It's a great line. He goes on to say, "you know that ghost is me." Then later he talks about a hero from a novel and "..but hero's often fail."mcastillo356 said:What means "bout a ghost from a wishing well"? Not native, but I think it's something like "my wishes didn't success *
pinball1970 said:It's a great line. He goes on to say, "you know that ghost is me." Then later he talks about a hero from a novel and "..but hero's often fail."
The song is about his failing marriage.
(after the breakup)
I would have been approaching 4 years old when this came out yet it impacted me in those early years.TonyStewart said:It is a remorseful story of pain after love, with strong yet steady, creative poetic attempts to get his 1st wife back using superstition, guilt , make believe analogies, and wishes that she could read his mind. Yet none of this shows regret for his infidelity or his irresponsibility. It's a common trap with hormones stronger than drugs and his will power and weakness. It's a steady melody with dissonance and progressions yet has a flurry of love notes with the supporting guitar from Red Shea.
More here ...
https://www.songfacts.com/facts/gordon-lightfoot/if-you-could-read-my-mind
I'm native Canadian but I guess I don't read enough books to understand the superstition about releasing the entanglement of ghosts who return from the dead that cannot be seen in a wishing well because she is wishing for something/one else, so his ghost reflection does not appear and still wanders on earth in the night.mcastillo356 said:What means "bout a ghost from a wishing well"? Not native, but I think it's something like "my wishes didn't success *
I read it in a certain way but I could be completely wrong in terms of what he actually meant for himself at that time.TonyStewart said:I'm native Canadian but I guess I don't read enough books to understand the superstition about releasing the entanglement of ghosts who return from the dead that cannot be seen in a wishing well because she is wishing for something/one else, so his ghost reflection does not appear and still wanders on earth in the night.
Perhaps the ghosts need to be forgiven in order for them to be free and disappear, or wishing she could read his minds to bring the ghost back to life.
It's some kind of fictional folklore I'm not familiar with.
I Need To listen to more stuffhmmm27 said:Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald was one of the few songs for which I actually bought sheet music.
pinball1970 said:This is one of those timeless tracks. R.I.P.
George Jones said:I love many of Lightfoot's songs, but my favourite is The Canadian Railroad Trilogy, an official Canadian anthem.
Gordon Lightfoot was a Canadian singer-songwriter and folk-rock musician known for his rich baritone voice and poetic lyrics. He gained international fame in the 1960s and 1970s with hits like "If You Could Read My Mind," "Sundown," and "The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald." His music resonated with a wide audience, earning him numerous awards and accolades over his long career.
Gordon Lightfoot's music was significant because it blended folk, rock, and country elements, creating a unique sound that appealed to a broad audience. His storytelling ability through song was unparalleled, often capturing the essence of human experiences and emotions. His work has influenced countless artists and continues to be celebrated for its lyrical depth and melodic beauty.
Gordon Lightfoot had a profound impact on the music industry by paving the way for future generations of singer-songwriters. He was a key figure in the 1960s and 1970s folk-rock movement and helped popularize Canadian music on the global stage. His contributions have been recognized with numerous awards, including induction into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame.
Fans worldwide reacted to Gordon Lightfoot's passing with an outpouring of grief and tributes. Many took to social media to share their favorite songs and memories, highlighting how his music had touched their lives. His passing marked the end of an era for many, as his songs had been a soundtrack to significant moments in their lives.
Gordon Lightfoot's legacy is one of timeless music and profound influence. His extensive catalog of songs continues to be celebrated and covered by artists across genres. Lightfoot's ability to convey deep emotion and tell compelling stories through his music ensures that his work will continue to resonate with listeners for generations to come.