Great song. Have loved Gord since 'If You Could Read My Mind'. Have almost everything on my iPod. Listened to this today while out for a walk (it was 67 degerees here in Northern VA today!). Decided to see what videos were on You Tube. This is great.
I've seen Gord in concert quite a few times. The last few times he hadn't done this, much to everyone's disappointment. The last time, in summer 2010 at Wolf Trap, he did it and brought the house down!!
Great great song. Argueably his best. What really amazes me is that anyone could write a song with such passion on commission. I think it speaks to his talent as a song writer and his love for his country.
even though Im from America, I think this song is amazing and it's a great treasure in the songs of railroading and Gordon Lightfoot has truely out done himself by creating such a wonderful song!
This is one of those songs that makes you proud to be Canadian. We've done a lot in this wide world and have so much to proud and thankful for. Thanks, Gordie, for capturing the majesty and enterprise of Canada and the CP Rail so well.
And to paraphrase the great Johnny Cash, Canada has some of the finest performers anywhere in the world!
My grandfathers brother lost his life while helping to uild this railroad..his name was Hycinthe Larocque ..wore leather boots up to the knee with fringes on the side ..he was strong and agile and young father of two when he died...
Yes sthrendyle I agree with you 100% That must be an amazing spiritual experience to listen to this song when you are in such a beautiful part of Canada! I am glad I could share this with you! Have a great Canada Day weekend!
Was looking for a happy Canada Day link to post on Facebook and, well, you simply cannot do any better than, as another poster said, 'the unofficial Canadian national anthem.' To stop at the top of Rogers Pass and play this song on your car stereo as the train whistles echo off Mount Connaught is as spine-tingling a moment as you can ever get. Thanks for digging this up!
My good man, as much as we rise up and smile when we hear O Canada... in the hearts of so many of us who are getting on in years, this 'is' the Canadian national anthem. Yes, isn't it beautiful? What an incredibly rich way to put a true national story into words. I had the pleasure of seeing this brilliant man perform this song in person. It was a spine tingling honor... an absolute honor to see him perform live.
Cenos 79 Thanks for your comment . I am sorry you haven't heard this great song for that long.You sure are a Canadian and you always will be. I am happy I could share this song of Gord's with you best wishes,
This song was commissioned by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation to be performed on Jan. 1, 1967, which was the year of Canada's centennial. (1867-1967). The railroad (CPR) united the country, east and west.
This song was commissioned by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation to be performed on Jan. 1, 1967, which was the year of Canada's centennial. (1867-1967). The railroad (CPR) united the country, east and west.
I was shopping last week and this song came over the speakers -- it actually stopped me dead in my tracks, I haven't heard it for at least 15 years. Without getting too soppy, it actually brought tears to my eyes - such a powerful song. I live in the States now, but I will always be a Canadian with a Canadian's pride for our beautiful country. Thank you so much for sharing. -
TYhanks for the clip! A song I never heard until I bought one of his greatest hits CD's. It is a great and glad it is on here. I believe this from the Johnny Cash show
I read on another C.R.Triolgy version that for every mile of rail laid there is one Chinese person dead for helping build this "great" land, kudos to my grandpa and all you did help join our country.
Does anyone know which Gord album has the full orchestral version? There are at least two studio versions that I've heard. The apparently earlier version is pretty much two guitarists and a rather rushed and off-tempo bassist. The one I want to buy is the slower, much improved and orchestrated one.
Well, maybe that is the one, because Gord first recorded the song in the 60s (correct?), so perhaps by 1970 he realized he needed to immortalize the song in a more formal manner: with orchestra, better production, and a bassist who wasn't stoned out of his mind during the recording session.
I used to listen to someone's posting of CRT here on Youtube, but I think it has been taken down. Someone made a really nice video to go along with the music, too.
@selatik1 The first recordings of this song would have been c. 1967 as the song was commissioned by the Gov't of Canada as part of the country's centennial.
