Contact Me
Tutorial Pricing: $3.25ea OR any 10 for $10
(use code "Any10410" at checkout)
Paid Requests for $25ea
(comes with any 8 freebies -> so 9 for $25)
100's Of Free Demos & Chord Sheets

Gordon Lightfoot Most Popular Songs
On The Acoustic

gordon lightfoot most popular songs

Here on my Gordon Lightfoot most popular songs page where you'll find a collection of demo covers, free pdf chord sheets, rhythm tips and more. If you require full lesson tutorials, they are also available for a small fee from the discount codes on the homepage.

Jump links to quickly access sections


Gordon Lightfoot Most Popular Songs
Pdf's, Chords, Demos, Tutorials

1. 14 Karat Gold

14 karat gold guitar lesson

14 Karat Gold is a folk-pop ballad written and performed by Gordon Lightfoot. It was released in 1982 as the opening track of his album "Shadows." The song showcases Lightfoot's signature storytelling style and heartfelt lyrics.

The lyrics of "14 Karat Gold" reflect on the transience and fragility of love and the desire for a lasting connection. Lightfoot compares the beauty and value of love to precious materials, such as gold, implying that true love is rare and valuable.

Musically, the song features Lightfoot's soothing vocals accompanied by acoustic guitar, soft piano, and subtle orchestration. It has a gentle, melodic quality that complements the introspective nature of the lyrics.

While "14 Karat Gold" may not be as widely recognized as some of Lightfoot's other hits, it is a reflective and poignant track that showcases his songwriting prowess and his ability to evoke emotion through his music.


The song was never released as a single.

  • Drop D Tuning: No
  • Capo: 2nd fret
  • Rhythm: down down up down up down up and repeat
  • Picking: No
  • Chords: G/A, A, E, C, D, Am, E7, F, Dm, G
Chords & Lyrics

 

Jump To Top

2. Alberta Bound

albertabound

Alberta Bound is one of Gordon Lightfoot's most popular and beloved songs. It was released in 1972 as part of his album "Don Quixote" but the song failed to chart.

"Alberta Bound" is a folk-rock song that pays tribute to the province of Alberta in Canada. The song reflects Lightfoot's love for the region and captures the spirit of the Canadian West. It has become an unofficial anthem for Alberta and is often associated with Canadian pride and nostalgia.

Lyrically, "Alberta Bound" paints a picture of the beauty and allure of Alberta's landscapes, its open spaces, and the sense of freedom it represents. The song speaks to the idea of returning to a place that holds a special significance in one's heart.

Musically, "Alberta Bound" features a catchy melody driven by acoustic guitar, backed by a lively rhythm section, and enhanced by Lightfoot's distinctive vocals. The song blends elements of folk and rock, showcasing Lightfoot's ability to create memorable melodies and engage listeners with his storytelling.

"Alberta Bound" has resonated with audiences both in Canada and around the world, becoming a staple in Gordon Lightfoot's live performances. It has become one of his signature songs and continues to be celebrated as a cherished piece of Canadian music.

  • Drop D Tuning: Yes
  • Capo: 2nd fret
  • Rhythm: root down up down up down up and repeat
  • Picking: Yes
  • Chords: D, G, A7
Chords & Lyrics

 

Jump To Top

3. Bitter Green

bitter green guitar lesson

Bitter Green is a folk-inspired ballad that showcases Lightfoot's storytelling abilities and lyrical prowess. The song explores themes of love, loss, and the passage of time. It tells the story of a young woman named Bitter Green, who is described as having a captivating and mysterious presence.

The lyrics of "Bitter Green" evoke a sense of longing and melancholy as Lightfoot reflects on the passing of time and the fleeting nature of beauty. The song paints a vivid picture of the protagonist's journey through life, using nature imagery and metaphors to convey the emotions and experiences.

Musically, "Bitter Green" features Lightfoot's signature fingerpicking style on the acoustic guitar, accompanied by subtle orchestration that enhances the emotional impact of the song. Lightfoot's warm and distinctive vocals further contribute to the song's evocative atmosphere.

While "Bitter Green" may not have achieved the same level of commercial success as some of Lightfoot's other hits, it is highly regarded among fans and showcases his talent for crafting poignant and introspective songs. The song reached #44 on the Canadian charts.

