Haunting... with a special importance to me. My dad and I sailed on this ship to Nassau in 1957... before its name was changed from the SS Evangeline. When the story broke in 1965... we had no idea it was the same ship. I often have dreams of that cruise. I was only 12 years old:) I had a thirty year career in entertainment... vocal/guitar. If I had known I had sailed on the "Yarmouth Castle"... I could have sung about it along with the other Lightfoot songs I performed. - Paul
When I heard of the Italian cruise ship captain, I immediaely thought of Voutsinas. Frickkin cowards both. I believe that both should have been keel-hauled.
'Captain' Voutsinas was a dick-less wonder, a simpering coward who should've been hanged for saving his own brown ass instead of his passengers who trusted him with their lives. Just like the skipper of that Italian liner that sank last week. Should be shot!
I really love the music, but please, please uploader... who uploads many of these wonderful songs, stop zooming in and out on pictures. Its not artistic, it just distracts from the music and makes people dizzy or sick. I'm not unappreciative. Just figure you would like to know if its worth your time or bothersome to do that video effect. Thank you for the uploads.
@d3thron3d Sorry.. That effect was a standard effect. I don't even have a way to upload things anymore, or change these videos. I do understand what you mean. i just wasn't very good at using iMovie when I had it. I didn't spend a lot of time trying to figure it out.
The ship was originally named S.S Evangeline. My grandmother came to Boston on her from Nova Scotia...in 1929. Solas rule for passenger ships was made in the aftermath of this old gals sinking.
Haunting!!! I somehow forgot about this and it's been probably over 25 years since I last heard it and it's such a powerful song about a tragedy....only Gordon could have written and performed this!!!
This appears on an obscure Lightfoot album, "Sunday Concert". To my knowledge there is no studio recording of it. The album was available on CD at least for a time but to my knowledge is now out of print. A shame, really....it's on a par with his more famous work, but virtually unknown.
I WAS IN MIDDLE SCHOOL IN MADERIA BEACH FL. LOST TWO FRIENDS ON THE YARMOUTH CASTLE JOHN HAMILTON AND FRANK WRIGHT. JOHN'S MOM WAS SEVERLY BURNED AND SURVIVED. THE TRIP WAS TO PUT THE SUDDEN DEATH OF JOHN'S FATHER BEHIND THEM. THE SHIP HAD JUST BEEN PAINTED AND THE FIRE SPREAD VERY QUICKLY AND THE CREW DID NOTHING TO HELP THE PASSENGERS AND ESCAPED USING WHAT LIFEBOATS THAT COULD BE LAUNCHED. LEAVING PASSENGERS TO FEND FOR THEMSELVES.
MY HUSBAND MOTHER AND GRANDMOTHER DIED ON THIS SHIP IN 1965..MAY THEY REST IN PEACE IN THE OCEAN... AND GORDON LIGHTFOOT WROTE A BALLAD ABOUT IT..AMAZING
Like many here, this is my favorite Lightfoot song. I first got turned on to Lighfoot in 1969 by a crazy Military guy named Dan Henry. He had everything Lightfoot ever recorded up to that time and I couldn't get enough of it. What I can't understand is how this song gets 11,039 views and the Edmund Fitzgerald----------- which I like also, but come on, gimme a break---------- gets 1,617,112 views. Go figure.
Like many here, this is my favorite Lightfoot song. I first to turned on to Lighfoot in 1969 by a crazy Military guy named Dan Henry. He had everything Lightfoot ever recorded up to that time and I couldn't get enough of it. What I can't understand is how this song gets 11,039 views and the Edmund Fitzgerald----------- which I like also, but come on, gimme a break---------- gets 1,617,112 views. Go figure.
A hauntinly beautiful song by a songwriter/singer that is unequalled by anyone with his graphic narrations, brilliant can't even describe this man, listen, there will not ever be another grace this world ever agaon...
