View chords used in this chart
Intro: Cm Bb G# Bb Cm
 
Cm Bb
O light the candle, John
G# Bb Cm
The daylight is almost gone
Cm Bb
The birds have sung their last
G# Bb Cm
The bells call all to mass
 
Cm Bb Cm
Sit here by my side
G# Bb Cm
For the night is very long
Cm Bb Cm
There's something I must tell
G# Bb Cm
Before I pass along
 
Cm Bb Cm G# Bb Cm
I joined the brotherhood My books were all to me
Cm Bb Cm
I scribed the words of God
G# Bb Cm
And much of history
 
Cm Bb Cm
Many a year was I
G# Bb Cm
Perched out upon the sea
Cm Bb Cm
The waves would wash my tears,
G# Bb Cm
The wind, my memory
 
Cm Bb
I'd hear the ocean breathe
G# Bb Cm
Exhale upon the shore
Cm Bb
I knew the tempest's blood
G# Bb Cm
Its wrath I would endure
 
Cm Bb Cm
And so the years went by
G# Bb Cm
Within my rocky cell
Cm Bb Cm
With only a mouse or bird
G# Bb Cm
My friend; I loved them well
 
Cm Bb
And so it came to pass
G# Bb Cm
I'd come here to Romani
Cm Bb
And many a year it took
G# Bb Cm
Till I arrived here with thee
 
Cm Bb Cm
On dusty roads I walked
G# Bb Cm
And over mountains high
Cm Bb Cm
Through rivers running deep
G# Bb Cm
Beneath the endless sky
 
Cm Bb G# Bb Cm - Cm Bb Cm G# Bb Cm
 
Cm Bb
Beneath these jasmine flowers
G# Bb Cm
Amidst these cypress trees
Cm Bb
I give you now my books
G# Bb Cm
And all their mysteries
 
Cm Bb Cm
Now take the hourglass
G# Bb Cm
And turn it on its head
Cm Bb Cm
For when the sands are still
G# Bb Cm
'Tis then you'll find me dead
 
Cm Bb Cm
O light the candle, John
G# Bb Cm
The daylight is almost gone
Cm Bb Cm
The birds have sung their last
G# Bb Cm
The bells call all to mass
 
Final: Cm Bb G# Bb Cm

How to play Skellig

Use the controls above to change the key and text size. Follow the highlighted chords while listening, then practice each section slowly before playing at the original tempo.

What is the starting chord?

The first identified chord is Cm. You can transpose without leaving the page.

Can I play it on guitar or keyboard?

Yes. The chord progression works on acoustic guitar, electric guitar and keyboard. Adapt the voicings to your instrument and level.

More chords by Loreena McKennitt

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