Song of the Will-O’-Wisp

Will-o-the-Wisp and Snake by Hermann Hendrich (1823)

As the fall of light leaves you uncertain,
Obscuring the path ahead,
I arise from earthen slumber
Ready for mischievous play. 

I am a thing of light and air, 
a wisp of magic made form.
Will you treat our chance meeting,
This twist of fate, gift or curse?

Chorus:
Follow the light, 
Follow the light, 
For it will never will lead you astray.  
I promise lands of mist and magic,
I promise danger and dreams. 

Why do you wish for roads safe and reliable
When my light into mystery precedes?
This road only takes you straight ahead,
And you already know where it leads.

Chorus:
Follow the light, 
Follow the light, 
For it will never will lead you astray.  
I promise lands of mist and magic,
I promise danger and dreams. 

Your cold iron and precaution 
Will not save you from decision.
One step forward, into the bog, please- 
You’ll either sink or swim.

Chorus:
Follow the light, 
Follow the light, 
For it will never will lead you astray.  
I promise lands of mist and magic,
I promise danger and dreams. 

The magic in these still black waters 
Is a benediction for those who find it- 
A purification for puckish journey, 
If you let the wilderness beneath the surface grab hold.

Chorus:
Follow the light, 
Follow the light, 
For it will never will lead you astray.  
I promise lands of mist and magic,
I promise danger and dreams. 

Some say if you follow the fae light
It will lead to treasure buried deep.
The truth of that I cannot tell you,
But I do promise one merry chase.

[Written by Andrea Gustafson.]

Leave a comment