I have got Gordon Lightfoot The United Artists Collection. A double cd that came out in July 1993. I bought it shortly after it came out. It has a total of 49 songs. With the exception of "The Way I Feel" from 1971 all other songs to the best of my knowledge are pre 1970. I think it is the best collection of Gordies oldies available. Canadian Railroad Triligy definately has a lot more in it than two guitars and a bass.
mixerman, maybe the more lush version of CRT was recorded just a few years after the original recording, circa 1966; like around 1968 or 1969. I'll look for the album you mentioned locally
The absolute best version of this tune is found on Gord's original live production at Massey in Toronto. Red Shea plays his heart out (God rest him). All due respect to Terry Clements...he's been a great picker himself. But Red had the backup fills perfect. Just listen to him join in at the outset and then at the end when he is running up and down the neck. What a fabulous lead man he was. We still miss him. Of course the vocals and writing are incomparable.
I'm almost certain that this is Red on this performance. I believe it was the same show when Gord performed a prtion of Steel Rail Blues. What a wonderful performance this was compared to todays version.
One of the greatest song ever written in history about history, Gords been my favorite since I was 18 , 30 years now, have seen him 4 times in concert, probably the best singer song writer ever, some would argue though, but its my opinion.
Ho morbidbeauty. I'm glad you got to see Gord again,I hope you had a great time at the concert. I'm glad I could share one of my favorite songs of Gord with you!
Just came back from the first of his 4 shows at Massey hall, Toronto Ontario. So many great songs. Played this one, and he still has it :) Thanks for sharing this.
Absolutly awsome! This song is probably my top favorite by old Gord. Gives me chills even now thirty five years after I heard it the first time. Thank you very much for posting this!
Great song. Have loved Gord since 'If You Could Read My Mind'. Have almost everything on my iPod. Listened to this today while out for a walk (it was 67 degerees here in Northern VA today!). Decided to see what videos were on You Tube. This is great.
I've seen Gord in concert quite a few times. The last few times he hadn't done this, much to everyone's disappointment. The last time, in summer 2010 at Wolf Trap, he did it and brought the house down!!
LoveCheyenne100 1 month ago
WOW. BEFORE HE LOOKED LIKE A CANADIAN VERSION OF WILLIE NELSON.
GurlCaa 3 months ago
Great great song. Argueably his best. What really amazes me is that anyone could write a song with such passion on commission. I think it speaks to his talent as a song writer and his love for his country.
Rambler003 3 months ago
even though Im from America, I think this song is amazing and it's a great treasure in the songs of railroading and Gordon Lightfoot has truely out done himself by creating such a wonderful song!
jointlinerailfan 4 months ago
This is one of those songs that makes you proud to be Canadian. We've done a lot in this wide world and have so much to proud and thankful for. Thanks, Gordie, for capturing the majesty and enterprise of Canada and the CP Rail so well.
And to paraphrase the great Johnny Cash, Canada has some of the finest performers anywhere in the world!
mapleavenue77 6 months ago 3
Comment removed
MrDakns 6 months ago
This clip isn't from the Johnny Cash show, not sure where it's from.
jwh426 6 months ago
My grandfathers brother lost his life while helping to uild this railroad..his name was Hycinthe Larocque ..wore leather boots up to the knee with fringes on the side ..he was strong and agile and young father of two when he died...
bleusammy 6 months ago 2
Yes sthrendyle I agree with you 100% That must be an amazing spiritual experience to listen to this song when you are in such a beautiful part of Canada! I am glad I could share this with you! Have a great Canada Day weekend!
Albertan1956 7 months ago
Was looking for a happy Canada Day link to post on Facebook and, well, you simply cannot do any better than, as another poster said, 'the unofficial Canadian national anthem.' To stop at the top of Rogers Pass and play this song on your car stereo as the train whistles echo off Mount Connaught is as spine-tingling a moment as you can ever get. Thanks for digging this up!
sthrendyle 7 months ago 3
Your welcome donsp1953 my pleasure!
Albertan1956 7 months ago
Your welcome adwatts66 ! :) Wow Big that is quite a relative you have! Yes Jimm I
agree with you! Yes Ryoushi you are so right and so is Gordon! Well stated ApocalpsePlough I agree with you!
Albertan1956 8 months ago
thanks so much for posting this
donsp1953 8 months ago
wow
avicenna799 9 months ago
Gordon Lightfoot is as Canadian as maple syrup.
I have so much respect for the fact that he never left Canada, like most of 'em (ahem, Neil Young) do. He's always lived in Ontario.