"Sunday Concert" was mt 1st GL album, left at the house by an older brother. I wanted to play it again...because of another long-favored song: "Canadian Railroad Trilogy"
@rbeebephoto ahh yes the trilogy. i had that one in my van. wiht a monster stereo. i would build custom audio for people. and dial it in with 1 classical music, and 2 gordon lightfoot. and ive never had any complaints from my work. AND actually made a few gordon lightfoot fans. as well as fans of beethoven lol
The Bahama Star went aground on April 13 1970 in Port Hueneme Ca. Created on of the best waves on the coast. I saw Gordon Lightfoot in concert in 1999 when Songbook was released. By good fortune we went out the back door and ran into Terry Clements I showed him the box set and asked if he would get it signed for me, he replied come with me and you can ask him!, I met him, shook his hand and we talked for about 10 minutes, then I told him about the Bahama Star. Man was I lucky!
Gordons voice and style are among the most unusual and beautiful among male folk singers. His poetry is outstanding. Been a fan since I was 17 in 1971, when he came out with "If you could read my mind".
I agree that this is one of his best songs, and I, too, never understood why it did not become better known. I only found one version, on the same name album, and even there it is a live version, no studio recording.
Gordons voice and style are among the most unusual and beautiful among male folk singers. His poetry is outstanding. Been a fan since I was 17 in 1971, when he came out with "If you could read my mind".
Seamen say that a ship will often make an erry sound like a voice when its dying. The officers on a ship that came to the Varmouth Castle passenger's rescue as she burned said the ship gave off a long groan and almost human-like crying voice as she burned. A video was taken on that night from the other ship and the audio captures that dying cry sound. It was very creepy, yet sad.
@Jayoung1000 This version actually came off of vinyl and then was turned into an Mp3. I have never tried to look for it. I just happened to hear that particular album. It was the first album of his that I ever heard and I had the means to get it converted to an Mp3, so I did it.
@Jayoung1000 I have that cd. but this song was not included, because this song he has done only in concert at request. The album that it is on is called :Sunday Concert: I found the cd at discount for about 8 dollars.
@dogbert2010 are you sure your not getting the cd confused with the later release of the "United Artists Collection?" Because the CD I'm referencing has long been out of distribution. And I really should have said CD set because it's four discs long so srry bout that. And yes it is also on Sunday Concert although I was unaware they released that one in CD format so thanks for the info.
@Jayoung1000 I have both cd's. I found sunday concert at a discount of eight dollars. the u.a. collection i found for eleven dollars. the ua collection includes all of his ua releases except for sunday concert. both i believe are out of print now.
@Jayoung1000 Yep, it's one of his best, I agree. I had it on vinyl many moons ago. Now it's on CD. You can find it on the album called 'Sunday Concert' . Amazon has it for $23.00. It looks like it's CD only, not downloadable.
I was only a kid of 20 at the time. That year I discovered Gordon Lightfoot's music. He has been one of my favorite artists for over 40 years and I saw him in concert in 1995.
I don't think any singer can capture the lives of seagoing men better than GL.
The story of the Yarmouth Castle both saddens and angers me. This ship should have never been on the sea at that time. It was a deathtrap fueled by varnish,fresh paint, absolutely no effective safety features, and a cowardly Capt.Voutsinas.
@uscgccampbell - Your comments are some of the most interesting I have ever read on You Tube. I heard this song, long ago, but never knew exactly what it was about. How sad, and yes, it makes one angry. I'll have to read more about the Yarmouth Castle, but you provided an excellent history lesson. Your firsthand experience, too, was an amazing thing to read. I'm sure it has affected you all these years. Thanks for sharing it with us. Peace. Thanks to Lightfoot for this touching song.
@violetjm Why not Google "Yarmouth Castle" It will make you angry to read of the cowardice of this crew and the very substandard safety features aboard. It cost innocent people their lives. Very sad and very unnecessary. I really appreciate your kind words. I was only 19 at the time and it effected me greatly, though not long term.Thank you my friend.
