We’ve updated our Terms of Use to reflect our new entity name and address. You can review the changes here.
We’ve updated our Terms of Use. You can review the changes here.

Ghost Lights

by Murray Johnstone

supported by
cazlaffan
cazlaffan thumbnail
Brian Connolly
Brian Connolly thumbnail
Don Kenyon
Don Kenyon thumbnail
/

  • Streaming + Download

    Includes high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more. Paying supporters also get unlimited streaming via the free Bandcamp app.

    These are hard times for so many in the live performance industry around the world. Please feel free to download this track and If you are in the position to donate please direct payments to any of the below listed charitable /organisations that have been set up to provide care for those in need. Thank you ♥

    australianroadcrew.com.au
    supportact.org.au
    crewcare.org.au
    vabt.com.au
    Purchasable with gift card

      name your price

     

about

The song tells a story of a long-standing tradition to leave a single light bulb known as a 'Ghost Light' shining on stages in darkened theatres all over the world. For practical reasons this is widely practised for safety as theatres are notoriously dark and hazardous places. However, many will also tell tales that ghost lights are left on in theatres for the spirits that are said to haunt them so that they may find their way to perform again when left empty and silent in the night. While these reasons are (or may be) the case, It is also widely understood by all who work in theatre that ghost lights also serve as a symbol of hope and solidarity, a gentle reminder for everyone with a special connection to these magical places that although the stages may be left dark for any moment in time, the bright lights of the shows will certainly shine again. And until they return, to look out for each other.

lyrics

GHOST LIGHTS

There’s a lonely light left on the stage
The crowds have gone but the echo still remains (still remains)
If these walls could talk they surely would
Tell you this place holds some kind of spirit and soul

When the music stops playing
And the curtain call’s rung out
And they’ve packed it down and loaded every truck
When the concert halls are quiet
And the theatre door are shut
There’s a ghost light on for everyone
Shining in the dark

Well they say it’s for those who gather here
Late at night while we’re home and asleep soundly
And If you close your eyes then you might hear
Something else around
In the still night air

For the souls that haunt these stages like to sing those old time songs
And dance around alone without a care
And to find their way in the dead of night no matter where they are
There’s a ghost light on for everyone
Shining in the dark

Now I don’t know if that much is true but
There’s something I believe and that's what I’ll tell you
From operas and musicals to orchestras and rock n roll
There’s a light for everyone

And it’s a calling to the ones behind
Every show-ever seen
Like a long standby until the ‘go’ again
And though we’re all not here tonight
To know we’re never far apart
There’s a ghost light on
For everyone
Shining in the dark

credits

released April 22, 2020
Words: Murray Johnstone
Music:
Vocals:Murray Johnstone
Acoustic & electric guitars:Murray Johnstone
Piano: Bryson Mullholland
Cello: Lakeisha Stephen
Audio 'tweaked' by Christian Pyle at Prawn & Spanner Studios, Goonengerry. NSW.
Photo credit: Bill Kirby / Ghost Light at BLUEBARN Theatre, Omaha, Nebraska,USA

license

all rights reserved

tags

about

Murray Johnstone image

Murray Johnstone Melbourne, Australia

I don't understand how anything works

contact / help

Contact Murray Johnstone

Streaming and
Download help

Redeem code

Report this track or account

If you like Murray Johnstone, you may also like:

Bandcamp Daily  your guide to the world of Bandcamp

On Bandcamp Radio

Featuring Riley Pinkerton (aka The Rat Queen) from the theatrical NYC rockers, Castle Rat.
listen now