Gordon Lightfoot — Early Morning Rain
Album: Lightfoot!Avg rating:
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Total ratings: 1352
Length: 3:09
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In the early morning rain with a dollar in my hand
With an aching in my heart and my pockets full of sand
Now, I'm a long way from home and I miss my loved ones so
In the early morning rain with no place to go
Out on runway number nine a big 707's set to go
But, I'm stuck here in the grass where the cold wind blows
Now, the liquor tasted good and the women all were fast
Well, there she goes, my friend, well she's going down at last
Hear the mighty engines roar - see the silver bird on high
She's away and westward bound - far above the clouds she'll fly
There the morning rain don't fall and the sun always shines
She'll be flying over my home in about three hours time
This old airport's got me down - it's no earthly good to me
'cause I'm stuck here on the ground as cold and drunk as I can be
You can't jump a jet plane like you can a freight train
So, I'd best be on my way in the early morning rain
You can't jump a jet plane like you can a freight train
So, I'd best be on my way in the early morning rain
With an aching in my heart and my pockets full of sand
Now, I'm a long way from home and I miss my loved ones so
In the early morning rain with no place to go
Out on runway number nine a big 707's set to go
But, I'm stuck here in the grass where the cold wind blows
Now, the liquor tasted good and the women all were fast
Well, there she goes, my friend, well she's going down at last
Hear the mighty engines roar - see the silver bird on high
She's away and westward bound - far above the clouds she'll fly
There the morning rain don't fall and the sun always shines
She'll be flying over my home in about three hours time
This old airport's got me down - it's no earthly good to me
'cause I'm stuck here on the ground as cold and drunk as I can be
You can't jump a jet plane like you can a freight train
So, I'd best be on my way in the early morning rain
You can't jump a jet plane like you can a freight train
So, I'd best be on my way in the early morning rain
Comments (96)add comment
saw him a year before he left this earth. his songs glowed just like the first time I ever heard them. bless the man.
William, not sure if you intended the transition about flying and into the heavens to follow a Sinead O'Connor song, but it hit me as quite poignant. RIP Sinead, and what a great tune I'd never heard from my amazing countryman.
"You can't jump a jet plane like you can a freight train
So, I'd best be on my way in the early morning rain"
Gets me every time.
So, I'd best be on my way in the early morning rain"
Gets me every time.
Netsirk97 wrote:
....Lightfoot wrote it....
I grew up listening to Ian and Sylvia sing this song. Love this version too.
....Lightfoot wrote it....
5 people voted "1", 13 people voted "2", and 17 people voted "3".
I wonder what's in someone's head to rate a song like this that low. Did Gordon beat them up and take their lunch money back in the 1950s?
spetrie wrote:
And again 5 months later
RIP Gord.
Bill you are the finest curator of audio landscapes ever. Sandwiching Oh Canada, a song about never having visited Canada, between 2 songs from epic Canadian artists, Bruce Cockburn and Gordon Lightfoot, is so simple but brilliant. So grateful for all you do here in the true blue North.
And again 5 months later
RIP Gord.
Thank you Gordon, YOU will be with us forever through such beautiful stories and music.
Ah, WHAT a voice, legend. RIP Gordon.
Been singing this song all day, Gordon Lightfoot music - a shot straight to the soul.
R.I.P. Gordon.
kingart wrote:
RIP Gordo!!
Gordon Lightfoot, Canadian Folk Singer-Songwriter, Dies at 84 https://tinyurl.com/yeffuy9p
RIP Gordo!!
Gordon Lightfoot, Canadian Folk Singer-Songwriter, Dies at 84
https://tinyurl.com/yeffuy9p
Bill you are the finest curator of audio landscapes ever. Sandwiching Oh Canada, a song about never having visited Canada, between 2 songs from epic Canadian artists, Bruce Cockburn and Gordon Lightfoot, is so simple but brilliant. So grateful for all you do here in the true blue North.
newbolddrive wrote:
Happens to the best of us! My Dad and I don’t share much in common when it comes to music, but GL we both appreciate.
Oh crap, I like Gordon Lightfoot these days. I must be getting old...
