From the recording Out of the Shadows
"Lights on the Hill" is a poignant and deeply personal tribute to Shannon Smith’s late uncle, Rob. Written during a time of intense grief, the song reflects on their close bond and the legacy of love and memories he left behind. With heartfelt lyrics and a moving instrumental outro, the track bridges the pain of loss with the peace of acceptance, symbolizing the journey from grief to resolution.
As the closing track on Out of the Shadows, "Lights on the Hill" leaves listeners with a sense of reflection and hope, honoring the connections that shape us and the enduring power of love.
Written by: Shannon Smith
Recorded at: Sundown Studios / Rada Studios
Produced by: Shannon Smith, Helen Townsend, Phil Richardson,
Ben Franz & Elliot Smith
Mastered by: George Georgiadis - Little Wing Studios
Strings arrangement: Sophie Curtis
Vocals: Shannon Smith
Bass: Ben Franz (The Waifs)
Piano: Phil Richardson
Elec Guitar: Dan Carroll (The Southern River Band)
Drums: Elliott Smith
Violin: Pascale Whiting
Cello: Sophie Curtis
Harp: Michelle Smith
Lyrics
Verse
If time could stand still
Or a magical pill
To make it all better
And you’d live forever
We’d return to the days
All the music we’d play
And all sing together
Of all our adventures
All the fun and the games
We could do it again
Your smile and your laughter
Would echo the rafters
Bridge/chorus
And the sickness that haunts you
I’d steal it away
So you’d live life all over again
And the stories it brings
All the choirs would sing
Of a life well worthwhile
Verse
Your life has been full
Felt the love and the guilt
But knew you could count on
Our love and connection
We could be there each day
Or miles away
But the love of a brother
We had in each other
Bridge/chorus
And the darkness that haunts you
I’d run into battle
To fight the best fight of our lives
The chorus we’d sing
Of the victories we’d win
Standing side by side
Verse
There’s a light on the hill
It’s shining there still
Though the shadows grow longer
My love will grow stronger
Though we’re saying goodbye
It’s been a hell of a ride
It’s your time to start over
New life in clover
Bridge/chorus
As your friends stand before you
All here to applaud you
We cheer for the life that you’ve lived
Here we will stay
As you head on your way
Standing side by side.
Instrumental
Verse
There’s a new star at night
Shining so bright
Your life I have treasured
And will do forever