The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald - Gordon Lightfoot (Cover) by Seth Staton Watkins
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 5 ต.ค. 2024
- The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald - Gordon Lightfoot (Cover) by Seth Staton Watkins
The legend Gordon Lightfoot passed away on Monday, May 1st, 2023. May he rest in peace. I rewrote the last two lines of lyrics in his honor. He is credited with helping to define the folk-pop sound of the 1960s and 1970s and this song was released in 1976 on the album Summertime Dream to commemorate the sinking of the bulk carrier SS Edmund Fitzgerald on Lake Superior on November 10, 1975. The song recounts the final voyage of the Edmund Fitzgerald, as it struggled and then sank in rough seas on Lake Superior, in early November. Some artistic liberties were taken with the story and Lightfoot had been known to change the lyrics in live performances as new evidence about the wreckage came to light.
MY LINKS: linktr.ee/Seth...
Lyrics:
The legend lives on from the Chippewa on down
Of the big lake they called Gitche Gumee
The lake, it is said, never gives up her dead
When the skies of November turn gloomy
With a load of iron ore twenty-six thousand tons more
Than the Edmund Fitzgerald weighed empty
That good ship and true was a bone to be chewed
When the gales of November came early
The ship was the pride of the American side
Coming back from some mill in Wisconsin
As the big freighters go, it was bigger than most
With a crew and good captain well seasoned
Concluding some terms with a couple of steel firms
When they left fully loaded for Cleveland
And later that night when the ship's bell rang
Could it be the north wind they'd been feelin'?
The wind in the wires made a tattle-tale sound
And a wave broke over the railing
And every man knew, as the captain did too
T'was the witch of November come stealin'
The dawn came late and the breakfast had to wait
When the gales of November came slashin'
When afternoon came it was freezin' rain
In the face of a hurricane west wind
When suppertime came, the old cook came on deck sayin'
"Fellas, it's too rough to feed ya"
At seven PM, a main hatchway caved in, he said
"Fellas, it's been good to know ya"
The captain wired in he had water comin' in
And the good ship and crew was in peril
And later that night when his lights went outta sight
Came the wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald
Does any one know where the love of God goes
When the waves turn the minutes to hours?
The searchers all say they'd have made Whitefish Bay
If they'd put fifteen more miles behind her
They might have split up or they might have capsized
They may have broke deep and took water
And all that remains is the faces and the names
Of the wives and the sons and the daughters
In a musty old hall in Detroit they prayed
In the maritime sailors' cathedral
The church bell chimed 'til it rang twenty-nine times
For each man on the Edmund Fitzgerald
The legend lives on from the Chippewa on down
Of the big lake they called Gitche Gumee
And today the bells rang another twenty nine times
plus one more for the man they call Lightfoot...
Michigan girl here. Thank you for this. Edmund Fitzgerald has left a scar on our hearts.
Agreed! "The Wreck of The Edmund Fitzgerald" is a classic song and it is a wonderful tribute to everyone who lost their lives that day. If you have the chance, please check out my dad's cover of this song on his TH-cam channel (it's called DavidMoatMUSIC). He did a live cover of this song. It's awesome. Thanks in advance! Take care :)
Old lady from Ontario.
Born on the erie this song has featured heavily in my childhood Monroe Michigan is were i call home still
Hello from Milwaukee Wisconsin 🧀🐄🍺🇺🇲
As it has for many of us Great Lakes families. It still brings tears to my eyes 💔
Mr. Lightfoot was extraordinary in that he wrote a Celtic-style sea shanty chronicling a 20th century freshwater tragedy and made it a hit. So many people were moved to tears by this song.
Absolutely beautiful. Saw this ship in the Summer of 75. Little did I know that less than 6 months later, she and the crew would be taken. Such a beautiful rendition that brought many tears. Especially with the tribute to Gordon Lightfoot. He's at rest now with the 29 souls of the Edmund Fitzgerald. May they all be watching down upon us with the Angels.
Having grown up with this song as one of my favorites, I must know... was she a beautiful ship? This song and the ship have an almost mythical status for young midwesterners of my generation.
