I came to this song hearing Bob Dylan’s live version (1998), which I thoroughly enjoyed although the recording quality isn’t top notch. When I heard Gordon Lightfoot’s original version I thought it was wonderful as well and here we are today. Gordon’s music has featured here once with If You Could Read My Mind, but the focus of that article was on Don William’s version. Apart from the aforementioned song, he had big hits with Sundown and The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald. You can see my blogger friend Max’s articles on those two. It would appear by accounts that Gordon Lightfoot was somewhat of a songwriter’s songwriter. He inspired peers such as Bob Dylan, Elvis Presley and Neil Young.
I’m Not Supposed to Care is from what some regard as Gordon Lightfoot’s strongest album, 1976’s Summertime Dream. This is one of his more reflective songs about lost love, told from the perspective of someone struggling to move on from a relationship that’s run its course. In lesser hands, it might have come off as overly sentimental, but Lightfoot’s nuanced delivery and emotional storytelling bring a tender, aching honesty that makes it resonate deeply.
Gordon Lightfoot was a Canadian singer-songwriter known for his poetic lyrics and distinctive voice, becoming one of folk and country music’s most respected figures as alluded to above. Born in Ontario in 1938, he rose to fame in the 1960s and 70s with the aforementioned songs. His music often reflected themes of love, loss, nature, and Canadian identity. Lightfoot earned international success, while remaining deeply tied to his Canadian roots. He continued performing and recording well into his later years, and by the time of his death in 2023, he was widely regarded as a national treasure and a master storyteller in song.
[Verse 1]
I think you had somebody waiting outside in the rain to take you away
You got places to go, you got people to see, still I’m gonna miss you
But anyway
I wish you good spaces in the far away places you go
If it rains or it snows may you be safe and warm and never grow old
And if you need somebody some time
You know I will always be there
I’ll do it although I’m not supposed to care
[Verse 2]
I’ll give you the keys to my flying machine if you’d like
I will show you the light and when you call
I’m gonna come to you
And when you find someone who loves you
I’ll know you would treat me the same
Just lie there, you’re not supposed to care
[Verse 3]
I think you had somebody waiting outside in the rain to take you away
That’s some kind of a game, still I’m glad it came down to the final round
But anyway
If you think you need someone who needs you
You know I will always be there
I’ll do it although I’m not supposed to care
I’ll do it although I’m not supposed to care
References:
1. Gordon Lightfooot – Wikipedia
“The more I live, the more I learn. The more I learn, the more I realize, the less I know.”- Michel Legrand
Observation Blogger 
When Dylan covers you…you know you are doing something right. Gordon was a fantastic singer-songwriter…a lot of depth in his songs.
Yesterday, I was watching Dylan perform ‘Desolation Row’ on the Outlaw tour you went to. Gee, I loved his jangly saloon-bar piano playing. Just a fantastic sound from a bygone era.
I really like Dylan’s cover of ‘I’m Not Supposed to Care’. I thought he had written it when I first heard it many moons ago. You are right. If Dylan covers you, you’ve got something going for you. Petty and Zevon come to mind as well.
Yes…it was nice to hear that one Matt. I don’t think I remember him every playing that one before. His piano playing put a different spin on songs. It was the first time I’ve seen him play so much piano. He never did pick up a guitar.
Gordon is up there with songwriters…it took me a while to realize it…only knowing his giant hits but yea he is.
Dylan despite being 84 years old can always find a way to get something new out of a song. When I saw him twice in 2007, I think he only played on the piano as well. It so goes, he just couldn’t manage the guitar anymore due to physical compromise – I suspect.
I’ll admit, I am not familiar with Gordon’s career and repertoire, but given so many illustrious artists have covered his music he’s obviously held in the highest esteem.
I think it was the standing part I would imagine…he played a little piano in 2016 when I saw him then.
Willie also sat the entire time playing his guitar.
I played a bit of guitar and doesn’t it demand lots on your finger and hand strength? I imagine ‘the standing’ too as you mentioned would be just as challenging. It’s amazing Willie at his age can still play guitar!
I know…and Willie’s voice was a little lower but other than that…on cue. Yea it’s probably the standing that hurts…and it does hurt having a guitar strapped to you for 2 hours…your feet, legs, and back can hurt.
It bloody hurt my fingers and I got calluses big time! I suppose over time a musician’s fingers adapt and no longer hurt the more one plays. Yeh, you make a good point about the weight and physical challenges.
Over time…I lost my fingerprints on certain fingers because of it…after a while you don’t even know because yea your skin toughens up
Losing the fingerprints reminds of the Fincher movie ‘Seven’ Haha. Now that’s a movie.
Musically, you know way better than me on all accounts since you did the graveyard shifts with house bands and what not.
I liked that movie as well!
I remember us friends leaving that movie from the cinema and we all felt flabbergasted and gutted Haha
I felt the same when a buddy of mine and I watch Platoon in the 80s.
Oliver Stone was on a run in the 80’s.
If you’re an Oliver Stone JFK film fan then hold your beer.
The following is quite a read, but I think worth your while if you are so inclined:
Always liked this song 🎵
Yeh! The more I hear of Gordon’s version the more I like it.
I’ve always loved him. He got a lot of airplay in Buffalo. All Canadians do.
This comment went into my spam folder. It’s becoming quite annoying since I’ve just found 8 others comments from regular contributors.
Apart from Lightfoot’s 3 big hits I hadn’t really heard him. Cool he got airplay where you are.
I regularly check my spam folder. Lots of things go in there that shouldn’t.
There was a documentary made in 2020 about him called “Gordon Lightfoot: If You Could Read My Mind” which I highly recommend. Even a huge fan like myself learned a whole lot, like for whom “Sundown” was written & the John Belushi connection.
There’s so many Canadian bands/musicians that I grew up listening to that are virtually unknown in other parts of the world. Really great music.
Yes, I’m now having to check my spam folder. Thanks for letting me know the problem isn’t just unique to me.
The Gordon Lightfoot documentary does look good based on the trailer I saw. I nearly always enjoy music-documentaries. I can see what you mean about the under appreciation of Canadian groups, since I had the same experience with Australian artists and groups. Cheers.