Bob Dylan was once asked, what he thought of Lightfoots music. He said, " The problem with Gordon Lightfoots music, is when it ends ".

I'm 60, tired, world weary, and broken down by failing health. Honestly, what keeps me going is my dream of returning to my home and native land...Nova Scotia. I want to live out my last days in the Annapolis Valley and again visit the pristine Highlands of Cape Breton. I think too of standing on rocky shores breathing in warm summer breezes and frigid winter gales and hearing/watching the sea in all its moods from warm blue to angry grey. I hope to visit the island on which I was born and the several I lived on as a boy (being the son of a lightkeeper). Yeah, it runs deep.

I was in Australia in 1972 the radio broadcaster there said if Gordon Lightfoot had become an American that he would be as big has Bob Dylan.

I am a 76 yo recently widowed guy that is recovering from grief of losing my Anne. I plan on visiting Nova Scotia on the way to and from Newfoundland this Fall. I am thinking a drink of Cabot Trail whiskey, Digby Scallops and the Bluenose schooner.

Gordon Lightfoot is our Canadian pride, iconic & legendary folk singer/song writer. I saw him once on the TTC Spadina subway line while going downtown during my college years as he used to live in the Toronto Rosedale/Summerhill neighborhood back in the early 90s. I respected his privacy. I regret not having talked to him though. Growing up as a son of Italian immigrants in the 60s & 70s Northern Ontario, I used to catch my late father playing and humming this tune on his Paolo Soprani accordian to his heart's content as this song was one of his favorites. On occasional weekends, he used to play at the Caruso Club in Sudbury with two of his buddies as a trio. We returned to Italy back in the mid 70's and on occasion I would catch him on the balcony playing and humming to this song. I returned to Canada and forty years have gone by in a flash but when I hum or whistle to this tune, I get a flood back of cherished memories of my dad playing Farewell Nova Scotia on his accordian along with tears of joy & sadness streaming down my face. Rest in peace Dad and Gord.

There isn't a modern performer that can hold a candle to this man.

Man if I was a ship captain I would have Gordon playing over the P.A every time we were heading out to sea. I want to live on a boat in a marina and play Gordon lightfoot tunes all day.

Rest in peace, Gordon. Your songs will be with us forever.

By far the cleanest guitar strummer of all time. Gord's guitar playing was vastly underrated. Greatest songwriter/poet of all time. Miss him a ton.

Gordy's not gone. He lives in fond memories and every time his songs are played. Long live the friend I had from the first time I heard him, though never met in person. ❤️

Even after your passing Gord you still represent Canada 🇨🇦 in the best light I'm fortunate to have been at one of your last performances

Rest in Peace you Lyrical Genius.

The best version of Farewell to Nova Scotia ever 🌻

We’ve lost him. Farewell good sir. Thank you for your music.

Chorus: Farewell to Nova Scotia, the sea-bound coast, may your mountains dark and dreary be. For when I am far away on the briny ocean tossed, Will you ever heave a sigh or a wish for me? 1. The sun was setting in the west, The birds were singing on every tree. All nature seemed inclined to rest But still there was no rest for me. Chorus 2. I grieve to leave my native land, I grieve to leave my comrades all, And my aging parents whom I've always loved so dear, And the bonnie, bonnie lass that I do adore. Chorus 3. I have three brothers and they are at rest, Their arms are folded on their chest. But a poor simple sailor just like me, Must be tossed and turned in the deep dark sea. Chorus 4. The drums they do beat and the wars to alarm,[n 5] The captain calls, I must obey. So farewell, farewell to Nova Scotia's charms, For it's early in the morning and I'm far, far away. Chorus

We drove 7 days from Calgary to sea kayak Nova Scotia, worth it.

In spite of Cullinane's rude comments that I received via e-mail, great video. In my personal American opinion, the greatest singer/songwriter of all time is Gordon Lightfoot. Every song he wrote told a story. In today's music world, story telling is a lost art. Most of today's "modern" music sucks including country which is about as country as New York city or Toronto.

When my family went back to England in my late teens, I missed Canada desperately. I played Canadian Railroad Trilogy frequently. 50 years later, home in Canada, it still brings a tear to my eyes. Thanks Gordon.

He sings with such a tone in his voice that you can feel the sadness....the best rendition I think.

RIP, GORDON LIGHTFOOT.

Considering our population, Canada has been blessed with an overabundance of musical talent, and this man, Gordon Lightfoot is without question at the apex, what a writer, singer , musician, awesome does not do him justice !

RIP Gordon Lightfoot ❤

26 and this is what i listen to in 2021.

