From the recording Be Good To Yourself - The Music
Big Star, the legendary, star-crossed Memphis power-pop band, fueled an entire generation of Tarheel musicians. Hence “There Was A Light," written by the late Chris Bell of Big Star. The song traces the arc of romantic despair as it deepens into suicidal depression. Peter Holsapple’s intuitive vocal slides from hope to inconsolability atop a regal arrangement that owes as much to Procol Harum as it does to Big Star. The song is crowned by a magnificent guitar solo by Mitch Easter which lifts an already emotional song toward the heavens.
Composer: Chris Bell
Ed Bumgardner- bass
Rob Slater- acoustic guitar
Gino Grandinetti- electric guitars
Larry Carman- drums
Mitch Easter- electric guitar solo
Shawn Lynch- background vocals
Peter Holsapple- Hammond C3 organ, lead vocal
Produced by Chris Garges, Ed Bumgardner, and Rob Slater
Recorded and mixed by Chris Garges at Old House House Studio, Charlotte, NC
*Except Mitch Easter, recorded by Mitch Easter at Brickhenge, Kernersville, NC
Mastered by Scott Craggs at Old Colony Mastering, Scituate, RI
Vinyl lacquer master cut by Jeff Powell at Take-Out Vinyl, Memphis, TN
license
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Lyrics
There was a light so dear to me
I wanted to live
There was a time so near to me
I asked you to give your life to me
And if it's a sign sent down to me
I'm asking you why it had to be
Spending all my time
Waiting to die
What's the use
Spending all my time
Waiting to die
What's the use
There was a light so dear to me
I wanted to live
There was a time so dear to me
I asked you to give your life to me