“Does anyone know where the love of God goes,
when the waves turn the minutes to hours.”
~ The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald by Gordon Lightfoot
It didn’t take long for the sad news – the passing of Gordon Lightfoot – to flood the airwaves. And, as the tide of awareness flowed in, I learned so much about him that I never knew.
Gordon Lightfoot performing at Interlochen, Michigan, in 2009
In the 70’s, during the heights of his success, he was a genuine force in the Canadian music scene… and beyond! But, my ‘60’s teenage friends were still basking in the afterglow of the ‘British Invasion.’
Gordon was best known for Folk / Rock (think ‘Pussywillows, Cat-Tails’); but politically, things were still hot with the release of his song ‘Black Day in July’ – which was critical of how the police and the army used strong-arm tactics to put down the Detroit race riots of July 1967: hundreds being killed or injured, and thousands of buildings burned.
The song, which was released less than a year afterwards, was banned from airplay by most major American radio stations, as it was deemed too controversial for public consumption.
“And they wonder how it happened and they really know the reason
And it wasn’t just the temperature and it wasn’t just the season”
~ Black Day in July by Gordon Lightfoot
Watch on YouTube
So, this was a side of Lightfoot I’d not seen before. It was a courageous move by this young artist: risking his career. Yet, that song showed me the persuasive power of Gordon Lightfoot.
We also saw that same spirit and influence for civil disobedience with John and Yoko’s public antiwar bed-ins – with its memorable refrain, “All we are saying is give peace a chance.”
“Why can’t we all be brothers, why can’t we live in peace?
But the hands of the have-nots keep falling out of reach”
~ Black Day in July by Gordon Lightfoot
So, essentially, where does the love of God go? The answer is different for everyone. But, does it not go back to its source? All we can do is encourage others to find their own solution – discovering what’s truly written in their own hearts – an unbroken circle of love.
Like him, I’m also from rural roots – probably explaining my familiarity with inter-personal values in everyday life.
“Rainy day people always seem to know when it’s time to call.
Rainy day people don’t talk, They just listen till they’ve heard it all”
~ Rainy Day People by Gordon Lightfoot
Watch on YouTube
He was still a working musician and composer to the end. He never considered a farewell tour… happy enough to still write booked gigs in his calendar. And, as every professional knows, the show must go on. Thanks for them all, Gordon!
That’s the way I figure it. – FP
Photo Credit
Photo is Wikimedia Creative Commons
First published at fredparry.ca
Guest Author Bio
Fred Parry
Fred Parry lives in Southern Ontario. He is a lover of people and a collector of stories, music, wisdom, and grandchildren. His raison d’etre? “I’m one of those people who believe that if my work serves the common good, it will last; if not, it will die with me. I still believe that’s true.” Fred spent ten years as a columnist for Metroland Media Group – a division of the publishing conglomerate Torstar Corporation.
His book, ‘The Music In Me’ (2013) Friesen Press is also available via Indigo / Chapters.
Blog / Website: www.fredparry.ca
Love this, Fred…I was saddened to hear of his passing. I read many of the articles about him and I, too, learned much about him I never knew. His songs are so recognizable and have been in the background of my life for so long, I think I just assumed he’d always be out there. What a gift to the world. Thanks for writing this and allowing us to remember all over again.
Hi Carol and thanks for your note.
I must admit wondering, prior to his passing, that with his reduced presentation skills… was it wise for him to carry on… was his time not done?
Now, I feel that I totally misjudged him: it wasn’t for him, but for us that he played… his love… his mission.
And, even if what we saw lately was only 10 % of him at his best, there was always those wonderful songs. And he never tired of reminding us of their timelessness.
What I’d give to hear that voice again!
Best regards, Fred
I love that you bring that up…makes me realize I’ve misjudged musicians in the past, thinking they’re working long past their musical ‘sweet spot’, wondering why they don’t end on a high note. I didn’t see it from this perspective. As you said, he was born with the music in him. In his case, there was never any choice to be made 🙂 Thanks again…
“…never any choice choice to be made”
Thanks again, Carol. I didn’t see it from your perspective, as well.
Appreciate it, Fred.
Lovely tribute to one of our own….a Canadian treasure…
Thanks for taking the time, Martha! Yes, he was someone who will be remembered as one of the true greats… someone born with the music in him. Fred