The Old Lamplighter
View chords used in this chart
C F C
He made the night a little brighter
E7 Am
Wherever he would go
F C D7 G7
The old lamp lighter of long long ago
F C
His snowy hair was so much whiter
E7 Am F C
Beneath the candle glow the old lamp lighter
G7 C
Of long long ago
You'd hear the patter of his feet
As he came toddling down the street
His smile would hide a lonely heart you see
F
If there were sweethearts in the park
He'd pass a lamp and leave it dark
G7
Remembering the days that used to be
C
For he recalled when things were new
He loved someone who loved him too
G7 C
Who walks with him alone in memories
F C
He made the night a little brighter
E7 Am
Wherever he would go
F C G7 C
The old lamp lighter of long long ago
Now if you look up in the sky
You'll understand the reason why
The little stars at night are all aglow
F
He turns them on when night is near
He turns them off when dawn is here
G7
The little man who lived so long ago
F C
He made the night a little brighter
E7 Am
Wherever he would go
F C G7 C
The old lamp lighter of long long ago
How to play The Old Lamplighter
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 C. 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.