About the song
Let’s embark on a nostalgic journey through the soothing melodies of Gordon Lightfoot with his evocative song “Carefree Highway.” Released in 1974 as part of his album “Sundown,” this timeless track is a testament to Lightfoot’s unparalleled songwriting skills and emotive storytelling.
Composed solely by Gordon Lightfoot, “Carefree Highway” captures the essence of wanderlust and longing, weaving a tale of travel and introspection. The song resonated deeply with audiences upon its release, climbing to the number 10 position on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and further solidifying Lightfoot’s status as a folk rock icon.
As the title track of the “Sundown” album, “Carefree Highway” played a pivotal role in the record’s commercial success, which topped the charts and became one of Gordon Lightfoot’s most acclaimed albums. Its catchy melody and heartfelt lyrics struck a chord with listeners, making it a beloved favorite among fans worldwide.
Over the years, “Carefree Highway” has remained a staple of Gordon Lightfoot’s live performances and a cherished gem in his extensive discography. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless appeal and universal themes of freedom and escapism.
So, whether you’re reminiscing about past adventures or yearning for the open road, “Carefree Highway” promises to transport you to a world of possibility and nostalgia. Sit back, relax, and let Gordon Lightfoot’s soulful voice and melodic guitar take you on a journey down the carefree highway of your imagination.
Video
Lyrics
Picking up the pieces of my sweet shattered dream
I wonder how the old folks are tonight?
Her name was Ann
And I’ll be damned if I recall her face
She left me not knowing what to do
Carefree highway
Let me slip away on you
Carefree highway
You’ve seen better days
The morning after blues
From my head down to my shoes
Carefree highway
Let me slip away, slip away on you
Turning back the pages to the times I love best
I wonder if she’ll ever do the same?
Now the thing that I call living
Is just being satisfied
With knowing I got no one left to blame
Carefree highway
I’ve got to see you my old flame
Carefree highway
You’ve seen better days
The morning after blues
From my head down to my shoes
Carefree highway
Let me slip away, slip away on you
Searching through the fragments
Of my dream shattered sleep
I wonder if the years have closed her mind?
I guess it must be wanderlust or trying to get free
From the good old faithful feeling we once knew
Carefree highway
Let me slip away on you
Carefree highway
You’ve seen the better days
The morning after blues
From my head down to my shoes
Carefree highway
Let me slip away, slip away on you
Let me slip away on you
Carefree highway
I’ve got to see you my old flame
Carefree highway
You’ve seen better days
The morning after blues
From my head down to my shoes
Carefree highway
Let me slip away, slip away on you