  • Drop D Tuning: Yes
  • Capo: 3rd fret
  • Rhythm: root down up down up down up and repeat
  • Picking: No
  • Chords: A6, A, D, D/Gb, G, A7, F, E

Chords & Lyrics

 

Jump To Top

4. Black Day In July

blackdayinjuly

Black Day In July is a song written and performed by Gordon Lightfoot. It was released in 1968 as a single and later included on his album "Did She Mention My Name?" The song is notable for its powerful and haunting depiction of the Detroit riot that took place on July 23, 1967. Here's some information about the song:

"Black Day in July" is a protest song that addresses the racially charged and violent events of the Detroit riot. The riot, which lasted for five days, was a response to longstanding racial tensions and inequalities in the city. The song aims to shed light on the social and political issues surrounding the event.

The song provides a vivid narrative of the riot, capturing the chaos, fear, and tragedy that unfolded during that period. Lightfoot's lyrics paint a harrowing picture of the violence and the impact it had on the community.

Musically, the song combines elements of folk and rock, featuring Lightfoot's acoustic guitar accompanied by electric guitar, drums, and bass. The driving rhythm and intense instrumentation serve to underscore the gravity of the subject matter.

"Black Day in July" became a controversial song due to its explicit commentary on the racial tensions and the government's response to the riot. It was banned from some radio stations at the time due to its politically charged content.

  • Drop D Tuning: No
  • Capo: 2nd fret
  • Rhythm: root down up down up down up and repeat
  • Picking: No
  • Chords: Em, D, G, C, Em/C#, Em/ C
Chords & Lyrics

 

Jump To Top Of Gordon Lightfoot Most Popular Songs

5. Carefree Highway

carefreehighway

"Carefree Highway" is a song created by Gordon Lightfoot and was the second single from his 1974 album, Sundown. This tune reached No. 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 and held the top spot on the Easy Listening chart for one week in October 1974.

The title of the song comes from a part of Arizona State Route 74 in north Phoenix. Lightfoot shared, "I thought it would make a good title for a song. I wrote it down, put it in my suitcase and it stayed there for eight months."

In the song, "Carefree Highway" is like a way of thinking where the singer wants to escape from thinking too much about a past relationship with a woman named Ann. Lightfoot revealed that Ann was the name of a woman he dated when he was 22 years old, describing it as one of those situations where you meet someone special who leaves a lasting impression and then says she's moving on.

  • Drop D Tuning: No
  • Capo: 2nd fret
  • Rhythm: down down up down up down up and repeat
  • Picking: a little in the rhythm
  • Chords: D, C, G, A7sus, A7, Gb, Bm, Bm/A, E7sus, E7
Chords & Lyrics


Full tutorial and demo lesson avail for $3.25
 

Jump To Top

6. Christian Island

christian island gordon lightfoot

Christian Island is a track from the album "Don Quixote" from1972.

The song was never released as a single.

  • Drop D Tuning: No
  • Capo: No
  • Rhythm: 1-2-3- up down up (with 1-2-3 being notes in the chord)
  • Picking: no just a few riffs
  • Chords: G, C, D
Chords & Lyrics

 

Jump To Top

7. Cotton Jenny

cotton jenny guitar lesson

Cotton Jenny can be found on Lightfoot's 1971 album "Summer Side Of Life". Anne Murray later recorded the song and made it a #1 hit in Canada and #11 in the US.

Lightfoot never released the song as a single.

  • Drop D Tuning: No
  • Capo: 2nd fret
  • Rhythm: root down up down up down up
  • Picking: No
  • Chords: G, C/G, C, D, D7, A7
Chords & Lyrics

 

Jump To Top

8. Did She Mention My Name

did she mention my name gordon lightfoot

Did She Mention My Name is not only the name of this song, but also the name of the 1968 album released by Gordon Lightfoot.

The song Black Day In July was the only single released from this album.

  • Drop D Tuning: No
  • Capo: No
  • Rhythm: root down up down up down up
  • Picking: Yes
  • Chords: G, C, D, D7, Em, A7
Chords & Lyrics

 

Jump To Top Of Gordon Lightfoot Most Popular Songs

9. Don Quixote

don quixote gordon lightfoot

Don Quixote is a track from the 1972 album of the same name. The song is about a book written in the 1600's with a fictional character with the name Don Quixote.

This song was never released as a single.

  • Drop D Tuning: No
  • Capo: 4th fret
  • Rhythm: root down up root up down up and repeat
  • Picking: a few riffs
  • Chords: G, C, D, C/G
Chords & Lyrics

 

Jump To Top Of Gordon Lightfoot Most Popular Songs

10. Early Morning Rain

early morning rain gordon lightfoot

Early Morning Rain is a very popular song from Lightfoot's 1965 debut album "Lightfoot" but was not chosen as a single. Ribbon Of Darkness was chosen instead.

