My father was a lighthouse keeper
Night after night he kept his light shining high
Taking ships to safety across the stormy sea
Night after night he kept his light shining high

In the coldest nights he would take his smoking-pipe
And in his chair he would mumble old sailors songs
Then one night I asked him why he spent his life
Stuck at this lighthouse every day and every night

He was a serious-minded man
And just gave me a wisp of a smile
His answer had no words, but I understood it all
He meant: My duty is to keep the light shining high
Every night

One day I found him dead laying in his bed
I dug his grave with my own wounded bare hands
I put on him the best clothes he’d ever had
And said the prayer that I knew he loved most

Now I am the lighthouse keeper
Night after night I keep the light shining high
I watch the sea while I taste my smoking pipe
My duty is to keep the light shining high

Will guide you home like my father used to do
I'll light it up, show you the safe way back home
Oh, it’s so pretty, it’s so easy, let it shine on you
My duty is to keep the light burning high

I am a serious-minded man
Don't wait from me more than a wisp of a smile
But one thing I can tell you, now I understand it all
I know my duty is to keep the light shining high
Every night