I love Gordon lightfoots beautiful songs! I only, unfortunately started listening to them after his death! May he Rest In Peace! His songs will live on!

May there be peace to all the families and friends who were affected by this senseless massacre that happened on April 18 & 19 2020 in Nova Scotia. May all those Soul's taken by a mad man Rest in Peace and Eternal Love. Peace, love and prayers to All involved. ✌💞 🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹 🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹 🇨🇦KEH

This is for every sailor and coastie in the US and Canada keeping our continent free...thank you men and women of the US and Canadian Armed Forces...the tip of the spear, the edge of the saber!!!!

Rest in Peace Gordon Lightfoot ( a fan in Nova Scotia!)

One of the best things that ever happened to me in my career as a stage manager and sound engineer was meeting Gordon at the Berkeley Community Theater in California. I was doing sound and lights for a show prior to its I was asked if I could do a lighting design for his show at the theater and help out with the sound mixing. I was very flattered and jumped at the chance. It was a wonderful evening sitting behind soundboard and a free hand in choosing the gels for the lights and using a device called a Sweet 16 (16 lighting presets) I was able to sit soundboard and do the lights at the same time while talking to the spotlight operator with headphones. After the show was over I was asked to three additional shows with him at other venues in California, which I was delighted to do. Gordon was very easy going and as genuine as the music he played. As long as the monitor mix on stage was balanced he was a happy guy is complementary about the lighting design. Several years later I worked with his first lead guitar player, David Rea, recording and producing has two albums. Every time Gordon was coming in California we made a special effort to meet him backstage and he was always happy to see us and also very kind. I love the song because I had been a time in Nova Scotia a few times8 mixing sound for the Lundenberg Harbor Festival and several others. I went with Valerie and Al Rogers (parents of Stan and Garnet Rogers) to enjoy quite a bit of the festivities. After that and leaving the back to California and I knew that I was never going to be returning to Nova Scotia again. I ran into Gordon, who was doing the show there, and he and I were talking about me never seeing Nova Scotia because I was getting too old and too disabled to be on the road much longer. He took out his guitar and played me this song, which was one of the highlights me knowing him.

I am Korean. Nova scotia is my favorite place in Canada. So beautiful country and nice people. I miss Halifax too. I know this song from Canadian friends. Good to listen again.

Gordon Lightfoot 🙏 Rest in Peace 😢

I agree that Lightfoot is one of the greatest lyricists we've ever seen. For 40 years his yarns have got me through my toughest moments and soothed me in times of warmth and reflection. There will never be another like Gordon Lightfoot - "the Minstrel of the Dawn". Peace to my Canandian brethren - good tidings from the States.

You can also easily understand why he was such a huge hit in Britain in the early '70's. What an unparalleled talent.

Wie könnte man diesen Mann nicht lieben?

When music was music. Certainly leagues beyond what people call music today!

Civ VI brought me here. This is gorgeous

There is no one to come close to Gordon......a true Canadian Treasure!!

Everyone is welcome to Cape Breton Nova Scotia where I was born an left later on to see the world an came to find there's nothing like the ppl from here. There's always someone who cares for your wellbeing

This song makes me feel lucky to have grown up in Canada. There's so much beauty in this country.

Thank You Gordon Lightfoot. Thank You Canada.

Lightfoot's voice is so soothing! I sometimes listen to him when I'm having trouble falling asleep.

Godspeed to a true Canadian Icon 🎶🇨🇦👑

I have seen Gord almost 60 times and will be seeing him again in 3 weeks in Richmond hill. Play almost all his songs and learned same picking for almost any song. Gord and Dylan will never be matched again. Just doesn't happen anymore. What a true Canadian so proud

One of the great things about living in Buffalo and Rochester, NY is how close we are to Canada and the great music and culture we get extended to us. Lightfoot is brilliant artist and has done songs that describe imagery a thousand times better then any book or movie. Much love to the true north strong and free

Thanks to you tube,I just discovered this great song....I've even been a huge fan of GL since 1969.

A guy in ireland sang this song 20 yrs ago really well..he died young..this is a beautiful version..

Every time he played the west coast we went to meet him backstage and he was always happy to see us and also very kind. I was in Nova Scotia mixing sound for the Lundenberg Harbour Festival and several others. After that I was leaving to go back to California and I knew that I was never going to be returning to Nova Scotia again. I ran into Gordon, who was doing the show there, and he and I were talking about me never seeing Nova Scotia because I was getting too old and too disabled to be on the road much longer. He took out his guitar and played me “Farewell Nova Scotia”, which was one of the highlights me knowing him.