Happens to the best of us! My Dad and I don’t share much in common when it comes to music, but GL we both appreciate.
one of my all time favorite songs! there is a great version done by the Grateful Dead in their early years and Pig Pen absolutely rips this song. Worth checking out. Thank you !! :^]
westslope wrote:
I loved Gordon Lightfoot as a young adolescent and still love his music as this body ages.
love to sing along with "Gord's Gold" on long drives - kills some time and easy to sing!
I loved Gordon Lightfoot as a young adolescent and still love his music as this body ages.
newbolddrive wrote:
I loved Gordon Lightfoot as a young adolescent and still love his music as this body ages.
Oh crap, I like Gordon Lightfoot these days. I must be getting old...
I loved Gordon Lightfoot as a young adolescent and still love his music as this body ages.
sunybuny wrote:
Imagine Chrissie Hynde's!
Can you imagine his waistcoat collection? or is it the same one... hmm
Imagine Chrissie Hynde's!
Always loved this song and haven’t heard it in ages. Thanks Bill for bringing it back.
I grew up listening to Ian and Sylvia sing this song. Love this version too.
Learned to love this song with a cover by Sara Watkins. A favorite of mine BTW.
Can you imagine his waistcoat collection? or is it the same one... hmm
newbolddrive wrote:
loved Gordon Lightfoot for many years--since the early 70's! I guess I AM old!
Oh crap, I like Gordon Lightfoot these days. I must be getting old...
loved Gordon Lightfoot for many years--since the early 70's! I guess I AM old!
I grew up with Lightfoot's music, heard him live several times when I was in high school. We used to play his songs all the time in various combos. As an adult I had the joy of performing with him a number of times. A great musician and performer, but more than that simply one of the best songwriters, ever.
A rich Canadian asset!
I put rolls and rolls of my father’s hard earned quarters into the Wurlitzer to listen to this in the ‘70s
he rocks
joelbb wrote:
I do wish there was some Peter, Paul and Mary on RP. Their harmony on this song is so wonderful.
Without a doubt his best tune (let the Edmund Fitzgerald sink!), it's been covered all over. Peter, Paul and Mary cut the most popular version, but it was a late-folk era standard, covered by many (see below). It is one of the bluest of the genre, evoking solitude, loneliness and self-disapointment like no other. Gave it a 9.
I do wish there was some Peter, Paul and Mary on RP. Their harmony on this song is so wonderful.
Original lyrics and arrangement. Nice! 10.
A songwriter on par with Dylan. Imo.
A songwriter on par with Dylan. Imo.
Original lyrics and arrangement. Nice! 10.
Haven't heard this before. Gorgeous! How is someone born with a voice like this? And it sounds so ahead of its time. Hard to imagine this came out in '66.
The soundtrack of my youth.
Gordon Lightfoot was for me, back in the day, the best expression of my life at the time. This song takes me back. It’s amazing what time does.
Lightfoot was one of the most under appreciated
artist of the soft rock singer
/songwriter movement of the late
60s to early 70's despite a couple of big hits..
artist of the soft rock singer
/songwriter movement of the late
60s to early 70's despite a couple of big hits..
dublanica wrote:
Gordon's voice is more pleasant. James is nasally
Gordon's voice is more pleasant. James is nasally
rita_johnson wrote:
Bill Lee.
Who also happens to be the father of filmmaker Spike Lee
Such a nice base line running through this; I wonder who the base player is?
Bill Lee.
Who also happens to be the father of filmmaker Spike Lee
I don't know why I love his voice so much.
c.
c.
One of the few competitors for Bob Dylan--according to The Bob himself!
Among the greatest of the Singer Songwriters. I love all of his versions of his own songs but the George Hamilton Country version from 66 was something special https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nU-Ks-ES5bA
One of the most pleasant, easiest to listen to voices of all time; ala James Taylor.
Such a nice base line running through this; I wonder who the base player is?
Absolutely wonderful song. Amazing talent.
I'm SO happy to hear this wonderful voice again!
I really like Peter, Paul and Mary's version of this song.
Nice harmonies.
Nice to hear Gord. Still performing at 80 and not sounding too bad. Be nice to hear "The wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald " sometime.
The_Enemy wrote:
Brilliant !
Back in the 90's, a friend used to have a New Year's Eve party where his reoccurring gag was to invite a celebrity to the party and then report the result during the party.
It was pretty funny as he'd recount getting the run-around at some agent's office or reading the form letter some celebrities sent.
One year, he invited Gordon Lightfoot.
