«I have always loved this little story by H.C. Andersen from 1845. It always brings tears to my eyes. I hope my song version brings it justice» - - - Snow kept falling on the lane, White as silence, cold as pain. Bare feet dark in frozen street, Little hands were red and weak. She held her matches in a fist, One small glow she dared not miss. “Please, just one,” her trembling said, “To keep the night from turning dead.” Windows shone with feast and light, Tables dressed for holy night. Roast and candles, silver, wine, Warmth behind the panes divine. But she stood outside alone, Her thin coat stiff as carved stone. “Come inside,” the rich ones sang, But the frost was in her lungs. One match scratched, one spark, one breath, A tiny bridge above the death. And in that flame, the dark grew thin, As kindly faces moved within. Light, little match, light Hold back the black of night Light, little match, light For one small heart tonight Light, little match, burn Till lonely eyes return Light, little match, light Then fade into the white First she saw a glowing stove, Golden breath and ember love. “Come to me,” the fire seemed to say, And her ache was swept away. Then the flame grew soft and tall, And a table set for all. Bread and apples, sweet and round, In a house where none were found. “Grandma, are you there?” “I’m here, my child.” “Take me where it’s warm.” “Hold fast, my child.” Another match, and there she stood By the tree with shining wood. Candles bloomed like stars in rows, Each bright branch with silver snow. Then the last small flame was lit, And her grandmother came for it. Her arms were wide, her eyes were kind, Like the door she’d left behind. “Don’t go yet,”... the child cried low, “Please don’t leave me in the snow.” But the flame had done its part, And carried her poor, brave heart. Morning found her face serene, Like a saint in wintergreen. No one knew the worlds she’d seen, Or how bright her night had been. Light, little match, light Hold back the black of night Light, little match, light For one small heart tonight Light, little match, burn Till lonely eyes return Light, little match, light Then fade into the white And the snow kept falling down, Soft on roof and street and town. But above the world of frost, Love had found the one who’s lost.