Agreed! "The Wreck of The Edmund Fitzgerald" is a classic song and it is a wonderful tribute to everyone who lost their lives that day. If you have the chance, please check out my dad's cover of this song on his TH-cam channel (it's called DavidMoatMUSIC). He did a live cover of this song. It's awesome. Thanks in advance! Take care :)
My grandpa saw the ship leave on that day he was one of the last to see it above the water
Thank you so much for posting this wonderful song. You have offered a moving tribute to a very special singer and songwriter, one of the finest Canada has ever produced. This is the first song I ever learned to play on the guitar and I learned it when I was just 12 years old, only a couple of years after the song was released. It has always held a very special place in my heart. The story it tells is heartwrenching and haunting. I shed tears when I heard that Gordon Lightfoot had passed away this week. I was very fortunate to see him in concert twice and both times he performed this song. I will remember those moments forever. I certainly shed another tear when I heard your version. You are a master of your craft, sir. Kudos!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Agreed! "The Wreck of The Edmund Fitzgerald" is a classic song and it is a wonderful tribute to everyone who lost their lives that day. If you have the chance, please check out my dad's cover of this song on his TH-cam channel (it's called DavidMoatMUSIC). He did a live cover of this song. It's awesome. Thanks in advance! Take care :)
That last line was absolutely devastating but I can't think of a better tribute. Thank you so much for this.
After I heard that gordon lightfoot passed, I somehow knew that you do one of his songs as a tribute.
As someone who loves this song, I can safely say that you did a frickin fantastic job and I (at least) believe you did the song justice. Great job ya did good mate!
I was in the army when the Edmund Fitzgerald sank. I am from Michigan and still feel deeply about this tragedy. This is a wonderful rendition of this great song. Thanks.
I am in tears, man. I don't know why. Your rendition of this just gave me a huge sense of grief. Well done, I guess?
Its the song itself. Its sad especially when you know the history behind it.
This is a old Michigan Folk song. Its a true and sad tale. This from my home state.
Canadian actually light foot was from Canada however the ship went down 17 miles off of whitefish bay in upper peninsula Michigan
Didn't think anyone and I mean anyone could do this song better than Gordon Lightfoot... I was wrong. You killed it. ❤
High praise!
Mr. Lightfoot is smiling down on you for this AMAZING cover, brother.
Noooooooo. Grew up in Wisconsin and would always listen to this song. It has almost a mythical status in the midwest. I'm already tearing up and you have just barely started singing. Damn you!!
Absolutly awe-inspiring Seth! You have truly honored a legend Gordon Lightfoot! A bright flame in this hour of sadness! Rest In Peace Gordon❣️🫶
Thank you!
I'm from Michigan, and designed a children's activity book about the Wreck for a class on State History, so I'm well versed in the history, so I was definitely going to love this!
I've listened to this several times since the news was announced. Following of course Gordon's version. It is a wonderful memorial to him and the music and history he has left behind. I applaud your ability to make it through without tearing up visibly at least.
It’s called the magic of editing…
And retakes.
Thank you for this. Your voice rings clear as a bell and does this song justice. Hearing the extra lines gave me goosebumps and then I had to listen another 29 times more.
I’m JUST getting the full meaning of this. Brilliant…
Gordon Lightfoot was one of my favorite singers and songwriters. You did this song justice, and that's no easy feat.
The raw power of your voice and your hurling harmonies of the gales carry this perfectly.
I had no idea he was even dead, rest in peace Gordon o7
Absolutely beautiful ! The lost crew of the ship would be honored hearing this !
Very touching!!! And the two added lines brought a real tear to my eye. Thank you very much for your hard work and excellent tribute to a real giant of folk music. Salut! From Albany NY and R.I.P. Gordon Lightfoot.
Awesome ending with a tribute to Gordon Lightfoot.
What a wonderful version and tribute to one of the greatest American songs ever composed and performed.
Many great covers, this is the best. Your voice rings out-in this simple strummed arrangement-like a plaintive force.
It's so rare that someone can take a song deeply loved so much, by so many, and not only do it justice but improve on it (especially with the dedication at the end). Congratz Seth by clearing the bar on this one; phenomenal job!
You've got the tone of Lightfoot's singing down well with this. Sends shivers down my spine.. well done!
Nothing blows away Monday blues like a cover from my favorite singer😊
Glad to hear it
Not sure how this song could blow blues away.
Another Michigan girl here. Excellent cover. And a very nice to Gordon Lightfoot
No doubt in my mind Gordon would appreciate this.
There is no possible better tribute to the song and the men on the Fitz than this. Absolutely beautiful.
Absolutely stunning vocals. And brought a tear to me eye, ya did. That extra bell rung for the man they call Lightfoot was goosebumps worthy. Sir, well done.
Heey, love everything that you Post, could you maybe do...the town i loved so well?
First time on your channel, but certainly not the last. You did a wonderful job with this song. No nonsense or frills, just rythm and energy so the melody and the story can take care of the rest. this is singing as it shoul be. Thank you!
GL, the sound of my childhood. Nothing like listening to this song on an 8 track. You did it BEAUTIFULLY! ❤
My favorite parts of your covers a lot of the times are your additions. Theyre always so thoughtful, it feels like they were always there.
