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Nickel Creek — The Lighthouse's Tale
Album: Nickel Creek
Avg rating:
7.3

Your rating:
Total ratings: 577









Released: 2000
Length: 4:55
Plays (last 30 days): 0
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, 'till his joy meant everything to me.

And he was to marry, a girl who shone with beauty and light.
And they loved each other,
And with me watched the sunsets into night.

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.
In me so helpless, as dashed against the rock 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,
That they'd be together soon he'd swore.

I saw him crying, watched as he buried her in the sand.
And then he climbed my tower, and off of 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 am empty, I still warn the sailors on their way.
Comments (108)add comment
Wish you'd play the Punch Brothers.
This is a great song in the style of old-fashioned storytelling. Plus they're great musicians. Chris Tiele (sp?) is an incredible mandolin player, maybe among the best EVER (seriously), but he seems so non-plussed by his abilities.

His latest project is with Yo Yo Ma, who's no slouch in his own right:

https://www.amazon.com/Goat-Rodeo-Sessions-Yo-Yo-Ma/dp/B005G5NPIS
life sucks, then you die  {#Mad}

or not !  {#Dancingbanana_2}
Heard and loved a cover of this a few years ago. Great to finally hear the original and not be disappointed
Weakest effort on an otherwise great album, just a little 'ol personal opinion.

Found this disc at a used record shop ( Fascinating Rythm) , never heard of them but took a chance based on the photo-copied review the shop owner had pasted on the cover. Blew me away from first listen, had to search out everything they produced. But alas, they had already broken up. Sux
Geez, I love this song. Never fails to emit a strong feeling.
Damn near always brings a tear to me eye!{#Cry}10!
does something here sound like thatGrant Lee Phillips tune? Or is it just me?

Just back from a 4th of July at Martha's Vineyard...stirs excellent memories!
Got to see them on their farewell tour with a butt-load of RPeeps.  Good times.
Total tear-jerker. But you're not gonna get me with this one, no. Sniff.
 gjeeg wrote:
Thank you SO much for the mammaries.
 
That is SO wrong. No so wrong that I didn't laugh out loud, but still...
 swinghamer wrote:


i hate "me too" replies but i have to second this one...

 

Why hate 'me too' replies?  Seems a good thing to know when someone within the crowd agrees. {#Ask}
Thank you SO much for the mammaries.
 denbear wrote:
Just simply amazing. I have this album in my truck. Blows me away every time.
 

i hate "me too" replies but i have to second this one...

Very pretty.
Just simply amazing. I have this album in my truck. Blows me away every time.
 MojoJojo wrote:
OK, here's the deal...

I'm working on a personal iMovie project and I need soundtrack music. This seems like it might fit well.

The project is comprised of still shots and video clips of stunningly beautiful fall colors, orchards and rustic barns in the rolling hills of Leelanau County, Michigan.

Any ideas for other songs that might fit well? Think country roads, road-side apple stands and hills that disappear into Lake Michigan.  Good music is an absolute must for a good video project.  It has to be "just right".

{#Sunny}


 
Not to put a damper on anything; just keep in mind you can't use any but public-domain music for any kind of public showing of your movie. I make videos for the state department of education. A well-known song would have fit one video perfectly, but what's involved in securing rights is beyond belief so we use generic instrumental royalty-free music. For your own personal viewing, you can use anything.

at least they wear nice sweaters

These guys need to get back together.


 MojoJojo wrote:
OK, here's the deal...

I'm working on a personal iMovie project and I need soundtrack music. This seems like it might fit well.

The project is comprised of still shots and video clips of stunningly beautiful fall colors, orchards and rustic barns in the rolling hills of Leelanau County, Michigan.

Any ideas for other songs that might fit well? Think country roads, road-side apple stands and hills that disappear into Lake Michigan.  Good music is an absolute must for a good video project.  It has to be "just right".

{#Sunny}


 
Listen to Hem's "Half Acre." The lyrics are quite appropriate.

OK, here's the deal...

I'm working on a personal iMovie project and I need soundtrack music. This seems like it might fit well.

The project is comprised of still shots and video clips of stunningly beautiful fall colors, orchards and rustic barns in the rolling hills of Leelanau County, Michigan.

Any ideas for other songs that might fit well? Think country roads, road-side apple stands and hills that disappear into Lake Michigan.  Good music is an absolute must for a good video project.  It has to be "just right".