Lightfoot didn't show but he surprised my friend by calling and apologizing for not being able to come. He was booked at Carnegie Hall for every New Years Eve. They talked for about 30 minutes.
Everyone at the party had a new respect for Lightfoot after that.
It was pretty funny as he'd recount getting the run-around at some agent's office or reading the form letter some celebrities sent.
One year, he invited Gordon Lightfoot.
Lightfoot didn't show but he surprised my friend by calling and apologizing for not being able to come. He was booked at Carnegie Hall for every New Years Eve. They talked for about 30 minutes.
Everyone at the party had a new respect for Lightfoot after that.
Brilliant !
My favorite from Mr. Lightfoot
Oh crap, I like Gordon Lightfoot these days. I must be getting old...
cc_rider wrote:
Best not to see him live these days,
Sadly, the years and the booze have taken their toll.
In his prime, he was one of the best.
He is playing here tonight, and I missed it. Oh well.
c.
c.
Best not to see him live these days,
Sadly, the years and the booze have taken their toll.
In his prime, he was one of the best.
maybe it’s just nostalgia but I loved it.
He is playing here tonight, and I missed it. Oh well.
c.
c.
The_Enemy wrote:
Good Canadian manners.
Back in the 90's, a friend used to have a New Year's Eve party where his reoccurring gag was to invite a celebrity to the party and then report the result during the party.
It was pretty funny as he'd recount getting the run-around at some agent's office or reading the form letter some celebrities sent.
One year, he invited Gordon Lightfoot.
Lightfoot didn't show but he surprised my friend by calling and apologizing for not being able to come. He was booked at Carnegie Hall for every New Years Eve. They talked for about 30 minutes.
Everyone at the party had a new respect for Lightfoot after that.
It was pretty funny as he'd recount getting the run-around at some agent's office or reading the form letter some celebrities sent.
One year, he invited Gordon Lightfoot.
Lightfoot didn't show but he surprised my friend by calling and apologizing for not being able to come. He was booked at Carnegie Hall for every New Years Eve. They talked for about 30 minutes.
Everyone at the party had a new respect for Lightfoot after that.
Good Canadian manners.
Back in the 90's, a friend used to have a New Year's Eve party where his reoccurring gag was to invite a celebrity to the party and then report the result during the party.
It was pretty funny as he'd recount getting the run-around at some agent's office or reading the form letter some celebrities sent.
One year, he invited Gordon Lightfoot.
Lightfoot didn't show but he surprised my friend by calling and apologizing for not being able to come. He was booked at Carnegie Hall for every New Years Eve. They talked for about 30 minutes.
Everyone at the party had a new respect for Lightfoot after that.
It was pretty funny as he'd recount getting the run-around at some agent's office or reading the form letter some celebrities sent.
One year, he invited Gordon Lightfoot.
Lightfoot didn't show but he surprised my friend by calling and apologizing for not being able to come. He was booked at Carnegie Hall for every New Years Eve. They talked for about 30 minutes.
Everyone at the party had a new respect for Lightfoot after that.
Bluenoser wrote:
You are CORRECT.....and that's exactly why I was reading the comments.....to see if anyone else picked up on it.
This version has been "elevator-ized" and isn't nearly as crisp and clear as the original (which, as you say, was on the album pictured.)
I have that album, still, after owning it for DECADES, and it's still one of my faves. Gordy WAS his era and that album is/was quintessential Lightlfoot. There's no replacing or substituting HIM or IT!
Keep singin, Gord; make Orillia proud(er)!! We love you.
Michael Scott
This is not the original version from the album cover showing. The original is less produced, just the guitar, and it is the best version. Lightfoot never releases the same song arrangement twice, he always re-records the songs for greatest hits albums etc to change it up. This version would be from one of the compilations.
You are CORRECT.....and that's exactly why I was reading the comments.....to see if anyone else picked up on it.
This version has been "elevator-ized" and isn't nearly as crisp and clear as the original (which, as you say, was on the album pictured.)
I have that album, still, after owning it for DECADES, and it's still one of my faves. Gordy WAS his era and that album is/was quintessential Lightlfoot. There's no replacing or substituting HIM or IT!
Keep singin, Gord; make Orillia proud(er)!! We love you.
Michael Scott
Kinda digging the bass line.
