Songs By Gordon Lightfoot
On The Acoustic

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.

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.

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.

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.

Carefree Highway is a song by Gordon Lightfoot, released in 1974 as a single from his album "Sundown." It became one of his biggest hits and remains one of his most recognizable songs. Here's some information about the song:

"Carefree Highway" is a soft rock/folk-pop ballad that showcases Lightfoot's melodic songwriting and storytelling abilities. The song's lyrics depict a nostalgic and reflective journey down the Carefree Highway, metaphorically symbolizing a simpler time and a desire for freedom and escape.

The lyrics of "Carefree Highway" touch on themes of longing, lost love, and the search for personal freedom. They evoke a sense of wistfulness and introspection, with Lightfoot's signature poetic touch shining through. The song's chorus, "Carefree highway, you seen better days / The mornin' after blues from my head down to my shoes," is particularly memorable.

Musically, "Carefree Highway" features Lightfoot's warm and distinctive vocals accompanied by acoustic guitar, backed by a gentle rhythm section and subtle orchestration. The song's melody is instantly recognizable and has a laid-back, soothing quality that matches the reflective tone of the lyrics.

"Carefree Highway" was a commercial success, reaching the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States. Its popularity helped solidify Lightfoot's status as a prominent singer-songwriter of the era and remains a fan favorite.

The song's timeless appeal and relatable themes have ensured its enduring popularity, and it continues to be performed by Lightfoot in his live shows.

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.

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.

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

The song was never released as a single.

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.

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

This one was never released as a single.

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.

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.

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.