The Chippewa are a native tribe and Lake Gitchie Gumee is an Ojibwe native name for Lake Superior. This is a true story about the ship The Edmond Fitzgerald and its crew of 29 who were lost to the bottom of the lake during a huge storm. All proceeds from this recording were donated to the victims families. This shipwreck was truly a tragedy and the way Gordon sings this song has a haunting and solemn sound to it. Thank you for this one.
The Ojibwa ARE the Chippewa. Chippewa is just the Anglicized name but is the most commonly used among both Indians and whites. They are the most populous group of Native Americans/First Nations in the Superior area and are divided into bands. The US has 125 bands and Canada has over 130 bands.
And the name is gitchi-gami. Gitchi gumee is incorrect, and comes from Longfellow's The Song of Hiawatha . And it wasn't ALL proceeds but rather a large portion. But all would mean all the residual royalties which were not included. Still amazing but just want to clarify.
@@mitchchartrand Michigander here and actually you are incorrect, "Lake Superior is known as Gitche Gumee, which is an Ojibwe word that means "Great Sea". It is the largest and deepest of the Great Lakes and the world's largest lake by surface area." I have the album (vinyl) and the lyrics also are "Gitche Gumee." Gitche-Gamie is an 88-mile multi-use recreational trail in Minnesota that runs along the North Shore of Lake Superior. Please double-check your facts before publishing misinformation.
When I was 20 y/o .. I got a job working on a fish processor in 1984. I left WA state early morning of April 15th and landed in Juno, Alaska just a few short hours later. Myself and about a dozen more new employees were loaded onto a skiff [small motor boat] and taken out into the bay where a 354 ft fish processor was anchored. Thirty days into the job, I was promoted to supervising the off-loading deck. This promotion took me from hourly wage to salary and from 16 hr shifts down to 12 hrs. This was a very important position because I was responsible for the fishermen's livelihood. The tenders would fish for salmon until capacity then bring the product to the processor to be processed, packaged and then off-loaded to a large cargo freezer [Japanese or Korean] anchored next to us. I would have to load/lift twelve 100 lb boxes of frozen salmon onto the pallet and hook it to their crane. I had to make sure that the stamped lot codes on the boxes matched the tender that the fish came from. If this got screwed up .. oh boy! There was no where for me to run & hide. Luckily I could read, write and count 😎. In the 6 months out in the Behring Sea, I saw many icebergs, ice beds, a few rogue waves and experienced 35-40 ft swells. We were the 'needle in a haystack'. I've never felt so vulnerable in my life as I did then. We were as far North as Nome, Alaska. Had something serious happened to the ship, Russia would have reached us before our search and rescue. Your uncle was a very brave man. NO DOUBT ABOUT IT. My sincere condolences to you and your family.
He did not donate every dime. That would include all royalties in perpetuity. The myth of his donation lives on as much as the name being gichi-gumee. It's gichi-gami. Close but not 100% accurate. Still amazing. But such acts of chariy don't need to be exaggerated for effect.
This is untrue. Although he set up a scholarship fund for the children of the sailors and remained close to the families throughout his life, he did not donate all royalties.
a standout line in a great song. Having been in some heavy seas myself including an actual hurricane (Well typhoon, it was in the Pacific) the minutes do turn to hours as it gets rougher you get more and more people getting motion sickness, but when it get really rough no one is sick. Every one is in "Oh shit. Things could go sideways in a hurry mode" in a literal sense even. was rolling at near 60 degrees off true. We were pushing our capsize point. We turned then ship directly into the wind and spun the engines to full power. It was a rough ride but it kept us from rolling over in the 40+ foot swells. one of those catch you wrong with the wind at your side, and you are going swimming. Not something you really want to be doing when the nearest land is about 1000 nautical miles away.
@@Snipergoat1 yeah that is probably about the only paralyzing fear I have. Being on a ship and getting lost in the deep. Sharks, hunger, thirst, blistering sun. No possible way of escape. 😱😱
I was a young marine deployed aboard the USS Belleau Wood headed to the Philippines, when we went through a Typhoon. Being a radioman, my duty station was in a room on the ship that had a monitor showing CCTV looking toward the Bow. we were bungie corded into our stations because the Ship was being thrown about so badly. I remember looking up at the monitor and seeing waves break over the flight deck and wash back to the island. Realizing that a ship the size of a WW2 aircraft carrier was half underwater as I was watching from within was absolutely chilling. Being a son of Michigan, I've heard this song since I was a boy, but ever since that day on the Pacific, I've had a clearer understanding of the terror of those Sailors on the Edmund Fitzgerald...
Born and raised in Detroit and I remember when this happened. I was 8yrs old. The Mariners Church in Detroit rings the bell 30 times now in honor of the lives lost and for Gordon.
I'm a 78 year old retired Merchant Marine Captain. I've heard this song hundreds of times and I still tear-up each time. The Chippewa is an Indian tribe that live in the Great Lakes area. Gitchee Goomee is their traditional name for Lake Superior, which is where the Edmund Fitzgerald sank. The waters of Lake Superior stay cold all year. If a person drowns in Lake Superior they sink to the bottom of the lake, which is very deep, and don't resurface due to the icy water preserving them. Gordon Lightfoot, who passed away last year, gave all of the proceeds from this song to the families of those lost on the Edmund Fitzgerald. There is a memorial service for the 29 men lost that night and the bell rings 29 times. They now ring it 30 times to honor Gordon Lightfoot. There are cruise ships that serve the Great Lakes in the summertime. You may want to consider a cruise with your family. And, no, the ship's all stay in port for the winter. Great reaction. Thanks.
She went down on 14 November 1975 with all 29 souls. On 1 May 2023 after Gordon Lightfoot died, they rang the bell at the Mariner's Church 29 times plus 1 out of respect for Gordon memorializing the crew. He donated all the proceeds from this song to the families.
she went down on the 10th of november but otherwise yep R.I.P to those brave men that sat there enduring the storm for hours on end before their ship was finally swallowed up by the lake
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
Gordon L, John Denver, Cat Stevens, Jim Greco ,Song writers from the 70s where the best of painting stories in your soul Its like you can all most see feel and smell whats going on in that paticular place and time The 70s where a very good place and time for outstanding music .Heres proff
Gordon Lightfoot felt that the tragedy did not receive enough coverage, respect, and recognition ! He felt led to create this song in remembrance and respect of these men, so much so that he donated the Royalties to the families of the crew providing funds for scholarships and help to the families of the crew !!! When Gordon died the cathedral rang the bell an additional time in his memory and continues to do so !!! He was a good and great man !!!
He was appalled by the actions of the shipping company and its treatment of the families of the sailors by not giving out the amount of the total death benefits those families deserved
@@yaimavol Oh no. That's sad timing isn't it? I never heard Gordan live. I wish I had. The highlight of my 20s was spending my 24 b-day at Queen in Montreal, 1981. I could see the sweat on Freddie's brow! lol It was wonderful!
"Does anyone know where the love of God goes, when the waves turn the minutes to hours?" The lyrics in this song are some of the best ever written, imo.
The next couplet after is the clincher: "The searchers all say they'd have made Whitefish Bay if they put 15 more miles behind her." Had they left their final port half an hour earlier, they'd have made it home. 😢
@@piedmontish The love of God line is the money line for sure, but the cook personalizes the song. Was a great choice by Lightfoot to include a personal touch like that.
Can’t add much but Gordon Lightfoot started a scholarship fund at the mariners’ school as there were two young cadets aboard. Gordon Lightfoot stayed in touch with the families over the years and always stayed a few days after the annual memorial to visit with the families. He never advertised any of this. He apparently felt deeply about this.
Tears to my eyes, too. I didn’t know that. What a phenomenal honor for a “lowly” songwriter/performer. Please support independent songwriters/performers so the music stays human like this, instead of turning fully AI. It’s up to us to keep it alive.
