In dark times
will there also be singing?
Yes, there will also be singing –
about the dark times

~ Bertolt Brecht

Guiding Light is a song for dark times. Written by Irish songwriter and singer, Foy Vance it was featured in the critically acclaimed album, Joy of Nothing (2013). Originally from Bangor in County Down, Ireland, Vance rose to prominence with this album. Most recently, he achieved another accolade by winning an Emmy Award for the song, “A Beautiful Game”, co-written with Ed Sheeran and Swedish singer and songwriter, Max Martin that became the theme song for the final episode of the TV series, Ted Lasso.

In an interview, Vance sheds light on why he wrote Guiding Light:

“When I wrote Guiding Light I was feeling lost in my life due to a loss of family, friendships and reason,” Vance said in a statement about the meaning of the track. “The music lit up the darkness. Melody reminded me to keep going no matter how long the road or how pointless it seemed.” He added, Guiding Light is the person or the thing that brings you back to a safe space, somewhere to lick your wounds and convalesce. To see this song resonate with so many people over the years has truly been a beautiful thing.”

Here are the lyrics of the song:

Well the road is wide
And waters run on either side
And my shadow went with fading light
Stretching out towards the night

‘Cause the sun is low
And I yet have still so far to go
My lonely heart is beating so
Tired of the wonder

There’s a sign ahead
Though I think it’s the same one again
But I’m thinking ’bout my only friend
And so I find my way home

‘Cause when I need to get home
You’re my guiding light
You’re my guiding light

Oh, well the air is cold
And yonder lies my sleeping soul
By the branches broke like bones
Well, this weakened tree no longer holds

Well, the night is still
And I have not yet lost my will
Oh and I will keep on moving ’till
‘Till I find my way home

When I need to get home
You’re my guiding light
You’re my guiding light

And here Guiding Light, sung by Ed Sheeran, Elton John and Keith Urban uniting in a 2023 video recording. The beautifully shot video also features the actress, AnnaSophia Robb.