One of Lightfoot's most personal songs, this is about the breakup of his first marriage - a common theme in many of his songs. In the liner notes of his boxed set Songbook, he describes it as "A song about the failure of marriage." (thanks to Valerie at gordonlightfoot.com)
Written in 1969, the song has been recorded more than 100 times, first by Lightfoot himself for Sit Down Young Stranger. The album was not a commercial success, but after the song reached #5 on the US singles chart in 1971, the album was renamed after the song and re-released, reaching #12 in the pop charts. (thanks, Eric - Sandusky, OH)
This song was used in the Canadian feature film Paperback Hero in 1975.
Other recordings include those by Carroll Baker, Glen Campbell, The Bells, Johnny Mathis, Liza Minelli, Barbara Streisand and Andy Williams. Instrumental arrangements have been recorded by Herb Alpert, John Arpin, James Last, The Boss Brass and others. (thanks, Ian - Calgary, Canada, for above 2)
This song is part of the Series 1 soundtrack for Channel 4 TV's Trigger Happy TV which is a quick-fire comedy show featuring prank calls and celebrity gags. (thanks, Sue - Woking, England)
Johnny Cash covered this song on his last album before he died: American V: A Hundred Highways. (thanks, John - Portland, OR).
