Lighthouse (feat. Kate Baldwin)

When I was six, I was scared --

Wrapped in my footie pajamas, I'd crawl into bed

And hope I was completely prepared,

As the shadows spread.

Covers pulled up to my nose,

Eyes wide and round as a ferris wheel, I'd face the dark,

While a scream would creep up from my toes

Like a fiery spark.

And though I wanted to hide,

I lay so still and I tried

To keep my fear deep inside.

But Dad ran in when I cried,

And whispered:

Be a lighthouse.

You can do it.

If the fog rolls in

Meet it with a grin.

He'd tell me

If there's darkness,

Break right through it.

Then you can explore

Beyond your sandy shore.

Like a lighthouse in a storm --

You have to shine more.

When I was off on my own,

Testing my wings in the air, I would fly in the rain.

Once a week I would pick up the phone,

Like a scheduled train.

Three of us, chatting away

Dad didn't say much, they'd listen while I kept it light.

But my mom saw me clearly as day --

She had x-ray sight.

I'd say My life is so sweet.

Push down my sense of defeat.

My mom would not miss a beat.

I'd hear her smile and repeat

Our motto:

Be a lighthouse.

Fear is finite.

Build a barricade,

Watch the shadows fade.

She'd tell me

Even cloudy days

Have sunlight.

Promise you'll explore

Beyond your sandy shore.

Like a lighthouse in a storm --

You have to shine

More.

You must shine

More.

Now I'm a mom with a son,

And he can handle the dark like a champion just fine.

Ev'ry day's filled with pizza and fun --

Like a valentine.

But there are days doubt creeps in

Sometimes he comes home from school, questions clear on his face,

And I see his hope starting to thin,

While he stares in space.

He says This kid's in a stew.

He's feeling lost, feeling blue.

Mom, I don't know what to do.

And then I know that's my cue

To tell him:

Be a lighthouse.

Be a fighter.

Bad times quickly end

If you are a friend.

I tell him

When you're feeling dim,

Shine brighter.

Then you can explore

Beyond your sandy shore.

Like a lighthouse in a storm --

You have to shine more.

I believe in you,

So go shine more.