Gordon Lightfoot is my all time favorite! He tells a story with every song! I was blessed to have seen him twice! I think you will be amazed listening to his songs!!!
My dad was the old cook as sung in this song. Robert Rafferty was the last cook and wasn’t supposed to be on there. Was called up at the last minute. I miss him.
Very sorry to hear this. Being in the US Navy this song is still among us older guys. Thank you to your family for your father's maritime service. Fair winds and Following Seas.
My father was a Navy Lifer, 22 years in. When the Edmund Fitzgerald went down, my Father broke down and cried, we were all there in the musty old church in Detroit we prayed for the men, and their families. I have NEVER heard this song without crying. I still pry for their families, and I was glad that I got to go to the Maritime Sailor's cathedral. I was so glad to learn that they added Gordon's bell to that!!! I am glad you got to hear it. It's one of the most powerful songs I have EVEr heard... Thanks Gordon!!!
The Museum is not a musty old Hall. Very beautiful and appropriate for all who have perished on the Great Lakes. A Pride of Detroit and the maritime community.
"Where have the poets gone?" Amen, brother. I remember when the Edmund Fitzgerald sank, I was getting ready to graduate high school. My folks were pretty strict, wouldn't let us kids listen to rock music, but when Gordon Lightfoot released this album, they gave me permission to buy it. My Dad was in the Navy. When I brought it home, Dad took it out of my hands and put the album on the family stereo (remember those giant dinosaur-sized floor stereos were popular?) himself. I swear, I know Mom and I both cried, and the males in the family struggled not to. Dad never worked on civilian shipping, but he had respect for anyone who worked on the water.
I rarely cry, but tears just burst out reading your post. I also graduated in '75, I guess that I've grown into a sentimental old man. Still, I have to say that you wrote a beautiful post. Peace out!
Thank you so much for sharing your story with us ❤ I am 58 and have spun a disc on a plethora of apparatus. Truly the good old days now. As a Canadian...we NEVER turn off this song 🎵 As sad as it is...we sing along in respect to the 29 dead and their wives and their sons and their daughters 💔 Also in deep respect of our beloved Gordon ❤
Just for clarification, they used to ring the bell 29 times, once for each crew man. After tge death of Mr. Lightfoot they added a 30th and final belll, for their new and honored member, Gordon Lightfoot.
My father worked on the boats as a cook for many years.....including the Fitz.... I've been aboard her a few times myself.... We knew many of the men personally...... Rest in Peace.... Michael Armagost- 37- Third Mate- Iron River, Wisconsin Fred Beetcher- 56- Porter- Superior, Wisconsin Thomas Bentsen- 23- Oiler- St. Joseph, Michigan Edward Bindon -47- First Asst. Engineer- Fairport Harbor, Ohio Thomas Borgeson -41- Maintenance Man- Duluth, Minnesota Oliver Champeau- 41-Third Asst. Engineer- Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin Nolan Church -55 -Porter -Silver Bay, Minnesota Ransom Cundy- 53- Watchman- Superior, Wisconsin Thomas Edwards-50- Second Asst. Engineer- Oregon, Ohio Russell Haskell -40- Second Asst. Engineer- Millbury, Ohio George Holl -60- Chief Engineer- Cabot, Pennsylvania Bruce Hudson- 22- Deck Hand -North Olmsted, Ohio Allen Kalmon -43- Second Cook- Washburn, Wisconsin Gordon MacLellan- 30- Wiper- Clearwater, Florida Joseph Mazes- 59- Special Maintenance Man -Ashland, Wisconsin John McCarthy -62-First Mate -Bay Village, Ohio Ernest McSorley -63 -Captain -Toledo, Ohio Eugene O'Brien- 50- Wheelsman -Toledo, Ohio Karl Peckol -20- Watchman -Ashtabula, Ohio John Poviach -59- Wheelsman- Bradenton, Florida James Pratt -44- Second Mate- Lakewood, Ohio Robert Rafferty -62 -Steward -Toledo, Ohio Paul Riippa -22 -Deck Hand -Ashtabula, Ohio John Simmons -63 -Wheelsman -Ashland, Wisconsin William Spengler -59- Watchman- Toledo, Ohio Mark Thomas -21- Deck Hand- Richmond Heights, Ohio Ralph Walton -58- Oiler- Fremont, Ohio David Weiss -22 -Cadet -Agoura, California Blaine Wilhelm -52- Oiler- Moquah, Wisconsin
Great reaction ❤ As a 58 year old Canadian girl...I have heard this song 1000 times. As sad as it is... I always listen in honor of the 29 mariner...Men...Grandfathers...Fathers....Sons...and Uncles ❤Thank you for sharing this Canadian historic song 🎵 ❤❤❤❤❤
"And all that remains are the faces and the names of the wives and sons and the daughters." That's where a tear comes to my eye every time I hear this song.
Bob Dylan said of Gordon Lightfoot “I can’t think of any Gordon Lightfoot song I don’t like. Every time I hear a song of his, it’s like I wish it would last forever… Lightfoot became a mentor for a long time. I think he probably still is to this day.” RIP Gordon
The ship actually sank in Canadian waters (we draw a line through the middle of the lakes as the Canada US border), and to this day, we protect the site from any kind of looters, etc. If a science vessel wants to research, or whatever, you have to go through the Canadian Government first.✌🏼🇨🇦🇺🇸☮ I was 15 when the song came out and it didn't matter what kind of music you liked/listened to, you heard this song, and it became etched in your psyche. Mr. Lightfoot has prepared a deep rabbit hole for you to get lost in.. good luck, and enjoy.
@BorealisNights Yes, thank you. So many problems could be solved in this world if people just did the decent thing. Canadians have always shown the way. I can think of so very many examples.
@GeraldWalls I was 12, it was so moving. I can have this played any in bar in the U.S. and at least one, usually 3-5, will stand during the song with their hand over their heart. It near fails to touch people
My husband was hired & slated to start employment later that year by the Edmund Fitzgerald's Company 3 months before their shipwreck- Whenever he hears this song, he says a chill comes over him... "But for the Grace of God go I".....
@@luzestrella940the idea that some “god” is sitting there deciding when he will or won’t pluck someone off this planet has to be the biggest load of crap anyone sprouts out.
I'm younger than your husband. When I read your post, I got chills. This song hit the airwaves when I was a young girl. It gave me chills then, and it gives me chills now.
17 years ago this October I left work with a coworker heading home. For some reason at a light I stopped 30 feet back behind a red pickup (usually I'm like 10 feet back). Behind me was a dump truck. 10 seconds later my car was pushed forward to the back bumper of the truck and I had a dump truck where my trunk was. He was hammered from behind by a fully loaded tandem dump truck driven by a drunk driver. My coworker and I somehow avoided death that day. But not the poor young woman who was in the car behind the dump truck behind me. There was absolutely nothing left of the car and to this day I still get overcome with her loss and the tragedy of it. Sometimes seconds or minutes are the difference. Be thankful for every day we get. Life is precious.
Gordon Lightfoot was born & was buried in Orillia, Ontario, Canada. His funeral was held a few blocks from the bust of him which stands in front of the library. The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald is historically accurate. He wrote the song because he didn't think the media had written enough about it. He has so many great songs "Sundown" and "Rainy Day People" among them. Rest in peace Mr. Lightfoot.
Side note: a salvage company went out to recover Edmund Fitzgerald's ship's bell. When they brought it up, the bell broke the surface and rang for the first time since the sinking, at that moment the salvage ship's bell broke from its mount and crash to the deck.
The bell is on permanent display in the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum in Michigan. They ring it 29 times every novemnber 10th for the sailors lost on the Fitz. They replaced the bell on the Fitz with an exact replica engraved with the names of the 29 crewman
I'm 66 years old and I remember this song it still bring tears to my eyes. I firmly believe the music from the 60s-70s was the best of any other generation before or after. I still only listen to "Classic Rock". Most of the musicians and writers have past on, and those of us who listened to and loved this music will pass on but our music will live on even after we are gone.
The ship was on Lake Superior. On Nov 10, 1975 a storm was forecast to pass south of Lake Superior. After the Edmund Fitzgerald set sail, the storm turned to go over the lake. It became a two ship story when she met and sailed with another freighter, the Arthur M Anderson. Both were caught in the storm (winds gusting over 50 mph and waves of 30 feet) and when the Fitz lost her electronics, the Anderson used her radar to assist the Fitz. The Fitz was being chewed up and starting to list when the Anderson asked how she was doing. The last message sent was "We're holding our own". Shortly after that she disappeared from the Anderson's radar and they couldn't see her either. There was no trace of her and no distress call. The Anderson reported her missing and made it safely to port, although a little beat up by the waves and wind. The Anderson went back out into the storm at the request of the Coast Guard to lead a search for survivors. Debris was all that was found. The Arthur M Anderson is still sailing the Great Lakes carrying cargo, a living reminder of the Edmund Fitzgerald. This is a rough outline of what happened. Look up the full story. It's full of loss and heroism.
I drive for a trucking company out of Superior, WI, and this spring the Arthur M. Anderson was docked at a shipyard in Superior. She left out again this summer. I paused for a moment of silence in honour of the Fitz, her role in trying to help her, and the terror the crew must have felt when the Edmund Fitzgerald's lights went out of sight. 💔
@@WhoDat_1 The captain of the Anderson was hesitant, recordings reveal that, but he put it up to the crew, asking them if they wanted to go out and they resoundingly voted yes. The code of assisting ships and crews held strong that day.
I remember the headlines. We were all so shocked that a big modern ship could be eaten even by Lake Superior. The sinking was studied by Engineering classes to try to understand what happened and make shipping safer.
One of the latest theories, based upon studies of the wreckage, is that the waves got so big that the troughs were too shallow for Edmond Fitzgerald to pass, and it's bottom was torn out.
While sailing lake superior on a friend's boat, he turned serious and told me not to fall overboard. Water so cold and deep, bodies don't decompose or float. Those sailors are still down there. Rip men. Peace from Northern Michigan.
Superior is deep. I got caught in a storm on Erie while fishing. It formed and came out of the North and was right on us in minutes. I prayed the whole way back to shore. Gotta watch the skies.
@@stoveboltlvr3798 I was once out on Huron in Saginaw Bay about 200 yards from shore in a little raft. Saw a storm just hitting the water on the west side and started to head back. It was over us and dumping before we were even halfway. It's wild
Thank you for your heartfelt reaction to this song. Perhaps some who have never heard it before will be just as impressed as you were in hearing it. I was 17 in November of 1975 when the Edmund Fitzgerald sank. We lived in a suburb of Cleveland Ohio, on the shores of Lake Erie. It was well documented news at the time. In 1976 when Lightfoot's song came out, it was an immediate hit. What might be really hard to grasp, if one has never seen a freighter ship in person is the immense size !!! A retired freighter ship named, the SS William G Mather was permanently docked in the harbor of Lake Erie at Cleveland Ohio in 1990. It was restored and operates as a museum. The SS William G. Mather is 620 feet long. The Edmund Fitzgerald was 729 feet long. To give perspective, 2 US Football fields end to end would measure 720 feet.
