I was feeling nostalgic last week after capturing some video clips in my town of a lighthouse and I immediately thought of the song, "Candle on the Water" from the 1977 Disney film, Pete's Dragon. Who else gets the warm fuzzies remembering Helen Reddy's glorious performance of this song? Her nurturing presence in that film was truly special, and I love the other songs she sang too!
I had recorded this song a few years ago, but I was not as pleased with the background track or my performance. So, this was my chance for another redo and to connect with the song in a more meaningful way. In Pete's Dragon, Helen's character, Nora, is singing to her husband, Paul, who is lost at sea. She is longing for him to return home, and spoiler alert, he luckily does at the end of the film! In a spiritual and almost telepathic way, she is begging for him to hold on, stay safe, and come back to her. As I explored the song from a more metaphorical perspective, I found that it goes well beyond the context of the film's scene:
I'll be your candle on the water My love for you will always burn I know you're lost and drifting But the clouds are lifting Don't give up, you have somewhere to turn
I'll be your candle on the water 'Till every wave is warm and bright My soul is there beside you Let this candle guide you Soon you'll see a golden stream of light
A cold and friendless tide has found you Don't let the stormy darkness pull you down I'll paint a ray of hope around you Circling in the air Lighted by a prayer
I'll be your candle on the water This flame inside of me will grow Keep holding on, you'll make it Here's my hand so take it Look for me, reaching out to show As sure as rivers flow I'll never let you go I'll never let you go I'll never let you go
-Candle on the Water, music and lyrics by Al Kasha and Joel Hirschhorn, 1977
Starting with the beginning lyrics, this song is about being a beacon of support for others when they need it the most. Especially these days, we all have moments where we feel "lost and drifting," but this song provides hope and encourages us to not give up because there's "somewhere to turn." That "somewhere"is the empathy, compassion, love, and support we give and have also received. We can be that light, and it is guaranteed to lift our spirits too, making us feel more hopeful.
We were never meant to figure out life all on our own, and we all have family or friends who serve as guides or simply just a listening ear. And we have all taken on this significant role as well to help remind others of their strengths and that this too shall pass. Often, a "cold and friendless tide"—that unforeseen circumstance or an energy that is not part of the light, wants to overwhelm us and pull us down. There is an opportunity to "paint a ray of hope" and a prayer of protection around those we love.
The powerful lyrics that I connect with the most, towards the end of the song are, "Keep holding on, you'll make it," and "I'll never let you go." It's so easy to let fear and anxiety set in and sometimes, I'll doubt that I'll make it through a tough situation or set of circumstances. Although I know we all have that strength within us to get through anything we face, that profound nudge from someone else to keep holding on because "you'll make it," can pour out hopeful tears, taking us from the depths of our limiting thoughts to a much higher place of triumph! All it takes for me is a single, encouraging conversation with a loved one and I'm gently set back on my journey. And when I've been the one to offer support, it always feels rewarding and lights up my spirit.
"I'll never let you go," is a forever promise between you and those you are supporting that no matter what, you won't give up on them or stop believing in them. I feel this also alludes to forgiveness, as maybe there are those you want to support who don't want to let you in. Still, on a soul level, you're right there with them, sending good vibes.
With all the hurt and division in this world, I encourage all of us to continue to be that candle and help light the way for others who are struggling. I know this can seem difficult when we are also struggling, but I can assure you that with each gesture of love and kindness, you will be changed and encouraged too.
Shine on, friends!