The Lighthouse
John Starnes Lyrics


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There's a lighthouse on a hillside
That overlooks life's sea.
When I'm tossed about it sends out a light
That I might see.
And the light that shines in the darkness now
Will safely lead us o'er.
If it wasn't for the lighthouse
This ship would be no more.

Everybody that lives around us
Says tear that lighthouse down.
The big ships don't sail this way anymore,
There's no use it standing around.
But then my mind goes back to that stormy night
When just in time I saw the light;
Yes the light from that old lighthouse
That stands upon the hill.

And I thank God for the lighthouse,
I owe my life to Him.
For Jesus is the lighthouse
And from the rocks of sin
He has shone a light around me
That I could clearly see.
If it wasn't for the lighthouse
Tell me where would this ship be.

He has shone a light around me
That I could clearly see.




If it wasn't for the lighthouse
Tell me where would this ship be.

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of John Starnes's song The Lighthouse are about the importance of guidance and faith during turbulent times in life. The title itself, 'The Lighthouse', refers to a tower built on a hillside that overlooks the sea, and the singer mentions that it sends out light that guides ships safely through the darkness. In the second verse, the song takes a more metaphorical turn, with the lighthouse representing Jesus and the light signifying His guidance through the difficult waters of life. The singer thanks God for the lighthouse and recognizes that without this faith, he would be lost in the storms of life.


The song's lyrics are straightforward and emotional, evoking a sense of gratitude and reverence for faith and guidance. The imagery of the lighthouse shines a light on the importance of having something to look to during challenging times, and the metaphor of Christ as the lighthouse adds a layer of meaning and depth to the song. Overall, The Lighthouse is a poignant testament to the power of faith and guidance.


Line by Line Meaning

There's a lighthouse on a hillside
A lighthouse is present on a hill that overlooks the sea of life.


When I'm tossed about it sends out a light
The lighthouse emits a light that guides me when I'm troubled.


And the light that shines in the darkness now
The light from the lighthouse is currently shining and is visible in the darkness.


Will safely lead us o'er.
The light will guide us safely over the sea.


If it wasn't for the lighthouse
If the lighthouse didn't exist...


This ship would be no more.
...the ship would have been destroyed.


Everybody that lives around us
Everyone living nearby...


Says tear that lighthouse down.
...advocates for the removal of the lighthouse.


The big ships don't sail this way anymore,
They argue that large ships no longer pass through this route,


There's no use it standing around.
...so it is pointless for the lighthouse to exist.


But then my mind goes back to that stormy night
However, my mind reminds me of a tempestuous night in the past...


When just in time I saw the light;
...when I saw the lighthouse's beam and was saved just in time.


Yes the light from that old lighthouse
Certainly, the light from that ancient lighthouse...


That stands upon the hill.
...which is perched atop the hill.


And I thank God for the lighthouse,
I am grateful to God for the lighthouse.


I owe my life to Him.
I am in debt to Him because the lighthouse saved my life.


For Jesus is the lighthouse
Jesus is the spiritual representation of the lighthouse.


And from the rocks of sin
He rescues us from the perils of sin


He has shone a light around me
He has illuminated my surroundings with His knowledge and guidance.


That I could clearly see.
Making it possible for me to have a clear view.


If it wasn't for the lighthouse
If there had been no lighthouse...


Tell me where would this ship be.
...the ship, and I, would have been lost in the darkness of the sea.




Contributed by Scarlett F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Comments from YouTube:

@MichaelFowble-wx1hh

Jesus is my Lighthouse . I've became lost, however Jesus has saved me many times . John 3-16 is our ticket to Heaven

@VCBHomeofGospelMusic

Thank you for listening

@Joyce-rf7nk

No one on Jimmy Swaggart show can sing as good as John Starnes. He was just amazing singer .

@VCBHomeofGospelMusic

Thanks for listening

@rogerglasco5941

What a beautiful song sung by the right person. praise the LORD for John.

@VCBHomeofGospelMusic

Amen

@jamarleetraesure9766

If it wasn't for the lighthouse where would I be.....wow Mr. John Starnes you did this rendition justice. God bless you🙏❤🙏❤

@VCBHomeofGospelMusic

Thank you for your kind words

@millerbrenda1149

When I first heard this song and saw in John's sparkling eyes the holy spirit of God I was convinced there really was a God in heaven I senced the peace of God and was so in awe thankyou John for showing Gods peace and helping me to realizing there really was a God in Heaven
and that Jesus loved me and died and rose again for my sin's and i could be saved and go to heaven

@VCBHomeofGospelMusic

Praise the Lord

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