Lyrics
Where did you go?
Jesus, where did you go?
You flew into the clouds
We worship and we doubt
Now we're leaping for joy and singing
So where are you now?
Tell me where are you now
Headed in the skies
Behind the poor man's eyes
Awaited and asserted
Until you take us home
Until you return
I'll leave a light on for you, my Lord
I'll leave a light on for you, my Lord
Your Spirit inside, burning bright
I'll leave a light on
Here you are found
Jesus, here you are found
In the breaking of the bread
The waking of the dead
In our dying and our rising
Until you take us home
Until you return
I'll leave a light on for you, my Lord
I'll leave a light on for you, my Lord
Your Spirit inside, burning bright
I'll leave a light on
Give me oil in my lamp
Keep me burning 'till the break of day
Give me oil in my lamp
Keep me burning 'till the break of day
Give me oil in my lamp
Give me oil in my lamp
Keep me burning 'till the break of day
I'll leave a light on for you, my Lord
I'll leave a light on for you, my Lord
Your Spirit inside, burning bright
I'll leave a light on
I'll leave a light on for you, my Lord
I'll leave a light on for you, my Lord
Your Spirit inside, burning bright
I'll leave a light on
I'll leave a light on
(Shine on through the darkness)
I'll leave a light on
(Shine on, shine on)
Video
Meaning & Inspiration
Leave a Light On combines longing for the risen and returning Christ with confidence that His presence is already known. The opening questions recall the Ascension, where worship and doubt appear side by side. Images of Christ behind the eyes of the poor, in broken bread, and in resurrection life then move the focus from absence to signs of His continuing work. The refrain presents a lamp kept burning for the Lord, with the Spirit supplying the inner light.
The repeated request for oil closely recalls the watchful servants and bridesmaids in the teachings of Jesus. That image makes expectancy active rather than passive: the singer remains awake, sustained, and ready for the return of Christ. References to bread and the dead also place this hope within the central Christian story of communion and resurrection. Through those connected images, the song holds together Ascension, the indwelling Spirit, service among the poor, and patient readiness for the promised return of the Lord.
Related Scripture
- Acts 1:9-11 Jesus ascends into heaven, and the disciples are told that He will return.
- Matthew 25:1-13 The parable of the ten virgins links burning lamps and oil with readiness for the bridegroom.
- Luke 24:30-31 The risen Jesus is recognized by the disciples in the breaking of bread.