The Lighthouse Keeper's Widow

THE STORY BEHIND THE SONG

Lyrics

[Verse 1]
Ninety steps up to the light
Where I guide ships through the night
But it's not oil that makes it burn
It's the souls that won't return

My husband kept this post before
Till the sea came for his door
Now I tend what he begun
Lighting darkness when day is done

[Pre-Chorus]
The beam sweeps round and round again
Calling out to drowning men

[Chorus]
I am keeper of the flame
That burns without a name
Every ship that finds the shore
Owes a debt forevermore
In the lighthouse I remain
Feeding light with others' pain

[Verse 2]
Sailors think I save their lives
Guide them home to waiting wives
But the light demands its fee
One soul from every ship at sea

I collect them in the night
While the others sail from sight
Add their essence to my store
Keep the lantern burning more

[Pre-Chorus]
Round and round the light beam goes
Nobody questions what it knows

[Chorus]
I am keeper of the flame
That burns without a name
Every ship that finds the shore
Owes a debt forevermore
In the lighthouse I remain
Feeding light with others' pain

[Bridge]
Sometimes in the glass I see
My husband looking back at me
His soul was first to feed the fire
Now he burns in the spire

[Verse 3]
Storm is coming, ships draw near
Through the darkness, thick with fear
I'll save all but one tonight
That's the price of guiding light

[Final Chorus]
I am keeper of the cursed flame
Every soul burns just the same
When you see my saving light
Know that someone pays tonight
In the lighthouse I'll remain
Till the sea calls out my name

[Outro]
Ninety steps down to the sea
Where my husband waits for me
When my time comes to descend
Will the lighthouse find another friend?