You are indeed a smart young man to reach back some 45 years and sample some of this great music. Gordon Lightfoot was a great story teller in addition to being a great musician on the acoustical guitar. "Yarmouth Castle" and "Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald" were two of his best. I salute you my young friend for your interest in 60's music, the greatest musical era ever.
I have personal experience with Liberian registered ships. In November of 1969 our ship, the USCG Cutter Campbell was dispatched to aid the Lib.oil tanker Keo.She had broken in half in heavy seas with 49 crew aboard. Along with my radioman shipmates, we tried to reassure the surviving members of Keo, who were clinging to a slowly sinking stern section. On the 2nd day, Keo's radio went silent. . Arriving the next day we found a burned lifeboat, a heavy oil slick and 14 bodies. No survivors.
As a former USCG officer, the story of "Yarmouth Castle" is a combination of epic cowardice and very subpar Liberian safety regulations. When "Finnpulp" arrived on the scene of the burning "Yarmouth" the first lifeboat of survivors contained 20 crewmembers and just 4 passengers! Fire alarms didnt work, nor did the sprinkler system, nor did the firehoses.
90 people were practically burned alive. Many ships register under the Liberian flag because of low safety requirements.
This is the best song that I ever heard that describes a fire disaster. If you want to hear the best Earthquake song and the best Flood song, then look up The Seldom Scene's songs California Earthquake and Muddy Water.
I agree in your comment about this song being better than the Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald. I never understood the popularity of " the Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald'. ' The Ballad of Yarmouth Castle is his best song IMO. It should have been his popular song.
@gabehampton i wont get into that argument. but this song is VERY deep. it starts off shiipe is alive and near end its dead. the whole death process is starting. i bought a download from amazon. i had heard this youtubed a couple years back
can't explain how much i like this song it real paints a picture of the tragedy that happened 10 years before i was born i believe this is much better than "the wreck of the Edmundund Fitzgerald." Read Wikipedia's entry for "Yarmouthcastle " to apreciate the song all the more.
thank you for posting this understated classic. i love "the captain in his lifeboat is a leavin'"--performed so beautifully, we can actually see the coward paddling quietly into the night.
You're welcome. This is my favorite Gordon Lightfoot song, and one of my favorite songs of all time. Check my channel for a lot more great songs from many top notch artists.
One of the finest Nautical Ballads, Gordon had hit it out of the park again.
ReelTooReal 1 month ago
Haunting... with a special importance to me. My dad and I sailed on this ship to Nassau in 1957... before its name was changed from the SS Evangeline. When the story broke in 1965... we had no idea it was the same ship. I often have dreams of that cruise. I was only 12 years old:) I had a thirty year career in entertainment... vocal/guitar. If I had known I had sailed on the "Yarmouth Castle"... I could have sung about it along with the other Lightfoot songs I performed. - Paul
11245soap 1 month ago
When I heard of the Italian cruise ship captain, I immediaely thought of Voutsinas. Frickkin cowards both. I believe that both should have been keel-hauled.
castlewalls 1 month ago
'Captain' Voutsinas was a dick-less wonder, a simpering coward who should've been hanged for saving his own brown ass instead of his passengers who trusted him with their lives. Just like the skipper of that Italian liner that sank last week. Should be shot!
OldSchoolPatriot2012 1 month ago
I really love the music, but please, please uploader... who uploads many of these wonderful songs, stop zooming in and out on pictures. Its not artistic, it just distracts from the music and makes people dizzy or sick. I'm not unappreciative. Just figure you would like to know if its worth your time or bothersome to do that video effect. Thank you for the uploads.
d3thron3d 2 months ago
@d3thron3d Sorry.. That effect was a standard effect. I don't even have a way to upload things anymore, or change these videos. I do understand what you mean. i just wasn't very good at using iMovie when I had it. I didn't spend a lot of time trying to figure it out.
gabehampton 2 months ago
The ship was originally named S.S Evangeline. My grandmother came to Boston on her from Nova Scotia...in 1929. Solas rule for passenger ships was made in the aftermath of this old gals sinking.
solariusmaximus 2 months ago
Haunting!!! I somehow forgot about this and it's been probably over 25 years since I last heard it and it's such a powerful song about a tragedy....only Gordon could have written and performed this!!!
