About the song
Gordon Lightfoot, the iconic Canadian folk singer-songwriter, has gifted us with a timeless piece of music that evokes the cozy warmth of a winter’s night. “Song for a Winter’s Night,” initially recorded for his 1967 album The Way I Feel, is a poignant ballad that captures the essence of longing, love, and the simple pleasures of life.
Born from a moment of homesickness amidst a Cleveland summer performance, the song serves as a testament to Lightfoot’s ability to translate personal experiences into universal themes. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a snowy landscape, where the singer finds solace in the companionship of a loved one. The melody, characterized by its gentle strumming and Lightfoot’s distinctive baritone, creates an intimate and reflective atmosphere.
Over the years, “Song for a Winter’s Night” has garnered widespread acclaim and has been covered by numerous artists, including Sarah McLachlan, Harry Belafonte, and Tony Rice. Each rendition offers a unique interpretation of the song, while remaining true to its original spirit. The enduring popularity of this composition speaks to its timeless appeal and Lightfoot’s enduring legacy as a master storyteller.
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Lyrics
The lamp is burnin’ low upon my table top
The snow is softly falling
The air is still in the silence of my room
I hear your voice softly calling
If I could only have you near
To breathe a sigh or two
I would be happy just to hold the hands I love
On this winter night with you
The smoke is rising in the shadows overhead
My glass is almost empty
I read again between the lines upon each page
The words of love you sent me
If I could know within my heart
That you were lonely too
I would be happy just to hold the hands I love
On this winter night with you
The fire is dying
Now my lamp is growing dim
The shades of night are lifting
The morning light steals across my window pane
Where webs of snow are drifting
If I could only have you near
To breathe a sigh or two
I would be happy just to hold the hands I love
On this winter night with you
And to be once again with you