When the wreck was found, it was discovered that the ship had broken in two. It still sits on the bottom of Lake Superior at 535 feet deep, 17 miles north of Whitefish... there's film of it, in its "ice water mansion" grave...
@@maryanneslater9675 They do decay, it just happens a lot slower. The lake bottom is very nearly freezing cold, and also has a very low oxygen saturation in the water. This environment halts the growth of the normal bacteria that break down a body and give off gas causing corpses to float. Down there the decomposition is much slower, and doesn't give off enough gas to build up and cause it to rise to the surface.
Canadian here. Gordon Lightfoot is a Canadian icon. I grew up with his music and I do remember when this tragedy happened. He donated all the proceeds from this song to the families of the crew of the Edmund Fitzgerald. Recently there was a tribute concert to Gordon Lightfoot as he just passed last year. Alex Lifeson and Geddy Lee from the band Rush joined the band Blue Rodeo to play the Gordon Lightfoot song The way I feel. It is on Toronto Live Music and they do a beautiful rendition. I am pretty sure you have done some Rush on the channel. Another storytelling song by Gordon Lightfoot is the Canadian Railroad Trilogy Cheers
Those of us who were alive in the late 60's - late 70's were so blessed if we loved poetry. It was the era of the "singer-songwriter", musicians who composed and sang very personal songs, usually mainly accompanied by a guitar or piano with limited backup. Simon and Garfunkel kicked it off buy then we got Lightfoot, Joni Mitchell, Neil Diamond, Carly Simon, Cat Stevens, John Denver, Harry Chapin, Jackson Browne, Carole King, and many more. Their music was unique: a little folk, a little country, a little blues, a little pop.
More and more, I credit Radio with the ability to spread these songs out to millions... tens, hundreds of millions. Internet Playlists don't do that. CANNOT do that. There is NO homogenous 'spreading of the word' or songs. At the time, I never gave high credit to Radio for this mass spreading of 'infotainment' but that's what it was. Radio let all of my friends and my community and, all over the country, the same core songs and it was then, up to us, to research more about this or that artist. To buy the album or not...
@@emwa3600 Back in the day the stations had the freedom to play what they wanted. They weren't locked in to appealing to the demographic their corporate owners decided they need to play to. Large markets would have enough stations that some would play Top 40, some would play R&B, and some Country but the small markets that had only one or two stations would play some of everything. I grew up in one of those small markets and loved our local station. I was close enough to a large city with a University that had an FM station that played AOR (Album Oriented Rock) so I got exposed to other music that didn't make it to the mainstream. It was a good time for radio.
There are so many excellent singer-songwriters and all kinds of other music and bands around today, they might not be easy to find but they are out there. Today's music scene is as varied and vibrant as it has ever been, and this is from someone who is almost 60. P.S. what is this radio people talk about, no one listens to radio anymore except for politics and sports, not music. I love being able to find the music I like with today's technology, with radio I had to listen to music other people chose for me. Of course this is just my opinion.
@@Daniel_Colavecchio I have the radio on every day and I only listen to music, never talk or sports (well except GB Packers games). It isn't the same as it was growing up. I agree that there is good music out there but it is hard to find and corporate radio rarely plays it because they need to appeal to their advertisers. It is also hard to find in places like Spotify, which is no different than radio except they get their money directly from listeners rather than advertisers. I maybe hear a new song I like once every year. Otherwise it is the same, interchangeable, overproduced, autotuned pop drivel.
"Does anyone know where the love of God goes when the waves turn the minutes to hours" is THE most powerful lyric ever written. I can't listen to the song to this day without sobbing. Just thinking of the song will start the waterworks.
I just ran across this channel a few minutes ago. The Roy Clark reaction caught my eye, and after watching it, this was the next suggestion, so I clicked on it. This is absolutely my favorite Gordon Lightfoot song... and it always brings a tear to my eye. I was born and raised in Detroit and have heard the bells ring at the Mariner's Church many times. The bells tolled in memory of the sailors from the Edmund Fitzgerald starting in 1975, and continued to ring every year, along with reciting the names of the 29 men who lost their lives that day, until just recently. They stopped in 2006. The church still holds memorial services but now they hold services for all the lives lost on the Great Lakes, over 1,000 men. Thanks for the reaction.
My small son and I sat in the middle of our house as Hurricane Katrina raged outside, and I kept thinking of the line: "Does anyone know where the love of God goes..."
@imlistening1137 It was a terrible but amazing experience. We made it through and lived to tell the tale. It was something that showed the true character of the people around you.
Nice you subscribed to Gordon Lightfoot, Sebs. You won't be sorry. Suggestion for your next tune would be "If You Could Read My Mind". "Sundown" was another biggie.
If You Could Read My Mind is how he told his wife he wanted a divorce. He was an a$$ for doing it that way and his daughter wouldn't speak to him for a long time because of it.
Not just a Legend, this guy was one of the nicest humble guys in the Music Industry in my opinion. I met him on several occasions at my job, and every time, it was because something actually broke in his dressing room and I was the one to make the repairs. He could not have been nicer, and he was in a position to make my job (well let’s just say a really bad day” , but no, he treated me like I was his lifelong best friend., even remembered me from the past (like 5 years earlier). They always say “you don’t want to meet your heroes”, but I don’t have anything but flat out kindness for this guy! Loved his music growing up , and still do today, some 50+ years later. He is missed! RIP Gordon Lightfoot
The love of God is ever present. Sadly, we live in a fallen world, where awful things happen. But every believer on that ship woke up in the arms of Jesus, His love and grace endures.
Lake Superior looks like the ocean...but colder. It is deceptive in its tranquility. When fall/winter closes in on North America, the lake becomes an absolute monster. The lake's waves broke the largest commercial inland freighter and sent it to the bottom along with 29 crew members, on November 10th 1975. It happened in less than two minutes. I was only one year old and I remember seeing the story on the national news. A movie needs to be made about this.
There isn't a movie, per say. There is a documentary called "Shipwreck: The Mystery Of The Edmund Fitzgerald" that was made in '95 and it has re-enactments, diver's footage and interviews, etc. It's available here on YT, I believe.
Grew up a Canadian girl through the 60s and 70s listening to this wonderful artist. What a legend. He wrote and performed so many great songs and this one is right up there at the top.
I was living in Michigan when this wreck occurred. To those unfamiliar with the Great Lakes, standing on the coast of Lake Michigan makes you feel like you are looking at the ocean. A ship this size in a storm of this magnitude would be like a toy in the tub. I was already a huge Gordon Lightfoot fan and this was a legendary marriage of history with poetry by one of the truly great songwriters of our time. I know others will be suggesting other songs to sample - My vote is my own favorite Lightfoot song - Don Quixote. A song that resonated when written, just as impactful today, 50 years later.
I'm in The Cleveland area and Lake Erie doesn't feel like a lake. You feel like you are looking at an ocean beach I saw the Fitzgerald in the port of Cleveland as an elementary school kid on a tourist cruise. When we heard the Fitz sank it hit hard. The 'Fitzgerald was carrying taconite pellets that are the base of steel making in blast furnaces.
I've seen 4 of the 5 great lakes. And it is indeed like looking at the ocean as they are all huge. No way you can see the opposite shore. This song always gets me no matter how many times I have heard it.
I love this song and yes, I’m Indigenous Native American. I remember being at my cousins house and this song played and it always gave me chills and later I found out my birthdate is the day before this wreck occurred. I’m older and once again, I certainly miss the Native people who are gone now…so I’ll listen to music that reminds me of all of them. Great Story and Song at its finest. Thank you SEB.
The Mariner's Church of Detroit rang their bell 30 times for Gordon Lightfoot when he died. Gordon Lightfoot did a concert at Xavier university in Cincinnati in 1974 and it was the first date my now husband asked me on. We saw him years later, after his stroke, at an outside venue in northern Ohio! He did a good job and everyone was so thrilled to see him. He was a legend!
This is the first I'm hearing about Mr. Lightfoot passing away. I loved his music and every time this song. In particular, it comes on. I crank it as loud as it will go rest in peace. Mr. Lightfoot, you will never be forgotten.
My favorite folk song and a great artist from my era! I'm almost 70 yrs old. I enjoyed playing this on my acoustic guitar over and over, every day. You feel it, even though you didn't know anyone aboard The Edmund Fitzgerald. Rest easy, your journey might be over on earth, but, in Heaven, remember you are not forgotten.
