Latest Episode
Cold Hands From New York, Part 1
In this episode of Carefree Highway Revisited, returning guest Carole Navarro and I explore “Cold Hands From New York,” an overlooked early song by Gordon Lightfoot. Together they discuss the song’s vivid portrait of New York City, its themes of loneliness and human connection, and the way Lightfoot balances hope and disillusionment through powerful imagery and storytelling. Written during a 1967 trip to England when Lightfoot was attempting to overcome a bout of writer’s block, the song paints
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62
June 16, 2026
Cold Hands From New York, Part 1
In this episode of Carefree Highway Revisited, returning guest Carole Navarro and I explore “Cold Hands From New York,” an overlooked early song by Gordon Lightfoot. Together they discuss the song’s vivid portrait of New York City, its themes of loneliness and human connection, and the way Lightfoot balances hope and disillusionment through powerful imagery and storytelling. Written during a 1967 trip to England when Lightfoot was attempting to overcome a bout of writer’s block, the song paints
61
June 2, 2026
Artist Profile: Ward Cornforth & Gord's Gold, Part 1
In this Artist Profile episode of Carefree Highway Revisited, Mike Messner welcomes Ward Cornforth, the leader of the Toronto-based Gord's Gold Trubute show. Our conversation includes: The members of the band Ward's other tribute project, dedicated to Johnny Cash The way the band covers Lightfoot's material The responsibility of keeping Lightfoot’s music alive for new generations What Ward hopes Gordon himself might have noticed if he had attended one of his concerts. More about Ward and Gord's
60
May 20, 2026
Artist Profile: John Gracie
In this special episode of Carefree Highway Revisited , Mike Messner welcomes Nova Scotia musician John Gracie to discuss his Gordon Lightfoot tribute collection, “A Gentle Homage.” John reflects on how he first discovered the music of Gordon Lightfoot, his experiences seeing Lightfoot perform live, and the qualities in Gordon’s songwriting that continue to resonate with him as both a listener and performer. The conversation explores: Why Lightfoot’s songs are difficult to imitate authentically
59
May 7, 2026
Carefree Highway
In this episode of Carefree Highway Revisited , Mike Messner and returning guest Barbara J. take a deep dive into “Carefree Highway,” one of the signature songs by Gordon Lightfoot. Together we explore the song’s Arizona-inspired origins, its themes of memory and lost love, and the emotional tension between freedom and loneliness that runs throughout the lyrics. Our conversation also highlights the song’s iconic musical arrangement, Terry Clements’ guitar work, and why “Carefree Highway” remains
16
April 19, 2026
The House You Live In, Part 2
In Part 2 of this two-part conversation, Mike Messner and returning guest Martin Brandt conclude their discussion of “The House You Live In” by Gordon Lightfoot. This episode explores the song’s reflections on fame, failure, temptation, honesty, and adult responsibility. Mike and Martin unpack Lightfoot’s advice-filled lyrics while also discussing the track’s musical structure, live history, and why it remains one of the most thoughtful songs from the Summertime Dream album. Together, Parts 1 an
15
April 4, 2026
The House You Live In, Part 1
In this episode of Carefree Highway Revisited , Mike Messner is joined by returning guest Martin Brandt for Part 1 of a two-part discussion on “The House You Live In” by Gordon Lightfoot. Together they explore the song as a reflection on life, responsibility, and personal values — unpacking its opening lines as a kind of guide for navigating adulthood. The conversation touches on themes of courage, timing, empathy, and the importance of building a life rooted in compassion. With personal connect
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