The cargo ship, loaded with iron ore, was to travel from Duluth, MN/Superior, WI across Lake Superior (Gitchee Gumee) in early November 1975, which is the end of the shipping season across the Great Lakes. The storms came early, and the Edmund Fitzgerald sank before it could get safely through. Everyone died, the ship broke apart and went to the bottom of Lake Superior. They did find the ship, and retrieved the bell, which is rung every year. It wasn't really a hurricane as such, just a very early winter storm, and a tragedy. I grew up in northern Wisconsin, and I remember when this happened. Song never gets old for me.
One of the things this song does not touch on is the William Clay Ford and the Arthur M. Anderson. The Arthur M. Anderson was behind the Edmund Fitzgerald and was the last to speak to the Captain of the FItz. The William Clay Ford was the only ship willing to leave the safety of Whitefish Bay when the Coast Guard asked for assistance from any ship able to respond.
NOT JUST A STORY, A COMPLETELY TRUE STORY. A TRIBUTE, A EULOGY. Iron Ore freighter on LAKE SUPERIOR. The whole crew perished. Masterful storytelling as you noted.
Most people don't realize the the Great Lakes are really inland oceans. and Lake Superior is the largest of them all. the song is based on a true tragedy.
@@RobertBreedon-c3b Superior is much worse; only a couple of degrees above 0C or 32F, even in the summer, it is unswimmable. I just swam at Sandbanks in the Belleville area this summer at it was very pleasant temps wise.
I have such a strong connection to this song. I am a Chippewa member from the U.P. of Michigan and back in the day my Great grandfather was the lighthouse keeper at Whitefish Point Lighthouse. My Father loved this song and sang it at every karaoke night. I still listen to the tape he left me of him singing.. Im a blubbering mess but Thank you BP. I needed it. 😢❤
@sanoraray For the love of God, I am now crying AGAIN, for the umpteenth time today, thanks to this beautifully tragic song! Your story made me have to grab for my tissue box yet again, I'm picturing your father on a karaoke stage singing. It makes me smile through tears. 🥰🤧😭 I think I'll just leave the tissue box right here, handy... 🙄
Hello, fellow "Soo" tribal member! I'm from the top o' the lake area of Lake Michigan, but live down below now. My grandfather & uncles were tribal fishermen. This song always makes me emotional. It was released in '76, the same summer my ex-hubby went into the Air Force and we were stationed out west. It instantly made us so hauntingly homesick for Michigan and the beautiful, fresh water, Great Lakes. To this day as soon as I get to the Bridge, where the wonderful aroma of the air from Lake Michigan and Lake Huron changes, I know I'm back to my homelands.
“Does anyone know where the Love of God goes, when the waves turn the minutes to hours?….” is one of the most heart wrenching, raw and real lyrics ever written. Chills every time.
Captain and Crew of the Edmund Fitzgerald..... RIP, We will never forget you. ❤ 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. 💔
@BarbaraABryant I grew up on the shore of Lake Ontario. I was a teen when this happened, and I remember the sorrow that the residents that live on the Great Lakes felt. It was almost like the Lakes were weeping. It moved me profoundly. I'm almost 70 now, but over all of these years, I have read and read about the wreck, and listened and listened to commentary about this event. In doing that, I came across this list of names many years ago and I wrote it all down in a notebook. With the advent of the computer, I typed the list into my computer. When I see reactions to the song, I copy and paste the list into the comments to honor those that lost their lives. So, the only homework I did was I preserved the list that I found all those years ago. Take care and be well. Peace.
As I recall the story, Lightfoot had to fight his record company, which didn't believe this would ever work as a single. But it did. And the unusual thing about the structure of the song is that there is no chorus, just verses. He wouldn't compromise, and that's why we have this great song. But Lightfoot has so many great songs. Unfortunately, reaction videos always focus on the same three or four songs (this one, Sundown, If You Could Read My Mind...). I'd love to see some of his other great ones done, like Black Day in July, Wherefore and Why, and my all-time favorite, the Canadian Railroad Trilogy. That one is a masterpiece.
Because of it's structure, length and even content, it was a song that should never have made it to radio, let alone be successful so I can understand the record company's reluctance. But as we all know, Mr. Lightfoot was right. The song's quiet, yet compelling, tone demands attention in a way few songs do and that made it the hit that it was. I remember being surprised to learn how long it actually was - it never seems long when listening to it. It also doesn't sound dated, at least I don't think it does and that "timeless" quality has allowed it to endure. The storytelling has also made it enduring - the word is overused but fitting in this case - its authentic. I've watched some other reactions and the reactors all get drawn in, just as the radio listeners back in the day did.
When Gordon died a few years ago, Bob Dylan said he was one of his favorites. He said he was the only singer to not put out any bad songs in his entire career.
"Does anyone know where the love of God goes when the waves turn the minutes to hours?" "All that remains are the faces and the names of the wives and the sons and the daughters." That's songwriting at it's best.
But beautiful as any ocean. My favorite spot is in Empire, MI standing on the top ridge of the Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes looking out onto the vastness if Lake Michigan. It takes your breath away every time.
As another excellent Canadian singer-songwriter sang, "Don't take the Lakes for granted/ They go from calm to a hundred knots so fast they seem enchanted.". Stan Rogers "White Squall".
Growing up in Michigan and being in Highschool at that time of the sinking, I remember the story and this song very strongly. The Great Lakes are huge and so are the storms on them. They look just like an ocean, you can't see land across them, but at least we don't get hurricanes or have sharks. Very beautiful lakes and part of the country.
Gordon Lightfoot was a Canadian Treasure who shared so much with us. He wrote songs of all types. I regret missing his last concert near me. "Sundown" "If You Could Read My Mind" "Beautiful" and "Rainy Day People" are 4 of his best, IMHO. RIP Brother Gordon. ❤
I was about 12 years old when this tragedy occurred on November 10 1975. I lived in a city called Ashtabula Ohio just east of Cleveland on lake Erie . I recall distinctly that it was all over the news for months afterward. When Mr Lightfoot released this song shortly after , you could not go to a sporting event or fair, or anywhere really without hearing this incredible song honoring the lost souls of this Maritime disaster on lake Superior . Every year , upon the anniversary they ring the bell in the Maritime church and museum in Detroit Michigan 29 times . One time for each lost soul on the Fitzgerald. Sadly we lost the incredible singer storyteller Gordon Lightfoot in 2023. That year and each year going forward they will ring the bell in the Maritime museum and cathedral 30 times. 29 for the crew of the Fitzgerald , and once for the amazing singer songwriter Mr Lightfoot who immortalized and honored the lost crew with his amazing and famous Ballad.
This is my wife's favorite song of his. This is a true story. She was a coast guard and they would gather in the morning for flags and then as soon as the ceremony would come to order they'd play this song so it means a lot to here
My husband was a wheelman on the ship Arthur M. Anderson that was out with the Fitz. The Anderson made it to Whitefish bay safely. The storm was horrendous with waves up to 35 feet. I get nauseated remembering.
My ancestors lived around Lake Superior. They were fisherman, lighthouse keepers and traders. Ojibwe, Cree and French on my mothers side - also called Metis. The Great Lakes are sacred to many families. I have relatives that died on that lake and were never recovered, but at the same time, it provided my ancestors their means to survive. Respect for it has been passed down to each generation. The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzerald was in honour of the men who lost their lives, but it also paid homage to The Great Lakes's life-changing power. He was able to encompass their haunting and tragic beauty, and aptly portray each lake with distinct personalities.
The Edmund Fitzgerald was a ship that went down in Lake Superior. The storms and Lake superior can be epic, and it was not a hurricane, but the winds can be extremely strong close to hurricane level
There is no significant geological feature between the north Pole and Lake Superior. Those North and Northwest winds come screaming down from the Arctic Circle with nothing to block or temper them. I have been on Superior in a kayak when the winds suddenly rose. We weren't too far from shore but the waves made it quite the adventure. I also was hiking on the ice to see the ice caves one year and those winds were constant and fierce.
From the he Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society (GLSHS) "Edmund Fitzgerald was lost with her entire crew of 29 men on Lake Superior November 10, 1975, 17 miles north-northwest of Whitefish Point, Michigan. Whitefish Point is the site of the Whitefish Point Light Station and Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum. The Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society (GLSHS) has conducted three underwater expeditions to the wreck, 1989, 1994, and 1995."