Captain and Crew of the Edmund Fitzgerald..... RIP Ernest McSorley - Captain born in 1912 in Canada and lived in Toledo, Ohio. He started command of the Fitzgerald in 1972 with more than 40 years of experience navigating oceans and the Great Lakes. McSorley was highly regarded for his skills, especially in heavy weather. He intended to retire after the 1975 shipping season but was survived by wife Nellie Pollock. John McCarthy - First mate born in 1913 and lived in Bay Village, Ohio. James Pratt - Second mate born in 1931 and lived in Lakewood, Ohio. Michael Armagost - Third mate born in 1938 and lived in Iron River, Wisconsin. David Weiss - Cadet born in 1953 and lived in Agoura, California. Ransom Cundy - Watchman born in 1922 on Easter Sunday in Houghton, Michigan, and lived in Superior, Wisconsin. He was in the Marine Corp and fought in the Battle of Iwo Jima during WWII. Fortunate to survive, Cundy was awarded several commendations and medals for his service. He was sailing with his friend Frederick J. Beetcher at the time of the sinking. Cundy was survived by his daughter Cheryl, her husband, and their seven children as well as three grandchildren from his youngest daughter Janice who passed away in 1974. Karl Peckol - Watchman born in 1955 and lived in Ashtabula, Ohio. William Spengler - Watchman born in 1916 and lived in Toledo, Ohio. John Simmons - Senior wheelman born in 1913 in Ashland, Wisconsin, where he also lived. He was known as a storyteller, jokester, and pool shark, and he loved sailing. Friends with Captain McSorley for more than 30 years, the ill-fated Fitzgerald trip was going to be his last before retirement. Simmons was survived by wife Florence (who never dated or remarried after his death) and two daughters Mary and Patricia. Eugene O’Brien - Wheelman born in 1925 in Minnesota and lived in Toledo, Ohio. Nicknamed the “Great Lakes Gambler,” he worked on ships from age 16 and only took a four-year hiatus as a glass factory worker. He loved casinos and playing cards. O’Brien was survived by wife Nancy and son John, who was just 17 when he lost his father. John Poviach - Wheelman born in 1916 and lived in Bradenton, Florida. Paul Riippa - Deckhand born in 1953 and lived in Ashtabula, Ohio. Mark Thomas - Deckhand born in 1954 and lived in Richmond Heights, Ohio. Bruce Hudson - Deckhand born in 1953 and lived in North Olmsted, Ohio. George Holl - Chief engineer born in 1915 and lived in Cabot, Pennsylvania. Edward Bindon - First assistant engineer born in 1928 and lived in Fairport Harbor, Ohio. Thomas Edwards - Second assistant engineer born in 1925 and lived in Oregon, Ohio. Russell Haskell - Second assistant engineer born in 1935 and lived in Millbury, Ohio. Oliver Champeau - Third assistant engineer born in 1934 and lived in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin. Nicknamed “Buck,” he quit school at age 13 to raise four siblings after his father died. During his life, Champeau fought in the Korean War with the Marine Corps. Ralph Walton - Oiler born in 1917 and lived in Fremont, Ohio. He and his brother Wade sailed on many Columbia Transportation ships, including the Fitzgerald, but only he was on board when it sank. He often volunteered to maintain the ships during winter and gave his nephews tours of the vessels. Walton was survived by a wife and son Alan who worked on freighters too. Blaine Wilhelm - Oiler born in 1923 in Big Bay, Michigan, and lived in Moquah, Wisconsin. He was in the Navy for 11 years, serving in WWII and the Korean War before being discharged as a first class fireman. Afterward, Wilhelm sailed for 19 years. He liked to go fishing and deer hunting and enjoyed playing pool, barbecuing, spending time with family and friends, and eating blueberry pie. Wilhelm was survived by wife Lorraine, seven children, and a grandchild born just four days after the Fitzgerald sank. Thomas Bentsen - Oiler born in 1952 and lived in St. Joseph, Michigan. Gordon MacLellan - Wiper born in 1945 and lived in Clearwater, Florida. Less than one month before the tragic Fitzgerald journey, he built a home in Presque Isle, Michigan, to make travel between the two states easier. MacLellan took after his father, Master Captain Donald MacLellan who traveled the Great Lakes route several times. Robert Rafferty - Steward and cook born in 1913 in Toledo, Ohio, where he also lived. After 30 years of sailing, he started just filling in for crew members. Rafferty wasn’t supposed to be on the fateful journey but was called to fill in for the regular steward. He was actually considering retiring altogether. Rafferty was survived by wife Brooksie, daughter Pam, and several grandchildren. Allen Kalmon - Second cook born in 1932 and lived in Washburn, Wisconsin. Joseph Mazes - Special maintenance man born in 1916 in Ashland, Wisconsin, where he also lived. He sailed for 30 years on the Great Lakes and loved his job. At one point, he saved another crewman’s life. Sadly, the 1975 season would have been his last because he planned to retire. Mazes loved ice fishing, deer hunting, and snowmobiling in his free time. His siblings, nieces, and nephews remember how kind and generous he was. They recall him being afraid of Captain McSorley’s habit of never pulling out of a storm. Thomas Borgeson - Maintenance man born in 1934 and lived in Duluth, Minnesota. Frederick Beetcher - Porter born in 1919 and lived in Superior, Wisconsin. Nolan Church - Porter born in 1920 and lived in Silver Bay, Minnesota. He didn’t start sailing until his 40s after watching the freighters pass by his home and thinking that the job would be fun. He was survived by multiple children who say that he loved the job. Son Rick recalls his father joking that the Great Lakes didn’t have a hole big enough for the Fitzgerald. Church didn’t think that such a tragedy could happen.
Thanks for posting this. My former boss once told me he went to school with the younger sister of one of the deckhands of the Edmund Fitzgerald, but I could never remember the name. Now I know it must have been Peter Riipa. Rest in peace, Peter and Gordon and the crew.
As a Candian in Southern Ontario, I remember the date the Edmund Fitzgerald sank. Gordon Lightfood (RIP) composed lyrics & music after reading an article of this very sad moment on Lake Superior. I was 20 and the news hit all of us citizens, Americans & Canadians very hard. Thank god Gordon created this beautiful piece of music to remember the men who lost their lives on that dreadful night. Enjoy this exceptional remembrance by one of Canadians greatest singer, songwriter & producer. His music will live on forever.
@@brigidsingleton1596 Same here, ever since I first hearing it upon its release when I was a teen. That feeling has only deepened over time as I learned more of the real story that inspired it. Whenever it comes on somewhere, even if I were about to do something else, like turn off the car or whatever, I feel honor bound to hear out the whole thing, as if turning it off would be sacrilege, an insult to the lives lost. Oddly, our Pandora system at work will occasionally cycle it up on this or that station, and I have the same reaction in a busy public environment. One can feel the vibe change, as more engaged listeners grow quiet. As certain lines hit me, I try to avoid looking anyone in the eyes for a while. A perfect, yet painful, song.
Gord is my favorite singer. I’m thrilled when young people discover him and also fall in love with his music. This song was recorded on the first try. Gord and his band were literally just sight reading the music. As someone who’s done quite a bit of recording work I can tell that very rarely happens. They did a few passes, but nothing was as good. And yes, Gord was the greatest writer of lyrics. His marriage of music and poetry will never be matched. Rest well my music hero.
Great reaction to this amazing story/song. I had the great pleasure of seeing Mr. Lightfoot in concert a couple of times in the early 2000s.. he was an amazing singer/songwriter and entertainer. Interesting side note on this song, the Mariners Church of Detroit has rung their steeple bells 29 times on the day of the anniversary of this wreck each year since it happened - to honor the 29 men lost that day. This past year they rang it 30 times to also honor Mr. Lightfoot who passed away last year in May.
My father was a US Naval officer and a scientist! Dad was once stationed at Great Lakes Naval station. He told us that the Great Lakes are very dangerous! We sailed a lot on the Chesapeake Bay in Maryland. Dad had a lot of respect for the Great Lakes! Dad helped build the very first Atomic Reactors for Submarines in the late 1950's/ early 1960's! Admiral Rickover's program! "Wishing you a Happy Voyage Home Dad"! RIP! ⚓️⛵️⚓️GO NAVY! ⚓️RIP to ALL the crew members of the E. FITZGERALD !
As a proud Canadian, Gordon Lightfoot was a gift to us all, and Canada's own poet laureate and musician extraordinaire! This song is literally the stuff of legends and was a way for him to honour the crew and and their families. One of his best to be sure, but glad you subscribed to his channel to experience more of his wonderful gift.
Ive been a Gordon lightfoot fan for over 40 years and I'm a Australian, He wrote beautiful deep & sad songs, he struggled with Alcoholism, he felt very deep & expressed it through his music, always made me cry
I was 11 y/o when my older brother bought the album....when I heard the song it broke my lil boy heart so bad I cried as I played it over and over again. It will Always be my favorite GL song. I am 59 now and I always weep when I listen to it. And the main reason I do is in remembrance of those mariners and the families they left behind. 💔😢 Gordon Lightfoot will always be my very favorite songwriter....he Truly had the gift
Finally, a reaction guy who has something to say other than "I'm trying to remember what movie /TV show I heard this song in," or "I'm trying to remember who sampled this song." Thanks for taking the time to get into it.
Oh Zeb, you should bring your family to visit Michigan in the summer. We are surrounded by the Great Lakes. Trees and water are everywhere. Sand dunes, rivers, lakes, and activities to match. Fishing, tubing down rivers , rock collecting, water sports galore. Hunting, camping, and in the upper peninsula there are mountains. The stories of ships lost in Lake Superior seem endless. Its waters are frigid even in summer. All of us of a certain age know Gordon Lightfoot by heart. All of us who are Michiganders know we’re incredibly blessed to live amongst such spectacular beauty. Add good music and maybe it’s heaven.
I can't sing this song, because I break every time. It's such a powerful, pure and beautiful memorial tribute, for such a terrible, crushing tragedy. It could not be more perfect. 30 bells - RIP
Canadian Railroad Trilogy is one of my favorites also. I was surprised to find that the song was written for a documentary on Canada. Black Day in July is also a song written based on the race riot in Detroit in 1967. Had never heard about it until I heard the song.
Gordon Lightfoot spent many hours crafting each of his songs. There are many great works of art there to enjoy. He maintained a great voice till the end of his life. The musicians he worked with were the cream of Canada's scene and his live shows were top notch.
I was so sad to hear of Gordon Lightfoot's passing away recently. Loved his music. One of the best songwriters & storytellers. He was a Canadian legend. This song is a beautiful tribute & is based on a true story & the lyrics tell the sad tale of the sinking of the ship & loss of lives in 1975. Gordon Lightfoot has had many hits through his long career such as "If You Could Read My Mind", "Early Morning Rain", "Steel Rail Blues", "Ribbon Of Darkness", "Carefree Highway", "Rainy Day People", "Cotton Jenny", "Black Day In July", "Canadian Railroad Trilogy" etc.
Your preaching to the Choir! We old timers love Gorgon Lightfoot songs! He was an excellent story teller and singer! We lost a great man when he passes away! ❤❤❤
Gordon Lightfoot's music AND LYRICS were SO PRICELESS!! He was a TRUE GEM!! We just lost him, last year...and, he is SORELY MISSED! RIP, MR. LIGHTFOOT - you gave such GREAT GIFTS to US ALL!! ENJOY, SEBS!!!
I remember driving through Detroit with my folks. We could hear the bell tolling from the Maritime Sailors Cathedral as we were driving past it. We asked our parents why the bell was being rung, and our father told us of the loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald. Some memories stick with you for your entire life. Lake Superior feels freezing cold even on a hot August afternoon. The lake's intense cold also has the ability to prevent decomposition. The bodies of the persons lost on Lake Superior and the vessels they traveled in can be preserved for over a century. A couple of years ago, the Smithsonian dated one vessel as having been preserved for 131 years. Without decomposition, there's no resulting release of gasses. Hence, Lake Superior never gives up its dead, not the Native Americans lost on it nor those lost in our current times. They still stand vigil in the ships that took them down, to depths as much as 1,332 feet.
I TRULY ENJOY YOUR REACTIONS. I had returned home to Detroit from my tour in Vietnam & was placed in a Honor Guard Unit and took part in the ceremony at the church he mentions in his song. This was dedicated to all the sailors who have lost their life on the Great Lakes. The bell ringing makes a very emotional experience. The church is near the Tunnel between Detroit & Canada. I am 77 yrs old and love the music created by the artists we had in the 60's, 70's & 80's we were blessed. .
