The lyrics describe a scenario where Gordon Lightfoot's favorite singer is Rod Stewart, and the narrator imagines what it would sound like if Lightfoot had been inspired by Stewart's music. The lyrics then segue into the chorus from Stewart's song "Maggie May" expressing regret and longing.

Meaning of "Gordon Lightfoot Does Maggie May" by Burton Cummings

The song "Gordon Lightfoot Does Maggie May" by Burton Cummings is a playful and humorous take on the idea of hypothetical scenarios and musical influences. By imagining what would happen if one iconic singer's favorite artist was another, the song blurs the lines between reality and fantasy in a whimsical way. The choice to incorporate the chorus of "Maggie May" into the lyrics adds a layer of nostalgia and regret, reflecting on lost opportunities and lessons learned. Overall, the song can be seen as a tribute to the power of music to inspire creativity and imagination.