@armorer94 I grew up in the Nez Pierce. Small town of 700 people. My grandmother came from there and settled in Idaho. Growing up most of my family wanted to integrate which is great, but I lost the knowledge of our people because of that. My grandmother grew up with the school white washing her heritage. So I had to and still am learning more about my Tribe everyday.
For those not familiar - Lake Superior is the largest freshwater lake in the world by surface area and the third-largest by volume. It has a maximum depth of 1,333 ft (406 m) and an average depth of 483 ft (147 m), and contains 10% of the world's surface fresh water. The November storms bring hurricane winds and huge waves. The water is so cold that the bodies do not decompose. The ship and the bodies are still buried under the water. The only item retrieved was the ships bell.
When you listen to this, note the constant melody of the song. It's relentless nature. It serves to echo what happened on the lake that night, in two ways. You can imagine the ship, it's engines running constantly, trying to jog into the teeth of the storm, just as the melody and guitar work. Conversely, you can imagine it is the storm's relentless pounding on the ship, with determination to cause it harm. And in that battle, only one was going to win. The most haunting song of the 70's... perhaps ever. Thank you, Mr. Lightfoot. God rest.
They retrieved the bell and replaced it on the ship with a new bell that had all 29 names on it. Gordon Lightfoot died May 1, 2023, his name was added to the bell. When they chimed the church bell now it rings 30 times to remember Lightfoot.
Superior is called a lake, but is actually an inland sea. I was in high school when the Edmond Fitzgerald sank...we were all in shock. Such a terrible thing. When I heard this song, all I could do was sob. He did such an excellent job of putting this tragedy to words.
This song gives me chills every time and I remember when it first came out. He tells the story with absolute clarity. If you stand on the shore of Lake Superior you can visualize what a storm would be. If you put foot in the cold water, you can imagine how much colder it would be in a massive storm. Lake Superior never gives up her dead.
I have lived in Michigan my entire life & love the great lakes. I heard of the Edmund Fitzgerald when i was young & i always loved this song. I actually saw the Edmund Fitzgerald when it went through the soo locks a couple of years before it sank.
This is not the ocean this is the big Great Lakes! This happened in Lake Superior, a storm formed over the big lake and the winds were horrible! "Does anyone know where the love of God goes, when the waves turns the minutes to hours"? That line gets me every time even though I am not religious!
You nailed this reaction. Gordon was one of the best singer/storytellers and this song is one of the best written. He donated his earnings from the recording to the families of the men that died, staying in touch with them. One of the most haunting lyrics ever is this: Does any one know where the love of God goes, When the waves turn the minutes to hours? 🕯🕊
@@StuartistStudio1964Technically incorrectly written pronunciation of the name gitchi-gami (which is itself is anglicized) by Longfellow in the Song of Hiawatha. Chippewa is the anglicized name of the Ojibwe exonym.
@@StuartistStudio1964 Yes, I'm a member of the Sault Sainte Marie tribe and I had heard the English had problems pronouncing Ojibwe so they used the Chippewa pronunciation for the English. My Native family has been traced back to the late 1600's, 1700's. My grandfather was a member of an Ontario band of Chippewa and the Soo tribe had to certify his blood quantum, giving my mother 100% blood quantum.
@@suecook1326 Hi Sue, same here, same tribe. My grandfather was a tribal fisherman, my grandmother was born on Sugar Island. My mother was certified 100% blood quantum. They lived at the top of Lake Michigan. I miss them all. I've always loved this song.
i grew up listening to gordon lightfoot in the car with my dad...i can't listen to him without crying now...his voice is amazing and go my way is the one song i played when he passed...i was able to go sing it finally for my dad at his grave
Gordon Lightfoot is undoubtedly one of the best songwriters in history and this is probably his ultimate achievement. Putting a moment of history to music, purely bard level. If you have not yet visited one of the great lakes you should make it a trip someday. Especially Lake Superior - basically an inland sea with weather of its own. This story haunts me. I still hope, even at my age to some day visit the museum. You will enjoy his music should you choose to look further. A master storyteller.
Most people don’t know that when storms come up on the lakes, they should rush to land. These lakes are so large that they seem like oceans. Lake Michigan and Lake Superior are so cold that swimming is only for the hardy. My cousin, his wife, and another couple went fishing on Lake Huron. A storm developed, and they all drowned. Their bodies were eventually found, but in Lakes Superior and Michigan, bodies do not decompose and sink to the bottom.
This is untrue. Although he set up a scholarship fund for the children of the sailors and remained close to the families throughout his life, he did not donate all royalties.
Thank you for this. I grew up on the south west shore of lake Ontario, I was 10 when when the Edmund Fitzgerald sunk. The song and story were a constant on the radio for years. It was was fading from memory so thanks again for bringing it back to me. Gordon light foot donated all proceeds from the song to the families of the lost sailors.
Thank you for this one. No not a hurricane but a hurricane strength storm. The great lakes don't get hurricanes. More than likely a Nor'easter. Nor'easters can be as deadly as a hurricane.
When I saw this song performed in concert, the blue and green lighting they used shimmered like the band and Gordon swallowed by the water the ship sank in. I loved how he sang the entire song as an old-fashioned sea shanty. His back-up musicians were amazing. Thanks.
"On the shores of Gitche Gumee, On the shining Big-Sea-Water, Stood Nokomis, the old woman, Pointing with her finger westward, O'er the water pointing westward,...." The Song of Hiawatha " by Longfellow. Speaks of Lake Superior.....
I have heard this song a billions times over the last many decades and it still brings tears to my eyes for the men who lost their lives. I cannot imagine the horror of dying in a shipwreck.
I can barely listen to this to this song without crying. I remember the wreck. 1975. It was such a tragedy. This song played all over the radio stations. All of them.
Native Minnesotan here that has spent a lot of time on the shores of Lake Superior. There is special connection to this song seeing the lakers out on the lake and experience the fury of Lake Superiors waves. The Arthur Anderson was following the Edmund Fitzgerald but about 10 miles and would have passed right by where she went down. The Arthur Anderson is till sailing to this day and when she comes through the Duluth ship canal it has special significance.
I remember sitting cross-legged on the floor of my bedroom listening to this song on the radio in 1976 - I was in tears at the end. It was so hauntingly beautiful. Been a Gordon Lightfoot fan ever since.
I am 68 years old and love these old classics! Was a big Chicago fan(still am), but my love is Christian music! Why not give Russ Taff's I Need You a listen!
Gordon Lightfoot was my first and 2nd concert in my early life, not by choice at age 7 at Pine Knob. Nobody. Nobody could have done better to honor the crew and tell the story of The Edmund Fitzgerald. Always brings tears to my eyes when I hear Gordon sing this song.
I grew up in Port Huron, Michigan, and I turned ten years old in August of '75. My grandparents had me spend a couple weeks with them each summer in Marysville, adjacent to Port Huron on the St. Clair River, which separates the U.S. from Canada. We used to watch freighters passing up and downstream close enough to wave to crew receive one in return. The Fitzgerald was famous before she disappeared on Lake Superior. Gordon Lightfoot immortalized it with tribute. ❤
A great story, an excellent song and a beautiful tribute. When Gordon died, they rang the bell of the Edmund Fitzgerald 30 times in tribute. Iv lost Family and friends to the sea and it never gets easy, The grief. Sometimes it can hit you out of the blue as fresh as the day you lost them. Memorials help to soften the hurt as they let you see others grieving with you, even years and dicaeids later. R.I.P. Gordon, "Eternal Father, strong to save, Whose arm hath bound the restless wave, Who bid'st the mighty ocean deep Its own appointed limits keep; O hear us when we cry to Thee, For those in peril on the sea". Bless and be well all.
In the song, Chippewa is referring to the native Americans in the area, Gitchy Goomy is their name for Lake Superior. The ship didn't actually get stuck in a hurricane, but in a storm that resembled one. The wreck happened on Lake Superior. Lake Superior is also the deepest Great Lakes, which is where the line about never gives up her Dead comes from. Body sink and then never surface. This is definitely a song that is worth a revisit after you read about the shipwreck and everything involved. Once you understand all that, you will understand the genius songwriting of Gordon Lightfoot.