ApocalypsePlough 9 months ago 2
As this song points out, Canada is the first country created for and by a railroad. without the CP, Canada would just be the northern part of the US
ryoushii 10 months ago 3
This should be the Canadian National Anthem. Absolutely beautiful.
jimmfox1 10 months ago
@jimmfox1
My good man, as much as we rise up and smile when we hear O Canada... in the hearts of so many of us who are getting on in years, this 'is' the Canadian national anthem. Yes, isn't it beautiful? What an incredibly rich way to put a true national story into words. I had the pleasure of seeing this brilliant man perform this song in person. It was a spine tingling honor... an absolute honor to see him perform live.
Albertarocks 9 months ago
Its so great that my great great great Uncle Sir John A MacDonald's dream turned into such a legendary thing.
BigFatTubOfLardCo 10 months ago
Good song!
Yyyyzyyy 11 months ago
thumbs up if you listented to this song because u had a question about this song for history homework
TheMrgary14 11 months ago
wish there was a LOVE button to click on. Like just seems inadequate.
catriona1967 1 year ago
gotta do a report on this song lol
cowproductions900 1 year ago
Thanks Gord!!
IRIQUOIS227 1 year ago
Cenos 79 Thanks for your comment . I am sorry you haven't heard this great song for that long.You sure are a Canadian and you always will be. I am happy I could share this song of Gord's with you best wishes,
Wayne.
Albertan1956 1 year ago 2
awesome!
dusterboy71 1 year ago
This has been flagged as spam show
This song was commissioned by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation to be performed on Jan. 1, 1967, which was the year of Canada's centennial. (1867-1967). The railroad (CPR) united the country, east and west.
oicuraqt 1 year ago
This song was commissioned by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation to be performed on Jan. 1, 1967, which was the year of Canada's centennial. (1867-1967). The railroad (CPR) united the country, east and west.
oicuraqt 1 year ago 6
@oicuraqt Thank you for sharing this information about the song with us . :)
Albertan1956 1 year ago
@oicuraqt This song is integral with our exploratory past!
Katrillionare 9 months ago
@oicuraqt Let's not forget the Intercolonial Railway, (1872-1918), and its components, (surveying starting in the 1830's) from Halifax to Quebec.
MrDakns 5 months ago in playlist MrDakns's Favorited Videos
I was shopping last week and this song came over the speakers -- it actually stopped me dead in my tracks, I haven't heard it for at least 15 years. Without getting too soppy, it actually brought tears to my eyes - such a powerful song. I live in the States now, but I will always be a Canadian with a Canadian's pride for our beautiful country. Thank you so much for sharing. -
cenos79 1 year ago 2
finally we listen
Syzygy60 1 year ago
one of the best songs written in the English language
tramaked 1 year ago 2
woo hoo!
psychderek 1 year ago
just curious do you know what year this was recorded
graidstin 1 year ago
Graidstin ,this performance of Canadian Railroad Trilogy was recorded from
"The Johnny Cash show, which aired on the ABC network in 1971.
Albertan1956 1 year ago
Your welcome brh0106
B55Don, Glad you liked it
Albertan1956 1 year ago
Washyourhands I hope you have a great time at the concert!
Albertan1956 1 year ago
What an amazing songwriter! They'll be playing this song 100 years from now.
Going to see him in concert in Akron, OH this weekend (June 2010) and love his songs as much as when I heard them 30 years ago. Love you, Gordon!
WashYourHands2 1 year ago
Well Done REALLY well done....
Git er done CP and keep rollin'!!!!!!
B55Don 1 year ago
selatik1 if your curious where to get the slower version of the song, the album is called gords gold. not volume two!
stevemcqueen909 1 year ago
TYhanks for the clip! A song I never heard until I bought one of his greatest hits CD's. It is a great and glad it is on here. I believe this from the Johnny Cash show
brih0106 1 year ago
@brih0106 Your welcome,glad I could share it with you.
Albertan1956 1 year ago
I read on another C.R.Triolgy version that for every mile of rail laid there is one Chinese person dead for helping build this "great" land, kudos to my grandpa and all you did help join our country.
BigblockMercury 1 year ago
Glad you liked it Machawk123, thanks for saying so.
Albertan1956 1 year ago
Terrific song and terrific video
MACHAWK123 1 year ago
When I arrive to USA ,from Argentina, Gordon was my inspiration to learn English.
The part when he sings.
Behind the blue Rockies the sun is declining
The stars, they come stealing at the close of the day
Across the wide prairie our loved ones lie sleeping
Beyond the dark oceans in a place far away
even today bring tear to my immigrant soul .