I believe that the simple chord structure and rhythm also purposely evokes elements of the sea shanties that old time sailors used to sing. Lightfoot was an accomplished sailor and certainly would have known of that genre. Simply brilliant in its simplicity, nothing to distract from the impact of the real-life tragedy. BTW, a similar song is Dylan’s “Ballad of Hollis Brown”. Very simple structure, gut-punch impact.
This song is a true story! It happened and it is still remembered today. The stories are legend. To this day when ships pass over the spot the ship went down they ring their ship's bells 29 times - one time for every man on the Edmond Fitzgerald. As for Gordon Lightfoot (I'd argue Leonard Cohen is Canada's best songwriter but Gordon is second.) Going down a Lightfoot rabbit hole will serve you some good. RIP Gordon! Canada thanks you! We learned to play this song on Ukulele as part of learning the history of this event if that helps you understand how big this was All history should taught this well since 40 years later I still remember every word. **Check out Leonard Cohen**
So glad you discovered Gordon Lightfoot, in April of 2023 he had to cancel a concert tour and passed in May at the age of 84. "Canadian Railroad Trilogy is another history lesson. "Black Day in July" about the Detroit riots of '67. "Early Morning Rain" , "Ribbon of Darkeness" and so many more
The Mariner's Church of Detroit rang their bell 30 times in memory of Gordon Lightfoot - once for every man lost in the wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald, and once for Lightfoot. Family members of the men lost in that wreck shared their memories with us.
I remember when the Edmund Fitzgerald went down. Every time I hear this song it brings me to tears. We lost Gordon recently. He had many songs that were amazing. RIP
I remember when this happened and the song, every time I hear it, all these years later, still makes me cry. Sebs, you never fail to pick up on the most impactful lines, I think the best line ever written in any song ever written is "Does anyone know where the love of God goes when the waves turn the minutes to hours?" And the line from the old cook, " . . . sayin fellas it's been good to know ya." Goosebumps! The terror they must have felt. It hurt my heart when you asked who Gordon Litghtfoot is. He was one of the most masterful storytellers ever, a beautiful singer-songwriter who the world lost only recently. There is a great video on YT that gives the history of the Great Lakes, they are actually inland seas. Thanks for reacting to this wonderful tribute to the Fitz and her crew.
We live minutes from Lake Michigan in northern Indiana. Winter storms are the worst and the power of the water and waves are fierce, and frankly if you walk the shores and look out towards the horizon you'd swear it was an ocean. It's magnificent and frightening at the same time.
The reason it is said that Superior "never gives up her dead" is because the water is so cold, the bodies of the drowned never float, and wash ashore. There's no closure for families.
I am from New Brunswick, glad you loved your visit here, come back anytime, we are friendly folk here. As for this song, the music is just so eerie and fits with the story, Gordon LIghtfoot RIP was a brilliant song writer. You are right not many song writers today have the talent to tell a story with words that just touch your soul.
I have loved this song and Gordon Lightfoot for decades. He was THE Canadian troubadour, and a national treasure. Other favorites of mine you should listen to are "Early Morning Rain" and "If You Could Read My Mind. RIP Mr Lightfoot.
There aren't many songs where I really recall the first time hearing it, but this is forever at the top of that list. It was the Wednesday before Thanksgiving 1976. High school sophomore. We had a half day at school so I came home at noon. Helped out around the house a bit, and laid down for a nap. Already dark when I work up. reached over and turned on the radio. Some other song finished up and the DJ said, "OK. Here's a new one from Gordon Lightfoot." At the end of the song I was just sitting on the edge of my bed wiping tears. -- I desperately wanted to hear it again and was frustrated that I'd have to wait at lest two days to get to the record store and get the album.
Part of the under the hood magic here, is the beat structure. It's in 4/4 time, but the emphasis is on the off beat. That's what gives it that sort of "nautical" cadence. Billy Joel did the same thing on "The Downeaster Alexa," but only the dreams get sunk in that song.
One of the most beautiful songs ever written and one of the saddest . Respect to all the family members and the crew🥺🥺😢😢🇨🇦 🇺🇸 🤍 🥀🥀🔔🕊✝ RIP ✝🕊⚓🥀🥀 🤍🇺🇸🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏
Everyone is gonna give you suggestions for his Radio Hits. You should already know that. I however will tell you to look at the songs that didn't get worn out on the radio. Yes, if you could read my mind, Carefree Highway, In The Early Morning Rain, Sundown, are all great songs. But there are absolute Diamonds on that album that contains Edmund Fitz. Songs like The House You Live In, Race Among The Ruins, Summertime Dream, and one of my favorites, I'm Not Supposed to Care. Another Gem of his is a song called Bittergreen. There are so many songs by Gordon to check out. As far as Edmund Fitz is concerned, on your own time, there is another video of the song which contains actual footage of the shipwreck, and pictures and names of the crew and Captain. It's worth a watch.
A couple more wonderful songs that don't get mentioned a lot are "Pussywillows, Cattails" (particularly the live recording from the album "Sunday Concert," much better than the string-heavy commercial version) and another shipwreck song, "The Ballad of the Yarmouth Castle," also from that album. "Pussywillows" is just a small bit of poetic perfection.
Beautiful song, it mixes Native language and lore with 1970s Great Lakes shipping, the horrific weather in winter! Please visit one of the Great Lakes -- nice beaches, boating, fishing, quaint towns and some large cities as well. A little something for everyone. I grew up on the southern shore of Lake Erie; 2 people from my hometown were on the ship that fateful night. Once you hear this song and realize it is a true story, it's hard to forget!
Gordon Lightfoot became a legend because he wrote some of the most beautiful and honest songs of the 1960s and 1970s (In the Early Morning Rain, If you Could Read my Mind to name only two). He and Jim Croce and Harry Chapin were three singer-songwriters that you owe it to yourself to look up if you haven't already. Some of their songs are lighthearted and a lot of fun! But when they get personal and poetic, the results are songs that have changed peoples lives -mine included. All the best, Doug
I played this song every thanksgiving evening, with family and friends around the bonfire going. We reflect and toast on past memories and people, who have gone before us. It's Priceless!!!🎭
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When Gordon Lightfoot died last year, the Maritime Museum in Detroit rang their bell 30 times. 29 for the crew and 1 for Gordon. True Respect!
I did not know this, thank
you for the info.
That was so sweet!
🔔🔔🔔 😢😢😢
ok imma cry now.. did not know that.
I love that they did that.
All the profits for this song went to the fammilies of the sailors
Gordon Lightfoot is my all time favorite! He tells a story with every song! I was blessed to have seen him twice! I think you will be amazed listening to his songs!!!
...and still does. A trust was established for the ongoing revenues per his wishes.
@@gk5891Sounds like something he would want!
I didn’t know that!
"Folk Songs" are generally "Stories" many true like this one, put to music.
My dad was the old cook as sung in this song. Robert Rafferty was the last cook and wasn’t supposed to be on there. Was called up at the last minute. I miss him.
I know this is a hard thing to live with. Such a tragedy ! May God’s grace and peace comfort you and your family’
Sorry for your loss.
@@pamjohnson3014 so very sorry for your loss.
😢
Very sorry to hear this. Being in the US Navy this song is still among us older guys. Thank you to your family for your father's maritime service. Fair winds and Following Seas.
My father was a Navy Lifer, 22 years in. When the Edmund Fitzgerald went down, my Father broke down and cried, we were all there in the musty old church in Detroit we prayed for the men, and their families. I have NEVER heard this song without crying. I still pry for their families, and I was glad that I got to go to the Maritime Sailor's cathedral. I was so glad to learn that they added Gordon's bell to that!!! I am glad you got to hear it. It's one of the most powerful songs I have EVEr heard... Thanks Gordon!!!
Thank you so much for sharing that your story with us.
I too cry ...remembering this story and...remembering our beloved Gordon Lightfoot ❤❤❤🇨🇦 🍁 ❤
I was Navy for 6 years then Merchant Mariner for about 30 so this song has always had a strong emotional impact on me.
The Museum is not a musty old Hall. Very beautiful and appropriate for all who have perished on the Great Lakes. A Pride of Detroit and the maritime community.
"Where have the poets gone?" Amen, brother. I remember when the Edmund Fitzgerald sank, I was getting ready to graduate high school. My folks were pretty strict, wouldn't let us kids listen to rock music, but when Gordon Lightfoot released this album, they gave me permission to buy it. My Dad was in the Navy. When I brought it home, Dad took it out of my hands and put the album on the family stereo (remember those giant dinosaur-sized floor stereos were popular?) himself. I swear, I know Mom and I both cried, and the males in the family struggled not to. Dad never worked on civilian shipping, but he had respect for anyone who worked on the water.
I rarely cry, but tears just burst out reading your post. I also graduated in '75, I guess that I've grown into a sentimental old man. Still, I have to say that you wrote a beautiful post. Peace out!
Thank you so much for sharing your story with us ❤
I am 58 and have spun a disc on a plethora of apparatus.
Truly the good old days now.
As a Canadian...we NEVER turn off this song 🎵
As sad as it is...we sing along in respect to the 29 dead and their wives and their sons and their daughters 💔
Also in deep respect of our beloved Gordon ❤
We had one of those stereo's too. Dad eventually donated it to the firehouse. Best sound
@@CarmelaWain People forget to mention their parents.
The other Canadian Gord was also a poet. 😉
The Mariners Church in detroit, now rings the bell 30 times as a tribute to Gordon Lightfoot for the song.
Just for clarification, they used to ring the bell 29 times, once for each crew man. After tge death of Mr. Lightfoot they added a 30th and final belll, for their new and honored member, Gordon Lightfoot.
Came here just to make sure this fact was shared. Thank you
Fair winds and following seas mariners.
@@RLKmedic0315
Ohhh.... That's so right❤❤ Didnt know that. Beautiful❤
My father worked on the boats as a cook for many years.....including the Fitz....
I've been aboard her a few times myself....
We knew many of the men personally......
Rest in Peace....
