About the song
Gordon Lightfoot, a revered figure in the realm of folk and country music, has crafted a vast catalog of songs that have touched the hearts of countless listeners. One such masterpiece is “Don Quixote”, a poignant ballad released in 1972 as the title track of his album Don Quixote. This timeless piece showcases Lightfoot’s exceptional ability to blend literary references with captivating melodies, creating a musical experience that continues to resonate with audiences today.
“Don Quixote” draws inspiration from Miguel de Cervantes’ classic novel of the same name, capturing the essence of the titular character’s idealism and relentless pursuit of chivalric dreams. Lightfoot’s evocative lyrics, paired with a melodious and engaging folk arrangement, bring the story to life in a way that resonates with both the literary and musical sensibilities of listeners. The song’s portrayal of Quixote’s journey serves as a powerful metaphor for the broader human experience of striving against the odds and holding onto one’s dreams.
Upon its release, “Don Quixote” achieved significant commercial success, reaching number 3 on the Canadian RPM Top 100 and number 6 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart in the United States. This success highlighted Lightfoot’s ability to craft songs that connect deeply with listeners, reinforcing his position as a leading figure in folk and country music.
Throughout his distinguished career, Gordon Lightfoot has received numerous accolades for his contributions to music. “Don Quixote” remains a cherished part of his legacy, celebrated for its lyrical depth and masterful composition. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to Lightfoot’s exceptional talent for blending literary themes with captivating music.
For fans of folk and classic storytelling, “Don Quixote” is a must-listen. It’s a poignant reminder of the power of dreams and ideals, and a testament to the human spirit’s ability to persevere in the face of adversity. Gordon Lightfoot’s masterpiece continues to captivate audiences, proving that the beauty and simplicity of a well-crafted song can endure for generations.
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Lyrics
Through the woodland, through the valley
Comes a horseman wild and free
Tilting at the windmills passing
Who can the brave young horseman be
He is wild but he is mellow
He is strong but he is weak
He is cruel but he is gentle
He is wise but he is meek
Reaching for his saddlebag
He takes a battered book into his hand
Standing like a prophet bold
He shouts across the ocean to the shore
Till he can shout no more
I have come o’er moor and mountain
Like the hawk upon the wing
I was once a shining knight
Who was the guardian of a king
I have searched the whole world over
Looking for a place to sleep
I have seen the strong survive
And I have seen the lean grown weak
See the children of the earth
Who wake to find the table bare
See the gentry in the country
Riding off to take the air
Reaching for his saddlebag
He takes a rusty sword into his hand
Then striking up a knightly pose
He shouts across the ocean to the shore
Till he can shout no more
See the jailor with his key
Who locks away all trace of sin
See the judge upon the bench
Who tries the case as best he can
See the wise and wicked ones
Who feed upon life’s sacred fire
See the soldier with his gun
Who must be dead to be admired
See the man who tips the needle
See the man who buys and sells
See the man who puts the collar
On the ones who dare not tell
See the drunkard in the tavern
Stemming gold to make ends meet
See the youth in ghetto black
Condemned to life upon the street
Reaching for his saddlebag
He takes a tarnished cross into his hand
Then standing like a preacher now
He shouts across the ocean to the shore
Then in a blaze of tangled hooves
He gallops off across the dusty plain
In vain to search again
Where no one will hear
Through the woodland, through the valley
Comes a horseman wild and free
Tilting at the windmills passing
Who can the brave young horseman be
He is wild but he is mellow
He is strong but he is weak
He is cruel but he is gentle
He is wise but he is meek