{#Sunny}




Very enjoyable.
I have mixed feelings about this song. I love the tune, I love the vocals and I lovelovelove the fact that it's about such an unusual subject: a lighthouse's voice. But the storyline is insipid and turns me off. I just feel like something could have been done with this subject matter without the goofy "love lost at sea" storyline.
vocal harmonies in this song reminds me of Guster
hippiechick wrote:
------- There are no more lighthouse keepers in the US any more. They are all electronic.
Wind Point lighthouse near Racine, WI just had an opening for a lighthouse keeper. It went to a couple, they don't have much privacy, but a picturesque site.
hippiechick wrote:
There are no more lighthouse keepers in the US any more. They are all electronic.
Not true. See: Boston Lighthouse
tomis wrote:
The music was kinda wearing on me in this one, but then I started paying attention to the lyrics. And that's why I gave it high marks. I like how he told the story.
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, 'till his joy meant everything to me. And he was to marry, a girl who shone with beauty and light. And they loved each other, and with me watched the sunsets into night. 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. In me so helpless, as dashed against the rock she met her end. Then on the next day, my keeper found her washed up on the SHORE. He kissed her cold face, that they'd be together soon he'd swore. I saw him crying, watched as he buried her in the sand. And then he climbed my tower, and off of the edge of me he ran. I am a lighthouse, worn by the weather and the waves. And though I am empty, I still warn the sailors on their way. ------- There are no more lighthouse keepers in the US any more. They are all electronic.
The music was kinda wearing on me in this one, but then I started paying attention to the lyrics. And that\'s why I gave it high marks. I like how he told the story.
Got to catch a show in Flagstaff, packed house, fantastic! These young kids have already spent a life- time on the road
Anyone catch that they\'ve done what they are calling their \'Farewell For Now\' Tour...
This is a terrific album..
reedifus wrote:
Ah, yes. Where it all started a little over a year ago. Radiopardise introduced me to this group with this song. I checked out CDs from the library. Started buying them. Went to a concert. Bought Thile's and Sean's solo CDs. This is exactly why the music industry should fight for the survival of radioparadise and those like them.
AMEN. Before I discovered RP, I used an online service called 'Spinner' (I think it's long gone). Several times after hearing something there, I walked across the street to the music store. Hank Dogs was one particular find, they blew me away, and I just HAD to have the CD. Spinner sold a CD that I would otherwise have NEVER heard of. Radio Paradise does the same thing, in spades! I'm guessing RP sells more CDs than the average radio station, since its playlist is so much more diverse and non-repetitive. Funny how industries are often afraid of new technologies instead of embracing the opportunities. c.
This song is, like, totally harshing my buzz man. :hippie:
reedifus wrote:
Ah, yes. Where it all started a little over a year ago. Radiopardise introduced me to this group with this song. I checked out CDs from the library. Started buying them. Went to a concert. Bought Thile's and Sean's solo CDs. This is exactly why the music industry should fight for the survival of radioparadise and those like them.
If he hasn't already, Bill should go through all the posts and pick out ones like these as examples for Congress.
treffdawg wrote:
While I don't dig this song (I'm giving it a 4), I will toast anyone that has been influenced by Radio Paradise to purchase an album. Cheers to you and Bill.
I second that!
I LOVE these folks! This song is a throwback to traditional 'sad story' songs, like 'Wildfire' by Michael Murphy, or any number of Appalachian songs of love and loss. Of course it's sappy, that's the whole point. Their take on 'bluegrass' is spectacular. It's obviously not straight-up bluegrass, they've given it a 'modern' twist (for lack of a better explanation). Like so-called Americana, they take traditional old-school elements and update them. Here I go, dancing about architecture again. I'll shut up and listen... c.
reedifus wrote:
Ah, yes. Where it all started a little over a year ago. Radiopardise introduced me to this group with this song. I checked out CDs from the library. Started buying them. Went to a concert. Bought Thile's and Sean's solo CDs. This is exactly why the music industry should fight for the survival of radioparadise and those like them.
While I don't dig this song (I'm giving it a 4), I will toast anyone that has been influenced by Radio Paradise to purchase an album. Cheers to you and Bill.
Ah, yes. Where it all started a little over a year ago. Radiopardise introduced me to this group with this song. I checked out CDs from the library. Started buying them. Went to a concert. Bought Thile's and Sean's solo CDs. This is exactly why the music industry should fight for the survival of radioparadise and those like them.