It was re-recorded for the "Gord's Gold" album in1975. The song was written on a Rainy Day at the LA International Airport. Many artists have recorded this song including Elvis, Bob Dylan

and even Jerry Lee Lewis.

  • Drop D Tuning: No
  • Capo: 2nd fret
  • Rhythm: a steady down up down up shuffle
  • Picking: No
  • Chords: D, G, A
Chords & Lyrics

 

Jump To Top

11. For Lovin Me - Did She Mention My Name

for lovin me gordon lightfoot

For Lovin Me - Did She Mention My Name is a combo that Lightfoot starting doing in concerts. But the first song, For Loving Me is from his debut 1965 album "Lightfoot".

But it was never released as a single. Did She Mention My Name is from the 1967 album of the same name.

  • Drop D Tuning: No
  • Capo: 2nd fret
  • Rhythm: root down up down up down up
  • Picking: Yes
  • Chords: E, G, D, C, Em, A7, D7
Chords & Lyrics

 

Jump To Top

12. Hangdog Hotel Room

hangdog hotel room guitar lesson

Hangdog Hotel Room is a track from Lightfoot's 1978 album "Endless Wire" and has a rock n roll vibe to it which is a bit of a departure from his normal style.

The song was never released as a single.

  • Drop D Tuning: No
  • Capo: No
  • Rhythm: down up down up like a steady rock n roll rhythm
  • Picking: Yes
  • Chords: A, B, D, E, G
Chords & Lyrics

 

Jump To Top

13. If You Could Read My Mind

if you could read my mind gordon lightfoot

If You Could Read My Mind was the first #1 for Gordon Lightfoot in Canada and in the US when it was released in 1970.

The track can be found on the album, "Sit Down Young Stranger". The song inspiration came about from a divorce Lightfoot was going through at the time.

  • Drop D Tuning: No
  • Capo: 2nd fret
  • Rhythm: 1-2-3- up down up (with 1-2-3 being notes in the chord)
  • Picking: Yes
  • Chords: G,  Fmaj7, G7, C, D, Em, G6, Am7
Chords & Lyrics

 

Jump To Top Of Gordon Lightfoot Most Popular Songs

14. In My Fashion

in my fashion guitar lesson

In My Fashion is a track from the 1982 album "Shadows".

The song was never released as a single.

  • Drop D Tuning: No
  • Capo: 2nd fret
  • Rhythm: down down up down up down - down up down up down up and repeat
  • Picking: some riffs in the rhythm
  • Chords: E, Esus, B/E 
Chords & Lyrics

 

Jump To Top

15. Race Among The Ruins

race among the ruins gordon lightfoot

Race Among The Ruins was from the Summertime Dream album of 1976.

The song peaked as high as #11 in Canada and reached # 13 in the US.

  • Drop D Tuning: No
  • Capo: 2nd fret
  • Rhythm: down down up and repeat
  • Picking: a few riffs
  • Chords: D, A, G, F
Chords & Lyrics

 

Jump To Top

16. Rainy Day People

rainy day people guitar lesson

Rainy Day People was released in 1975 and was the only single from the album "Cold On The Shoulder".

The song peaked at #1 in both Canada and the US.

  • Drop D Tuning: No
  • Capo: 4th fret
  • Rhythm: root down up root up down up
  • Picking: Yes
  • Chords: D, G, C, Am
Chords & Lyrics

 

Jump To Top

17. Ribbon Of Darkness

ribbon of darkness gordon lightfoot

Ribbon Of Darkness was a single release back in 1965 from the album "Lightfoot". But his version did not chart. However, Marty Robbins released the single the same year and had a #1 country hits.

Connie Smith, Crystal Gayle and Bruce Cockburn have all done covers on the song.

  • Drop D Tuning: No
  • Capo: No
  • Rhythm: root down up down up down up
  • Picking: Yes
  • Chords: G, C, D, Am, D7
Chords & Lyrics

 

Jump To Top Of Gordon Lightfoot Most Popular Songs

18. Second Cup Of Coffee

second cup of coffee guitar lesson

Second Cup Of Coffee hails from the "Don Quixote" album from 1972.

This one was never released as a single.

  • Drop D Tuning: Yes
  • Capo: 2nd fret
  • Rhythm: root down up down up down up 
  • Picking: yes blended into the rhythm
  • Chords: D, G, A7, A/Db, Em
Chords & Lyrics

 

Jump To Top

19. Song For A Winters Night

song for a winters night gordon lightfoot

Song For A Winters Night hails from the 1967 album "The Way I Feel". The song was actually written in the summertime heat of Cleveland Ohio in 1967.

