During an interlude in church service earlier today, the melody of One Little Candle popularly sang by Perry Como (1952), with the first line "It is better to light just one little candle than to stumble in the dark", was played by the pianist. It reminded me of an adage that I used to write on ticklers of applicants to our academic organization back in my college years. My version is "It is better to light just one little candle than complain about darkness."
As I sing the lyrics softly along with the melody, my wife gave me a knowing smile as she, too, remembers. Let me share the meaningful song with you and you can sing along (the lyrics are included below the video).
ONE LITTLE CANDLE(George Mysels / J. Maloy Roach)Perry Como - 1952It's better to light just one little candleThan to stumble in the darkBetter far that you light just one little candleAll you need's a tiny sparkIf we'd all say a prayer that the world would be freeThe wonderful dawn on the new day we'll seeAnd if everyone lit just one little candleWhat a bright world this would be(Let's all light one little candleWhy stumble on in the dark)When the day is dark and drearyAnd your way is hard to findDon't let your heart be wearyJust keep this thought in mind(It is better to light just one little candleThan to stumble in the darkBetter far to light just one little candleAll you need's a tiny spark)If we'd all say a prayer that the world would be freeThe wonderful dawn of the new day we'll seeAnd if everyone lit just one little candleWhat a bright world this would beWhat a bright world this would be