Michael Armagost- 37- Third Mate- Iron River, Wisconsin
Fred Beetcher- 56- Porter- Superior, Wisconsin
Thomas Bentsen- 23- Oiler- St. Joseph, Michigan
Edward Bindon -47- First Asst. Engineer- Fairport Harbor, Ohio
Thomas Borgeson -41- Maintenance Man- Duluth, Minnesota
Oliver Champeau- 41-Third Asst. Engineer- Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin
Nolan Church -55 -Porter -Silver Bay, Minnesota
Ransom Cundy- 53- Watchman- Superior, Wisconsin
Thomas Edwards-50- Second Asst. Engineer- Oregon, Ohio
Russell Haskell -40- Second Asst. Engineer- Millbury, Ohio
George Holl -60- Chief Engineer- Cabot, Pennsylvania
Bruce Hudson- 22- Deck Hand -North Olmsted, Ohio
Allen Kalmon -43- Second Cook- Washburn, Wisconsin
Gordon MacLellan- 30- Wiper- Clearwater, Florida
Joseph Mazes- 59- Special Maintenance Man -Ashland, Wisconsin
John McCarthy -62-First Mate -Bay Village, Ohio
Ernest McSorley -63 -Captain -Toledo, Ohio
Eugene O'Brien- 50- Wheelsman -Toledo, Ohio
Karl Peckol -20- Watchman -Ashtabula, Ohio
John Poviach -59- Wheelsman- Bradenton, Florida
James Pratt -44- Second Mate- Lakewood, Ohio
Robert Rafferty -62 -Steward -Toledo, Ohio
Paul Riippa -22 -Deck Hand -Ashtabula, Ohio
John Simmons -63 -Wheelsman -Ashland, Wisconsin
William Spengler -59- Watchman- Toledo, Ohio
Mark Thomas -21- Deck Hand- Richmond Heights, Ohio
Ralph Walton -58- Oiler- Fremont, Ohio
David Weiss -22 -Cadet -Agoura, California
Blaine Wilhelm -52- Oiler- Moquah, Wisconsin
❤❤❤
❤
Thank you.
Thank you.
❤❤
I'm a 60y/o man, and I can't make it through this song without at least getting a catch in my throat. What a powerful story, and an incredible song.
Same here (55yo).
Same. In my 60's. I cry every time.
Same, thanks
Me too.❤😢❤
Same. I was in high school when the Fitz went down, can’t listen to this song without tearing up.
Great reaction ❤
As a 58 year old Canadian girl...I have heard this song 1000 times.
As sad as it is... I always listen in honor of the 29 mariner...Men...Grandfathers...Fathers....Sons...and Uncles ❤Thank you for sharing this Canadian historic song 🎵 ❤❤❤❤❤
Same age. East coaster. Heard so many times in my childhood.
I live in Oz, and always listen to this song…very emotional each time🇦🇺
"And all that remains are the faces and the names of the wives and sons and the daughters." That's where a tear comes to my eye every time I hear this song.
Agreed, that is such a powerful line; chills abound
It was pretty intense following along with this video. And yeah, that's when I lost it😢
Bob Dylan said of Gordon Lightfoot “I can’t think of any Gordon Lightfoot song I don’t like. Every time I hear a song of his, it’s like I wish it would last forever… Lightfoot became a mentor for a long time. I think he probably still is to this day.” RIP Gordon
Beautiful ❤
The ship actually sank in Canadian waters (we draw a line through the middle of the lakes as the Canada US border), and to this day, we protect the site from any kind of looters, etc. If a science vessel wants to research, or whatever, you have to go through the Canadian Government first.✌🏼🇨🇦🇺🇸☮
I was 15 when the song came out and it didn't matter what kind of music you liked/listened to, you heard this song, and it became etched in your psyche.
Mr. Lightfoot has prepared a deep rabbit hole for you to get lost in.. good luck, and enjoy.
Thank Canada for honoring these men.
@BorealisNights Yes, thank you. So many problems could be solved in this world if people just did the decent thing. Canadians have always shown the way. I can think of so very many examples.
I agree. This is the kind of song that sticks with you.
I was about 13 myself.
@GeraldWalls I was 12, it was so moving. I can have this played any in bar in the U.S. and at least one, usually 3-5, will stand during the song with their hand over their heart. It near fails to touch people
My husband was hired & slated to start employment later that year by the Edmund Fitzgerald's Company 3 months before their shipwreck- Whenever he hears this song, he says a chill comes over him... "But for the Grace of God go I".....
Your husband was very fortunate!
@@InnocentPotato-pd7wiNot fortunate, blessed!
God was not ready for him yet.
@@luzestrella940the idea that some “god” is sitting there deciding when he will or won’t pluck someone off this planet has to be the biggest load of crap anyone sprouts out.
I'm younger than your husband. When I read your post, I got chills. This song hit the airwaves when I was a young girl. It gave me chills then, and it gives me chills now.
17 years ago this October I left work with a coworker heading home. For some reason at a light I stopped 30 feet back behind a red pickup (usually I'm like 10 feet back). Behind me was a dump truck. 10 seconds later my car was pushed forward to the back bumper of the truck and I had a dump truck where my trunk was. He was hammered from behind by a fully loaded tandem dump truck driven by a drunk driver. My coworker and I somehow avoided death that day. But not the poor young woman who was in the car behind the dump truck behind me. There was absolutely nothing left of the car and to this day I still get overcome with her loss and the tragedy of it. Sometimes seconds or minutes are the difference. Be thankful for every day we get. Life is precious.
❤
Listen to his song Sundown!
❤️🇨🇦 Canada's favorite son. May he rest in eternal peace 🕊️
Not only did he give the proceeds to the families, but he sought and received their permission to release the song after performing it for them.
Gordon Lightfoot was born & was buried in Orillia, Ontario, Canada. His funeral was held a few blocks from the bust of him which stands in front of the library. The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald is historically accurate. He wrote the song because he didn't think the media had written enough about it. He has so many great songs "Sundown" and "Rainy Day People" among them. Rest in peace Mr. Lightfoot.
Gordon Lightfoot was incredible and surely missed. His songs touched your soul.
I can see her lying back in her satin dress
In a room where you do what you don't confess
-- this reads as just words. Til you hear him sing them.
@@danferguson2724 same for the lyrics of Bitter Green, or pretty much anything he wrote......simple words, but such deep meaning.....
@@gumpyoldbugger6944 Other than Dylan was there ever a better songwriting poet/singer.
@@danferguson2724 I would say Leonard Cohen can stand proudly along side both of them.
Side note: a salvage company went out to recover Edmund Fitzgerald's ship's bell. When they brought it up, the bell broke the surface and rang for the first time since the sinking, at that moment the salvage ship's bell broke from its mount and crash to the deck.
😳
The bell is on permanent display in the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum in Michigan. They ring it 29 times every novemnber 10th for the sailors lost on the Fitz.
They replaced the bell on the Fitz with an exact replica engraved with the names of the 29 crewman
symbolically it seems the bell was angry it was taken and sought vengance
Okay. Goosebumps and tears. Hadn’t heard that. Thanks for sharing.
This song has always made me break out in goose bumps from the time Gordon Lightfoot sang it and it leaves such a sadness in my heart.
I'm 66 years old and I remember this song it still bring tears to my eyes. I firmly believe the music from the 60s-70s was the best of any other generation before or after. I still only listen to "Classic Rock". Most of the musicians and writers have past on, and those of us who listened to and loved this music will pass on but our music will live on even after we are gone.
I just cried again.
❤❤❤
Never been a ballad quite like it. Brings a tear to my eye every time I hear it. Glad you appreciated it.
Someone always seems to be cutting onions when this song plays 😢
He was a Master storyteller. Such a voice! RIP Gordon.
The ship was on Lake Superior. On Nov 10, 1975 a storm was forecast to pass south of Lake Superior. After the Edmund Fitzgerald set sail, the storm turned to go over the lake. It became a two ship story when she met and sailed with another freighter, the Arthur M Anderson. Both were caught in the storm (winds gusting over 50 mph and waves of 30 feet) and when the Fitz lost her electronics, the Anderson used her radar to assist the Fitz. The Fitz was being chewed up and starting to list when the Anderson asked how she was doing. The last message sent was "We're holding our own". Shortly after that she disappeared from the Anderson's radar and they couldn't see her either. There was no trace of her and no distress call. The Anderson reported her missing and made it safely to port, although a little beat up by the waves and wind. The Anderson went back out into the storm at the request of the Coast Guard to lead a search for survivors. Debris was all that was found. The Arthur M Anderson is still sailing the Great Lakes carrying cargo, a living reminder of the Edmund Fitzgerald. This is a rough outline of what happened. Look up the full story. It's full of loss and heroism.
I drive for a trucking company out of Superior, WI, and this spring the Arthur M. Anderson was docked at a shipyard in Superior. She left out again this summer. I paused for a moment of silence in honour of the Fitz, her role in trying to help her, and the terror the crew must have felt when the Edmund Fitzgerald's lights went out of sight. 💔
Imagine the courage it took to go back out into the storm after they just watched the Fitzgerald go down.....but they did
@@WhoDat_1 The captain of the Anderson was hesitant, recordings reveal that, but he put it up to the crew, asking them if they wanted to go out and they resoundingly voted yes. The code of assisting ships and crews held strong that day.
I remember the headlines. We were all so shocked that a big modern ship could be eaten even by Lake Superior. The sinking was studied by Engineering classes to try to understand what happened and make shipping safer.
One of the latest theories, based upon studies of the wreckage, is that the waves got so big that the troughs were too shallow for Edmond Fitzgerald to pass, and it's bottom was torn out.
While sailing lake superior on a friend's boat, he turned serious and told me not to fall overboard. Water so cold and deep, bodies don't decompose or float. Those sailors are still down there. Rip men. Peace from Northern Michigan.
when I was on Superior in 76 I remember the oiler taking the temp. in Aug. and it was 42F .
That’s the reference in the song, “Superior it’s said never gives up her dead, when the winds of November comes stealin’.”
I've "swam" in Lake Superior in July and it's still ice cold.
Superior is deep. I got caught in a storm on Erie while fishing. It formed and came out of the North and was right on us in minutes. I prayed the whole way back to shore. Gotta watch the skies.
@@stoveboltlvr3798 I was once out on Huron in Saginaw Bay about 200 yards from shore in a little raft. Saw a storm just hitting the water on the west side and started to head back. It was over us and dumping before we were even halfway. It's wild
Thank you and congratulations for becoming an American! It's a hard accomplishment! Glad to have you!
Congratulations Sir ❤
We are enriched by your presence.
Thank you for your heartfelt reaction to this song. Perhaps some who have never heard it before will be just as
impressed as you were in hearing it.
I was 17 in November of 1975 when the Edmund Fitzgerald sank. We lived in a suburb of Cleveland Ohio, on the shores of Lake Erie.
It was well documented news at the time. In 1976 when Lightfoot's song came out, it was an immediate hit.
What might be really hard to grasp, if one has never seen a freighter ship in person is the immense size !!!
A retired freighter ship named, the SS William G Mather was permanently docked in the harbor of Lake Erie at Cleveland Ohio in 1990.
It was restored and operates as a museum. The SS William G. Mather is 620 feet long.
The Edmund Fitzgerald was 729 feet long. To give perspective, 2 US Football fields end to end would measure 720 feet.
When the wreck was found, it was discovered that the ship had broken in two. It still sits on the bottom of Lake Superior at 535 feet deep, 17 miles north of Whitefish... there's film of it, in its "ice water mansion" grave...
