Lighthouse
The Waifs (Live) Lyrics


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Lighthouse tall and grand
Standing on that cold headland


Shine your light across the sea

For a wayward sailor girl like me


Lighthouse man

Guide this sailor back to land

Steer my ship on through the storm

Back to water safe and calm



Sometimes I need a lighthouse for my own

It gets so dark I can't see which way I'm going

Oh lighthouse man I'm all at sea

Shine a little lighthouse light on me

Lighthouse man I'm all at sea


Shine a little lighthouse light on me


Lighthouse man can't help us all

Some he'll save and some will fall

He'll show you where the danger lies

But he can't help it if you capsize

Steer your own ship back to shore
He'll light your way but that is all




This sea is full of misery and woe
Won't you light my lonely way back home

They don't need no light to light their way

Oh woe betide those that say



They think they're safe enough on their own
Drown in murky depths below



We all need a lighthouse for our own

It gets so dark I can't see which way I'm going
Oh lighthouse man I'm all at sea






Shine a little lighthouse light on me

Overall Meaning

In the lyrics to The Waifs' song 'Lighthouse,' the singer calls out to the lighthouse, asking it to be their guide and provide them with a light to guide them through the stormy seas. She pleads for the lighthouse man to steer her ship to shore, for she is all at sea and cannot find her way on her own. The lighthouse serves as a symbol of hope, safety, and guidance throughout the song. Though the message is directed towards the lighthouse man, it can also apply to anyone in the singer's life who provides guidance and support when lost in the darkness.


The lyrics also speak to the idea that everyone needs a lighthouse in their life at times. We all face challenges and moments of uncertainty where we cannot find the way on our own. As much as we may try to navigate life on our own, there are times when we need someone to serve as a guide and shine a light for us. The song reminds us to reach out to those people in our lives and ask for help when we need it.


Line by Line Meaning

Lighthouse tall and grand
The lighthouse is large and impressive


Standing on that cold headland
It is situated on a chilly, exposed cliff


Shine your light across the sea
The light is supposed to illuminate the ocean


For a wayward sailor girl like me
The lighthouse is meant to help those who have lost their way, such as the singer


Lighthouse man
The person who operates the lighthouse


Guide this sailor back to land
Assist the singer in returning safely to the shore


Steer my ship on through the storm
Help the singer navigate the rough weather


Back to water safe and calm
Return to the tranquil sea


Sometimes I need a lighthouse for my own
The singer understands the importance of relying on others when she is lost


It gets so dark I can't see which way I'm going
Sometimes the singer feels lost and unsure of where to go


Oh lighthouse man I'm all at sea
The singer is lost at sea and needs assistance


Shine a little lighthouse light on me
The singer is requesting help in finding her way


Lighthouse man can't help us all
The lighthouse operator cannot save everyone


Some he'll save and some will fall
Some may still be lost at sea despite the lighthouse's efforts


He'll show you where the danger lies
The lighthouse can warn sailors of potential hazards


But he can't help it if you capsize
The lighthouse cannot prevent accidents from happening


Steer your own ship back to shore
Ultimately, it is up to the sailor to make it safely to land


He'll light your way but that is all
The lighthouse can only provide guidance, not a guaranteed safe journey


This sea is full of misery and woe
The rough waters can be treacherous and dangerous


Won't you light my lonely way back home
The singer is yearning for guidance and companionship


They don't need no light to light their way
Some sailors believe they can navigate without assistance


Oh woe betide those that say
Those who are too prideful to accept help may find themselves in trouble


We all need a lighthouse for our own
Everyone requires guidance and support at times


Shine a little lighthouse light on me
The singer is still lost and requesting assistance


Lighthouse man I'm all at sea
The singer is still lost at sea and needs help finding her way




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: CHAD ALAN GRACEY, CHAD DAVID TAYLOR, EDWARD JOEL KOWALCZYK, PATRICK DAHLHEIMER

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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