Wreck Of The Edmund Fitzgerald - Gordon Lightfoot | Song Tabs

Wreck Of The Edmund Fitzgerald Gordon Lightfoot

Gordon Lightfoot’s “Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald” is a haunting, narrative folk ballad, originally performed with gentle guitar and subtle accompaniment. Its steady pace and repeating chord structure make it approachable for beginners.

## Chords

The song uses these open chords: D, Am, C, and G. Practice each chord shape until transitions are smooth, especially between D and Am, and C to G, as they occur frequently.

## Strumming Pattern

Lightfoot’s version features a gentle, steady down-up strumming pattern. Try a simple pattern: Down-down-up-up-down-up For beginners, even straight down strums in time can sound good. Focus on keeping a consistent rhythm.

## Chord Transitions and Techniques

Most lines begin and end on D, making it a “home base.” After D, move to Am, then C, then G, and back to D. Practice moving between D and Am by keeping your index finger anchored when possible. For C to G transitions, try sliding your ring finger from C (5th string, 3rd fret) to G (6th string, 3rd fret) to minimize motion.

Let chords ring out during instrumental sections. If you’re comfortable, add a slight emphasis on the first beat of each measure for dynamics.

## Final Tips

Play slowly at first, matching the song’s reflective mood. Listen to the original for timing and feel. With repetition, both chord changes and strumming will become natural.

Intro

D Am C G D D G D

Verse 1

TheD legend lives on from theAm Chippewa on down of theC big lake theyG call GitchaD Gumee

TheD lake it is said neverAm gives up her dead when theC skies of NoG vember turnD gloomy

With aD load of iron ore 26Am thousand tons more than theC Edmund FitzG gerald weighedD empty

ThatD big ship and true was aAm bone to be chewed when theC gales of NoG vember cameD early

Verse 2

TheD ship was the pride of theAm merican side comin'C back from someG mill in WisD consin

As theD big freighters go it wasAm bigger than most, with aC crew and goodG Captain wellD seasoned

ConD cluding some terms with aAm couple of steel firms when theyC left fullyG loaded forD Cleveland

AndD later that night when theAm ship's bell rang, could itC be the northG wind they'd beenD feeling?

Instrumental

D Am C G D D

Verse 3

TheD wind in the wires made aAm tattletale sound and aC wave brokeG over theD railing

AndD every man knew as theAm Captain did too t'was theC witch of NoG vember comeD stealin'

TheD dawn came late and theAm breakfast had to wait when theC gales of NoG vember cameD slashin'

WhenD afternoon came it wasAm freezing rain, in theC face of aG hurricaneD westwind

Instrumental

D Am C G D C G D

Verse 4

WhenD supper time came the oldAm cook came on deck sayin' "C Fellas it'sG too rough toD feed ya"

AtD 7 p.m. a mainAm hatchway caved in he said "C Fellas it'sG been good toD know ya"

TheD Captain wired in he hadAm water comin' in and theC good ship andG crew was inD peril

AndD later that night when hisAm lights went out of sight came theC wreck of theG Edmund FitzD gerald

Instrumental

D Am C G D C G D D D

Verse 5

DoesD anyone know where theAm love of God goes when theC waves turn theG minutes toD hours?

TheD searchers all say they'd haveAm made Whitefish Bay if they'dC put 15G more miles beD hind her

TheyD might have split up or theyAm might have capsized. TheyC may have brokeG deep and tookD water

AndD all that remains is theAm faces and the names of theC wives and theG sons and theD daughters

Instrumental

D Am C G D C G D

Verse 6

LakeD Huron rolls SuAm perior sings, in theC ruins of herG icewaterD mansion

OldD Michigan steams like aAm young man's dreams theC islands andG bays are forD sportsmen

AndD farther below Lake OnAm tario, takesC in what LakeG Erie canD send her

And theD iron boats go as theAm mariners all know with theC gales of NoG vember reD membered

Instrumental

D Am C G D C G D D Am C G D C G D D D

Verse 7

In aD musty old hall in DeAm troit they prayed in theC MaritimeG Sailors' CaD thedral

TheD church bell chimed 'til it rangAm twenty-nine times for eachC man on theG Edmund FitzD gerald

Verse 8

TheD legend lives on from theAm Chippewa on down of theC big lake theyG call GitchaD Gumee

SuD perior they said neverAm gives up her dead when theC gales of NoG vember comeD early

Outro

D Am C G D C G D D Am C G D C G D

Song Tabs

Other songs by Gordon Lightfoot

Songs with the same chords: Am + C + D + G

Other songs by Gordon Lightfoot

Songs with the same chords: Am + C + D + G