326kjk 2 months ago
@uscgccampbell ,I love Gord,but you've obviously never heard Stan Rogers.
williamcollishaw1 3 months ago
This appears on an obscure Lightfoot album, "Sunday Concert". To my knowledge there is no studio recording of it. The album was available on CD at least for a time but to my knowledge is now out of print. A shame, really....it's on a par with his more famous work, but virtually unknown.
Johngalt43 3 months ago
I WAS IN MIDDLE SCHOOL IN MADERIA BEACH FL. LOST TWO FRIENDS ON THE YARMOUTH CASTLE JOHN HAMILTON AND FRANK WRIGHT. JOHN'S MOM WAS SEVERLY BURNED AND SURVIVED. THE TRIP WAS TO PUT THE SUDDEN DEATH OF JOHN'S FATHER BEHIND THEM. THE SHIP HAD JUST BEEN PAINTED AND THE FIRE SPREAD VERY QUICKLY AND THE CREW DID NOTHING TO HELP THE PASSENGERS AND ESCAPED USING WHAT LIFEBOATS THAT COULD BE LAUNCHED. LEAVING PASSENGERS TO FEND FOR THEMSELVES.
A44TIME 3 months ago
MY HUSBAND MOTHER AND GRANDMOTHER DIED ON THIS SHIP IN 1965..MAY THEY REST IN PEACE IN THE OCEAN... AND GORDON LIGHTFOOT WROTE A BALLAD ABOUT IT..AMAZING
Chickadoodlela 5 months ago 2
Like many here, this is my favorite Lightfoot song. I first got turned on to Lighfoot in 1969 by a crazy Military guy named Dan Henry. He had everything Lightfoot ever recorded up to that time and I couldn't get enough of it. What I can't understand is how this song gets 11,039 views and the Edmund Fitzgerald----------- which I like also, but come on, gimme a break---------- gets 1,617,112 views. Go figure.
clubomni 6 months ago
Like many here, this is my favorite Lightfoot song. I first to turned on to Lighfoot in 1969 by a crazy Military guy named Dan Henry. He had everything Lightfoot ever recorded up to that time and I couldn't get enough of it. What I can't understand is how this song gets 11,039 views and the Edmund Fitzgerald----------- which I like also, but come on, gimme a break---------- gets 1,617,112 views. Go figure.
clubomni 6 months ago
A hauntinly beautiful song by a songwriter/singer that is unequalled by anyone with his graphic narrations, brilliant can't even describe this man, listen, there will not ever be another grace this world ever agaon...
drmoutebank 8 months ago
This has been flagged as spam show
The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald, is a better song, but The Ballad of Yarmouth Castle, is more haunting.
vancouver1907 8 months ago
nice to hear this one again.
"Sunday Concert" was mt 1st GL album, left at the house by an older brother. I wanted to play it again...because of another long-favored song: "Canadian Railroad Trilogy"
rbeebephoto 11 months ago
@rbeebephoto ahh yes the trilogy. i had that one in my van. wiht a monster stereo. i would build custom audio for people. and dial it in with 1 classical music, and 2 gordon lightfoot. and ive never had any complaints from my work. AND actually made a few gordon lightfoot fans. as well as fans of beethoven lol
yamahonkawazuki 9 months ago
The Bahama Star went aground on April 13 1970 in Port Hueneme Ca. Created on of the best waves on the coast. I saw Gordon Lightfoot in concert in 1999 when Songbook was released. By good fortune we went out the back door and ran into Terry Clements I showed him the box set and asked if he would get it signed for me, he replied come with me and you can ask him!, I met him, shook his hand and we talked for about 10 minutes, then I told him about the Bahama Star. Man was I lucky!
hoagiebrgr 11 months ago 2
Gordons voice and style are among the most unusual and beautiful among male folk singers. His poetry is outstanding. Been a fan since I was 17 in 1971, when he came out with "If you could read my mind".