The song was never released as a single but was re-recorded for the late album "Gord's Gold" in 1975.

  • Drop D Tuning: No
  • Capo: 2nd fret
  • Rhythm: root down up down up down up 
  • Picking: a few riffs in the rhythm
  • Chords: G, F, C, D/Gb, Em, Bm, Am, D, B7
Chords & Lyrics

 

Jump To Top

20. Steel Rail Blues

steel rain blues gordon lightfoot

Steel Rain Blues is a track on the 1975 album Gords Gold, which was a compilation of many of great songs up until that point.

This song, like a few others, were recorded for this album as Lightfoot wasn't satisfied with the sound quality on some of these earlier recordings.

Chords & Lyrics

 

Jump To Top

21. Summer Side Of Life

summerside of life guitar lesson

Summer Side Of Life broke into the US charts at #98 back in 1971 and comes from the album of the same name.

In Canada the song peaked at #21 on one chart and #4 on another.

  • Drop D Tuning: No
  • Capo: 2nd fret
  • Rhythm: down down up down up down up down up down up down up down up  and repeat
  • Picking: Yes blended into the rhtyhm
  • Chords: C, F, G, Esus, Am, E
Chords & Lyrics

 

Jump To Top

22. Summertime Dream

summertime dream gordon lightfoot

Summertime Dream is a track from the 1976 album of the same name.

The song was never released as a single.

  • Drop D Tuning: No
  • Capo: No
  • Rhythm: root down root up down up and repeat
  • Picking: Yes
  • Chords: D, A, G, A7, Bm, A7sus
Chords & Lyrics

 

Jump To Top Of Gordon Lightfoot Most Popular Songs

23. Sundown

sundown guitar lesson

Sundown was Lightfoot's 2nd #1 song in the US and his only #1 on the US Hot 100 chart. The song was also a #1 in Canada, hit the US Country charts at #13 and reached a #4 in Australia.

The song is from the album of the same name. The song has been covered by Tony Keith, Jesse Winchester and Nana Mouskouri.

  • Drop D Tuning: No
  • Capo: 2nd fret
  • Rhythm: root up down up and repeat
  • Picking: Yes
  • Chords: E, B7, A, D
Chords & Lyrics

 

Jump To Top

24. The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face

the first time ever i saw your face gordon lightfoot

The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face was a huge hit for Roberta Flack in 1972, but years earlier, folk artists began playing this song that dates back to 1957.

And many of those earlier versions sound nothing like the 1972 hit. And that includes Lightfoot's version here from his debut 1965 album "Lightfoot".

  • Drop D Tuning: No
  • Capo: 4th fret
  • Rhythm: 1-2 up root down up down up  and repeat (where 1-2 are notes in the chord)
  • Picking:
  • Chords: D, A, Gbm, Em, G, C, A7
Chords & Lyrics

 

Jump To Top

25. The Wreck Of The Edmund Fitzgerald

the wreck of the edmund fitzgerald guitar lesson

The Wreck Of The Edmund Fitzgerald is a great song about the sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald. The song reached #1 in Canada and #2 in the US and hit #40 in the UK.

The song can be found on the "Summertime Dream" album from 1976.

  • Drop D Tuning: No
  • Capo: 2nd fret
  • Rhythm: down down up down up and repeat
  • Picking: Yes blended into the rhtyhm
  • Chords: Asus2, Em, G, D
Chords & Lyrics

 

Jump To Top

26. You are What I Am

you are what i am gordon lightfoot

You Are What I Am was a single release from the 1972 album "Old Dan's Records". The song was a #1 in Canada and a #32 in the US.

The song also charted in Australia at #37.

  • Drop D Tuning: No
  • Capo: 2nd fret
  • Rhythm: root down root up down up
  • Picking: Yes
  • Chords: Gb, G, Ab, A, C, D, G, D7, E7, A7
Chords & Lyrics

 

Jump To Top Of Gordon Lightfoot Most Popular Songs

Thank you for stopping by my Gordon Lightfoot most popular songs page. I hope the info found here was helpful to you.

If you liked this Gordon Lightfoot page you might also like ... (click images)

neil young songs
csny songs
simon and garfunkel songs

Gordon Lightfoot Crafting Greatness


Home Page
Fun Folk Songs To Sing
Centerd popup window on the screen