Candle on the Water

Pete’s Dragon, Walt Disney

I’ll be your candle on the water
My love for you will always burn
I know you’re lost and drifting
But the clouds are lifting
Don’t give up, you have somewhere to turn

I’ll be your candle on the water
‘Till every wave is warm and bright
My soul is there beside you
Let this candle guide you
Soon you’ll see a golden stream of light

A cold and friendless tide has found you
Don’t let the stormy darkness pull you down
I’ll paint a ray of hope around you
Circling in the air, lighted by a prayer
I’ll be your candle on the water

This flame inside of me will grow
Keep holding on, you’ll make it
Here’s my hand, so take it
Look for me reaching out to show
As sure as rivers flow

I’ll never let you go
I’ll never let you go
I’ll never let you go

About This Poem

Candle on the Water, from Disney’s Pete’s Dragon, has found its way into many funeral services, even though it began life as a song from a Disney film. Read as a poem, its words feel quiet, honest and full of love. There is nothing complicated about the message. It speaks of staying beside someone, offering hope and holding on to that connection, whatever happens.

If this reading means something to you or reminds you of the person you are honouring, that is often reason enough to include it.

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