Carefree Highway

Gordon Lightfoot

About Carefree Highway

"Carefree Highway" is a song written by Gordon Lightfoot and was the second single release from his 1974 album, Sundown. It peaked at #10 on the Billboard Hot 100 and spent one week at #1 on the Easy Listening chart in October 1974. The title comes from a section of Arizona State Route 74 in north Phoenix. Said Lightfoot, "I thought it would make a good title for a song. I wrote it down, put it in my suitcase and it stayed there for eight months." The song employs "Carefree Highway" as a metaphor for the state of mind where the singer seeks escape from his ruminations over a long ago failed affair with a woman named Ann. Lightfoot has stated that Ann actually was the name of a woman Lightfoot romanced when he was age 22: "It [was] one of those situations where you meet that one woman who knocks you out and then leaves you standing there and says she's on her way." 


Year:
2012
2:10
72 
#1

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Pickin' up the pieces of my sweet shattered dream
I wonder how the old folks are tonight
Her name was Ann and I'll be damned if I recall her face
She left me not knowin' what to do
Carefree highway, let me slip away on you
Carefree highway, you seen better days
The mornin' after blues from my head down to my shoes
Carefree highway, let me slip away
Slip away on you
Turnin' back the pages to the times I love best
I wonder if she'll ever do the same
Now the thing that I call livin' is just bein' satisfied
With knowin' I got no one left to blame
Carefree highway, got ta see you my old flame
Carefree highway, you seen better days
The mornin' after blues from my head down to my shoes
Carefree highway, let me slip away
Slip away on you
Searchin' through the fragments of my dream-shattered sleep
I wonder if the years have closed her mind
I guess it must be wanderlust or tryin' to get free
From the good old faithful feelin' we once knew
Carefree highway, let me slip away on you
Carefree highway, you seen better days
The mornin' after blues from my head down to my shoes
Carefree highway, let me slip away
Slip away on you
Let me slip away on you
Carefree highway, got ta see you my old flame
Carefree highway, you seen better days
The mornin' after blues from my head down to my shoes
Carefree highway, let me slip away
Slip away on you

 Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer


Gordon Lightfoot

Gordon Meredith Lightfoot, Jr. CC OOnt (born November 17, 1938) is a Canadian singer-songwriter who achieved international success in folk, folk-rock, and country music, 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. more »

21 fans

Written by: Gordon Lightfoot

Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Release & Ranking
"Carefree Highway" was released in 1974 as part of Gordon Lightfoot's album, "Sundown." It was an instant success, reaching #10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Song Inspiration
The song is named after the real Carefree Highway in Arizona that Lightfoot drove on. The song's theme resonates with wanting to escape from responsibilities and stresses of life.
Song Writing
Gordon Lightfoot reportedly wrote "Carefree Highway" in a Toronto suburban hotel room after reading an article in a newspaper. The song came to him quickly, and he completed it in a few minutes.
Song Structure
"Carefree Highway" follows a classic song structure, with two verses, a chorus, and a bridge. However, Lightfoot's narrative style makes the song unique, telling a story of nostalgia and longing.
Lyrical Interpretation
The song which seems to reflect a moment of nostalgia and freedom, is actually about Gordon's failed relationship with Cathy Evelyn Smith.
Awards & Nominations
Though "Carefree Highway" did not win any awards, it contributed significantly to the album "Sundown" that helped Gordon Lightfoot win Juno Awards in 1975 for "Folk Singer of The Year" and "Best Selling Album."
Song Genre
"Carefree Highway" is an example of a country folk song - a genre that Gordon Lightfoot is widely regarded to have helped further popularize.
Live Performances
"Carefree Highway" has been a staple in Lightfoot's live performances. The song's popularity among fans has ensured its place in almost every concert setlist.
Cover Versions
"Carefree Highway" has been covered by several other artists over the years including Tony Rice, Bob Dylan, and Lobo, reflecting its enduring popularity and impact on the music world.
Album Contribution
The popularity of "Carefree Highway" played a significant role in the overall success of the "Sundown" album, which ultimately went triple-platinum in Canada and gold in the United States.

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    Carefree Highway

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    Top Hot 100 Songs 1974

    Billboard #10


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