I’m having so many feelings listening again… 😍☘️🫣🤫😞☹️😭
Goosebumps after this song, amazing
Hauntingly beautiful. Love music like this, and you hardly fail or disappoint when it comes to music such as this.
Michigan native here. That was just an amazing tribute. Very well done.
Superb voice! I stumbled on this guy today then realised he's the guy I heard on TV a couple of years ago. Great to hear sea shanty's again. I'm a Grimsby born man so maritime history is an interest of mine 😎
I was wondering if anyone could do a worthy cover of this song. Very well done, Seth, very well done indeed.
Would you ever do a cover of Dawson's Christian or any other space-shanties?
Job well done young man. Be Blessed 😇✌️🇺🇲
Simply the Best cover.
Oh my god, I didn't notice the date of the posting when I clicked on this, until that last line came. I saw that clip of the bell being rung, and people outside stopping to listen...it gave me chills. It was a fitting tribute, and so was this, beautifully done, you've got a great voice for this song.
Your amazing voice and songs just touch my heart! Just beautiful!
I have always loved this song. You do it justice sir.
YES. The legend lives on forever, and the song does too!
As always, you've done a great job. One of my favorite songs. I live im buffalo so i know how bad the great lakes can make storms. This December we were buried in tons of snow cause of lake erie. Our local main road was so snowed over that even the semi trucks were stuck in place blocking up the road. When i was coming home from my college classes, it was total white out conditions, couldnt see more than a few feet in front or even what side of the road your on, was inches from crashing, many others werent so lucky. This winter killed so many that it stole the record from the blizzard of 1977. Guess we'll need a new wikepedia page for the Blizzard of 2022.
this cover was a great tribute to Gordon Lightfoot
Grew up in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario - this song, the ship and her crew are synonymous with a Saultite's identity.
An iconic Canadian song from an iconic Canadian artist, you have done Gordon Lightfoot proud ❤
I was a kid when this song came out and it has remained a favourite of mine ever since. You did a beautiful job and I love the addition of the last two lines.
Goose bumps. Awesome.
Thank you for doing this song. Chills here in the mitten
Been quietly wanting this cover for a year now. Thank you for doing it justice.
I haven't heard this song in forever. Great job. The addition at the end was perfect.
As a Michigander, few songs hit as close to home as this onr. Beautiful work my friend.
yaaaaa! been waiting for this for forever! this is such a pretty ballad and one of the few songs that a midwestern like myself can claim. great job as always! much love from WI
Wonderful Seth☘️
You are very gifted 😊
Excellent vocals.
Well done,sir
You have done a wonderful job doing this song❤️👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻❤️❤️❤️
Well done
Beautiful.
Bravo 👏!
Dude dude this is amazing I freaking love it 🤙🏻🤙🏻🤙🏻🤙🏻
beautiful work! Three words. Mary. Ellen. Carter.
Just incredible. Very well done
Incredible! I've been waiting for you to do this one. Rest in peace Gordon Lightfoot
Detroit Michigan here ..I fucking love this!!!
Detroit here too!!! Well, Rochester Hills, the best sub, but close enough…
My uncle knew the crew of a cutter that tried to make it to the edmund fitzgerald but they got there about 12 hours to late
This a great rendition of one of my favorite songs. You did a great job.
So amazing!!! Thank you for sharing!
Damn... Good job man. Fantastic vocals.
Beautiful ❤
The last line straight up made me cry
I discovered your music quite recently and I swore I heard a Gordon Lightfoot-esque influence. Then this song popped up in my playlist
Well done sir. A fitting tribute
Thank you. I'm from Michigan.
2024 still listening to this amazing cover and tribute
Beautiful, Seth. Thank you so much for your lovely rendition of this song. ❤
Love it
I've been waiting for you to cover this song! You did it justice! Good job!
Slainte from Canada mate. RiP Gordon Lightfoot.
You did a fantastic job on this cover, and love your addition at the end
Aas aaa Newfoundland Man i love the extra line ye heaved in on the end there..best kind for sure..tanks for this great song..slan go foille
Good journey, Mr. Lightfoot.
This is 💯🎯 Bravo!!!
Love from Michigan
What a lovely tribute to do such a great cover!
Beautiful! Your vibrato is incredible!
💜💜💜💜💜
As a Michigander, I appreciate this cover of the song. Much love to you.
could you possibly sing "the battle of the Falklands"
damn good cover !
Love the ending
This Michigainer here appreciates your cover!
One of the best covers I've heard!!
Stunning. Simply outstanding. And listen to the very end.
Perfect! Such a beautiful tribute!!!!!