The cold water is why the lake "never gives up her dead." It's the same temperature as a morgue. Bodies do not decay and so remain at the bottom.
@@maryanneslater9675 They do decay, it just happens a lot slower. The lake bottom is very nearly freezing cold, and also has a very low oxygen saturation in the water. This environment halts the growth of the normal bacteria that break down a body and give off gas causing corpses to float. Down there the decomposition is much slower, and doesn't give off enough gas to build up and cause it to rise to the surface.
Remember the Great Lakes with HOMES: Huron, Ontario, Michigan, Erie, and Superior.
Canadian here. Gordon Lightfoot is a Canadian icon.
I grew up with his music and I do remember when this tragedy happened. He donated all the proceeds from this song to the families of the crew of the Edmund Fitzgerald. Recently there was a tribute concert to Gordon Lightfoot as he just passed last year. Alex Lifeson and Geddy Lee from the band Rush joined the band Blue Rodeo to play the Gordon Lightfoot song The way I feel.
It is on Toronto Live Music and they do a beautiful rendition. I am pretty sure you have done some Rush on the channel.
Another storytelling song by Gordon Lightfoot is the Canadian Railroad Trilogy
Cheers
Many thanks to Gordon for ensuring this tragedy will never be forgotten. The man is truly an icon
This is untrue.
@@lauraclark427 What is untrue?
🇨🇦 🍁 proud
And when they rang the bells this year for the annual remembrance in Detroit, they added a 30th chime for Mr. Lightfoot.
Those of us who were alive in the late 60's - late 70's were so blessed if we loved poetry. It was the era of the "singer-songwriter", musicians who composed and sang very personal songs, usually mainly accompanied by a guitar or piano with limited backup. Simon and Garfunkel kicked it off buy then we got Lightfoot, Joni Mitchell, Neil Diamond, Carly Simon, Cat Stevens, John Denver, Harry Chapin, Jackson Browne, Carole King, and many more. Their music was unique: a little folk, a little country, a little blues, a little pop.
More and more, I credit Radio with the ability to spread these songs out to millions... tens, hundreds of millions. Internet Playlists don't do that. CANNOT do that. There is NO homogenous 'spreading of the word' or songs. At the time, I never gave high credit to Radio for this mass spreading of 'infotainment' but that's what it was. Radio let all of my friends and my community and, all over the country, the same core songs and it was then, up to us, to research more about this or that artist. To buy the album or not...
We often listen to the Pandora channel "Singer Songwriter"...that great music.
@@emwa3600 Back in the day the stations had the freedom to play what they wanted. They weren't locked in to appealing to the demographic their corporate owners decided they need to play to. Large markets would have enough stations that some would play Top 40, some would play R&B, and some Country but the small markets that had only one or two stations would play some of everything. I grew up in one of those small markets and loved our local station. I was close enough to a large city with a University that had an FM station that played AOR (Album Oriented Rock) so I got exposed to other music that didn't make it to the mainstream. It was a good time for radio.
There are so many excellent singer-songwriters and all kinds of other music and bands around today, they might not be easy to find but they are out there. Today's music scene is as varied and vibrant as it has ever been, and this is from someone who is almost 60. P.S. what is this radio people talk about, no one listens to radio anymore except for politics and sports, not music. I love being able to find the music I like with today's technology, with radio I had to listen to music other people chose for me. Of course this is just my opinion.
@@Daniel_Colavecchio I have the radio on every day and I only listen to music, never talk or sports (well except GB Packers games). It isn't the same as it was growing up. I agree that there is good music out there but it is hard to find and corporate radio rarely plays it because they need to appeal to their advertisers. It is also hard to find in places like Spotify, which is no different than radio except they get their money directly from listeners rather than advertisers. I maybe hear a new song I like once every year. Otherwise it is the same, interchangeable, overproduced, autotuned pop drivel.
"Does anyone know where the love of God goes when the waves turn the minutes to hours" is THE most powerful lyric ever written. I can't listen to the song to this day without sobbing. Just thinking of the song will start the waterworks.
I just ran across this channel a few minutes ago. The Roy Clark reaction caught my eye, and after watching it, this was the next suggestion, so I clicked on it. This is absolutely my favorite Gordon Lightfoot song... and it always brings a tear to my eye. I was born and raised in Detroit and have heard the bells ring at the Mariner's Church many times. The bells tolled in memory of the sailors from the Edmund Fitzgerald starting in 1975, and continued to ring every year, along with reciting the names of the 29 men who lost their lives that day, until just recently. They stopped in 2006. The church still holds memorial services but now they hold services for all the lives lost on the Great Lakes, over 1,000 men.
Thanks for the reaction.
My small son and I sat in the middle of our house as Hurricane Katrina raged outside, and I kept thinking of the line: "Does anyone know where the love of God goes..."
I am so glad you are here to share your memory of that horrible tragedy… it must have been a nightmare.
@imlistening1137 It was a terrible but amazing experience. We made it through and lived to tell the tale. It was something that showed the true character of the people around you.
❤❤
You can listen to this song 100 times and still get the tears, heart tugs and goosebumps each time.
Every time. I'm 55yo.
Nice you subscribed to Gordon Lightfoot, Sebs. You won't be sorry. Suggestion for your next tune would be "If You Could Read My Mind". "Sundown" was another biggie.
All of Summertime Dream is excellent.
Totally agree all his songs are amazing but your suggestions are top notch ❤❤
If You Could Read My Mind is how he told his wife he wanted a divorce. He was an a$$ for doing it that way and his daughter wouldn't speak to him for a long time because of it.
Canadian Railroad Trilogy is 1 of my all time favourites
Absolutely!!!
The 60s and 70s had the greatest talent of the last 100 years of music.
Gordon Lightfoot was a true Canadian treasure. God bless him
Not just a Legend, this guy was one of the nicest humble guys in the Music Industry in my opinion. I met him on several occasions at my job, and every time, it was because something actually broke in his dressing room and I was the one to make the repairs. He could not have been nicer, and he was in a position to make my job (well let’s just say a really bad day” , but no, he treated me like I was his lifelong best friend., even remembered me from the past (like 5 years earlier).
They always say “you don’t want to meet your heroes”, but I don’t have anything but flat out kindness for this guy!
Loved his music growing up , and still do today, some 50+ years later.
He is missed!
RIP Gordon Lightfoot
He and Harry Chapin were two sides of a coin.
love that line
"Does anyone know
where the love of God goes
when the waves turn the minutes
to hours?"
excellent question.
That line always gives me goosebumps
Three times I've been in situations to ask that question. The Sea is harsh, and sometimes it's just too powerful.
I cry.
Gives me chills EVERY TIME
The love of God is ever present. Sadly, we live in a fallen world, where awful things happen. But every believer on that ship woke up in the arms of Jesus, His love and grace endures.
Lake Superior looks like the ocean...but colder. It is deceptive in its tranquility. When fall/winter closes in on North America, the lake becomes an absolute monster. The lake's waves broke the largest commercial inland freighter and sent it to the bottom along with 29 crew members, on November 10th 1975. It happened in less than two minutes. I was only one year old and I remember seeing the story on the national news. A movie needs to be made about this.
There's a couple documentaries made about the Edmund
There isn't a movie, per say. There is a documentary called "Shipwreck: The Mystery Of The Edmund Fitzgerald" that was made in '95 and it has re-enactments, diver's footage and interviews, etc. It's available here on YT, I believe.
I saw him in Huntsville AL during his last tour.
I grew up on that Lake ( Duluth, Minn. ) and you’re spot on, once Fall starts that Lake goes to full psycho-mode
Yes.... Love to see That movie❤
Grew up a Canadian girl through the 60s and 70s listening to this wonderful artist. What a legend. He wrote and performed so many great songs and this one is right up there at the top.
Having heard this song when it first came out. (I’m 74, born 1950) I loved this song, the lyrics and musical score. One hell of a song.
The music is from an old Irish song ‘ I WishI Was Back In Derry’
@@mlevi9206I’m 65 and I TOTALLY remember my older siblings playing his record (yes vinyl!) on REPEAT! It is wonderful that you covered this! TY TY TY!
I was living in Michigan when this wreck occurred. To those unfamiliar with the Great Lakes, standing on the coast of Lake Michigan makes you feel like you are looking at the ocean. A ship this size in a storm of this magnitude would be like a toy in the tub. I was already a huge Gordon Lightfoot fan and this was a legendary marriage of history with poetry by one of the truly great songwriters of our time. I know others will be suggesting other songs to sample - My vote is my own favorite Lightfoot song - Don Quixote. A song that resonated when written, just as impactful today, 50 years later.
I'm in The Cleveland area and Lake Erie doesn't feel like a lake. You feel like you are looking at an ocean beach I saw the Fitzgerald in the port of Cleveland as an elementary school kid on a tourist cruise. When we heard the Fitz sank it hit hard.
The 'Fitzgerald was carrying taconite pellets that are the base of steel making in blast furnaces.
I live in southwestern Ohio and when I saw Lake Erie and Lake Michigan I felt the same way! So beautiful and so huge!
And the mother of all the Great Lakes, Superior (aptly named), is not a very forgiving lake & conditions on that lake can change quickly.
I've seen 4 of the 5 great lakes. And it is indeed like looking at the ocean as they are all huge. No way you can see the opposite shore. This song always gets me no matter how many times I have heard it.
@@Rkbmomma I’ve heard that
I love this song and yes, I’m Indigenous Native American. I remember being at my cousins house and this song played and it always gave me chills and later I found out my birthdate is the day before this wreck occurred. I’m older and once again, I certainly miss the Native people who are gone now…so I’ll listen to music that reminds me of all of them. Great Story and Song at its finest. Thank you SEB.
The Mariner's Church of Detroit rang their bell 30 times for Gordon Lightfoot when he died. Gordon Lightfoot did a concert at Xavier university in Cincinnati in 1974 and it was the first date my now husband asked me on. We saw him years later, after his stroke, at an outside venue in northern Ohio! He did a good job and everyone was so thrilled to see him. He was a legend!
This is the first I'm hearing about Mr. Lightfoot passing away. I loved his music and every time this song. In particular, it comes on. I crank it as loud as it will go rest in peace. Mr. Lightfoot, you will never be forgotten.
Gordon Lighfoot was always fantastic. Glad you were able to appreciate him. I always did.
Love Gordon Lightfoot!! Absolutely adored him!
My favorite folk song and a great artist from my era! I'm almost 70 yrs old. I enjoyed playing this on my acoustic guitar over and over, every day. You feel it, even though you didn't know anyone aboard The Edmund Fitzgerald. Rest easy, your journey might be over on earth, but, in Heaven, remember you are not forgotten.
Same but only 66!
