About the song
“If You Could Read My Mind” by Gordon Lightfoot is a poignant ballad that has resonated with audiences since its release in 1970. This introspective song delves into the complexities of love and communication, striking a chord with listeners of all ages.
Written by Gordon Lightfoot himself, “If You Could Read My Mind” was featured on his album “Sit Down Young Stranger,” later re-released as “If You Could Read My Mind” in 1970. The album marked a significant moment in Lightfoot’s career, earning him widespread acclaim and recognition.
The song reached remarkable chart success, peaking at number 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States. Its haunting melody and heartfelt lyrics captured the imagination of listeners, making it one of Lightfoot’s most beloved tracks.
Gordon Lightfoot, with his distinctive voice and poetic songwriting, has solidified his place as one of the greatest singer-songwriters of his generation. His contributions to the folk rock genre have earned him numerous awards and accolades throughout his career.
“If You Could Read My Mind” remains a timeless classic, cherished by fans for its emotional depth and raw honesty. Its enduring popularity has led to countless cover versions and appearances in films, television shows, and commercials, reaffirming its status as a masterpiece of contemporary music.
Whether it’s a reflection on lost love or a celebration of human emotion, “If You Could Read My Mind” continues to touch the hearts of listeners around the world, reminding us of the power of music to evoke emotion and inspire introspection.
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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