I'm Not Sayin'

Gordon Lightfoot

About I'm Not Sayin'

"I'm Not Sayin'" is a song written by Gordon Lightfoot. It was recorded in December 1964 and released as a single A-side in 1965 and on his 1966 debut album Lightfoot!. The lyrics detail the singer's promise: not that he can necessarily love the subject, or be true to the subject, but only that he can try to do so. The single peaked at #12 in Canada in June 1965. In late May 1965, Nico recorded a version of the song released on Immediate Records. Her version is stylistically reminiscent of the work of Marianne Faithfull. The single only garnered limited success. This version of the song features Jimmy Page, then a studio musician, on the 12-string guitar. Nico's version was produced by Rolling Stones multi-instrumentalist Brian Jones and the promo film was shot at West India Docks in London. Other artists who have recorded this song include James Booker, Turley Richards, Ian Campbell Folk Group, and The Replacements. On Lightfoot's 1975 platinum compilation LP Gord's Gold, the song appears in a re-recorded medley with "Ribbon of Darkness". Lightfoot's 1969 live album Sunday Concert also features a medley of the two songs. 


Year:
1989
2:34
75 
#1

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I'm not sayin' that I love you
I'm not sayin' that I'll care if you love me
I'm not sayin' that I'll care
I'm not sayin' I'll be there when you want me 

I can't give my heart to you
Or tell you that I'll sing your name up to the sky
I can't lay the promise down
That I'll always be around when you need me 

Now I may not be alone each time you see me
Along the street or in a small cafe
But still I won't deny or mistreat you
Baby if you let me have my way 

I'm not sayin' I'll be sorry
For all the things that I might say that make you cry
I can't say I'll always do
The things you want me to
I'm not sayin' I'll be true but I'll try 

Now I may not be alone each time you see me
Or show up when I promised that I would
But still I won't deny or mistreat you
Baby if you love me like you should 

I'm not sayin' I'll be sorry
For all the things that I might say that make you cry
I can't say I'll always do
The things you want me to
I'm not sayin' I'll be true but I'll try
I can't say I'll always do
The things you want me to
I'm not sayin' I'll be true but I'll try

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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


13 facts about this song

Artist origin
Gordon Lightfoot is a Canadian singer-songwriter who achieved international success in folk, folk-rock, and country music.
Composition
Lightfoot initially wrote "I'm Not Sayin'", and it was one of his earliest compositions.
First release
The song was first recorded by Lightfoot himself and released as a single in 1962.
Nico's version
German singer Nico covered "I'm Not Sayin'" in 1965. Her version was produced by Rolling Stones' manager Andrew Loog Oldham for the Immediate label.
Nico's career
This was Nico's debut single, before she joined the influential rock band The Velvet Underground.
The Replacements' cover
American rock band The Replacements also made their rendition of the song, which was included in their 1985 album "Tim".
Lyrics
The song "I'm Not Sayin'" speaks about the intricacies of relationships and interpersonal commitments.
Chart performance
Nico's version reached #12 on the UK singles chart in 1965.
Gordon Lightfoot's career
Lightfoot is often referred to as Canada's greatest songwriter and is known for his rich, distinctive voice and his storytelling in his songs.
Impact
Despite not being one of their most well-known songs, "I'm Not Sayin'" reflects the versatility of each artist as Lightfoot, Nico, and The Replacements all brought unique elements to their versions.
Music video
An interesting fact about Nico's version of "I'm Not Sayin'" is that it featured a young Jimmy Page (future guitarist of Led Zeppelin) in the music video.
Live performances
While the song was covered by many artists, it also frequently featured in Gordon Lightfoot's live performances during his early career.
Influence
The song "I'm Not Sayin'" is an example of how different artists from various genres have found value in Lightfoot's songwriting, given the range of covers it has received. It helped to cement Lightfoot's place among the great songwriters of his generation.

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