Jack Pearson was a wonderful singer, musician, songwriter and storyteller. And an all around kind, joyful, generous, funny, and deep human being. Jack died of infection and cancer after a short stay in the hospital. His son Peter wrote amazing blog pieces on his father’s progress and ultimately his death.
Jack and I knew each other from a distance for many years, and it’s only recently I spent time with him. It was a privilege and a joy to be at his house this summer with his friend and engineer Scott. We sang, shared ideas, laughed, told stories, and planned for the future. I had every intention of spending more time with Jack, recording and playing and just hanging out. But now that won’t happen. I can take the usual lessons about life being short, and not missing out on opportunities to see people and places that are dear. But right now I am filled with Jack’s spirit and music, and this song is one result. It’s for Jack, his family and friends, and for all of us who live in times that seem quite dark.
I’m very grateful to Tom Pease for his help at several points in shaping this song. Tom, Jack and I would have had a great time together.
Leave a Little Light
My daddy sat beside me with the shadows moving in
I put my hand up to his face and felt the whiskers on his chin
As he left he kissed me and I can still recall
I said, “Leave my door cracked open and the light on in the hall.”
Leave a little light, leave a little light
Leave a little light when you go. 2x
My friend Jack was lifted like a leaf in a hurricane
His family sang around him as he caught the midnight train
No last words of wisdom for his children or his wife
But I can hear a message in how he lived his life.
He writes a note of welcome mixed with words of prayer
She looks out the window. He gets up from the chair.
He folds the piece of paper and puts in a drawer.
They hold hands and exit the Oval Office door.
© Stuart Stotts 2017
Thanks for sharing YOUR light (and song) for Jack, and beyond. I, too, missed the opportunity to get to know Jack better in life.
A beautiful and poignant song. The last verse took an unexpected turn.
Already wistful….Thank you, Stuart.
Oh Stuart, what a wonderful song. I too only knew Jack briefly but loved the chance to sing with him last year at the CMN conference in Zion. The song is for him and all of us…
Thank you, Stuart.
The loss of Jack feels heavy right now to me-
but it is made lighter by the love – and the music.
I’m so grateful.
I loved hearing your song and the verse for Jack’s departing. I too am so grateful for Peter’s Posts. I needed that information and to hear it from an eye witness. Great legacy Jack leaves in Peter. I bought his book (HOW TO EAT AN AIRPLANE) for my grandson, who at five has attended 4 annual Jack performances, thanks to me, Grandma Jinny, who has been an active fan of Jack since he came to the northern MN town of Bagley in 1988. After which I pulled out my own guitar and wrote my own first song for Jack after 8 years of hiatus due to motherhood. Thanks for your song and post. It is NEVER TOO LATE MEET JACK.