nickel creek, “the lighthouse’s tale”
from: nickel creek, 2000
“I am a lighthouse, worn by the weather and the waves.
I keep my lamp lit, to warn the sailors on their way.
I’ll tell a story, paint you a picture from my past.
I was so happy, but joy in this life seldom lasts.
I had a keeper, he helped me warn the ships at sea.
We had grown closer, ‘till his joy meant everything to me.
And he was to marry, a girl who shone with beauty and light.
And they loved each other, and with me watched the sunsets into night.
[Chorus:]
And the waves crashing around me, the sand slips out to sea.
And the winds that blow remind me, of what has been, and what can never be.
She’d had to leave us, my keeper he prayed for a safe return.
But when the night came, the weather to a raging storm had turned.
He watched her ship fight, but in vain against the wild and terrible wave.
In me so helpless, as dashed against the rock she met her end.
[Chorus]
Then on the next day, my keeper found her washed up on the SHORE.
He kissed her cold face, that they’d be together soon he’d swore.
I saw him crying, watched as he buried her in the sand.
And then he climbed my tower, and off of the edge of me he ran.
[Chorus]
I am a lighthouse, worn by the weather and the waves.
And though I am empty, I still warn the sailors on their
”
These three first got together when Chris and Sara were but 8 years old and Sean was 12 They produced a few self-released recordings, but hit the big time with the Alison Kraus produced, Nickel Creek in 2000. The members have pursued numerous other projects – Chris, Goat Rodeo, Bach recordings, Punch Brothers, radio host – Sara, Decemberists, solo albums, Jackson Browne tour– Sean, Mutual Admiration Society, solo recordings, Watkins Family Hour. They have recently reunited for a lengthy impressive tour, which features them as the lead act, but they will be opening for Kacey Musgraves at TD Garden in September.
The featured song is a sad tale from a lighthouse’s perspective about star-crossed lovers.
-Alan West-
“The giving of love is an education in itself.”