Lightfoot, Gordon - A Lesson In Love Lyrics

I hear a Dylan influence here.

The original, vinyl LP version of this track had a more pronounced "held note" which begins @ 0:10 and extends to 0:50. It's the last note in the decending synth sequence at the beginning of the song and, for me, it adds even more emotion than in this CD track--I feel a pronounced sense of loss, somehow when that note ends...and the song moves on.
Another one for me might be the opening of the Ozark Mountain Daredevils track "Watermill." There is a piano octave sequence at the beginning of that tune which, to me, evokes the "sound" of dripping, falling water. Love that one too.

A Lesson in Love
~ Gordon Lightfoot

"Nothing is for certain"
That's what the showman said
First you must open the curtain
And stand 'em on their heads

There can be no inhibitions
No prima donna ways
If you want to pass the audition
And times is tough these days

Remember when Mr. Barnum
Presented Jenny Lind
They named a candy after her
A circus after him

End of my story
The rest is history
She in all of her glory
He lived quietly

He needed her, she needed him
As sure as the skies above
In a way it was for them
A lesson in love, a lesson in love

You look like the moon glow
That follows me home
Always makes me turn around
Won't leave me alone

First to come are the midgets
A monkey and a kid
Followed by those two one-armed jugglers
The ego and the id

Songs of the season
Apples of the sun
There is no rhyme or reason
Just a time for each and every one

Hang on Mr. Barnum
Hang on Jenny Lind
We will meet you in streets of gold
Where eternity begins

We will let it all hangout
Go hand in glove
Life was meant to live and learn
A lesson in love, a lesson in love

Source: LyricFind
Songwriters: Gordon Lightfoot
A Lesson in Love lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc

Best song in the album, best Gord song in years.

Love this song, love this entire album! this album has a contemporary pop sound with saxophone & synthesizer, but the writing is still folk. When I first heard it, I was really surprised, as it seemed a huge departure from the usual G.L. sound, but I hadn't heard anything since Dream Street Rose, so I was out of the loop for too long. But then realized the remarkable talent to stay current. Thanks Gordon Lightfoot for a long career of outstanding music much enjoyed since I first heard Early Morning Rain!