I agree with kjoefive , Gordon is..
probably the best singer song writer ever.
chimangos 2 years ago 20
@chimangos
I know how you feel.
For me, the greatest line is, "living on stew, and drinkin' bad whiskey...."
Pure poetry for real men...
yankeeshogun 1 year ago
@chimangos
Could be Canada's National Anthem.
lesg24 1 year ago 2
Mixerman, I have that double-cd you are talking about, it is wonderful!
Albertan1956 2 years ago
A stunningly beautiful folk masterpiece!
Does anyone know which Gord album has the full orchestral version? There are at least two studio versions that I've heard. The apparently earlier version is pretty much two guitarists and a rather rushed and off-tempo bassist. The one I want to buy is the slower, much improved and orchestrated one.
selatik1 2 years ago 5
I have a 33rpm on vinyl which goes back to about 1970 when I lived in Vancouver.
Maybe this is what you want.
It obviously has the Trilogy
Regards
Leseverly 2 years ago
Well, maybe that is the one, because Gord first recorded the song in the 60s (correct?), so perhaps by 1970 he realized he needed to immortalize the song in a more formal manner: with orchestra, better production, and a bassist who wasn't stoned out of his mind during the recording session.
I used to listen to someone's posting of CRT here on Youtube, but I think it has been taken down. Someone made a really nice video to go along with the music, too.
What's the album's name? Thanks!
selatik1 2 years ago
The album is THE BEST OF GL on United Artists Ref UAS 6754. There are no dates on the disk or cover.
Leseverly 2 years ago
Thanks, Les!
selatik1 2 years ago
@selatik1 The first recordings of this song would have been c. 1967 as the song was commissioned by the Gov't of Canada as part of the country's centennial.
NomDeToob 1 year ago
I have got Gordon Lightfoot The United Artists Collection. A double cd that came out in July 1993. I bought it shortly after it came out. It has a total of 49 songs. With the exception of "The Way I Feel" from 1971 all other songs to the best of my knowledge are pre 1970. I think it is the best collection of Gordies oldies available. Canadian Railroad Triligy definately has a lot more in it than two guitars and a bass.
mixerman65 2 years ago
mixerman, maybe the more lush version of CRT was recorded just a few years after the original recording, circa 1966; like around 1968 or 1969. I'll look for the album you mentioned locally
selatik1 2 years ago
The absolute best version of this tune is found on Gord's original live production at Massey in Toronto. Red Shea plays his heart out (God rest him). All due respect to Terry Clements...he's been a great picker himself. But Red had the backup fills perfect. Just listen to him join in at the outset and then at the end when he is running up and down the neck. What a fabulous lead man he was. We still miss him. Of course the vocals and writing are incomparable.
sharbecr 2 years ago
I'm almost certain that this is Red on this performance. I believe it was the same show when Gord performed a prtion of Steel Rail Blues. What a wonderful performance this was compared to todays version.
LanceIs55 1 year ago
One of the greatest song ever written in history about history, Gords been my favorite since I was 18 , 30 years now, have seen him 4 times in concert, probably the best singer song writer ever, some would argue though, but its my opinion.
kjoefive 2 years ago 2
Ho morbidbeauty. I'm glad you got to see Gord again,I hope you had a great time at the concert. I'm glad I could share one of my favorite songs of Gord with you!
Albertan1956 2 years ago
Just came back from the first of his 4 shows at Massey hall, Toronto Ontario. So many great songs. Played this one, and he still has it :) Thanks for sharing this.
morbidbeauty626 2 years ago
I am SOOO glad I found this! Gordo is the best!
garmagnac 2 years ago
Garmagnac, I am glad you found the video,I am happy I could post it for fans of Gord!
Best wishes to you
Albertan1956 2 years ago
Your welcome 54JAGXK and Northernstar9370.Glad you enjoyed it.
Albertan1956 2 years ago
Absolutly awsome! This song is probably my top favorite by old Gord. Gives me chills even now thirty five years after I heard it the first time. Thank you very much for posting this!
Northernstar9370 2 years ago
thank you ! I love it
54JAGXK 2 years ago
Your welcome coracleman,glad you enjoyed it!
Albertan1956 2 years ago
I think this is a fantastic recording of this great tune. Many thanks for posting such a gem.
coracleman 2 years ago