Nickel Creek: The Lighthouse's Tale

Nickel Creek’s first major release, their self-titled CD on Sugar Hill Records, brought this trio of virtuosos into the lives of the mainstream populous. “The Lighthouse’s Tale,” our traditional Tuesday selection, was penned by Adam McKenzie and mandolinist Chris Thile. Thile also sings lead.

This tune which shows their instrumental and vocal talents was one of three singles from the album. It charted only at #49 on Billboard’s Country Charts. The album fared better at 13 on the Top Country Albums and 125 on the Top 200 LPs. While the album was released in 2000, the video single appeared in 2001.

The song features Sean (guitar, vocals) and Sara (violin, vocals) Watkins who are brother and sister. Chris Thile’s father Scott is on bass. Alison Krauss produced this album. This song has a message that you might have found in folk songs of the past. There are three personalities – the lighthouse keeper, the keeper’s lady friend, and of course the lighthouse who narrates the song. Ironically, the only one that lives is the lighthouse.

Lyrics

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 'til his joy meant everything to me
And he was to marry a girl who shown with beauty and light
They loved each other, and with me watched the sunsets into nights

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 wind
And me so helpless, as dashed against the rocks she met her end

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

Then on the next day, my keeper found her washed up on the shore
He kissed her cold face, and that they'd be together soon he swore
I saw him crying, watched as he buried her in the sand
Then he climbed my tower, and off the edge of me he ran

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

I am a lighthouse worn by the weather and the waves
And though I'm empty I still warn the sailors on their way