What Do You Think Gordon Lightfoot Should Write About?

It's Gordon Lightfoot's 70th birthday today, and Tom Allen (and the Radio 2 Blog) celebrate by asking: What Should Gordon Lightfoot Be Writing About Today?

The question arose because so many of Lightfoot's best loved songs chart history in a powerful and memorable way. (Though many of his personal songs also seem to strike a universal chord.) Either way it's no surprise his songs are regularly covered. (Sometimes in unexpected places, eg. when Canadian Idol singers sang Canadian Railroad Trilogy.)

But what about new songs? There's so much great material these days -- the drama of the economy, politics on both side of the border, the sad tale of the runaway wallaby -- all great songwriting fodder.

So what do you think Gordon Lightfoot should write about? Send in your suggestion via Comments right here, on the Radio 2 Blog, or via the Radio 2 Morning Blog, and they will be forwarded to Mr. Lightfoot at the end of the week -- a kind of belated birthday present.

Personally, I think it might also be fun to suggest some song titles too. In the wake of the U.S. election it might be The Wreck Of The Republican Party. Or lyrics. Given the economy, and sung to the tune of Pussywillows Cat-tails, how about: "Dow Is Down, So Is Gold, Hard Times, No Roses?"

No? Well, you can do better than that I'm sure. But titles & lyrics are optional -- the question is, simply: What Should Gordon Lightfoot Be Writing About Today? (And tune into Radio 2 Morning (6 a.m.-10 a.m.) all week to hear Tom's reaction to your suggestions.)

For those who want a fix of Gordie right now -- here he is, performing If You Could Read My Mind.