Some of the best Gordon Lightfoot tunes are so well augmented by guys like Red Shea and Terry in the background that make them all the more special. Red was an amazing guitar player as can be seen here if you watch closely. When I saw Gordon live it was always with Terry. All I can say is Wow.

As a proud Irish-American it pains me a bit to admit my favorite celtic folk song is Scottish-Canadian

I've never heard this song sung so perfectly.

This song is important right now.

This man is the BEST songwriter CANADA has ever known.

Stayed in touch with my home Provence,Nova Scotia, and Canadian Homeland during the five years in Southern Africa,(Rhodesia), through working in the field as a small mammal ecologist, to racial conflicts, war, combat medic,love, breakups,kept in company by Radio Canada International, posters sent from the Nova Scotia Tourist Bureau,and songs like this by Gordon Lightfoot. RIP Sir

No one delivers that song like Gordon, just fantastic

Wow, I had no idea Gord had sung this song, AND it was recorded by the BBC. THANK YOU for posting this. It is astounding and sooooo appropriate.

Not a native son, but my ancestors were. In my heart and soul, I can feel it.

I adore the Ian & Sylvia harmony version, but for one voice, what could be a better match than Gordon Lightfoot.

Absolutely beautiful. Mr. Lightfoot blew this out of the park! C'mon modern performers... Make more music like this!

When I think of Canada, I think of this man. Love every song he has ever written. No one is close to him in terms of this genre.

Red shea was the glue that held the sound together...another unrecognized perfectionist on the 6 string symphony. Never find another natural talent as red was....his talents are uncomparable...

When I saw Gordon in concert for the very first time on September 27, 1980 at Alumni Hall in London, Ontario, 'Farewell to Nova Scotia' was the first song he played. I'd never heard it before and I thought, "what a fantastic song".

If you guitar players want to play along, here are the chords. It's in F-sharp minor, so put the capo on the 2nd fret. (I put the chords above the word they are supposed to be played on.) G The sun was setting in the west Em The birds were singin' on every tree G D All nature seemed inclined for a rest Em C Bm Em But still there was no rest for me G Fare-well to Nova Scotia, the sea-bound coast Em Let your mountains dark and dreary be G D For when I am far a-way on the briny ocean tossed Em C Bm Em Will you ever heave a sigh and wish for me Rinse and repeat!

Rest in Pease, Gordon. Thank you for your wonderful music and the stories you told. Heaven just called another great musician Home.

pretty damned good.... Gaelic kid I am,... a Mcdonell from N. Uist!

Coming to this song, so beautifully rendered by Gord Lightfoot, in the grip of the terrible tragedy in Nova Scotia ... our hearts are broken.

I just don't understand why there isn't a Gordon Lightfoot channel on Sirius. He has sung and/or written SO many incredible songs, and is still alive and able to TALK about these songs and people he has met and played with. They could even play other musicians who have recorded his songs. I can spend hours and hours listening to his songs, and think, 'Ok, THIS is my favorite", only to listen to another song, and say the same thing. He is such a gift to everyone. I know that I would definitely listen to his channel constantly.

I AM HOME SICK SO GLAD TO BE HOME

I was born and raised in Nova Scotia up until the age of 9. Sigh......I now live in northern California. Loved my childhood there.

I can never get enough of the Gord!

as kids growing up in nova scotia we did this in music class but it never sounded this good i can tell ya. wouldnt trade being a canadian for anything. (seriously how do 17 people not like this?) this song and this singer/songwriter are pure magic.

Well said. And don't forget about some Guess Who tunes and Neil Young.

He's not rushing the song, just rapid strumming to fill in the gap where most Canadians will expect a whole choir, orchestra joining in.

There is no place like home.

What a strapping young man here, at the age of 32 (this was filmed in the spring of 1971)

Great tunes Gordon. Thanks for the memories. RIP.

Gordon Lightfoot is an amazing poet, songwriter, observer, storyteller and musician. From his earliest efforts in the early 60's to this very day, he is a Canadian treasure. The impact he has had on me personally, both musically, as a musician myself and as a part of my growth as a mature person, cannot be put into words. This clip, from the BBC 1972 concert, though not written by Gord, puts chills into my spine for its beauty, musicality, spirit, meaninful story and powerful melody. The tight trio amazes....That BBC concert is something nobody should miss... The incredible Gordon Lightfoot at his prime captured forever by the BBC as no other media outlet could do.

RIP Gordon Lightfoot and thank you for your great meaningful songs!

Always proud to be a Bluenoser and a Canuck....great tune.