Beautiful and haunting. I think this song will stand forever as an indelible tribute to the captain and crew of the Edmond Fitzgerald. Thank you so much for this - keeping the memories of them alive. This song did nothing more or less than improve the world.
This was such a popular song by Gordon, but one just as good but not so sad, is Canadian Railroad Trilogy, that is a historic song of Canada he wrote for our centenial year of 1967.... it makes all Canadians very proud...
I am so fortunate that I get to go to Lake Superior often. It is the largest lake in the world. It is so beyond anything people can imagine. It is gorgeous, dangerous, and wild. It must be respected.
Gordon is considered one of the greatest songwriters ever, always a true storyteller and he really was a tour de force here. The research he did and the respect he showed to both the sailors and their family while writing this song is immeasurable, and one of the many reasons this song is so loved. It brings many a lump in their throat or to tears every single time they hear it. A beautiful song and a beautiful tribute, and a reason they added one extra ring of the bell the year Gordon passed. Hopefully they continue to do it every year going forward...
I lived outside Detroit in 75’. My mom had always taken us down to the Detroit River to see the ships and wave at the men, and yes, we saw the Edmond Fitzgerald. Months later…November 10, 1975, it came across the bottom of our TV screen that she sank in Lake Superior. Tears were shed that day, and every day since. They still hold services for her in The Mariner’s Church to this day.
This song shows that our industry, commerse, everything that makes america great is built on the backs of brave men and women who risk danger, so others can sit on their couches enjoying the things created by the hard workers.
Canada's most influential music writer performer story teller and great man❤🇨🇦 Gordon wrote a huge catalogue many performed by other artists like Elvis this song winning a Grammy!
I'm so glad you covered a little bit of Gordon Lightfoot! He's one of the greatest singer/songwriters of all time. Yes, the song was a hit on regular radio.😊
“Does anyone know where the love of God goes when the waves turn the minutes to hours?” Truer words have never been spoken. I have raced sailboats for 40 years in the Great Lakes having raced 34 Port Huron to Mackinaw Island. In 1985 a huge storm covered the nearly 300 boat fleet. I was on a 34 foot boat near the Duck Islands slamming into 15 foot waves all night. Definitely one of the longest nights of my life! Only 100 boats finished and 1 boat sank. The crew was rescued by another competitor. The wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald happened in Lake Superior. It never gets warm even in the summer. If one goes in the water offshore you’re a goner. That’s the reason for the description of Superiors ice water mansions.
To clarify the lyric "in the face of a hurricane west wind", it wasn't that there was an actual hurricane on Lake Superior as hurricanes/typhoons are oceanic tropical storms. It's that the wind coming out of the west that night gusted up to the speed of about 80 or 81 miles per hour. The low limit for the winds of a hurricane is 75 mph; it's the point where a gale force wind ("the gales of November") becomes "hurricane strength". I remember the news coverage and how scared we ALL were waiting to find out if they were safe or not...and how horrible we all felt when the news that the ship had been lost with all hands...we all grieved with and for the families who lost their loved ones in that storm. It's something that all of us in Michigan alive at the time remember.
The northern part of Minnesota is known as the "iron range" and it is where much of the iron ore comes from. Duluth is a major port and Minnesota has "the north shore" (of Lake Superior). Right across the bridge from Duluth, is Superior Wisconsin and Wisconsin has the south shore of Lake Superior. It says in the song that the ship left from "some mill in Wisconsin" so, they left from the southern shore of Lake Superior.
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The Chippewa are a native tribe and Lake Gitchie Gumee is an Ojibwe native name for Lake Superior. This is a true story about the ship The Edmond Fitzgerald and its crew of 29 who were lost to the bottom of the lake during a huge storm. All proceeds from this recording were donated to the victims families. This shipwreck was truly a tragedy and the way Gordon sings this song has a haunting and solemn sound to it. Thank you for this one.
The Ojibwa ARE the Chippewa. Chippewa is just the Anglicized name but is the most commonly used among both Indians and whites. They are the most populous group of Native Americans/First Nations in the Superior area and are divided into bands. The US has 125 bands and Canada has over 130 bands.
And the name is gitchi-gami. Gitchi gumee is incorrect, and comes from Longfellow's The Song of Hiawatha . And it wasn't ALL proceeds but rather a large portion. But all would mean all the residual royalties which were not included. Still amazing but just want to clarify.
Every time I hear this song I think of the Song of Hiawatha. This is why.
Been listening to this song for decades. I cry every single time. I have to be careful when I’m driving. 😢
@@mitchchartrand Michigander here and actually you are incorrect, "Lake Superior is known as Gitche Gumee, which is an Ojibwe word that means "Great Sea". It is the largest and deepest of the Great Lakes and the world's largest lake by surface area." I have the album (vinyl) and the lyrics also are "Gitche Gumee." Gitche-Gamie is an 88-mile multi-use recreational trail in Minnesota that runs along the North Shore of Lake Superior. Please double-check your facts before publishing misinformation.
My uncle Oliver went down with the Fitz. I was too young to remember him, but my parents told us about him. Thanks for reviewing this song.
May your uncle’s memory stand for all those who did not have the fortune of a song to memorialize them. Thanks for your comment.
When I was 20 y/o .. I got a job working on a fish processor in 1984. I left WA state early morning of April 15th and landed in Juno, Alaska just a few short hours later. Myself and about a dozen more new employees were loaded onto a skiff [small motor boat] and taken out into the bay where a 354 ft fish processor was anchored. Thirty days into the job, I was promoted to supervising the off-loading deck. This promotion took me from hourly wage to salary and from 16 hr shifts down to 12 hrs. This was a very important position because I was responsible for the fishermen's livelihood. The tenders would fish for salmon until capacity then bring the product to the processor to be processed, packaged and then off-loaded to a large cargo freezer [Japanese or Korean] anchored next to us. I would have to load/lift twelve 100 lb boxes of frozen salmon onto the pallet and hook it to their crane. I had to make sure that the stamped lot codes on the boxes matched the tender that the fish came from. If this got screwed up .. oh boy! There was no where for me to run & hide. Luckily I could read, write and count 😎.
In the 6 months out in the Behring Sea, I saw many icebergs, ice beds, a few rogue waves and experienced 35-40 ft swells. We were the 'needle in a haystack'. I've never felt so vulnerable in my life as I did then. We were as far North as Nome, Alaska. Had something serious happened to the ship, Russia would have reached us before our search and rescue.
Your uncle was a very brave man. NO DOUBT ABOUT IT. My sincere condolences to you and your family.
One of the 29. 🙏🏻
That's hardcore
RIP to your uncle. The men that perished will not be forgotten due to this song
He donated every dime of royalties to the families of the victims' families
I didn't know this. That was awesome.
Just one of the reasons Canadians truly adore the man, besides his immense talent.
That IS SO LOVING Just like the BEE GEES Did some thing very close to this with their song TO MUCH HEAVEN 3 YEARS LATTER IN 1978
He did not donate every dime. That would include all royalties in perpetuity. The myth of his donation lives on as much as the name being gichi-gumee. It's gichi-gami. Close but not 100% accurate. Still amazing. But such acts of chariy don't need to be exaggerated for effect.
This is untrue. Although he set up a scholarship fund for the children of the sailors and remained close to the families throughout his life, he did not donate all royalties.
"Does anyone know where the love of god goes when the waves turn the minutes to hours?" Such a haunting line.
a standout line in a great song. Having been in some heavy seas myself including an actual hurricane (Well typhoon, it was in the Pacific) the minutes do turn to hours as it gets rougher you get more and more people getting motion sickness, but when it get really rough no one is sick. Every one is in "Oh shit. Things could go sideways in a hurry mode" in a literal sense even. was rolling at near 60 degrees off true. We were pushing our capsize point. We turned then ship directly into the wind and spun the engines to full power. It was a rough ride but it kept us from rolling over in the 40+ foot swells. one of those catch you wrong with the wind at your side, and you are going swimming. Not something you really want to be doing when the nearest land is about 1000 nautical miles away.