I agree that this is one of his best songs, and I, too, never understood why it did not become better known. I only found one version, on the same name album, and even there it is a live version, no studio recording.
mtszorf 11 months ago
Gordons voice and style are among the most unusual and beautiful among male folk singers. His poetry is outstanding. Been a fan since I was 17 in 1971, when he came out with "If you could read my mind".
mtszorf 11 months ago
Comment removed
Highland804 11 months ago
The name of the song didn't ring a bell, but when I heard it, I instantly recognized it. Thanks!
Highland804 11 months ago
Seamen say that a ship will often make an erry sound like a voice when its dying. The officers on a ship that came to the Varmouth Castle passenger's rescue as she burned said the ship gave off a long groan and almost human-like crying voice as she burned. A video was taken on that night from the other ship and the audio captures that dying cry sound. It was very creepy, yet sad.
henrynevins 1 year ago 2
I whole heartedly agree that Yarmouth is better than Edmond Fitzgerald but equally sad.
uscgccampbell 1 year ago 2
@uscgccampbell idk im on the fence split on that decision, both songs hit deep for me. equally
yamahonkawazuki 11 months ago
Thanks for posting this song. It's one of my favorites and there used to be another video on YouTube, but it was removed for some obscure reason.
The visual imagery is extremely evocative and poignant.
history70 1 year ago
this song is available on his first live album called: SUNDAY CONCERT: i was lucky to find it on cd. he has only performed this live.
dogbert2010 1 year ago
I love this song but it's one of Lightfoots hardest songs to find nowadays
Jayoung1000 1 year ago 13
@Jayoung1000 This version actually came off of vinyl and then was turned into an Mp3. I have never tried to look for it. I just happened to hear that particular album. It was the first album of his that I ever heard and I had the means to get it converted to an Mp3, so I did it.
gabehampton 1 year ago 3
@gabehampton You can also find it on a CD called "The Original Lightfoot: The United Artists Years."
Jayoung1000 1 year ago
@Jayoung1000 I have that cd. but this song was not included, because this song he has done only in concert at request. The album that it is on is called :Sunday Concert: I found the cd at discount for about 8 dollars.
dogbert2010 1 year ago
@dogbert2010 are you sure your not getting the cd confused with the later release of the "United Artists Collection?" Because the CD I'm referencing has long been out of distribution. And I really should have said CD set because it's four discs long so srry bout that. And yes it is also on Sunday Concert although I was unaware they released that one in CD format so thanks for the info.
Jayoung1000 1 year ago
@Jayoung1000 I have both cd's. I found sunday concert at a discount of eight dollars. the u.a. collection i found for eleven dollars. the ua collection includes all of his ua releases except for sunday concert. both i believe are out of print now.
dogbert2010 1 month ago
@gabehampton I have it on a vinyl copy of a concert he did at Massey Hall in 67 or so.
WLDB 2 months ago
@Jayoung1000 Yep, it's one of his best, I agree. I had it on vinyl many moons ago. Now it's on CD. You can find it on the album called 'Sunday Concert' . Amazon has it for $23.00. It looks like it's CD only, not downloadable.
whatleyrichard 11 months ago
@Jayoung1000 This is the first time I've ever heard it and, I thought I'd heard everything that Lightfoot had ever done. This is so beautiful...
spiritofwicca 6 months ago 2
I was only a kid of 20 at the time. That year I discovered Gordon Lightfoot's music. He has been one of my favorite artists for over 40 years and I saw him in concert in 1995.
I don't think any singer can capture the lives of seagoing men better than GL.
