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I Know There Is A Light
Karl S. Williams Lyrics
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But you smile for a picture frame
Though your smile seems a mile away
Ah isn't that a shame?
Like a knife between your shoulder blades
There′s an emptiness and a burning pain
Worst thing you can't reach the place
To make it go away
Grace on the mountain
Grace on the valley floor
There's a light, there′s a light, there′s a light, there's a light
I′ve been down that way
Too many times before
There's a light, there′s a light, there's a light, there′s a light
There's a light, a light, a light, a light
He was born in a barnhouse
But he died on a cross
I guess he had to suffer
For all of us
But you don't got to go that way
You know you always have a choice
And you can always call on me
If you need to hear my voice
Ah, hear my voice
Grace on the mountain
Grace on the valley floor
There′s a light, there′s a light, there's a light, there′s a light
I've been down that way
Too many times before
There′s a light, there's a light, there′s a light, there's a light
There's a light, there′s a light, there′s a light, there's a light
There′s a light, there's a light, there′s a light, there's a light
Don′t go into your darkness
'Cause I know there is a light
Maybe we've got to break a little
Before we see it shine
Maybe we′ve got to fall down
Begging on our knees
Crying please, please
Whoa give me some release
Oh please, please, please
Please, please, please
Don′t go into your darkness
'Cause I know there is a light
Maybe we′ve got to break a little
Before we see it shine
The lyrics of Karl S. Williams's song, "I Know There Is A Light," seem to explore themes of struggle, pain, and hope. The first few lines speak to the exhaustion and weariness that the subject of the song is feeling, despite putting on a smile for the outside world. The metaphor of a knife between the shoulder blades paints a picture of a deep, internal pain that cannot be easily ignored. The subject longs for the pain to go away, but cannot seem to find a way to reach the source of it.
The chorus, then, seems to offer a glimmer of hope. The repetition of "there's a light" suggests that the singer believes in the possibility of redemption, even when things seem dark. The image of grace on the mountain and the valley floor implies that there is spiritual salvation available to all who seek it, regardless of their starting point. The final lines of the chorus suggest that the singer has been down that road before, but has come out the other side - perhaps this is why they are able to offer hope to the subject of the song.
The second verse introduces religious themes, specifically the story of Jesus Christ. The lyrics suggest that Jesus suffered for the benefit of all humanity, but that those who are struggling do not necessarily need to follow the same path to redemption. The singer tells the subject that they always have a choice, and that they can lean on the singer for support if they need to. The chorus repeats, emphasizing the idea that there is light available to all who seek it.
The final lines of the song add another layer - the idea that sometimes we need to hit rock bottom in order to see the light. The repetition of "please" suggests a desperation for relief from the pain, but also a willingness to submit to a higher power in order to find that relief. Overall, the song seems to offer a message of hope, even in the midst of suffering and darkness.
Line by Line Meaning
You look tired, that’s what people say
People have noticed that you appear exhausted and worn out.
But you smile for a picture frame
Despite your exhaustion, you force a smile for the sake of appearances.
Though your smile seems a mile away
Your smile lacks genuine happiness and feels forced.
Ah isn't that a shame?
It's unfortunate that you feel the need to pretend to be happy.
Like a knife between your shoulder blades
You feel a sharp pain that is emotionally distressing.
There’s an emptiness and a burning pain
You feel an emotional void that causes you agony.
Worst thing you can’t reach the place
You can't seem to find relief and escape from your emotional pain.
To make it go away
You wish for your emotional pain to vanish.
Grace on the mountain
There is divine favor and protection on the high points in life.
Grace on the valley floor
There is divine favor and protection even in the low points in life.
There's a light, there's a light, there's a light, there's a light
There is hope and goodness in the world.
I’ve been down that way
The singer has experienced difficult times before.
Too many times before
The singer has had to face difficult times repeatedly.
He was born in a barnhouse
Jesus Christ was born in a humble setting.
But he died on a cross
Jesus Christ suffered and sacrificed his life on the cross.
I guess he had to suffer
The singer reflects that Jesus Christ had to undergo tremendous suffering.
For all of us
Jesus Christ's suffering was for the benefit of humanity.
But you don't got to go that way
You don't have to suffer like Jesus Christ did.
You know you always have a choice
You have the freedom to choose your own path in life.
And you can always call on me
You can seek support and help from others, including the singer.
If you need to hear my voice
The singer is willing to provide guidance and reassurance.
Don’t go into your darkness
The singer advises against succumbing to negative emotions and thoughts.
'Cause I know there is a light
The singer is certain that there is hope and goodness in the world.
Maybe we've got to break a little
Sometimes people have to endure difficult times to emerge stronger.
Before we see it shine
Only after experiencing hardship can we fully appreciate the goodness in life.
Maybe we've got to fall down
People may have to experience failure and struggle before achieving success.
Begging on our knees
People may have to humble themselves and seek help from a higher power.
Crying please, please
People may feel desperate and plead for relief.
Whoa give me some release
The singer acknowledges the need for people to find relief from their pain and struggles.
Oh please, please, please
The singer emphasizes the importance of finding hope and relief.
Please, please, please
The singer implores listeners to seek help and not give up.
Writer(s): Karl Sebastian Williams
Contributed by Colin S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.