Lyrics
He made the night a little brighter, wherever he would go
He brought light to the night, improving the atmosphere wherever he went.
The old lamplighter of long, long ago
Referring to the nostalgic figure known as the lamplighter from the past.
His snowy hair was so much whiter beneath the lantern glow
Describing the lamplighter's aged appearance with white hair under the lantern's light.
The old lamplighter of long, long ago
Reiterating the presence of the old lamplighter from days gone by.
You'd hear the patter of his feet
Highlighting the sound of his footsteps as he walked down the street.
As he came toddling down the street
Depicting the lamplighter's age-related unsteady walk.
His smile would hide a lonely heart you see
Indicating that his outward smile concealed an inner sense of loneliness.
If there were sweethearts in the park
If couples were in the park, he would avoid lighting a lamp, respecting their romantic atmosphere.
He'd pass a lamp and leave it dark
Choosing not to illuminate a lamp, reminiscent of past romantic days.
Remembering the days that used to be
Reflecting on bygone times and the memories associated with them.
For he recalls when dreams were new
Recalling a time when dreams were fresh and exciting.
He loved someone who loved him too
He had a reciprocal love with someone who cherished him.
Who walks with him alone in memory
Walking alone with cherished memories of the past.
He made the night a little brighter wherever he would go
Repeating the idea of brightening the night with his presence.
The old lamplighter of long, long ago, long ago
Reiterating the title and emphasizing the temporal aspect of the lamplighter's existence.
He made the night a little brighter wherever he would go
Repeating the notion of bringing brightness to the night.
The old lamplighter of long, long ago, long ago
Reiterating the title, emphasizing the historical presence of the lamplighter.
Now if you look up at the sky
Encouraging the listener to look up at the sky for understanding.
You'll understand the reason why
Explaining the reason behind the shining stars at night.
The little stars at night are all aglow
Indicating that the stars represent the lamplighter's legacy.
He turns them on when night is here
Symbolizing the lamplighter's role in turning on the stars as night falls.
He turns them off when dawn is near
Signifying the lamplighter's responsibility to turn off the stars as dawn approaches.
The little man we loved of long ago
Referring to the beloved figure from the distant past.
Comment