Captain and Crew of the Edmund Fitzgerald..... RIP
Ernest McSorley - Captain born in 1912 in Canada and lived in Toledo, Ohio. He started command of the Fitzgerald in 1972 with more than 40 years of experience navigating oceans and the Great Lakes. McSorley was highly regarded for his skills, especially in heavy weather. He intended to retire after the 1975 shipping season but was survived by wife Nellie Pollock.
John McCarthy - First mate born in 1913 and lived in Bay Village, Ohio.
James Pratt - Second mate born in 1931 and lived in Lakewood, Ohio.
Michael Armagost - Third mate born in 1938 and lived in Iron River, Wisconsin.
David Weiss - Cadet born in 1953 and lived in Agoura, California.
Ransom Cundy - Watchman born in 1922 on Easter Sunday in Houghton, Michigan, and lived in Superior, Wisconsin. He was in the Marine Corp and fought in the Battle of Iwo Jima during WWII. Fortunate to survive, Cundy was awarded several commendations and medals for his service. He was sailing with his friend Frederick J. Beetcher at the time of the sinking. Cundy was survived by his daughter Cheryl, her husband, and their seven children as well as three grandchildren from his youngest daughter Janice who passed away in 1974.
Karl Peckol - Watchman born in 1955 and lived in Ashtabula, Ohio.
William Spengler - Watchman born in 1916 and lived in Toledo, Ohio.
John Simmons - Senior wheelman born in 1913 in Ashland, Wisconsin, where he also lived. He was known as a storyteller, jokester, and pool shark, and he loved sailing. Friends with Captain McSorley for more than 30 years, the ill-fated Fitzgerald trip was going to be his last before retirement. Simmons was survived by wife Florence (who never dated or remarried after his death) and two daughters Mary and Patricia.
Eugene O’Brien - Wheelman born in 1925 in Minnesota and lived in Toledo, Ohio. Nicknamed the “Great Lakes Gambler,” he worked on ships from age 16 and only took a four-year hiatus as a glass factory worker. He loved casinos and playing cards. O’Brien was survived by wife Nancy and son John, who was just 17 when he lost his father.
John Poviach - Wheelman born in 1916 and lived in Bradenton, Florida.
Paul Riippa - Deckhand born in 1953 and lived in Ashtabula, Ohio.
Mark Thomas - Deckhand born in 1954 and lived in Richmond Heights, Ohio.
Bruce Hudson - Deckhand born in 1953 and lived in North Olmsted, Ohio.
George Holl - Chief engineer born in 1915 and lived in Cabot, Pennsylvania.
Edward Bindon - First assistant engineer born in 1928 and lived in Fairport Harbor, Ohio.
Thomas Edwards - Second assistant engineer born in 1925 and lived in Oregon, Ohio.
Russell Haskell - Second assistant engineer born in 1935 and lived in Millbury, Ohio.
Oliver Champeau - Third assistant engineer born in 1934 and lived in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin. Nicknamed “Buck,” he quit school at age 13 to raise four siblings after his father died. During his life, Champeau fought in the Korean War with the Marine Corps.
Ralph Walton - Oiler born in 1917 and lived in Fremont, Ohio. He and his brother Wade sailed on many Columbia Transportation ships, including the Fitzgerald, but only he was on board when it sank. He often volunteered to maintain the ships during winter and gave his nephews tours of the vessels. Walton was survived by a wife and son Alan who worked on freighters too.
Blaine Wilhelm - Oiler born in 1923 in Big Bay, Michigan, and lived in Moquah, Wisconsin. He was in the Navy for 11 years, serving in WWII and the Korean War before being discharged as a first class fireman. Afterward, Wilhelm sailed for 19 years. He liked to go fishing and deer hunting and enjoyed playing pool, barbecuing, spending time with family and friends, and eating blueberry pie. Wilhelm was survived by wife Lorraine, seven children, and a grandchild born just four days after the Fitzgerald sank.
Thomas Bentsen - Oiler born in 1952 and lived in St. Joseph, Michigan.
Gordon MacLellan - Wiper born in 1945 and lived in Clearwater, Florida. Less than one month before the tragic Fitzgerald journey, he built a home in Presque Isle, Michigan, to make travel between the two states easier. MacLellan took after his father, Master Captain Donald MacLellan who traveled the Great Lakes route several times.
Robert Rafferty - Steward and cook born in 1913 in Toledo, Ohio, where he also lived. After 30 years of sailing, he started just filling in for crew members. Rafferty wasn’t supposed to be on the fateful journey but was called to fill in for the regular steward. He was actually considering retiring altogether. Rafferty was survived by wife Brooksie, daughter Pam, and several grandchildren.
Allen Kalmon - Second cook born in 1932 and lived in Washburn, Wisconsin.
Joseph Mazes - Special maintenance man born in 1916 in Ashland, Wisconsin, where he also lived. He sailed for 30 years on the Great Lakes and loved his job. At one point, he saved another crewman’s life. Sadly, the 1975 season would have been his last because he planned to retire. Mazes loved ice fishing, deer hunting, and snowmobiling in his free time. His siblings, nieces, and nephews remember how kind and generous he was. They recall him being afraid of Captain McSorley’s habit of never pulling out of a storm.
Thomas Borgeson - Maintenance man born in 1934 and lived in Duluth, Minnesota.
Frederick Beetcher - Porter born in 1919 and lived in Superior, Wisconsin.
Nolan Church - Porter born in 1920 and lived in Silver Bay, Minnesota. He didn’t start sailing until his 40s after watching the freighters pass by his home and thinking that the job would be fun. He was survived by multiple children who say that he loved the job. Son Rick recalls his father joking that the Great Lakes didn’t have a hole big enough for the Fitzgerald. Church didn’t think that such a tragedy could happen.
Thank you for this beautiful obituary. God bless you. ❤️🙏
Thanks for posting the names
😞🙏🏻
Thanks for posting this. My former boss once told me he went to school with the younger sister of one of the deckhands of the Edmund Fitzgerald, but I could never remember the name. Now I know it must have been Peter Riipa. Rest in peace, Peter and Gordon and the crew.
Thank you for this 💕
Wonderful song and artist. Gordon Lightfoot recently died and the church bells rang 30 times, 29+1 😢
How appropriate.
As someone from Michigan, this song is absolutely an anthem, here; people take the story very personally. Glad you were so impressed.
As a Candian in Southern Ontario, I remember the date the Edmund Fitzgerald sank. Gordon Lightfood (RIP) composed lyrics & music after reading an article of this very sad moment on Lake Superior. I was 20 and the news hit all of us citizens, Americans & Canadians very hard. Thank god Gordon created this beautiful piece of music to remember the men who lost their lives on that dreadful night. Enjoy this exceptional remembrance by one of Canadians greatest singer, songwriter & producer. His music will live on forever.
This song gives me chills every time.
This song makes me tear up everytime I hear it.
In 1976 when I first heard The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald I cried.
@@brigidsingleton1596 Same here, ever since I first hearing it upon its release when I was a teen. That feeling has only deepened over time as I learned more of the real story that inspired it. Whenever it comes on somewhere, even if I were about to do something else, like turn off the car or whatever, I feel honor bound to hear out the whole thing, as if turning it off would be sacrilege, an insult to the lives lost. Oddly, our Pandora system at work will occasionally cycle it up on this or that station, and I have the same reaction in a busy public environment. One can feel the vibe change, as more engaged listeners grow quiet. As certain lines hit me, I try to avoid looking anyone in the eyes for a while. A perfect, yet painful, song.
"The same chord progression, nothing changes" yes. This song is a perfect dirge!
Gordon Lightfood was all poetic. All his songs were this beautiful.
Because of this song, these men and others like them, will never be forgotten!😅
Gord is my favorite singer. I’m thrilled when young people discover him and also fall in love with his music. This song was recorded on the first try. Gord and his band were literally just sight reading the music. As someone who’s done quite a bit of recording work I can tell that very rarely happens. They did a few passes, but nothing was as good. And yes, Gord was the greatest writer of lyrics. His marriage of music and poetry will never be matched. Rest well my music hero.
Thank you for your heartfelt, respectful reaction. This is one of the few, and I believe most well known, dirges in the English language.
Great reaction to this amazing story/song. I had the great pleasure of seeing Mr. Lightfoot in concert a couple of times in the early 2000s.. he was an amazing singer/songwriter and entertainer. Interesting side note on this song, the Mariners Church of Detroit has rung their steeple bells 29 times on the day of the anniversary of this wreck each year since it happened - to honor the 29 men lost that day. This past year they rang it 30 times to also honor Mr. Lightfoot who passed away last year in May.
2015 Huntsville AL - Von Braun Center
My father was a US Naval officer and a scientist! Dad was once stationed at Great Lakes Naval station. He told us that the Great Lakes are very dangerous! We sailed a lot on the Chesapeake Bay in Maryland. Dad had a lot of respect for the Great Lakes! Dad helped build the very first Atomic Reactors for Submarines in the late 1950's/ early 1960's! Admiral Rickover's program! "Wishing you a Happy Voyage Home Dad"! RIP! ⚓️⛵️⚓️GO NAVY! ⚓️RIP to ALL the crew members of the E. FITZGERALD !
I hope they keep the 30 rings tradition on the anniversary moving forward. It would be fitting.
As a proud Canadian, Gordon Lightfoot was a gift to us all, and Canada's own poet laureate and musician extraordinaire! This song is literally the stuff of legends and was a way for him to honour the crew and and their families. One of his best to be sure, but glad you subscribed to his channel to experience more of his wonderful gift.
Ive been a Gordon lightfoot fan for over 40 years and I'm a Australian, He wrote beautiful deep & sad songs, he struggled with Alcoholism, he felt very deep & expressed it through his music, always made me cry
I was 11 y/o when my older brother bought the album....when I heard the song it broke my lil boy heart so bad I cried as I played it over and over again. It will Always be my favorite GL song. I am 59 now and I always weep when I listen to it. And the main reason I do is in remembrance of those mariners and the families they left behind. 💔😢
Gordon Lightfoot will always be my very favorite songwriter....he Truly had the gift
Amen! This song never ceases to move me. Lightfoot's lyrical imagery is unsurpassed!
@@roycelabor4339
Finally, a reaction guy who has something to say other than "I'm trying to remember what movie /TV show I heard this song in," or "I'm trying to remember who sampled this song." Thanks for taking the time to get into it.
Yeah...that drives me crazy.
Oh Zeb, you should bring your family to visit Michigan in the summer. We are surrounded by the Great Lakes. Trees and water are everywhere. Sand dunes, rivers, lakes, and activities to match. Fishing, tubing down rivers , rock collecting, water sports galore. Hunting, camping, and in the upper peninsula there are mountains. The stories of ships lost in Lake Superior seem endless. Its waters are frigid even in summer. All of us of a certain age know Gordon Lightfoot by heart. All of us who are Michiganders know we’re incredibly blessed to live amongst such spectacular beauty. Add good music and maybe it’s heaven.
