Roach survived a turbulent upbringing to develop into a powerful voice for Indigenous Australia, a storyteller in the tradition of his ancestors, and a nationally popular and respected artist.
Roach first became known for the song "Took the Children Away", which featured on his debut solo album, Charcoal Lane, in 1990. He toured around the globe, headlining and opening shows for Joan Armatrading, Bob Dylan, Billy Bragg, Tracy Chapman, Suzanne Vega and Patti Smith. His work has been recognised by numerous nominations and awards, including a Deadly Award for a "Lifetime Contribution to Healing the Stolen Generations" in 2013.
In 2015, Roach was honoured in the Queen's Birthday Honours list as a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for services to music as a singer-songwriter, guitarist and a prominent supporter of social justice.
At the 2020 ARIA Music Awards on 25 November 2020, Roach was inducted into their hall of fame.
Lighthouse
Archie Roach Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
When the night and the sea become one
In these waters, treachery
A lighthouse shines, shines down on me
Lighthouse shine, shine down on me
Above us all, for all to see
Turning darkness into day
Don't look for him, inside your pain
It's in your joy, that he remains
Not in the depths, depths of despair
Not in the ground, but in the air
Lighthouse shine, shine down on me
Above us all, for all to see
Turning darkness into day
Its' beacon light, shows us the way
Oh you threw him inside your jail
But you can't cage the great wedge-tail
For he's away, up in the blue
Circling round, embracing you
Lighthouse shine, shine down on me
Above us all, for all to see
Turning darkness, into day
Its' beacon light, shows us the way
Oh strangers came from far away
Come to kill him so they say
But he's not dead, he'll never be
He's killed them with, their own misery
Lighthouse shine, shine down on me
Above us all, for all to see
Turning darkness into day
Its' beacon light, shows us the way
Its' beacon light, shows us the way
Archie Roach's song "Lighthouse" speaks about the power of hope and the importance of finding light in the darkness. The song begins by acknowledging the challenges faced by the singer, who finds themselves lost at sea at night. In this moment of despair, the lighthouse serves as a symbol of guidance, offering a beacon of light that leads the singer to safety. Throughout the song, Roach encourages listeners to find hope and strength in difficult times, reminding them that even when they feel lost, there is always a light to guide them home.
The lyrics also touch on the idea that one cannot find happiness or peace by dwelling on their pain alone. The line "Don't look for him, inside your pain, it's in your joy, that he remains" suggests that the singer is urging us to look beyond our struggles and towards the things that bring us happiness and contentment. Roach reinforces this message further by warning against the dangers of caging oneself in negativity and despair. He emphasizes the importance of embracing hope and optimism, even in moments of darkness.
Overall, "Lighthouse" is a powerful reminder that we all need a guiding light to help us find our way through the dark times in life. The song encourages us to look to the bright spots in our lives and to keep hope alive, even when it feels like all is lost.
Line by Line Meaning
When it's dark and there's no sun
In the absence of light and warmth, when everything seems cold and gloomy
When the night and the sea become one
When the darkness of night and the vastness of the sea come together in one solitary feeling
In these waters, treachery
The sea can be dangerous and unpredictable, like a trap waiting to ensnare the unwary
A lighthouse shines, shines down on me
A beacon of hope and safety shines from the lighthouse, illuminating the way forward
Lighthouse shine, shine down on me
The artist asks for the benefits of the lighthouse's guidance
Above us all, for all to see
The light is elevated to give all a chance to spot it
Turning darkness into day
The light dispels the darkness, providing clarity and direction
Its' beacon light, shows us the way
The light serves as a guide, leading the way to safety and security
Don't look for him, inside your pain
Do not look for the answer to your questions in your sorrow
It's in your joy, that he remains
Look for the answers to life's mysteries in the positive aspects of your existence
Not in the depths, depths of despair
Answers are not found in the depths of sadness and misery
Not in the ground, but in the air
Solutions are not found in the conventional or ordinary; one must think outside the box
Oh you threw him inside your jail
The singer addresses an individual for trapping someone or something within themselves
But you can't cage the great wedge-tail
One cannot hold or trap a magnificent bird of prey
For he's away, up in the blue
The bird is free, soaring high in the sky
Circling round, embracing you
The bird can still provide comfort and support, even from afar
Oh strangers came from far away
Unknown or foreign influences are trying to cause harm
Come to kill him so they say
These influences have come with negative intentions
But he's not dead, he'll never be
The target is not destroyed; it is indomitable
He's killed them with, their own misery
The malevolent have been defeated by their own negativity
Its' beacon light, shows us the way
The light continues to serve as a pathfinder towards peace and happiness
Its' beacon light, shows us the way
The light continues to serve as a pathfinder towards peace and happiness
Writer(s): Archibald William Roach
Contributed by Savannah D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.