@@Snipergoat1 yeah that is probably about the only paralyzing fear I have. Being on a ship and getting lost in the deep. Sharks, hunger, thirst, blistering sun. No possible way of escape. 😱😱
I was a young marine deployed aboard the USS Belleau Wood headed to the Philippines, when we went through a Typhoon. Being a radioman, my duty station was in a room on the ship that had a monitor showing CCTV looking toward the Bow. we were bungie corded into our stations because the Ship was being thrown about so badly. I remember looking up at the monitor and seeing waves break over the flight deck and wash back to the island. Realizing that a ship the size of a WW2 aircraft carrier was half underwater as I was watching from within was absolutely chilling.
Being a son of Michigan, I've heard this song since I was a boy, but ever since that day on the Pacific, I've had a clearer understanding of the terror of those Sailors on the Edmund Fitzgerald...
@@raycoble5246Typhoon Cobra. I bet you were seasick for DAYS afterwards, lol. Thank you for your service.
The hairs rise all over your body to hear that line because you know it is so true. God bless them all and may they rest in peace.
Born and raised in Detroit and I remember when this happened. I was 8yrs old. The Mariners Church in Detroit rings the bell 30 times now in honor of the lives lost and for Gordon.
I grew up in Ypsilanti. I remember. This song always gives me goosebumps.
what an honor to Gordon.
I'm a 78 year old retired Merchant Marine Captain. I've heard this song hundreds of times and I still tear-up each time.
The Chippewa is an Indian tribe that live in the Great Lakes area. Gitchee Goomee is their traditional name for Lake Superior, which is where the Edmund Fitzgerald sank.
The waters of Lake Superior stay cold all year. If a person drowns in Lake Superior they sink to the bottom of the lake, which is very deep, and don't resurface due to the icy water preserving them.
Gordon Lightfoot, who passed away last year, gave all of the proceeds from this song to the families of those lost on the Edmund Fitzgerald.
There is a memorial service for the 29 men lost that night and the bell rings 29 times.
They now ring it 30 times to honor Gordon Lightfoot.
There are cruise ships that serve the Great Lakes in the summertime. You may want to consider a cruise with your family.
And, no, the ship's all stay in port for the winter.
Great reaction. Thanks.
Also born and raised in Detroit and remember it all
Grand Rapids - In the Great Lakes this was big news.
She went down on 14 November 1975 with all 29 souls.
On 1 May 2023 after Gordon Lightfoot died, they rang the bell at the Mariner's Church 29 times plus 1 out of respect for Gordon memorializing the crew. He donated all the proceeds from this song to the families.
she went down on the 10th of november but otherwise yep R.I.P to those brave men that sat there enduring the storm for hours on end before their ship was finally swallowed up by the lake
@@IStoleUrToast-v69 Yup, I was born on the 10th in 1977 and that's something I got to hear every morning on the radio was the fitz sinking
Not the 14th. She went down on the 10th of November 1975. I remember when it happened.
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
Respect to you for acknowledging these men individually.
Thank you for listing their names. May God rest their souls and comfort all those they left behind.
I tear up everytime. Everytime.😢
🙏
Omg - 14 of them were buckeyes. I never knew that. Thank you for sharing this
"Gordon" is one of the National Treasures of Canada! This is a True Story!
Absolutely. RIP Mr. Lightfoot.
In honor of Gordon Lightfoot they rang the bells 30 times.
❤❤❤
Gordon L, John Denver, Cat Stevens, Jim Greco ,Song writers from the 70s where the best of painting stories in your soul Its like you can all most see feel and smell whats going on in that paticular place and time The 70s where a very good place and time for outstanding music .Heres proff
I know that was beautiful 🔔
@@theodoreritola7641 Not familiar with Jim Greco, I have research to do.
Very fitting tribute
This is may be the most eerie and haunting popular song ever written. The man was a master lyricist. And the music is just perfect.
Gordon Lightfoot felt that the tragedy did not receive enough coverage, respect, and recognition ! He felt led to create this song in remembrance and respect of these men, so much so that he donated the Royalties to the families of the crew providing funds for scholarships and help to the families of the crew !!! When Gordon died the cathedral rang the bell an additional time in his memory and continues to do so !!! He was a good and great man !!!
That was something that always made me really respect Gordon Lightfoot. He did what he could to help the families left behind.
I agree with you guys. How special is this song, and even more so the class of a man like Gordon! RIP
I did not know that he donated all the royalties. That's fantastic. Makes me like his music even more.
He was appalled by the actions of the shipping company and its treatment of the families of the sailors by not giving out the amount of the total death benefits those families deserved
"Fellas, it's been good to know ya" Oooof, one of the toughest lines ever written. Makes me cry every time.
That's the one that gets me
I'm Canadian and Gordan Lightfoot is by far one of the best songwriters and singers Canada has ever produced. RIP Mr. Lightfoot.
If it wasnt for Neil Peart, he might be the best songwriter...
@@Spo-Dee-O-Dee She's a hellva writer as well! These names are dating us!! LOL
I had tickets to see him in Montreal and then Covid hit. Never got the chance again.
@@yaimavol Oh no. That's sad timing isn't it? I never heard Gordan live. I wish I had. The highlight of my 20s was spending my 24 b-day at Queen in Montreal, 1981. I could see the sweat on Freddie's brow! lol It was wonderful!
❤
Lightfoot was one of the greatest storytellers in all of music. RIP.
Don Quixote is a masterpiece.
In case you didn't know, Lake Superior is so cold and deep that the bodies that die there NEVER rise due to the lack of bacteria in the cold water.
I did not know that!......
"Never gives up her dead"
so its literally a watery grave, an ice water morgue if you will.
Close, it's the bacteria in the body that causes it to fill with gasses and float to the surface
@@stpoochiewhich the cold water doesn’t allow the bacteria to grow
This song is such a great example of how beautifully language can paint a picture.
"Does anyone know where the love of God goes, when the waves turn the minutes to hours?"
The lyrics in this song are some of the best ever written, imo.
Those lyrics are on Gut-Punch level.
My fave line in this song for the feeling it evokes
The Cook’s statement Always gets me!
The next couplet after is the clincher: "The searchers all say they'd have made Whitefish Bay if they put 15 more miles behind her."
Had they left their final port half an hour earlier, they'd have made it home. 😢
@@piedmontish The love of God line is the money line for sure, but the cook personalizes the song. Was a great choice by Lightfoot to include a personal touch like that.
Can’t add much but Gordon Lightfoot started a scholarship fund at the mariners’ school as there were two young cadets aboard. Gordon Lightfoot stayed in touch with the families over the years and always stayed a few days after the annual memorial to visit with the families. He never advertised any of this. He apparently felt deeply about this.
whats awesome and sad the Mariners Church honored him when he passed by ringing the bell 29 times and 1 (30 times) for him when he passed away.
That brought tears to my eyes
@@subwaygoddess1 Mine too.
Tears to my eyes, too. I didn’t know that. What a phenomenal honor for a “lowly” songwriter/performer. Please support independent songwriters/performers so the music stays human like this, instead of turning fully AI. It’s up to us to keep it alive.
@subwaygoddess1 Mine too.
I heard or read something about when they raised the ship's bell, when it broke the surface a cloud of butterflies suddenly appeared.
The cargo ship, loaded with iron ore, was to travel from Duluth, MN/Superior, WI across Lake Superior (Gitchee Gumee) in early November 1975, which is the end of the shipping season across the Great Lakes. The storms came early, and the Edmund Fitzgerald sank before it could get safely through. Everyone died, the ship broke apart and went to the bottom of Lake Superior. They did find the ship, and retrieved the bell, which is rung every year. It wasn't really a hurricane as such, just a very early winter storm, and a tragedy. I grew up in northern Wisconsin, and I remember when this happened. Song never gets old for me.