TheLuggage wrote:
Unfortunately the band has decided to take a break. Hopefully that won't become a permanent break.
Just came over to type that as I saw it on their website this am...
LordBaltimore wrote:
nice instrumental work, but the lyrics are sappy, sappy, sappy. Sorry, I just can't take this song seriously. . .
Just exactly what vast well of knowledge do you expect a teenager who's never been anywhere except school and concerts( mostly his own) to have to draw from?
siloco wrote:
just wait till they're older. They should be even better by then.. this is a promising start..
Unfortunately the band has decided to take a break. Hopefully that won't become a permanent break.
Every time I hear this I want to cry. It's so beautiful. Bravi.
just wait till they're older. They should be even better by then.. this is a promising start..
I have a *huge* crush on Sarah. She has the most genuine smile in music.
StellarSwarm wrote:
Chris Thile (mandolin) wrote this when he was 14! This is always a great one to hear live because they go into an extended jam in which they seamlessly transition into another song (I seem to remember Coldplay's "Yellow" once) with everyone performing amazing solos.
Agreed!! The last time I was lucky enough to see them, they did this a cappella, and turned it into a slowed down, heart-rending version.
Factoid: There are vitually no manned lighthouses existing in the US anymore.
Simple comment: if you can't look past the album cover to hear the beauty of the tune, you really shouldn't be here.
Chris Thile (mandolin) wrote this when he was 14! This is always a great one to hear live because they go into an extended jam in which they seamlessly transition into another song (I seem to remember Coldplay's "Yellow" once) with everyone performing amazing solos.
Saw them at Lollapalooza where they were being drowned out by the hip-hop group on a nearby stage, but they played wonderfully and graciously and were appreciative of the nice sized audience that stuck with them.
Nickel Creek can make you cry, laugh, go hug somebody...just pure magick. Ten. Always--
I love traditional bluegrass, but find that Nickel Creek make it sound too sweet and soft. Maybe it's from background orchestration. But I think they lose a lot of the strength of emotion that comes through in real bluegrass music.
In the craft of songwriting, this is one great example of "point of view" changing a simple story into a great fable.
i've heard this a half-dozen times without realizing that it's not Toad the Wet Sprocket. just lovely.
Nickel Creek is amazing. Period.
Just don't feel anything.
stephq123 wrote:
Does anyone else think that guy in front looks like Nick Lachey or whatever his name is (Jessica Simpson's husband)?
flyfree wrote:
Hey, I was just going to say that, but was afraid of loads of negative feedback. Kudos to you and I agree.
Well, if the comments don't annoy someone, I'm sure this will
flyfree wrote:
Hey, I was just going to say that, but was afraid of loads of negative feedback. Kudos to you and I agree.
I was afraid also, so thank you for agreeing with me.
flyfree wrote:
Hey, I was just going to say that, but was afraid of loads of negative feedback. Kudos to you and I agree.
you need to spend less time scoping magazine covers in the checkout line.....but you are right..thank gods he doesn't sound like Mr Simpson. too
LordBaltimore wrote:
nice instrumental work, but the lyrics are sappy, sappy, sappy. Sorry, I just can't take this song seriously...
The, "New Christy Minstrels", of Blue Grass.
stephq123 wrote:
Does anyone else think that guy in front looks like Nick Lachey or whatever his name is (Jessica Simpson's husband)?
Hey, I was just going to say that, but was afraid of loads of negative feedback. Kudos to you and I agree.
ObsidianInfinity wrote:
pretty good... too bad the album cover is so bad ...
What is wrong with it? They're all "autumns"...the warm color scheme works well. Ha.
Does anyone else think that guy in front looks like Nick Lachey or whatever his name is (Jessica Simpson's husband)?
pretty good... too bad the album cover is so bad ...
nice instrumental work, but the lyrics are sappy, sappy, sappy. Sorry, I just can't take this song seriously...
this song is so upsetting, but really beautiful.
baby arm
This is a nice tune, but I should like to hear something from their latest album. What I've heard so far is excellent.
New album out today. Someone upload something quick, please! Still an outstanding tune.
wasn't this like a lovely old traditional ballad, and I'm glad they are making it new. :)
This song used to really creep me out -- like, seriously, I was afraid of the CD. It's a pretty powerful song...
Depressed again - July 11
sooo DEPRESSING ARGH! Bring on some more happy music now please. And make it a double.
I got the CD based on this tune. I got the tune free with an MP3 player. It's very good, but to be honest it does not hold up to repeat playing. Starts sounding a little the same. But with RP that's never a problem.
wow...there seems to be a lot of love for this song. I feel bad that I don't share in it. I don't actively hate the song, it's just not my cup of tea. I should say something positive. OK...mandolins are cool.
