G
Em
C
B7
A
D
Am
Light One Candle
Peter, Paul and Mary
Peter, Paul and Mary’s “Light One Candle” is a folk song known for its singable melody and message. The original recording is gentle and acoustic, suiting beginner guitarists well.
Chords
The song uses basic open chords: G, Em, C, B7, Am, D, and A.
If B7 or A are unfamiliar, take time to practice their shapes; B7 can be a bit tricky but adds a nice folk flavor.
Strumming Pattern
A simple folk strum works well:
Down, down-up, up-down-up
or
Down, down, down, down-up
Keep the rhythm steady and gentle, matching the song's reflective mood.
Chord Transitions
Most transitions are between familiar chords (G to Em, Em to C, etc). Practice moving slowly between G and Em, as this is a frequent change. For B7, try to keep your fingers close to the fretboard to switch smoothly.
Techniques & Tips
- Play with a capo on the original recording's fret if you want to match pitch, but it’s not required for beginners.
- Let chords ring out during the intro and outro for atmosphere.
- During verses, sing along to help with timing.
Practice each section separately before stringing them together. The song repeats similar progressions, making it easier as you go.
Intro
G G G G Em Em
G G Em Em
Verse 1G Light one candle for the Maccabee children, with thanks their light didn'tEm die
AndC light one candle for the pain they endured, when their right to exist was deB7 nied
Em Light one candle for the terrible sacrificeC justice and freedom deA mand
AndG light one candle for theEm wisdom to know that theC peacemaker'sD time is atG handB7 Em
ChorusDon't let theAm light go out. It'sD lasted for so manyG yearsB7
Em Don't let theAm light go out. Let itD shine through our love and ourG tearsB7
InterludeEm Em
Verse 2G Light one candle for the strength that we need, to never become our ownEm foe
AndC light one candle for those who are suffering, a pain they learned so long aB7 go
Em Light one candle for all we believe in, thatC anger not tear us aA part
AndG light one candle toEm bind us together withC peace as theD song in ourG heartB7 Em
ChorusDon't let theAm light go out. It'sD lasted for so manyG yearsB7
Em Don't let theAm light go out. Let itD shine through our love and ourG tearsB7
Em Don't let theAm light go out. It'sD lasted for so manyG yearsB7
Em Don't let theAm light go out. Let itD shine through our love and ourG tearsB7 Em
BridgeEm Em Em Em
Verse 3G What is the memory that's valued so highly, that we keep it alive in thatEm flame
C What's the commitment to those who have died? We cry out "they've not died inB7 vain"
Em We have come this far, always believing, thatC justice will somehow preA vail
G This is theEm burden,G this is theEm promise,C this is whyD we will notG failB7 Em
Final ChorusDon't let theAm light go out. It'sD lasted for so manyG yearsB7
Em Don't let theAm light go out. Let itD shine through our love and ourG tearsB7 Em
Don't let theAm light go out. It'sD lasted for so manyG yearsB7
Em Don't let theAm light go out. Let itD shine through our love and ourG tearsB7 Em
OutroDon't let theAm light go out.Em Don't let theAm light go out.Em Don't let the light goAm out.Em Em Em Am