About the song
Let’s delve into the melodic tapestry of Canadian singer-songwriter Gordon Lightfoot with his iconic ballad “If You Could Read My Mind.” Released in 1970 as part of his album “Sit Down Young Stranger” (later renamed “If You Could Read My Mind” after the song’s success), this timeless masterpiece has left an indelible mark on the world of music.
Written solely by Gordon Lightfoot, “If You Could Read My Mind” showcases his exceptional songwriting prowess and poetic lyricism. The song quickly garnered widespread acclaim and commercial success, reaching the number one spot on the Canadian RPM Top Singles chart and peaking at number five on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States.
As the title track of the album, “If You Could Read My Mind” played a pivotal role in establishing Gordon Lightfoot as a prominent figure in the folk rock genre. Its haunting melody and introspective lyrics struck a chord with audiences, earning it a permanent place in the hearts of fans worldwide.
Over the years, “If You Could Read My Mind” has been covered by numerous artists and featured in various films and television shows, solidifying its status as a classic of the genre. Its enduring popularity is a testament to Gordon Lightfoot’s timeless talent and the universal themes of love, loss, and longing that resonate throughout the song.
So, whether you’re revisiting cherished memories or discovering the magic of Gordon Lightfoot’s music for the first time, “If You Could Read My Mind” promises to enchant you with its beauty and depth. Sit back, relax, and let the soul-stirring melodies of Gordon Lightfoot sweep you away on a journey through the depths of the human heart.
Video
Lyrics
If you could read my mind, love
What a tale my thoughts could tell
Just like an old time movie
‘Bout a ghost from a wishing well
In a castle dark or a fortress strong
With chains upon my feet
You know that ghost is me
And I will never be set free
As long as I’m a ghost, you can’t see
If I could read your mind, love
What a tale your thoughts could tell
Just like a paperback novel
The kind the drugstore sells
When you reach the part where the heartaches come
The hero would be me
But heroes often fail
And you won’t read that book again
Because the ending’s just too hard to take
I’d walk away like a movie star
Who gets burned in a three way script
Enter number two, a movie queen to play the scene
Of bringing all the good things out in me
But for now love, let’s be real
I never thought I could act this way
And I’ve got to say that I just don’t get it
I don’t know where we went wrong
But the feeling’s gone and I just can’t get it back
If you could read my mind, love
What a tale my thoughts could tell
Just like an old time movie
‘Bout a ghost from a wishing well
In a castle dark or a fortress strong
With chains upon my feet
But stories always end
And if you read between the lines
You’ll know that I’m just trying to understand
The feelings that you lack
I never thought I could feel this way
And I’ve got to say that I just don’t get it
I don’t know where we went wrong
But the feeling’s gone
And I just can’t get it back