typhoons on Destroyers. He just sat there and smiled while watching people run for the side to hurl.
I was on a ferry on Lake Superior, traveling from Copper Harbor MI to Isle Royal National Park. The weather was rough, the waves were high, the stomach was turning. A passenger was whistling a familiar tune, but I could not quite make out what it was. After five minutes, it hit me - he was whistling "The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald" Freaked me out.
My daughter might have been on the same ride. Some lady in the back of the boat blew chunks all over her.
My brother has video of that trip. I get sick just watching it on his phone.
My dad was on the trip too. He was in the Navy as a young man and went through typhoons on Destroyers. He just sat there and smiled while watching people run for the side to hurl.
I was on a ferry on Lake Superior, traveling from Copper Harbor MI to Isle Royal National Park. The weather was rough, the waves were high, the stomach was turning. A passenger was whistling a familiar tune, but I could not quite make out what it was. After five minutes, it hit me - he was whistling "The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald" Freaked me out.
LowPhreak wrote:
Some of us have attention spans longer than a house fly's!
Just
with the gitchy-goominess of a great tune. ( < ;
Love the nod to Hiawatha.
Some of us have attention spans longer than a house fly's!
Just
with the gitchy-goominess of a great tune. ( < ;Love the nod to Hiawatha.
I was a teenager growing up in Michigan at the time of the wreck and when this song came out a year later. Both moments in time etched pretty deeply. Deep in no small way because of this well crafted ballad makes such an emotional connection.
i have seen Lake Superior during a just mild storm and the waves were breathtaking
Excellent segue — juxtaposed with "Cold Missouri Waters". Both tragic and haunting.
Wow, cool to see this getting such a high rating on RP.
I remember studying poetry in Grade 7 and my group had to do a presentation on ballads. We chose this one and started singing it in front of our class as our presentation. After the first verse my classmates stopped singing and I had to carry the rest of the tune myself. It's such a LONG song. It was mortifying, I'm still scarred today.
I remember studying poetry in Grade 7 and my group had to do a presentation on ballads. We chose this one and started singing it in front of our class as our presentation. After the first verse my classmates stopped singing and I had to carry the rest of the tune myself. It's such a LONG song. It was mortifying, I'm still scarred today.
perfect segue from Cold Missouri Waters
https://www.jsonline.com/news/milwaukee/namesake-of-ill-fated-edmund-fitzgerald-to-get-his-due-b99240359z1-254894551.html
https://www.jsonline.com/news/milwaukee/namesake-of-ill-fated-edmund-fitzgerald-to-get-his-due-b99240359z1-254894551.html
And suddenly, I'm back in high school Chem class while one of the boys plays this on a kazoo...
40 years this week.
Bluecobra wrote:
Bluecobra wrote:
A beautiful sad song, that does not get old with time
A beautiful sad song, that does not get old with time
Any seafaring peoples here? Norwegian here.....
This song speaks. One of Lightfoot's best.
This song speaks. One of Lightfoot's best.
What a truly historically awesome sad song this is. one of the great maritime tragedies that happened on the Great Lakes. Everything about it is great the music the lyrics
stunix wrote:
I think you might be misunderstanding what we are all doing here.
Agree. What about shine on your crazy diamond ? Jewel. Gordon Lighgfoot is (or was) incredible
I think you might be misunderstanding what we are all doing here.
Agree. What about shine on your crazy diamond ? Jewel. Gordon Lighgfoot is (or was) incredible
helgigermany wrote:
I think you might be misunderstanding what we are all doing here.
much to long!
I think you might be misunderstanding what we are all doing here.