Instruments
Ensembles
Opera
Composers
Performers

Lyrics: Loreena Mckennitt. Skellig.

O light the candle, John
The daylight has almost gone
The birds have sung their last
The bells call all to mass




Sit here by my side
For the night is very long
There's something I must tellBefore I pass along



I joined the brotherhood My books were all to me
I scribed the words of GodAnd much of history




Many a year was IPerched out upon the sea
The waves would wash my tears,
The wind, my memory




I'd hear the ocean breathe
Exhale upon the shore
I knew the tempest's bloodIts wrath I would endure




And so the years went by
Within my rocky cell
With only a mouse or bird
My friend; I loved them well





And so it came to pass
I'd come here to Romani
And many a year it took
Till I arrived here with thee




On dusty roads I walked
And over mountains high
Through rivers running deep
Beneath the endless sky




Beneath these jasmine flowers
Amidst these cypress trees
I give you now my books
And all their mysteries




Now take the hourglass
And turn it on its head
For when the sands are still
'Tis then you'll find me dead




O light the candle, John
The daylight is almost gone
The birds have sung their last
The bells call all to mass