I completely agree. I absolutley love living in Michigan.
@@kalimaxine Me too.
He was soulful. When we would sit down to listen to him in the seventies, we would give his music all of our attention. Loved his music.
Gordon Lightfoot was a master storyteller. Love his music.
I can't sing this song, because I break every time. It's such a powerful, pure and beautiful memorial tribute, for such a terrible, crushing tragedy. It could not be more perfect. 30 bells - RIP
Canadian Railroad Trilogy is another great story telling song by the late, great Gordon Lightfoot.
One of my favorites!
Canadian Railroad Trilogy is one of my favorites also. I was surprised to find that the song was written for a documentary on Canada. Black Day in July is also a song written based on the race riot in Detroit in 1967. Had never heard about it until I heard the song.
Gordon Lightfoot spent many hours crafting each of his songs. There are many great works of art there to enjoy. He maintained a great voice till the end of his life. The musicians he worked with were the cream of Canada's scene and his live shows were top notch.
I was so sad to hear of Gordon Lightfoot's passing away recently. Loved his music. One of the best songwriters & storytellers. He was a Canadian legend. This song is a beautiful tribute & is based on a true story & the lyrics tell the sad tale of the sinking of the ship & loss of lives in 1975. Gordon Lightfoot has had many hits through his long career such as "If You Could Read My Mind", "Early Morning Rain", "Steel Rail Blues", "Ribbon Of Darkness", "Carefree Highway", "Rainy Day People", "Cotton Jenny", "Black Day In July", "Canadian Railroad Trilogy" etc.
Your preaching to the Choir! We old timers love Gorgon Lightfoot songs! He was an excellent story teller and singer! We lost a great man when he passes away! ❤❤❤
I was almost 11 years old when this happened.
I am a born and raised Michigander.
Gordon Lightfoot's music AND LYRICS were SO PRICELESS!! He was a TRUE GEM!! We just lost him, last year...and, he is SORELY MISSED! RIP, MR. LIGHTFOOT - you gave such GREAT GIFTS to US ALL!! ENJOY, SEBS!!!
I remember driving through Detroit with my folks. We could hear the bell tolling from the Maritime Sailors Cathedral as we were driving past it. We asked our parents why the bell was being rung, and our father told us of the loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald. Some memories stick with you for your entire life.
Lake Superior feels freezing cold even on a hot August afternoon. The lake's intense cold also has the ability to prevent decomposition. The bodies of the persons lost on Lake Superior and the vessels they traveled in can be preserved for over a century. A couple of years ago, the Smithsonian dated one vessel as having been preserved for 131 years. Without decomposition, there's no resulting release of gasses. Hence, Lake Superior never gives up its dead, not the Native Americans lost on it nor those lost in our current times. They still stand vigil in the ships that took them down, to depths as much as 1,332 feet.
I TRULY ENJOY YOUR REACTIONS. I had returned home to Detroit from my tour in Vietnam & was placed in a Honor Guard Unit and took part in the ceremony at the church he mentions in his song. This was dedicated to all the sailors who have lost their life on the Great Lakes. The bell ringing makes a very emotional experience. The church is near the Tunnel between Detroit & Canada. I am 77 yrs old and love the music created by the artists we had in the 60's, 70's & 80's we were blessed.
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Lightfoot is a genuine part of what it means to be Canadian. Love this poetic man. Great songwriter. I like your analysis and response.
I believe that the simple chord structure and rhythm also purposely evokes elements of the sea shanties that old time sailors used to sing. Lightfoot was an accomplished sailor and certainly would have known of that genre. Simply brilliant in its simplicity, nothing to distract from the impact of the real-life tragedy.
BTW, a similar song is Dylan’s “Ballad of Hollis Brown”. Very simple structure, gut-punch impact.
Listen to "If you could read my mind." Gordon Lightfoot
This song is a true story! It happened and it is still remembered today. The stories are legend. To this day when ships pass over the spot the ship went down they ring their ship's bells 29 times - one time for every man on the Edmond Fitzgerald. As for Gordon Lightfoot (I'd argue Leonard Cohen is Canada's best songwriter but Gordon is second.) Going down a Lightfoot rabbit hole will serve you some good. RIP Gordon! Canada thanks you! We learned to play this song on Ukulele as part of learning the history of this event if that helps you understand how big this was All history should taught this well since 40 years later I still remember every word.
**Check out Leonard Cohen**
A lightwood rabbit hole? Um, I think we know what you meant.
@@kendalton2115 fixed
Incredible story teller.
One of the greatest songs. Brings me to tears. Respect to all mariners everywhere.
I heard this for the first time when I was little, and cried and cried. Then my brother told me it was a true story and I cried harder. Great song.
So glad you discovered Gordon Lightfoot, in April of 2023 he had to cancel a concert tour and passed in May at the age of 84. "Canadian Railroad Trilogy is another history lesson. "Black Day in July" about the Detroit riots of '67. "Early Morning Rain" , "Ribbon of Darkeness" and so many more
The Mariner's Church of Detroit rang their bell 30 times in memory of Gordon Lightfoot - once for every man lost in the wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald, and once for Lightfoot. Family members of the men lost in that wreck shared their memories with us.
I remember when the Edmund Fitzgerald went down. Every time I hear this song it brings me to tears. We lost Gordon recently. He had many songs that were amazing. RIP
He has sooooo many great songs
Take time to listen.
“Does anyone know where the love of God goes when the waves turn the minutes to hours?” Has to be one of the best lines ever.
I remember when this happened and the song, every time I hear it, all these years later, still makes me cry. Sebs, you never fail to pick up on the most impactful lines, I think the best line ever written in any song ever written is "Does anyone know where the love of God goes when the waves turn the minutes to hours?" And the line from the old cook, " . . . sayin fellas it's been good to know ya." Goosebumps! The terror they must have felt. It hurt my heart when you asked who Gordon Litghtfoot is. He was one of the most masterful storytellers ever, a beautiful singer-songwriter who the world lost only recently. There is a great video on YT that gives the history of the Great Lakes, they are actually inland seas. Thanks for reacting to this wonderful tribute to the Fitz and her crew.
Oh my goodness me too
Minus salt and sharks! 😊
Hmm you didn't reply to a single comment.
We live minutes from Lake Michigan in northern Indiana. Winter storms are the worst and the power of the water and waves are fierce, and frankly if you walk the shores and look out towards the horizon you'd swear it was an ocean. It's magnificent and frightening at the same time.
I'm on the Chicago side of Lake Michigan between the lake and the river. Still like to watch the ships coming in.
The reason it is said that Superior "never gives up her dead" is because the water is so cold, the bodies of the drowned never float, and wash ashore. There's no closure for families.
I am from New Brunswick, glad you loved your visit here, come back anytime, we are friendly folk here. As for this song, the music is just so eerie and fits with the story, Gordon LIghtfoot RIP was a brilliant song writer. You are right not many song writers today have the talent to tell a story with words that just touch your soul.
I have loved this song and Gordon Lightfoot for decades. He was THE Canadian troubadour, and a national treasure. Other favorites of mine you should listen to are "Early Morning Rain" and "If You Could Read My Mind. RIP Mr Lightfoot.
There aren't many songs where I really recall the first time hearing it, but this is forever at the top of that list. It was the Wednesday before Thanksgiving 1976. High school sophomore. We had a half day at school so I came home at noon. Helped out around the house a bit, and laid down for a nap. Already dark when I work up. reached over and turned on the radio. Some other song finished up and the DJ said, "OK. Here's a new one from Gordon Lightfoot." At the end of the song I was just sitting on the edge of my bed wiping tears. -- I desperately wanted to hear it again and was frustrated that I'd have to wait at lest two days to get to the record store and get the album.
Gordon Lightfoot was simply stunning. Iconic sound and music.
Part of the under the hood magic here, is the beat structure. It's in 4/4 time, but the emphasis is on the off beat. That's what gives it that sort of "nautical" cadence. Billy Joel did the same thing on "The Downeaster Alexa," but only the dreams get sunk in that song.
I was so privileged to see him Live in 1997. Such a great story teller.
One of the most beautiful songs ever written and one of the saddest . Respect to all the family members and the crew🥺🥺😢😢🇨🇦 🇺🇸 🤍 🥀🥀🔔🕊✝ RIP ✝🕊⚓🥀🥀 🤍🇺🇸🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏
Grew up loving this song and all of his music. Great rabbit hole, his music is beautiful ❤❤❤❤❤❤
Don Quixote 🎶
Everyone is gonna give you suggestions for his Radio Hits. You should already know that. I however will tell you to look at the songs that didn't get worn out on the radio. Yes, if you could read my mind, Carefree Highway, In The Early Morning Rain, Sundown, are all great songs. But there are absolute Diamonds on that album that contains Edmund Fitz. Songs like The House You Live In, Race Among The Ruins, Summertime Dream, and one of my favorites, I'm Not Supposed to Care. Another Gem of his is a song called Bittergreen. There are so many songs by Gordon to check out. As far as Edmund Fitz is concerned, on your own time, there is another video of the song which contains actual footage of the shipwreck, and pictures and names of the crew and Captain. It's worth a watch.
Agree, 100%! Many get overlooked, but are just as brilliant
A couple more wonderful songs that don't get mentioned a lot are "Pussywillows, Cattails" (particularly the live recording from the album "Sunday Concert," much better than the string-heavy commercial version) and another shipwreck song, "The Ballad of the Yarmouth Castle," also from that album. "Pussywillows" is just a small bit of poetic perfection.
@@meh8982 I agree with you about Pussywillows, Cattails - Gordon was a poet as well as a composer.
Beautiful song, it mixes Native language and lore with 1970s Great Lakes shipping, the horrific weather in winter! Please visit one of the Great Lakes -- nice beaches, boating, fishing, quaint towns and some large cities as well. A little something for everyone. I grew up on the southern shore of Lake Erie; 2 people from my hometown were on the ship that fateful night. Once you hear this song and realize it is a true story, it's hard to forget!
Gordon Lightfoot became a legend because he wrote some of the most beautiful and honest songs of the 1960s and 1970s (In the Early Morning Rain, If you Could Read my Mind to name only two). He and Jim Croce and Harry Chapin were three singer-songwriters that you owe it to yourself to look up if you haven't already.
Some of their songs are lighthearted and a lot of fun! But when they get personal and poetic, the results are songs that have changed peoples lives -mine included.
All the best,
Doug
I played this song every thanksgiving evening, with family and friends around the bonfire going. We reflect and toast on past memories and people, who have gone before us. It's Priceless!!!🎭