Philippa Hanna - Lighthouse Lyrics
Lyrics
Feels like i'm drifting, out in the ocean
Just wanna make it to the other side
If i am a vescle, my heart is the anchor
That keeps me up and with the tide
No need of a sign, no sound of the shore
Could be a million miles away from home
So i send a signal flare into the sky
You see me there and shine your light
Yeah, you, you are a light house
My hope in a blackout
I don't know how you found me
But you, you are a light house
And you send the stars out
When darkness falls around me
And i feel not good enough, and you light me up
Yeah i feel not good enough, but you light me up
I see the flicker, and my heart awakens
Like the beating of a drum
Out in the distance on the horizion
Like the rising midnight sun
You bring the night, the cover of dawn
And i know i'll make it home
I'll be safe and sound upon the sand
With washed up diamonds in my hand
Yeah, you, you are a light house
My hope in a blackout
I don't know how you found me
But you, you are a light house
And you send the stars out
When darkness falls around me
And i feel not good enough, and you light me up
Yeah i feel not good enough, but you light me up
Oohhhhh
Cause you, you are a light house
My hope in a blackout
I don't know how you found me
But you, you are a light house
And you send the stars out
When darkness falls around me
And i feel not good enough, and you light me up
Yeah i feel not good enough, but you light me up
Video
Philippa Hanna - Lighthouse
Meaning & Inspiration
Philippa Hanna's "Lighthouse," from her 2013 album *Through the Woods*, released on July 1, offers a beacon of hope wrapped in a beautifully crafted musical metaphor. From its opening notes, the song immediately transports listeners into a narrative of profound spiritual yearning and ultimate rescue, making it a compelling anthem for anyone navigating life's turbulent seas.
The song’s narrative begins with a poignant sense of isolation and vulnerability. The songwriter paints a vivid picture of feeling utterly lost, "drifting, out in the ocean," far from any discernible shore, desperately wishing to reach "the other side." This imagery powerfully evokes the human experience of navigating periods of uncertainty, despair, or spiritual wilderness, where one feels adrift and distant from purpose or peace. The line "my heart is the anchor that keeps me up and with the tide" subtly suggests an initial reliance on personal strength or will, which, while present, isn't enough to guide one to safety. In this state of profound disorientation, a "signal flare" is sent into the sky—a desperate, heartfelt plea for intervention, acknowledging the profound need for an external, guiding presence when all else fails. This act mirrors the cries for help found throughout Scripture, where individuals turn to God in their distress, recognizing Him as their only source of deliverance, as seen in Psalm 107, which describes sailors lost at sea crying out to the Lord in their trouble, and He brings them out of their distress.
The chorus delivers the profound answer to this desperate cry: "You, you are a lighthouse, my hope in a blackout." This central metaphor unequivocally establishes the identity of the guiding force: God Himself. He is the unwavering light in moments of absolute spiritual darkness and confusion, a "blackout" where all other lights have faded. The admission, "I don't know how you found me," speaks volumes about divine grace—the miraculous, unmerited favor of God reaching into our deepest despair, often when we feel least deserving or able to find Him. This resonates deeply with passages like John 15:16, where Jesus tells His disciples, "You did not choose me, but I chose you," emphasizing God's initiative in our salvation and spiritual journey. The repeated declaration, "I feel not good enough, but you light me up," forms the emotional core of the song. It confronts the universal human struggle with self-doubt and inadequacy, placing it squarely against the backdrop of God's unconditional love and affirming presence. This truth is a cornerstone of Christian faith, echoing Romans 5:8, which reminds us that "God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." It's a powerful reminder that our worth is not found in our performance or perceived goodness, but in His steadfast love that illuminates and uplifts us regardless.
As the song progresses into its second verse, the response to the signal flare materializes: "I see the flicker, and my heart awakens, like the beating of a drum." This signifies the moment faith takes hold, the initial glimpse of hope that breathes new life into a weary soul. The distant light on the horizon, described as a "rising midnight sun," is a beautiful oxymoron that powerfully illustrates the unexpected and miraculous nature of divine intervention, bringing light when darkness seems absolute. This image reflects God's ability to turn impossible situations into triumphs, as Isaiah 45:7 says, "I form the light and create darkness." The reassurance that "I know I'll make it home, I'll be safe and sound upon the sand" speaks to the ultimate peace and security found in God's presence, an assurance of salvation and an eternal dwelling. This promise aligns with Jesus' words in John 14:2-3, "In my Father’s house are many rooms... I am going there to prepare a place for you." The final image of "washed up diamonds in my hand" suggests that the journey through hardship, though arduous, is not without its rewards. These "diamonds" represent the invaluable lessons learned, the refined character, the deeper faith, and the precious insights gained through trials, a concept found in James 1:2-4, which speaks of counting it pure joy when encountering various trials, because the testing of our faith produces steadfastness.
Philippa Hanna's "Lighthouse" is more than just a song; it's a profound spiritual testimony set to music. It masterfully uses maritime metaphors to convey the universal human search for meaning and stability in a chaotic world, ultimately pointing to God as the unwavering source of light, hope, and salvation. The song's enduring message is that no matter how lost or inadequate we feel, there is a divine Lighthouse ever shining, ready to guide us home, illuminating our path and reminding us of our immeasurable worth in His eyes. Its ability to articulate the deep longing for spiritual connection and the profound peace found in that connection makes it an inspiring and deeply comforting piece for all who encounter it.