One of the things this song does not touch on is the William Clay Ford and the Arthur M. Anderson. The Arthur M. Anderson was behind the Edmund Fitzgerald and was the last to speak to the Captain of the FItz. The William Clay Ford was the only ship willing to leave the safety of Whitefish Bay when the Coast Guard asked for assistance from any ship able to respond.
NOT JUST A STORY, A COMPLETELY TRUE STORY. A TRIBUTE, A EULOGY. Iron Ore freighter on LAKE SUPERIOR. The whole crew perished. Masterful storytelling as you noted.
Most people don't realize the the Great Lakes are really inland oceans. and Lake Superior is the largest of them all. the song is based on a true tragedy.
Yep I grew up on the Shores or Lake Ontario you play with lakes
@@RobertBreedon-c3b Superior is much worse; only a couple of degrees above 0C or 32F, even in the summer, it is unswimmable. I just swam at Sandbanks in the Belleville area this summer at it was very pleasant temps wise.
The great lakes of Michigan are beautiful. The coastal drive is remarkable. Better than any Ocean
I have such a strong connection to this song. I am a Chippewa member from the U.P. of Michigan and back in the day my Great grandfather was the lighthouse keeper at Whitefish Point Lighthouse. My Father loved this song and sang it at every karaoke night. I still listen to the tape he left me of him singing.. Im a blubbering mess but Thank you BP. I needed it. 😢❤
Thanks for this story 🎉❤😊
Thank you for your memories!
I would love to hear this.
@sanoraray For the love of God, I am now crying AGAIN, for the umpteenth time today, thanks to this beautifully tragic song! Your story made me have to grab for my tissue box yet again, I'm picturing your father on a karaoke stage singing. It makes me smile through tears. 🥰🤧😭 I think I'll just leave the tissue box right here, handy... 🙄
Hello, fellow "Soo" tribal member! I'm from the top o' the lake area of Lake Michigan, but live down below now. My grandfather & uncles were tribal fishermen. This song always makes me emotional. It was released in '76, the same summer my ex-hubby went into the Air Force and we were stationed out west. It instantly made us so hauntingly homesick for Michigan and the beautiful, fresh water, Great Lakes. To this day as soon as I get to the Bridge, where the wonderful aroma of the air from Lake Michigan and Lake Huron changes, I know I'm back to my homelands.
One of the greatest musical story telling songs of all time.
“Does anyone know where the Love of God goes, when the waves turn the minutes to hours?….” is one of the most heart wrenching, raw and real lyrics ever written. Chills every time.
Gordon's lyrics are straight up what happened. Really amazing.
Captain and Crew of the Edmund Fitzgerald..... RIP, We will never forget you. ❤
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. 💔
Such a great description of all these lost souls. My Great Aunt knew 3rd Mate Michael Armogast, and was from Iron River, WI.
Thank you for your time compiling and sharing this list!
Ty for sharing this post. ❤
Wow! You sure did your homework!
@BarbaraABryant I grew up on the shore of Lake Ontario. I was a teen when this happened, and I remember the sorrow that the residents that live on the Great Lakes felt. It was almost like the Lakes were weeping. It moved me profoundly. I'm almost 70 now, but over all of these years, I have read and read about the wreck, and listened and listened to commentary about this event. In doing that, I came across this list of names many years ago and I wrote it all down in a notebook. With the advent of the computer, I typed the list into my computer. When I see reactions to the song, I copy and paste the list into the comments to honor those that lost their lives. So, the only homework I did was I preserved the list that I found all those years ago. Take care and be well. Peace.
As I recall the story, Lightfoot had to fight his record company, which didn't believe this would ever work as a single. But it did. And the unusual thing about the structure of the song is that there is no chorus, just verses. He wouldn't compromise, and that's why we have this great song. But Lightfoot has so many great songs. Unfortunately, reaction videos always focus on the same three or four songs (this one, Sundown, If You Could Read My Mind...). I'd love to see some of his other great ones done, like Black Day in July, Wherefore and Why, and my all-time favorite, the Canadian Railroad Trilogy. That one is a masterpiece.
Because of it's structure, length and even content, it was a song that should never have made it to radio, let alone be successful so I can understand the record company's reluctance. But as we all know, Mr. Lightfoot was right. The song's quiet, yet compelling, tone demands attention in a way few songs do and that made it the hit that it was. I remember being surprised to learn how long it actually was - it never seems long when listening to it. It also doesn't sound dated, at least I don't think it does and that "timeless" quality has allowed it to endure. The storytelling has also made it enduring - the word is overused but fitting in this case - its authentic. I've watched some other reactions and the reactors all get drawn in, just as the radio listeners back in the day did.
When Gordon died a few years ago, Bob Dylan said he was one of his favorites. He said he was the only singer to not put out any bad songs in his entire career.
I agree he’s never put out a bad song but I don’t think Van Morrison ever did either. Bobby Caldwell and a few others may fall on that list too.
I think he actually died only last year in May 2023.
You buried him a couple years early😊
He died just a year ago
Bad and good songs are matter of opinion. 😊
I think Dylan said something to the effect that he never wanted a Lightfoot song to end.
We are proud of our Gordon Lightfoot 🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦
"Does anyone know where the love of God goes when the waves turn the minutes to hours?" "All that remains are the faces and the names of the wives and the sons and the daughters." That's songwriting at it's best.
Lightfoot knows how to write a song!!!
I really like his songs. Sundown is my favorite.
The Great Lakes are like Oceans...never to be taken for granted and respected.
But beautiful as any ocean. My favorite spot is in Empire, MI standing on the top ridge of the Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes looking out onto the vastness if Lake Michigan. It takes your breath away every time.
@objectiveobserver4278 I agree! ❤️🤍💙🇺🇲
Agree! I now live in NC but grew up in IN. The closest I’ve come to drowning was in Lake Michigan.
As another excellent Canadian singer-songwriter sang, "Don't take the Lakes for granted/ They go from calm to a hundred knots so fast they seem enchanted.". Stan Rogers "White Squall".
The best written lyrics in the last century. The man was a bard.
Thank you for taking my request! This song means a lot to us Michiganders.
True that
I always cry!
And to us Canadians.
Even growing up in Minnesota we were told about this tragedy and it stays with you.
Growing up in Michigan and being in Highschool at that time of the sinking, I remember the story and this song very strongly. The Great Lakes are huge and so are the storms on them. They look just like an ocean, you can't see land across them, but at least we don't get hurricanes or have sharks. Very beautiful lakes and part of the country.
Gordon Lightfoot was a Canadian Treasure who shared so much with us. He wrote songs of all types. I regret missing his last concert near me. "Sundown" "If You Could Read My Mind" "Beautiful" and "Rainy Day People" are 4 of his best, IMHO. RIP Brother Gordon. ❤
I've always felt this song is damned near a documentary it is so descriptive.
I was about 12 years old when this tragedy occurred on November 10 1975. I lived in a city called Ashtabula Ohio just east of Cleveland on lake Erie . I recall distinctly that it was all over the news for months afterward.
When Mr Lightfoot released this song shortly after , you could not go to a sporting event or fair, or anywhere really without hearing this incredible song honoring the lost souls of this Maritime disaster on lake Superior .
Every year , upon the anniversary they ring the bell in the Maritime church and museum in Detroit Michigan 29 times . One time for each lost soul on the Fitzgerald.
Sadly we lost the incredible singer storyteller Gordon Lightfoot in 2023.
That year and each year going forward they will ring the bell in the Maritime museum and cathedral 30 times. 29 for the crew of the Fitzgerald , and once for the amazing singer songwriter Mr Lightfoot who immortalized and honored the lost crew with his amazing and famous Ballad.
This is my wife's favorite song of his. This is a true story. She was a coast guard and they would gather in the morning for flags and then as soon as the ceremony would come to order they'd play this song so it means a lot to here
My husband was a wheelman on the ship Arthur M. Anderson that was out with the Fitz. The Anderson made it to Whitefish bay safely. The storm was horrendous with waves up to 35 feet. I get nauseated remembering.
Thank God he made it back safely.
I'm 60. I've heard this song many tims. It still gives me goosebumps.
I'm a few years younger than you , but it does the same to me as well.