Netsirk97 wrote:
I always had trouble imagining that Sylvia had an interest in liquor, much less fast women.
I'm partial to the Ian & Sylvia version of this song.
I always had trouble imagining that Sylvia had an interest in liquor, much less fast women.
Netsirk97 wrote:
Me too. But l love 'em all.
Many friends could play and sing this song too. I enjoyed those live covers too.
I'm partial to the Ian & Sylvia version of this song.
Me too. But l love 'em all.
Many friends could play and sing this song too. I enjoyed those live covers too.
Proclivities wrote:
...... He's still alive, by the way.
And playing.
...... He's still alive, by the way.
And playing.
junebaby65 wrote:
Agreed.
Brings back lots of memories of radio during the 70's.
Agreed.
Brings back lots of memories of radio during the 70's.
Divine
Proclivities wrote:
Too true, Proclivities.
Here's a handful of his Canadian hits (and this is by no means a complete list).
Any Canuck over 55 probably knows them all:
Early Morning Rain
For Lovin' Me
Canadian Railroad Trilogy
Pussywillows, Cat-Tails
Bitter Green
If You Could Read My Mind
Summer Side of Life
Cotton Jenny
Beautiful
Sundown
Carefree Highway
Rainy Day People
The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald
Daylight Katy
The Circle is Small
I'm Not Sayin'
Ribbon Of Darkness
Song For A Winter's Night
Softly
For Lovin' Me
Did She Mention My Name
Steel Rail Blues
Wherefore And Why
Early Morning Rain
Minstrel Of The Dawn
Don Quixote
Black Day in July
Home From the Forest
I don't think very many people consider him a one hit wonder; he had several Top 40 hits in the US, and even more in Canada. He's still alive, by the way.
Too true, Proclivities.
Here's a handful of his Canadian hits (and this is by no means a complete list).
Any Canuck over 55 probably knows them all:
Early Morning Rain
For Lovin' Me
Canadian Railroad Trilogy
Pussywillows, Cat-Tails
Bitter Green
If You Could Read My Mind
Summer Side of Life
Cotton Jenny
Beautiful
Sundown
Carefree Highway
Rainy Day People
The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald
Daylight Katy
The Circle is Small
I'm Not Sayin'
Ribbon Of Darkness
Song For A Winter's Night
Softly
For Lovin' Me
Did She Mention My Name
Steel Rail Blues
Wherefore And Why
Early Morning Rain
Minstrel Of The Dawn
Don Quixote
Black Day in July
Home From the Forest
kcar wrote:
I don't think very many people consider him a one hit wonder; he had several Top 40 hits in the US, and even more in Canada. He's still alive, by the way.
...
I echo that thanks for playing more Gordon Lightfoot. The guy had (has?) a great voice and likely got pigeonholed as one-hit wonder because of "The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald."
I echo that thanks for playing more Gordon Lightfoot. The guy had (has?) a great voice and likely got pigeonholed as one-hit wonder because of "The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald."
I don't think very many people consider him a one hit wonder; he had several Top 40 hits in the US, and even more in Canada. He's still alive, by the way.
When I was younger and growing up in Ontario, I used to think Gordon Lightfoot was SO nerdy. Now I'm hitting 51 and like him more and more. Uh oh.
My father and his friends used to get together and jam out all of their favorite folk songs. (This was during the late 60s, early 70s.)
This was a staple, and I've always loved it.
This was a staple, and I've always loved it.
I am partial to the Gordon Lightfoot version.
I'm partial to the Ian & Sylvia version of this song.
Great song. Eva Cassidy does a nice version of this.
A favourite hitch-hiking, rambling song from back in the late 1960s and 1970s. The Canadian AM and FM stations gave this one lots of play.
From the north shore of Lake Superior to the Cape Breton highlands, this one brings back a lot of memories.
From the north shore of Lake Superior to the Cape Breton highlands, this one brings back a lot of memories.
FlatCat wrote:
I like Peter, Paul and Mary's version with the vocal harmonies.
Always liked Tom Rush's version of this. No sappy violins. But props to GL for writing it.
I like Peter, Paul and Mary's version with the vocal harmonies.
This is not the original version from the album cover showing. The original is less produced, just the guitar, and it is the best version. Lightfoot never releases the same song arrangement twice, he always re-records the songs for greatest hits albums etc to change it up. This version would be from one of the compilations.