ahh... the world is a better place because of Chris Thile and his mandolin. I'm serious. One of the most gifted artists of our time..
Roverfish wrote:
This and Hem's "Leave Me Here" are the two prettiest songs on RP. The first time I heard them (Telluride Blues and Brews, I think) I was hooked.
That's the word: Pretty. This is the prettiest song I've heard in weeks. So evokative. I got chills when the dude threw himself off the lighthouse. That's not exactly the most chilling way to say that... Great song.
Nickel Creek came and played a concert at our local venue. Afterwards, they came out to greet fans, and played for FORTY FIVE minutes, right there on the sidewalk. How many bands do that?? They obviously LOVE playing AND their fans.
This and Hem's "Leave Me Here" are the two prettiest songs on RP. The first time I heard them (Telluride Blues and Brews, I think) I was hooked.
jstevep00 wrote:
I saw this band for the first time on Austin City Limits, then checked out some of their stuff through Napster and was very impressed. I still haven't gotten one of their cds, although I entirely plan to. I'm just one of those people who has an ever growing list of cds and can't afford to buy all of them at once. This song is incredible. Beautiful, perfect storytelling.
I saw the Austin City Limits show too, and was equally impressed. I hope that we hear a lot more from Nickel Creek in the future.
trekhead wrote:
I am only knee-deep in the sea of appreciation for NC. Anxious to jump in! A 9.
Nope, I own the disc now. This is a TEN. Beautiful example of their style.
Nice ballad, great mandolin...
A beautiful song whenever I hear it...
I am only knee-deep in the sea of appreciation for NC. Anxious to jump in! A 9.
Be sure to check out "Mutual Admiration Society" - Nickel Creek plus Glen Phillips (formerly of Toad the Wet Sprocket), playing Glen's compositions specifically for this project (mostly).
AliGator wrote:
Nickel Creek was a "Napster Discovery". Nice to see that they're getting airplay here! Their song "The Fox" is fun.
You stole music?!? Shame on you!!!
I just heard that a dear friend's mother just passed away as this song came on. The pain I feel from my friend may not be lightened but the beauty and truth in the lyrics and melody of this song help me see that there indeed is a light always shining no matter how dim things may seem to be. My wishes for comfort and inner peace go out to my friend and anyone who is suffering with the passing of a loved one. Thanks RP for this jewel of a song. - Riff
Rockabobbie wrote:
One of my favs from the album--which is really, really solid, through and through. They play well beyond their years. And the lyrics are unusually meaningful and considered. Anyone seen them live? Would love to catch up with them some day.
Saw them live here in Columbia a couple of years ago. Great concert, lots of energy. If you get a chance to see them play live, they are well worth it.
One of my favs from the album--which is really, really solid, through and through. They play well beyond their years. And the lyrics are unusually meaningful and considered. Anyone seen them live? Would love to catch up with them some day.
Love these guys. Could we hear "Reasons Why" or their Pavement cover "Spit on a Stranger"?
nice metaphor. the sound isn't half bad, either. ^_^
I saw this band for the first time on Austin City Limits, then checked out some of their stuff through Napster and was very impressed. I still haven't gotten one of their cds, although I entirely plan to. I'm just one of those people who has an ever growing list of cds and can't afford to buy all of them at once. This song is incredible. Beautiful, perfect storytelling.
Definately an excellet act to see live. What amazes me is how good they are as young as they are. They all started playing together in elementary school. I saw an interview where they even metioned one of the first band names they considerd was "The Itty-Bitty Dirt Band" because the oldest of them was something like 9 at the time.
Nickel Creek was a "Napster Discovery". Nice to see that they're getting airplay here! Their song "The Fox" is fun.
I haven't heard this band before RP. They are pretty awesome! I will most definitely add them to my Amazon wishlist. Forget that. I'll buy their album(s) myself. Thanks Rebecca and Bill.
I dig this. Talent. :D
redeyespy wrote:
niiiice
Quite :D Saw them on Austin City Limits few weeks back. The mandolin player was the leader and very good.
niiiice
I just saw them in concert a few weeks ago, and they put on a fantastic show. The highlight was definitely this song, with a amazing jam in the middle. I felt the earth move.
these guys are tremendously talented musicians, they will be a mainstay in the \"newgrass\" scene for a long time. BUT, i wish they would get beyond the cotton-candy ballads they seems to eat, sleep, and drink.
Agreed! They are excellent live. This album (Nickel Creek), IMHO, was stronger than \"This Side\". The musicians are fantastic.
This group is absolutely AMAZING live. They are some very talented young adults.