The story of the Yarmouth Castle both saddens and angers me. This ship should have never been on the sea at that time. It was a deathtrap fueled by varnish,fresh paint, absolutely no effective safety features, and a cowardly Capt.Voutsinas.
uscgccampbell 1 year ago 10
@uscgccampbell - Your comments are some of the most interesting I have ever read on You Tube. I heard this song, long ago, but never knew exactly what it was about. How sad, and yes, it makes one angry. I'll have to read more about the Yarmouth Castle, but you provided an excellent history lesson. Your firsthand experience, too, was an amazing thing to read. I'm sure it has affected you all these years. Thanks for sharing it with us. Peace. Thanks to Lightfoot for this touching song.
violetjm 1 year ago 2
@violetjm Why not Google "Yarmouth Castle" It will make you angry to read of the cowardice of this crew and the very substandard safety features aboard. It cost innocent people their lives. Very sad and very unnecessary. I really appreciate your kind words. I was only 19 at the time and it effected me greatly, though not long term.Thank you my friend.
uscgccampbell 1 year ago 2
@uscgccampbell
I'm 12, and I like gordon lightfoot.
All of my friends think I'm crazy because I like old music, but I just think it's better than the auto-tuned crap on the radio.
EvilMrPickle 2 weeks ago
@EvilMrPickle
You are indeed a smart young man to reach back some 45 years and sample some of this great music. Gordon Lightfoot was a great story teller in addition to being a great musician on the acoustical guitar. "Yarmouth Castle" and "Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald" were two of his best. I salute you my young friend for your interest in 60's music, the greatest musical era ever.
uscgccampbell 2 weeks ago
I have personal experience with Liberian registered ships. In November of 1969 our ship, the USCG Cutter Campbell was dispatched to aid the Lib.oil tanker Keo.She had broken in half in heavy seas with 49 crew aboard. Along with my radioman shipmates, we tried to reassure the surviving members of Keo, who were clinging to a slowly sinking stern section. On the 2nd day, Keo's radio went silent. . Arriving the next day we found a burned lifeboat, a heavy oil slick and 14 bodies. No survivors.
uscgccampbell 1 year ago 3
As a former USCG officer, the story of "Yarmouth Castle" is a combination of epic cowardice and very subpar Liberian safety regulations. When "Finnpulp" arrived on the scene of the burning "Yarmouth" the first lifeboat of survivors contained 20 crewmembers and just 4 passengers! Fire alarms didnt work, nor did the sprinkler system, nor did the firehoses.
90 people were practically burned alive. Many ships register under the Liberian flag because of low safety requirements.
uscgccampbell 1 year ago 4
This is the best song that I ever heard that describes a fire disaster. If you want to hear the best Earthquake song and the best Flood song, then look up The Seldom Scene's songs California Earthquake and Muddy Water.
I agree in your comment about this song being better than the Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald. I never understood the popularity of " the Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald'. ' The Ballad of Yarmouth Castle is his best song IMO. It should have been his popular song.
gabehampton 1 year ago 2
@gabehampton i wont get into that argument. but this song is VERY deep. it starts off shiipe is alive and near end its dead. the whole death process is starting. i bought a download from amazon. i had heard this youtubed a couple years back
yamahonkawazuki 10 months ago
can't explain how much i like this song it real paints a picture of the tragedy that happened 10 years before i was born i believe this is much better than "the wreck of the Edmundund Fitzgerald." Read Wikipedia's entry for "Yarmouthcastle " to apreciate the song all the more.
nakedspark 1 year ago
thank you for posting this understated classic. i love "the captain in his lifeboat is a leavin'"--performed so beautifully, we can actually see the coward paddling quietly into the night.
bigbiscuit100 1 year ago
Absolute classic! My favorite Gordon Lighfoot song, too. That one dissonant note adds tension and the lyrics giving the ship human emotions.....wow.
wlftone 1 year ago 2
You're welcome. This is my favorite Gordon Lightfoot song, and one of my favorite songs of all time. Check my channel for a lot more great songs from many top notch artists.
gabehampton 1 year ago 2
FANTASTIC...BEEN A LONG TIME........
duggin098 1 year ago