Always liked Tom Rush's version of this. No sappy violins. But props to GL for writing it.
Without a doubt his best tune (let the Edmund Fitzgerald sink!), it's been covered all over. Peter, Paul and Mary cut the most popular version, but it was a late-folk era standard, covered by many (see below). It is one of the bluest of the genre, evoking solitude, loneliness and self-disapointment like no other. Gave it a 9.
A nice surprise to see how high this rates on RP.
Here in Canada we're kind of OD'ed on him, but that doesn't mean he isn't good.
Here in Canada we're kind of OD'ed on him, but that doesn't mean he isn't good.
Great song. I have to say however that I prefer Tony Rice's version from Me and My Guitar over Gordon's original.
Tony's just sounds timeless to me.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NCcHvmBqclY
Tony's just sounds timeless to me.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NCcHvmBqclY
6am PDT and a wonderful little set to start one's day with: the Moodies' "Departure & Ride My See-Saw," the Call's "Let the Day Begin," and this.
9am in my time zone, tho, and I've been at work a couple hours already, but it still put a spring in my stride and a smile on my face.
9am in my time zone, tho, and I've been at work a couple hours already, but it still put a spring in my stride and a smile on my face.
Another Canadian singing legend along with many others, Joni Mitchell, Neil Young, Sara McLauglin, Bruce Cockburn, Gord Downie and so on!
gregskrtic wrote:
I feel he is truly underrated!
Gordon Lightfoot is truly the man with the golden voice!
I feel he is truly underrated!
Another masterpiece from one of the world's greatest troubadours!
I think this is the second GL song I've ever heard (looks James Dean-ish on the album : )
Bluenoser wrote:
I thought this had an awfully 70s sound (the string section especially) while listening to it and was very surprised to see that the album came out in '66. It'd be interesting to hear the original. This live '69 BBC version
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZFJ5Bj_put0
doesn't sound too different from what I just heard here. According to the captions on that YouTube link, Elvis Presley covered this in '72!
I echo that thanks for playing more Gordon Lightfoot. The guy had (has?) a great voice and likely got pigeonholed as one-hit wonder because of "The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald."
An extra treat here: a very iffy video of Johnny Cash and Gord from '69:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x-kZB-Omn6g
Had to give this version a 9. The 10 is reserved for the original from his first album for which the cover is shown. Gord always records new versions of the songs on any of his compilations.
I thought this had an awfully 70s sound (the string section especially) while listening to it and was very surprised to see that the album came out in '66. It'd be interesting to hear the original. This live '69 BBC version
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZFJ5Bj_put0
doesn't sound too different from what I just heard here. According to the captions on that YouTube link, Elvis Presley covered this in '72!
I echo that thanks for playing more Gordon Lightfoot. The guy had (has?) a great voice and likely got pigeonholed as one-hit wonder because of "The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald."
An extra treat here: a very iffy video of Johnny Cash and Gord from '69:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x-kZB-Omn6g
Gordon Lightfoot is truly the man with the golden voice!
Had to give this version a 9. The 10 is reserved for the original from his first album for which the cover is shown. Gord always records new versions of the songs on any of his compilations.
Lightfoot on the record player, sitting around the log fireplace, enjoying his songs with my first girlfriend. What memories. What a songwriter!
Thank you for playing!
Thank you for playing!
More Gordon, please?
DaveInVA wrote:
This may be the first time it has been played here - at least according to the "Last Played : Never" indication when you click on the album cover. I've always liked this tune, haven't heard it in a while.
This hasn't been played here in 10 years....
Great song.
Great song.
This may be the first time it has been played here - at least according to the "Last Played : Never" indication when you click on the album cover. I've always liked this tune, haven't heard it in a while.
One of the songs that I will always stop what I'm doing to listen to. I can feel the rain keeping me wet and cold when it plays.
Nice to see early morning rain in Northern California!
Love this.
Ian Tyson did a great cover of this song, along with Sylvia.
Ian Tyson did a great cover of this song, along with Sylvia.
Always enjoyed this, one of Lightfoot's best.
So sweet to hear Gordon Lightfoot again. I loved his music when growing up.
This hasn't been played here in 10 years....
Great song.
Great song.
Godlike Lightfoot.
This song captures the man's sadness, emptiness and longings.