I'm in Mesa, Arizona tonight, and I've just attended a Gordon Lightfoot concert at Valle del Oro RV resort. Gordon and his band did two shows, which is amazing given that he is now 75 years old. I'm listening to Farewell to Nova Scotia here on KZfaq, and there is a tear in my eye. Like Gordon I'm feeling my years, but seeing him tonight, and see how much several hundred people enjoyed his performance, I'd say, keep it going. I will never grow tired of his music.

Ahhhh...with the absolutely GREAT Red Shea on lead guitar.

he adds so much emotion to this rendition...I can almost feel how sad it was to leave Nova Scotia when he sings this.

Red Shea`s guitar playing sparkles thoughout this tune.

Exquisite performance this was by Gordon of such a beautiful song, so long ago. Farewell Nova Scotia, and now so sad to say Farewell Gordon.😢

THis song is worth listening to on a loop for Red Shea's guitar track alone. So very good.

Visited Nova Scotia for the first time this summer. It was even more beautiful than I expected. I left on the Cat Ferry out of Yarmouth. There was a duo who entertained us with sea chanties and Celtic folk songs. Farewell Nova Scotia was one of the songs. I will definitely be returning

I've been in love with this guy since I first heard him sing Sundown in the late 1870s. He's a true treasure. Hope he lives a long time and continues writing these wonderful songs. And, singing them.

The best and sincere Canadian singer ever

Haunting.

this has been one of my favorite songs since i was in grade 4.

His conviction. And that beautiful silken voice of which could only be GL's.

Makes me remember many days and nights and weeks and months offshore, often in a fogbank, always with cold seaboots...floating, cruising, patrolling...waiting to get home to the valley. Home is Kingston, Nova Scotia. This music fits my soul.

RPM...keep fighting ...Sweetheart .....my People were from Cape Breton ...Love you, Brother...❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️💙💙💙💙

I too am from nova scotia now in the philippines . Miss my anna. Valley home

Holy shite Canada. This is from an Americaner who grew up on the Canadian border eh? My wife is a big fan of Neil. I love all the Canadian artists I grew up listening to. Even Tommy Hunter. I love Anne Murray. But my all time favorite Canadian artist and a real troubadour is Gordon Lightfoot. In my American opinion, Gordon is the greatest Canadian musician of all time and Canada should be proud that Gordon Lightfoot is the greatest musical story teller of all time. Sorry Harry Chapin.

Im so lucky to live here in Nova Scotia, one just has to turn on the news and see cities and places like Chicago and Detroit ect..I also have a camp on a lake, only 3 camps on the whole lake, when im fishing out there by myself I often wonder how much those guys in down town New York in the skyscrapers would pay to trade places with me, we are very, very lucky

I was fortunate to see Gord in concert in Seattle once in the '70s. I don't remember the exact date, but I do remember him playing a ton of his hits and without a bunch of verbal fill in dialog to take up his time. Mimi Farina opened the show set for him. It was a great concert, as one can imagine.

A musician and song writer of exceptional talent!

Farewell to you, Gordon Lightfoot.

My Favorite version ❤

One of the best Canadian songs ever. Up there with 4 strong winds for me.

Farewell To Nova Scotia" The sun was setting in the west The birds were singing on every tree All nature seemed inclined for rest But still there was no rest for me Farewell to Nova Scotia, the sea bound coast Let your mountains dark and dreary be For when I'm far away on the briny ocean tossed Will you ever heave a sigh or a wish for me I grieve to leave my native land I grieve to leave my comrades all And my aging parents whom I've always hold so dear And the bonny, bonny lass that I do adore Farewell to Nova Scotia, the sea bound coast Let your mountains dark and dreary be For when I'm far away on the briny ocean tossed Will you ever heave a sigh or a wish for me The drums they do beat and the wars do alarm The captain calls, we must obey So farewell, farewell to Nova Scotia's charms For it's early in the morning I am far, far away Farewell to Nova Scotia, the sea bound coast Let your mountains dark and dreary be For when I'm far away on the briny ocean tossed Will you ever heave a sigh or a wish for me I have three brothers and they are at rest Their arms are folded on their breast But a poor simple sailor just like me Must be tossed and driven on the dark blue sea Farewell to Nova Scotia, the sea bound coast Let your mountains dark and dreary be For when I'm far away on the briny ocean tossed Will you ever heave a sigh or a wish for me Farewell to Nova Scotia, the sea bound coast Let your mountains dark and dreary be For when I'm far away on the briny ocean tossed Will you ever heave a sigh or a wish for me