The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald - November 10th, 1975 (48 years ago today)
This song and this story hits home, since this shipwreck is about 3 hours from where I grew up and currently live. The Edmund Fitzgerald went down 17 miles north-northwest of Whitefish Point, Michigan.
Listen to the song:
Gordon Lightfoot's song "The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald" is a haunting tribute to the 29 men who lost their lives in the sinking of the titular ship on November 10, 1975. The song tells the story of the Fitzgerald's final voyage, highlighting the bravery of the crew and the power of Lake Superior. The song begins with an introduction to the Edmund Fitzgerald, a massive freighter "with a load of iron ore 26,000 tons more than the Edmund Fitzgerald weighed empty." Lightfoot's detailed descriptions of the ship and its cargo help to convey the enormity of the vessel and the perilous nature of its journey. As the song progresses, Lightfoot tells the story of the Fitzgerald's doomed voyage. He describes the treacherous conditions on Lake Superior, with winds gusting up to 50 knots and waves reaching heights of 14 feet. The crew of the Fitzgerald battles valiantly against the storm, but eventually they realize that the ship is taking on water. In the final verse of the song, Lightfoot reveals the fate of the ship and its crew. The Fitzgerald sinks to the bottom of Lake Superior, taking all 29 men with it. Lightfoot sings, "At 7 pm a main hatchway caved in, he said fellas it's been good to know ya." The line is a poignant reminder of the bravery and camaraderie of the crew, who faced their deaths with dignity and grace.
What makes "The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald" such a powerful song is the way that Lightfoot captures the mood and atmosphere of the tragedy. His lyrics are poetic and evocative, painting a vivid picture of the ship and its crew. The melody is haunting and mournful, with a sense of foreboding that builds throughout the song. But perhaps the most striking aspect of the song is the way that it pays tribute to the men who lost their lives. Lightfoot's lyrics are respectful and dignified, never resorting to sentimentality or melodrama. Instead, he focuses on the bravery and courage of the crew, highlighting their willingness to risk everything to complete their mission. In the years since the sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald, "The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald" has become an iconic song that is closely associated with the tragedy. It is a haunting reminder of the power of nature and the bravery of those who venture into its most treacherous waters.