My ancestors lived around Lake Superior. They were fisherman, lighthouse keepers and traders. Ojibwe, Cree and French on my mothers side - also called Metis. The Great Lakes are sacred to many families. I have relatives that died on that lake and were never recovered, but at the same time, it provided my ancestors their means to survive. Respect for it has been passed down to each generation. The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzerald was in honour of the men who lost their lives, but it also paid homage to The Great Lakes's life-changing power. He was able to encompass their haunting and tragic beauty, and aptly portray each lake with distinct personalities.
The Edmund Fitzgerald was a ship that went down in Lake Superior. The storms and Lake superior can be epic, and it was not a hurricane, but the winds can be extremely strong close to hurricane level
There is no significant geological feature between the north Pole and Lake Superior. Those North and Northwest winds come screaming down from the Arctic Circle with nothing to block or temper them. I have been on Superior in a kayak when the winds suddenly rose. We weren't too far from shore but the waves made it quite the adventure. I also was hiking on the ice to see the ice caves one year and those winds were constant and fierce.
A hurricaine wind is a sustained wind from a direction that sustains over 60 mph.
Lake Superior is an inland sea. I've fished by Stannord Rock lighthouse. Its 60 miles out. You see nothing around you. Absolutely huge.
The Fitz went down in the long fetch, and if you watch the waves on the canal at Duluth in an east wind, it’s terrifying.
@@rickc7673I’ve heard that description before “inland sea”. Would you please explain what it means. I hope to take a trip to Lake Superior one day.
He donated all proceeds to this song to the families of the sailors that passed away
Also asked their permission before he released it.
From the he Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society (GLSHS) "Edmund Fitzgerald was lost with her entire crew of 29 men on Lake Superior November 10, 1975, 17 miles north-northwest of Whitefish Point, Michigan. Whitefish Point is the site of the Whitefish Point Light Station and Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum. The Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society (GLSHS) has conducted three underwater expeditions to the wreck, 1989, 1994, and 1995."
Canada's eternal poet laureate. He was a master of his craft. RIP Gord...thanks for all the great tunes!
As a Chippewa Native, I have always loved this song. It's like hearing your name in song or a movie...I didn't know my people were well known...
For better or worse, Canada learned a great many things around our world and nation.
I was raised on the shores of Lake Huron. Your people are well known and well regarded around here.
@armorer94 I grew up in the Nez Pierce. Small town of 700 people. My grandmother came from there and settled in Idaho. Growing up most of my family wanted to integrate which is great, but I lost the knowledge of our people because of that. My grandmother grew up with the school white washing her heritage. So I had to and still am learning more about my Tribe everyday.
Such a respected songwriter. Heartfelt singer. Honored to see him live
When Gordon Lightfoot passed, The Cathedral he mentioned rang the bell 1 extra time for him! He is a poet and a hero.
They lite the lights at Split Rock Lighthouse as well in honor of his passing.
I don't even know how many times I've heard this song, but every time i do, i get a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes.
For those not familiar - Lake Superior is the largest freshwater lake in the world by surface area and the third-largest by volume. It has a maximum depth of 1,333 ft (406 m) and an average depth of 483 ft (147 m), and contains 10% of the world's surface fresh water. The November storms bring hurricane winds and huge waves. The water is so cold that the bodies do not decompose. The ship and the bodies are still buried under the water. The only item retrieved was the ships bell.
Great Canadian icon, Gordon Lightfoot will forever be remembered.
When you listen to this, note the constant melody of the song. It's relentless nature. It serves to echo
what happened on the lake that night, in two ways.
You can imagine the ship, it's engines running constantly, trying to jog into the teeth of the storm, just as the melody and guitar work.
Conversely, you can imagine it is the storm's relentless pounding on the ship, with determination to cause it harm.
And in that battle, only one was going to win.
The most haunting song of the 70's... perhaps ever.
Thank you, Mr. Lightfoot. God rest.
They retrieved the bell and replaced it on the ship with a new bell that had all 29 names on it. Gordon Lightfoot died May 1, 2023, his name was added to the bell. When they chimed the church bell now it rings 30 times to remember Lightfoot.
Superior is called a lake, but is actually an inland sea.
I was in high school when the Edmond Fitzgerald sank...we were all in shock. Such a terrible thing. When I heard this song, all I could do was sob. He did such an excellent job of putting this tragedy to words.
This song never fails to send chills up my spine and bring tears to my eyes. Gordon Lightfoot's voice was incredible.
Thank you for this one ,, Gordon Lightfoot was a real treasure and he could put a tragedy to music. The beauty of this song never gets old
This song gives me chills every time and I remember when it first came out. He tells the story with absolute clarity. If you stand on the shore of Lake Superior you can visualize what a storm would be. If you put foot in the cold water, you can imagine how much colder it would be in a massive storm. Lake Superior never gives up her dead.
I have lived in Michigan my entire life & love the great lakes. I heard of the Edmund Fitzgerald when i was young & i always loved this song. I actually saw the Edmund Fitzgerald when it went through the soo locks a couple of years before it sank.
This is not the ocean this is the big Great Lakes! This happened in Lake Superior, a storm formed over the big lake and the winds were horrible!
"Does anyone know where the love of God goes, when the waves turns the minutes to hours"? That line gets me every time even though I am not religious!
I'm 60 now and I still weep when I hear this song. My mother worked with him in Toronto before he took to singing.
You nailed this reaction. Gordon was one of the best singer/storytellers and this song is one of the best written. He donated his earnings from the recording to the families of the men that died, staying in touch with them. One of the most haunting lyrics ever is this: Does any one know where the love of God goes, When the waves turn the minutes to hours? 🕯🕊
The Chippewa are a tribe of Native Americans. It's the name of Lake Superior in Ojibwe
The Chippewa are the Ojibwe. Gitchigami is the Ojibwe word for Lake Superior. Gitchigumi is the Anglicized version of the word.
@@StuartistStudio1964Technically incorrectly written pronunciation of the name gitchi-gami (which is itself is anglicized) by Longfellow in the Song of Hiawatha. Chippewa is the anglicized name of the Ojibwe exonym.
@@StuartistStudio1964 Yes, I'm a member of the Sault Sainte Marie tribe and I had heard the English had problems pronouncing Ojibwe so they used the Chippewa pronunciation for the English. My Native family has been traced back to the late 1600's, 1700's. My grandfather was a member of an Ontario band of Chippewa and the Soo tribe had to certify his blood quantum, giving my mother 100% blood quantum.
@@suecook1326 Hi Sue, same here, same tribe. My grandfather was a tribal fisherman, my grandmother was born on Sugar Island. My mother was certified 100% blood quantum. They lived at the top of Lake Michigan. I miss them all. I've always loved this song.
Love this song. I get chills every time I hear it.
This song gives me the chills every time I hear it.
i grew up listening to gordon lightfoot in the car with my dad...i can't listen to him without crying now...his voice is amazing and go my way is the one song i played when he passed...i was able to go sing it finally for my dad at his grave
Gordon Lightfoot is undoubtedly one of the best songwriters in history and this is probably his ultimate achievement. Putting a moment of history to music, purely bard level. If you have not yet visited one of the great lakes you should make it a trip someday. Especially Lake Superior - basically an inland sea with weather of its own. This story haunts me. I still hope, even at my age to some day visit the museum. You will enjoy his music should you choose to look further. A master storyteller.
Most people don’t know that when storms come up on the lakes, they should rush to land. These lakes are so large that they seem like oceans. Lake Michigan and Lake Superior are so cold that swimming is only for the hardy.
My cousin, his wife, and another couple went fishing on Lake Huron. A storm developed, and they all drowned. Their bodies were eventually found, but in Lakes Superior and Michigan, bodies do not decompose and sink to the bottom.
He donated the monies from this song to the families of the crew.
He was a good man.
This is untrue. Although he set up a scholarship fund for the children of the sailors and remained close to the families throughout his life, he did not donate all royalties.
