The Lighthouse's Tale
Nickel Creek
Key of G · Chords: I II III IV V iii vi vii
Open in Bluegrass Book: transpose, play alongIntro
Em G D
Verse 1
Em G D I am a lighthouse, worn by the weather and the waves. Em G D I keep my lamp lit, to warn the sailors on their way. Em G D I'll tell a story, paint you a picture from my past. Em G D I was so happy, but joy in this life seldom lasts.
Instrumental Break
Em G D
Verse 2
Em G D I had a keeper, he helped me warn the ships at sea. Em G D We had grown closer, 'till his joy meant everything to me. Em G D And he was to marry, a girl who shone with beauty and light. Em G D And they loved each other, and with me watched the sunsets into night.
Chorus
C Bm Bb C D And the waves crashing around me, the sand slips out to sea. C Bm Em F#m G A D And the winds that blow remind me, of what has been, and what can never be.
Instrumental Break
Em G D
Verse 3
Em G D She'd had to leave us, my keeper he prayed for a safe return. Em G D C But when the night came, the weather to a raging storm had turned. Em G D He watched her ship fight, but in vain against the wild and terrible wave. Em G D In me so helpless, as dashed against the rock she met her end.
Chorus
C Bm Bb C D And the waves crashing around me, the sand slips out to sea. C Bm Em F#m G A D And the winds that blow remind me, of what has been, and what can never be.
Instrumental Break
Em G D
Verse 4
Em G D Then on the next day, my keeper found her washed up on the shore. Em G D He kissed her cold face, that they'd be together soon he'd swore. Em G D I saw him crying, watched as he buried her in the sand. Em G D And then he climbed my tower, and off of the edge of me he ran.
Chorus
C Bm Bb C D And the waves crashing around me, the sand slips out to sea. C Bm Em F#m G A D And the winds that blow remind me, of what has been, and what can never be.
Instrumental Break
Em G D
Verse 5
Em G D I am a lighthouse, worn by the weather and the waves. Em G D And though I'm empty, I still warn the sailors on their way.