It happened one night near summer's end. We were driving across some state somewhere. I don't remember where we had been or where we were going, which by the way is a pretty good rule of thumb for my entire life. I had been making good, some might say excessive, use of the seek button, and had settled for a moment on a station that was playing some older, classic-type country music.
A song came on that I didn't recognize, but couldn't turn away from. It was one of those songs you always seem to hear at night while driving and you wish it wouldn't end. I listened intently to the haunting lyrics and rich baritone, thinking I would eventually recognize the voice, but never did. So I made a mental note of a couple of lines intending to Google the lyrics later, but never did.
Fast forward to about a month ago. I was lying on the couch watching TV late one night, fighting sleep as I often do on weekends because sleep means Monday is one day closer. Around 1 or 2 in the morning I stopped on this infomercial for some songs of the seventies collection, hosted by two guys from that group that sang "A Horse With No Name."
To be honest, I'd always considered the seventies one of the weaker decades musically. But they were advertising some pretty good stuff -- Jim Croce, James Taylor, Paul Simon. I was proud of myself. I didn't call nor go online to order the entire collection. I like to think that shows maturity.
Then Sweet-Sister-Golden-Hair-Surprise they played it! The song I'd heard while traversing the countryside one night all those weeks ago. It was called, "If You Could Read My Mind."
And that's the story of how I discovered Gordon Lightfoot at 71.
He turns 72 today. Happy birthday, G-Light.
"Turnin' back the pages to the times I love best. I wonder if she'll ever do the same. Now the thing that I call livin' is just bein' satisfied with knowin' I got no one left to blame..."
"Like a movie star who gets burned in a three way script. Enter number two." That was always my favorite line out of that song. Of course I knew where you were going with this from the title and first few sentences but then, I also have several Lightfoot CD's. Welcome aboard.
ReplyDeleteI love all the seemingly random stuff you throw in and show about what makes Bone, Bone
ReplyDeleteIt was one of the weaker decades musically except compared to the 90's it was incredible
I think people have been revising the 70's musically and rediscovering it--I mean I went to an Eagles concert and if they're not 70's then Led Zeppelin is 2010 :)
Nice post; I love the way you tell the story. The 70s only got a bad rap because of disco.
ReplyDeleteI really think you need to drop by Kontan's blog and look up her recent Auburn post, just saying...
ReplyDeletevery cool.
ReplyDeleteEd - Thanks. As I like to say, forty years late is better than never.
ReplyDeletePia - You mean the part about how I'm maturing, right? :)
I think every decade has some redeeming music, even the nineties. I mean, have we forgotten Chumbawamba? Don't answer that.
Sage - Thanks. Yeah, I was thinking precisely that. Disco has probably distorted my view of 70s music.
Sage again - Haha. Thanks for the heads-up.
Daily Panic - I thought so :)
I didn't call nor go online to order the entire collection. I like to think that shows maturity.
ReplyDeleteROFL
You set some high standards for yourself, don't you? ;)
Man, between you and Sage, I think I'm gonna have to look this Gordon fellow up. I fear I must confess to being clueless...
I love that song. I also love those commercials for those box sets of all the old music.
ReplyDeleteI used to watch alot of soul train when i was a kid.
I just love music in general.
I was, in shock I am picking myself up off the floor.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you found him though I admit surprise that you off all people didn't know of Gordon Lightfoot.
I haven't heard this one in ages!
ReplyDeletebe on the look out for feet this week. lol
ReplyDeletehey Bone~ glad you were able to find out the name of your song. funny how some things get answered for us later when we're least expecting it.
ReplyDeleteyour microwave post below is hilarious. had me in stitches. you certainly have a way of saying things. will you be purchasing a new microwave soon?
hope all is well. have a great night~
One of my blog friends who passed away was a huge G. Lightfoot fan...I never hear any of his music without thinking of my friend. I think I need to listen to the cd, pour a glass of wine- and have a toast ♥
ReplyDeleteOh wow, does this song bring back memories...the songs of the 70s hold the most vivid memories for me because those were my teen years. Thanks for taking me back, Bone!
ReplyDeleteTC - Hey, it's amazing what products you start thinking you need at 2 in the morning.
ReplyDeleteYou should! You can discover him after me. That'd make me feel better.
KittyCat - Me too. Good music inspires me.
Cooper - I knew you'd be disappointed. That's why I almost didn't post this.
I mean, I knew about the Edmund Fitzgerald and of course I knew Sundown, but... I just never delved any deeper. I really slipped up.
Mama Zen - Well, now it'll be ages before you can say that again :)
Actonbell - I understand. I was the same way about Newhart :)
Naquillity - Thanks. Someone actually loaned me an extra microwave that they had a few days ago. So I'm using that for now.
Mayden's Voyage - Some nights just call for that. Good to see you around.
Sweetest In The Gale - No problem :) It's pretty amazing how many moments, people, and events are tied to certain songs in my mind.
I LOVE 'Horse with no name'. Perhaps I should give this song a chance.
ReplyDelete(Can you tell I'm behind in my blog readings? Three comments from me in one day! That's how my entire semester has been.)
Ah Bone, I've been gone for months from the blog world. I come back and you are still writing. Yes I did a happy dance and I love Lightfoot bonus for me.
ReplyDeleteCharlotta - Good thing I only blog about once every ten days or you'd be waaaay behind :)
ReplyDeletePennyCandy - Yes, I'm still writing, if barely. Great to see you back around!