Gordon Lightfoot: If You Could Read My Mind

Greetings again from the darkness. We realize very quickly that octogenarian Gordon Lightfoot isn't about to cater to co-documentarians Martha Kehoe and Joan Tosoni, or establish a new reputation as being a sweetheart at this stage of life. Instead he is filmed with his third wife Kim, watching clips of young Gord singing "(That's What You Get) For Loving Me". Despite his singing it with Johnny Cash, or having the song covered by Peter, Paul and Mary, Waylon Jennings, and many others, Lightfoot cringes and says. "I hate that song." That's what we get here - a man who speaks directly about his regrets, yet one who is appreciative of his life.

Lightfoot is thought of as Canadian Royalty, and is often referred to as the best ever Canadian singer-songwriter. He certainly played a key role in the popularity of folk music in the 1960's, and we hear about his influence from many important Canadian musicians, including: Geddy Lee, Sarah MacLachlan, Tom Cochrane, Ronnie Hawkins, Burton Cummings and Anne Murray. For some inexplicable reason, the filmmakers include an interview with actor Alec Baldwin, who is neither Canadian, nor a musician - though at least he does seem to be a fan of Gordon Lightfoot.

The profile skips over much of his personal life to focus on the music. In fact, initially it seems like Gord is going to walk us through his songbook, one by one. With "Early Morning Rain", we learn it was not only a hit for Lightfoot, but covered by others such as Judy Collins, Elvis Presley, Neil Young, and even Ian and Sylvia (a successful Canadian folk duo). It's also at this point when Burton Cummings explains that it was Lightfoot's songs that inspired The Guess Who to write their own songs. We also see a clip of a young Lightfoot being interviewed by an even younger DJ named Alex Trebek!

Anne Murray and Sarah MacLachlan discuss "Song for a Winter's Night", and Lightfoot explains how he isolates to write songs ...and he "waters" his guitars (something that makes more sense seeing than reading). Gordon tells the story of how he quit a promising career in banking to take a chance on performing, and he relates how growing up in the country helped him when he moved to the city. He also tells the fascinating "behind the scenes" story of how the record company changed the name of his first album after "If You Could Read My Mind" became a hit on the radio. By the way, that song has been recorded by a slew of artists - so many that the filmmakers offer up a slide show to make the point.

Photographs give us a taste of some of Lightfoot's infamous parties attended by various celebrities. It was this partying lifestyle that led to drugs and alcohol abuse, as well as his weight gain. Lightfoot talks about his 3 year affair/relationship with Cathy Evelyn Smith, a name you might recognize as the woman who injected John Belushi with the lethal "speedball" that killed him. It was his severe jealousy over Ms. Smith that led Lightfoot to write his biggest U.S. hit "Sundown." There is also an entire segment on Bob Dylan, and how much respect each of the songwriters had/have for each other.

Yet another "behind-the-scenes" moment occurs when one of Lightfoot's band members recollects the time they recorded "The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald." They had never even rehearsed the song, and yet it was the first take in the studio that ended up being the hit version. Also included is a segment where Lightfoot reminisces about his childhood in Orillia, and we get a brief clip of his mom and dad. Even more shocking is the included recording of Lightfoot as a kid, singing with the church choir. The high pitched soprano voice bears little resemblance to the soothing tones of an older Gordon.

As a poet-singer-songwriter, few have been better or had more success than Gordon Lightfoot. The film skims over much of his personal life and his severe health issue in 2002, but focusing on the music is what his fans want - and it's a treasure trove of early performances, clips, and photographs. He's now 81 years old, and the filmmakers don't shy away from contrasting his singing voice on "If You Could Read My Mind" with a 'then and now' edit. Lightfoot admits to regrets, and also states "I appreciate having been alive." Still sporting that renowned attitude, he undoubtedly enjoys hearing Diana Krall and Sara MacLachlan open the film with the titular song. A Canadian national hero indeed. As a bonus, we southerners finally learn the meaning of "Gitche Gumee."

Perhaps my reaction springs from my age (almost 72) but I loved this. So many songs that were part of the soundtrack of my life. I'd really forgotten just how pure his voice was. And the Canadian Railway Trilogy - of all the things - is the one that brings me to tears.

Having grown up listening to Gordon Lightfoot and then playing and singing his music on guitar, I'm partial to the wealth and blunt honesty of his songs. There was always a hidden emotional quality to his performances. He was no skilled emoter but oddly, it was all the better. By stepping back, his smooth, rhythmic baritone, his carefully crafted ingenious melodies, lyrics, and arrangements gave you the space to fill in with your feelings, memories and heartbreak.

Just as well, this movie flows along highlighting his great ups and great downs and the "in between" without getting fancy or soppy and without apologies in respecting a true artist. Hid music will be discovered and re-discovered. Canada and the world are better for it.

It's already been mentioned by someone else but I have to ask it again....WTF is with Alec Baldwin commenting on Gordon Lightfoot? He's NOT a musician.....he's NOT a Canadian....and as far as it matters he's not a fan it seems...so why do we want to hear his comments about a Canadian musical legend ? This documentary was done late in Lightfoot's life and what it lacks in vibrancy it makes up with a sort of honesty we don't usually see in public people until honesty can't cost them any fan-base.....such is the case here I suspect although he does seem to be the kind of person who does, and has always done it his way...with a few exceptions he talks about. A bit about his childhood in Orillia and a bit about his early life as a musician learning both the trade and the politics behind the trade and he learned them both well. Selections of his songs and several performances enhance this somewhat uninspired piece but if you're a fan of his, this is definitely going to please you. Not long enough and not comprehensive enough and definitely not featuring enough fellow musicians...many of whom made huge hits with HIS words and emotions, it's still a good documentary and, all in all , a well spent time and a little bit learned about him that I didn't already know.

Been listening to Gordon Lightfoot since I was kid. My mom bought us these old lunchbox sized radios and we could only get AM stations on 'em. The one that stood out was a canadian station that played Adult contemporary with a little folk mixed in. Those tunes are stuck in my mind to this day and Gordon Lightfoot was one of the artists I vividly remember. Everytime I hear one his classics I am instantly transported back to my childhood. Loved the documentary. Learned alot about Mr. Lightfoot that I had no idea about. Thought it ran a little long but there is much story there to tell. Thank you Gordon for your impressive life of art. A musician in the truest sense.