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100's Of Free Demos & Chord Sheets

Songs By Gordon Lightfoot
On The Acoustic

songs by gordon lightfoot

Here on my songs by Gordon Lightfoot page 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.

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Songs By Gordon Lightfoot
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

 

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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

 

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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

 

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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

 

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5. Carefree Highway is here!


6. Christian Island

christian island guitar lesson

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

 

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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

 

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8. Did She Mention My Name

Did She Mention My Name ... info soon

  • 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

 

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9. Don Quixote

don quixote guitar lesson

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

 

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10. Early Morning Rain ... here!


11. For Lovin Me - Did She Mention My Name

for lovin me guitar lesson

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

 

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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

 

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13. If You Could Read My Mind

if you could read my mind guitar lesson

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

 

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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

 

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15. Race Among The Ruins

race among the ruins guitar lesson

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

 

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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

 

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17. Ribbon Of Darkness

ribbon of darkness guitar lesson

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

 

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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

 

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19. Song For A Winters Night

song for a winters night guitar lesson

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

 

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20. 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

 

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21. Summertime Dream

summertime dream guitar lesson

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

 

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22. 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

 

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23. The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face

the first time ever i saw your face guitar lesson

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

 

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24. 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

 

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25. You are What I Am

you are what i am guitar lesson

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

 

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

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