Pass On the Light
Hymn composed by
Clif HardinContextual information
“Pass on the Light” was written for the 50th anniversary of River Road Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Bethesda, MD, where Clif Hardin serves as Music Director. The lyrics were written by his wife, Jan Elicker.
“Pass on the Light” was written for the 50th anniversary of River Road Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Bethesda, MD, where Clif Hardin serves as Music Director. The lyrics were written by his wife, Jan Elicker.
Tune Name
[Pass on the Light]
Tune Name
Text Meter
9.8.7.6.8.8.8.8.
10.9.10.9
Song Composer
Clif HardinHymn Arranger
Composer Background information
Clif Hardin (he/him) is a composer, conductor and pianist living in the Washington, DC area. Along with his freelance work in theater, he has served as Director of Music at River Road Unitarian Universalist Congregation since 1983, where many of his arrangements and compositions were first performed. His music is performed internationally, and his Requiem recently had its Carnegie Hall premiere.
Lyricist Background information
Jan Elicker (she/her) is a lifelong choral singer and soloist with the choir at River Road Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Bethesda, MD. She is married to UU composer Clif Hardin, and has collaborated with Clif as lyricist for many choral anthems, hymns, and larger choral compositions.
Arranger Background information
Lyrics
See one tiny spark, still, small, and bright
and hands cupped around to shield its light.
A single flame, born of desire,
faces turned toward its glow.
Pass on the light, pass on the light,
Long may it shine, steady and strong.
Pass on the light, pass on the light,
from night to dawn, carry it on.
The circle of light grows as it's passed
from young hands to old and back again,
Sharing youth's wonder, wisdom of age,
spreading love as it goes.
Pass on the light, pass on the light,
Long may it shine, steady and strong.
Pass on the light, pass on the light,
from hand to hand, carry it on.
And still it shines on, year unto year,
from one tiny spark to becon clear.
Each generation lighting our way,
forward, bright through the night.
Pass on the light, pass on the light,
Long may it shine, steady and strong.
Pass on the light, pass on the light,
from heart to heart, carry it on.
Carry it on.
Resources
Music XML and MEI and MIDI and Musescore files