Light one candle for the Maccabee children
With thanks that their light didn't die;
Light one candle for the pain they endured
When their right to exist was denied;
Light one candle for the terrible sacrifice
Justice and freedom demand;
And light one candle for the wisdom to know
When the peacemaker's time is at hand.

Don't let the light go out,
It's lasted for so many years.
Don't let the light go out,
Let it shine through our love and our tears.
Don't let the light go out,
It's lasted for so many years.
Don't let the light go out,
Let it shine through our love and our tears.

Light one candle for the strength that we need
To never become our own foe;
Light one candle for those who are suffering
A pain we learned so long ago;
Light one candle for all we believe in,
That anger not tear us apart;
And light one candle to bind us together
With peace as the song in our heart.

Don't let the light go out,
It's lasted for so many years.
Don't let the light go out,
Let it shine through our love and our tears.
Don't let the light go out,
It's lasted for so many years.
Don't let the light go out,
Let it shine through our love and our tears.

What is the memory that's valued so highly
That we keep it alive in that flame?
What's the commitment to those who have died?
We cry out "they've not died in vain,"
We have come this far, always believing
That justice would somehow prevail;
This is the burden, this is the promise,
And this is why we will not fail!

Don't let the light go out,
It's lasted for so many years.
Don't let the light go out,
Let it shine through our love and our tears.
Don't let the light go out,
It's lasted for so many years.
Don't let the light go out,
Let it shine through our love and our tears.


Words & Music by Peter Yarrow (c) 1983 Silver Dawn Music. Used by permission.