Gordon Lightfoot Songs Ranked

Gordon Meredith Lightfoot Jr. (born November 17, 1938) is a Canadian singer-songwriter and guitarist who achieved international success in folk, folk-rock, and country music. He is credited with helping to define the folk-pop sound of the 1960s and 1970s. He is often referred to as Canada’s greatest songwriter and is known internationally as a folk-rock legend. Robbie Robertson of the Band described Lightfoot as “a national treasure”. Bob Dylan, also a Lightfoot fan, called him one of his favorite songwriters and, in an often-quoted tribute, Dylan observed that when he heard a Lightfoot song he wished “it would last forever”. Lightfoot was a featured musical performer at the opening ceremonies of the 1988 Winter Olympic Games in Calgary, Alberta. He received an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from Trent University in Spring 1979 and was made a Companion of the Order of Canada in May 2003. In November 1997, the Governor General’s Performing Arts Award, Canada’s highest honor in the performing arts, was bestowed on Lightfoot. On February 6, 2012, Lightfoot was presented with the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal by the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario. June of that year saw his induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. On June 6, 2015, Lightfoot received an honorary doctorate of music in his hometown of Orillia from Lakehead University. Here are all of Gordon Lightfoot songs ranked.

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15. Summertime Dream (Summertime Dream, 1976)

“Summertime dream is one of Gordon’s Lightfoot’s best album. It is also the crossover from acoustic to electric! Coming out in 1976 this album is the commercial zenith for his long career. It contains the hits Race Among the Ruins, Summertime Dream, Spanish Moss. If you love Gordon Lightfoot this is a must have album in your collection.”

14. Seven Island Suite (Sundown, 1974)

“It’s a song about the end of times. Not getting wrapped up in the material things of the world or putting all your trust in people, and stopping to consider what’s really important.”

13. Beautiful (Don Quixote 1972)

“One of the best love songs ever written, in my opinion. I saw him in Minneapolis a few years back and it was one of the quietest concerts I had ever been to. You could talk to the person next to you, no problem! Even while the music was going on! Great voice, great songwriter, I think Lightfoot might be the most underrated songwriter of all time.”

12. Home From the Forest (The Way I Feel, 1967)

“The superb “Home from the Forest”, about a down-on-his-luck old man’s last night on Earth, is one of a handful of songs that continue the folk music feel of his debut album.”

See more: Gordon Lightfoot Albums Ranked

11. Early Mornin’ Rain (Lightfoot!, 1966)

“When you can write a song that is covered by so many artists, including Elvis Presley, you know you’ve got a gem. All lovers of folk music will love this wonderful album of Gordon Lightfoot as he sings only the way he could sing. It is a real treat to listen to that wonderful voice again after many years.”

10. Bitter Green (Back Here on Earth, 1968)

“Great song by a great singer. I have always enjoyed his singing and this is no exception. Good song for your collection.”

9. Carefree Highway (Sundown, 1974)

“Very descriptive title. It’s a light, no-fucks-given sort of sing-along that often makes my current burden feel just a bit lighter. It is songs like this that set Gordon Lightfoot apart from most of the singer/songwriters of the 1970s. Most others wallow in self-pity and maudlin dreariness.”

8. The Watchman’s Gone (Sundown, 1974)

“The Watchman’s Gone” strikes just the right number of those notes, with bass lines like a book you can’t put down, chugging guitar and ethereal strings. This is definitely a nice, relaxing song. It sort helps melt away some tension.”

7. Don Quixote (Don Quixote, 1972)

“I always felt Don Quixote represented society’s attitude toward ideals like honour, justice, equality, etc; Basically, you have to be crazy to truly believe such nonsense. Gordon manages to extend this metaphor. Our more “progressive” society does lip service to some of the afore mentioned ideals, but only really cares about the appearance of such.”

6. Did She Mention My Name? (Did She Mention My Name?, 1968)

“When he was a crooner and trend setter, Lightfoot had a great touch– from the songs of the laborer (Bossman) to the songs of wistful thoughts (Did She Mention My Name), Gordon was a strong writer and singer. And two albums in one? Good stuff.”

See more: Doc Watson Albums Ranked

5. Song for a Winter’s Night (The Way I Feel, 1967)

“Great song by my favorite singer/songwriter of all time. Whenever I need to relax and let my mind drift, I reach for this specific song, though I would not call it my favorite of his. “

4. Sundown (Sundown, 1974)

“This is Gordon’s only #1 hit in the US, even though he had some others that got close. He has a distinctive voice and vibe — one of a sleepy old man murmuring threats or cheesy Hallmark greeting card phrases to inoffensive acoustic guitar melodies. “Sundown” is on classic rock radio a decent amount, and it fits within that space quite well. The “sundown, you better take care/if I find you been creeping around my back stairs” refrain is burned into the brains of anyone of a certain age and older. Truthfully, it’s a pretty good song about jealousy — the very vibe of the song hits so close to what that type of paranoia feels like in your bones. Break up with her, dude.

3. I’m Not Supposed to Care (Summertime Dream, 1976)

“… You’ve got places to go and people to see, still I’m gonna miss you…” The first time I heard the first two lines, I cried my eyes out. A beautiful song of friendship and is so personal to me.”

2. The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald (Summertime Dream, 1976)

“The story of a haunting event with an electric yet ethereal sound. This song stands above the typical beautiful Gordon Lightfoot songs.”

1. If You Could Read My Mind (Sit Down Young Stranger, 1970)

“So many great allusions, heartfelt lyrics. A bulls-eye hit on reality of heartbreak, a deep romantic love that just can’t workout to a happy ending. I enjoy Gordon Lightfoot music, especially this song his voice is easy on the ears…”