Thank you for this. I grew up on the south west shore of lake Ontario, I was 10 when when the Edmund Fitzgerald sunk. The song and story were a constant on the radio for years. It was was fading from memory so thanks again for bringing it back to me. Gordon light foot donated all proceeds from the song to the families of the lost sailors.
Thank you for this one. No not a hurricane but a hurricane strength storm. The great lakes don't get hurricanes. More than likely a Nor'easter. Nor'easters can be as deadly as a hurricane.
Exactly 💯. Well said
When I saw this song performed in concert, the blue and green lighting they used shimmered like the band and Gordon swallowed by the water the ship sank in. I loved how he sang the entire song as an old-fashioned sea shanty. His back-up musicians were amazing. Thanks.
Gordon was a Canadian treasure they generously shared with us in the lower 48
When Canada was still Canada, not the mess Trudeau has created.
"On the shores of Gitche Gumee, On the shining Big-Sea-Water, Stood Nokomis, the old woman, Pointing with her finger westward, O'er the water pointing westward,...." The Song of Hiawatha " by Longfellow. Speaks of Lake Superior.....
I have heard this song a billions times over the last many decades and it still brings tears to my eyes for the men who lost their lives. I cannot imagine the horror of dying in a shipwreck.
I can barely listen to this to this song without crying. I remember the wreck. 1975. It was such a tragedy. This song played all over the radio stations. All of them.
Native Minnesotan here that has spent a lot of time on the shores of Lake Superior. There is special connection to this song seeing the lakers out on the lake and experience the fury of Lake Superiors waves. The Arthur Anderson was following the Edmund Fitzgerald but about 10 miles and would have passed right by where she went down. The Arthur Anderson is till sailing to this day and when she comes through the Duluth ship canal it has special significance.
I remember sitting cross-legged on the floor of my bedroom listening to this song on the radio in 1976 - I was in tears at the end. It was so hauntingly beautiful. Been a Gordon Lightfoot fan ever since.
That’s right. It is so VERY descriptive. No one was ever able to write like Gordon Lightfoot. RIP
I am 68 years old and love these old classics! Was a big Chicago fan(still am), but my love is Christian music! Why not give Russ Taff's I Need You a listen!
Gordon Lightfoot was my first and 2nd concert in my early life, not by choice at age 7 at Pine Knob.
Nobody. Nobody could have done better to honor the crew and tell the story of The Edmund Fitzgerald. Always brings tears to my eyes when I hear Gordon sing this song.
I grew up in Port Huron, Michigan, and I turned ten years old in August of '75. My grandparents had me spend a couple weeks with them each summer in Marysville, adjacent to Port Huron on the St. Clair River, which separates the U.S. from Canada. We used to watch freighters passing up and downstream close enough to wave to crew receive one in return. The Fitzgerald was famous before she disappeared on Lake Superior. Gordon Lightfoot immortalized it with tribute. ❤
The world loves this song. I predict a high number of views. I love all of his music. Thank you.
A great story, an excellent song and a beautiful tribute. When Gordon died, they rang the bell of the Edmund Fitzgerald 30 times in tribute. Iv lost Family and friends to the sea and it never gets easy, The grief. Sometimes it can hit you out of the blue as fresh as the day you lost them. Memorials help to soften the hurt as they let you see others grieving with you, even years and dicaeids later. R.I.P. Gordon, "Eternal Father, strong to save, Whose arm hath bound the restless wave, Who bid'st the mighty ocean deep Its own appointed limits keep; O hear us when we cry to Thee, For those in peril on the sea". Bless and be well all.
In the song, Chippewa is referring to the native Americans in the area, Gitchy Goomy is their name for Lake Superior.
The ship didn't actually get stuck in a hurricane, but in a storm that resembled one. The wreck happened on Lake Superior. Lake Superior is also the deepest Great Lakes, which is where the line about never gives up her Dead comes from. Body sink and then never surface.
This is definitely a song that is worth a revisit after you read about the shipwreck and everything involved. Once you understand all that, you will understand the genius songwriting of Gordon Lightfoot.
Love Gordon's storytelling and his melodies were spot on and this song makes me cry every time.....
Beautiful and haunting. I think this song will stand forever as an indelible tribute to the captain and crew of the Edmond Fitzgerald. Thank you so much for this - keeping the memories of them alive. This song did nothing more or less than improve the world.
This was such a popular song by Gordon, but one just as good but not so sad, is Canadian Railroad Trilogy, that is a historic song of Canada he wrote for our centenial year of 1967.... it makes all Canadians very proud...
I am so fortunate that I get to go to Lake Superior often. It is the largest lake in the world. It is so beyond anything people can imagine. It is gorgeous, dangerous, and wild. It must be respected.
I remember moving from out west to Ontario - first time driving past Lake Superior was 10 hours - and this song in my head the entire time...
The Caspian Sea is actually the largest lake in the world, but Lake Superior is the largest in the United States.
Thought lake Michigan was bigger, No?
@@brendawydeven2934 No. Superior is bigger than Michigan.
@chrismorgan9153 wow! On atlas it looks smaller but it's really bigger. Wow!
This song gives me chills every time.
Gordon is considered one of the greatest songwriters ever, always a true storyteller and he really was a tour de force here. The research he did and the respect he showed to both the sailors and their family while writing this song is immeasurable, and one of the many reasons this song is so loved. It brings many a lump in their throat or to tears every single time they hear it. A beautiful song and a beautiful tribute, and a reason they added one extra ring of the bell the year Gordon passed. Hopefully they continue to do it every year going forward...
I lived outside Detroit in 75’. My mom had always taken us down to the Detroit River to see the ships and wave at the men, and yes, we saw the Edmond Fitzgerald. Months later…November 10, 1975, it came across the bottom of our TV screen that she sank in Lake Superior. Tears were shed that day, and every day since. They still hold services for her in The Mariner’s Church to this day.
This song shows that our industry, commerse, everything that makes america great is built on the backs of brave men and women who risk danger, so others can sit on their couches enjoying the things created by the hard workers.
Canada's most influential music writer performer story teller and great man❤🇨🇦
Gordon wrote a huge catalogue many performed by other artists like Elvis this song winning a Grammy!
He is Canadian royalty. One of the best singer songwriters ever. Try Sundown, If you can read my mind or Canadian Railway Trilogy.
I'm so glad you covered a little bit of Gordon Lightfoot! He's one of the greatest singer/songwriters of all time. Yes, the song was a hit on regular radio.😊
“Does anyone know where the love of God goes when the waves turn the minutes to hours?” Truer words have never been spoken.
I have raced sailboats for 40 years in the Great Lakes having raced 34 Port Huron to Mackinaw Island. In 1985 a huge storm covered the nearly 300 boat fleet. I was on a 34 foot boat near the Duck Islands slamming into 15 foot waves all night. Definitely one of the longest nights of my life! Only 100 boats finished and 1 boat sank. The crew was rescued by another competitor.
The wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald happened in Lake Superior. It never gets warm even in the summer. If one goes in the water offshore you’re a goner. That’s the reason for the description of Superiors ice water mansions.
One of the best lines ever written in any genre
To clarify the lyric "in the face of a hurricane west wind", it wasn't that there was an actual hurricane on Lake Superior as hurricanes/typhoons are oceanic tropical storms.
It's that the wind coming out of the west that night gusted up to the speed of about 80 or 81 miles per hour.
The low limit for the winds of a hurricane is 75 mph; it's the point where a gale force wind ("the gales of November") becomes "hurricane strength".
I remember the news coverage and how scared we ALL were waiting to find out if they were safe or not...and how horrible we all felt when the news that the ship had been lost with all hands...we all grieved with and for the families who lost their loved ones in that storm.
It's something that all of us in Michigan alive at the time remember.
The northern part of Minnesota is known as the "iron range" and it is where much of the iron ore comes from. Duluth is a major port and Minnesota has "the north shore" (of Lake Superior). Right across the bridge from Duluth, is Superior Wisconsin and Wisconsin has the south shore of Lake Superior. It says in the song that the ship left from "some mill in Wisconsin" so, they left from the southern shore of Lake Superior.
Gordon is such a great singer/songwriter. Please put more of Gordon’s songs. They are wonderful!!