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Circle of Steel (WORD)
Circle of Steel (PDF)
Put your capo on the 3rd fret to play along with the video in GCEA tuning!
Here's some of what Ezine Magazine had to say about this song: Recorded for Gordon Lightfoot's breakthrough album "Sundown" in 1974 the song "Circle of Steel" represents another side of Lightfoot's songwriting. What we find is not exactly what one expects to hear during the holiday season. Yes, there are some "sounds of the season" and there is snowfall and there are even references to Christmas morning and family heirlooms. But this particular "holiday song" paints a more realistic picture of what some Christmases are like in certain places.... As listeners we find ourselves a bit stunned...as we have just been treated to a very catchy melody, an-almost "happy" mood, sounds of the recorder and a holiday "vibe". Yet these musical "treats" are balanced by the lyrics which paint a very real (and gloomy) picture. In essence, Lightfoot has musically "tricked" us into thinking about something real during the holidays. By taking honest and real subject matter and juxtaposing it against an upbeat, happy or "positive" melody Gordon Lightfoot is able to send Circle of Steel's serious and intense message and make the listener actually enjoy receiving it. Next time you consider burning a Christmas "mix" CD consider adding "Circle of Steel." This song's message is important, real, universal and would most certainly cause anybody (with a soul) to take pause. The key to great songwriting...
A Timeless Gordon Lightfoot Song: "Circle of Steel" (ezinearticles.com)
Gordon Meredith Lightfoot Jr. (born November 17, 1938) is a Canadian singer-songwriter who achieved international success and has been credited for helping define the folk-pop sound of the 1960s and 1970s. He has been referred to as Canada's greatest songwriter and internationally as a folk-rock legend. As an individual, apart from various awards associated with his albums and singles, Gordon Lightfoot has received sixteen Juno Awards for top folk singer and has been nominated for five Grammy Awards. Lightfoot was inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame in 1986 and the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame in 2001. He was inducted into Canada's Walk of Fame in 1998. In May 2003 he was made a Companion of the Order of Canada, the country's highest civilian honour. Lightfoot is a member of the Order of Ontario, the highest honour in the province of Ontario. On June 24, 2012, Lightfoot was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in a New York City ceremony, along with Bob Seger.