Chain Lightning

Don Mclean · Chain Lightning

4 Contributors
Chain Lightning Lyrics
[Verse 1]
Sometimes when I'm thinkin' that love's not around
My heart begins sinkin', I don't hear a sound
And the world is in blackness, no light shines on me
I suffer no blindness, no one can I see
Then a flash from the heavens like a loud jagged wire
And the silence is broken, and the night is on fire
[Chorus]
It's like chain lightning, this love that I feel
Who knows where it strikes or when it will hit
How long it will last, or when it will quit
[Verse 2]
In the forest I'm burning, struck down by the blast
The fever is churning, and the heat rises fast
And those standing nearest can show their concern
But I swear if they touch me that they too will burn
They fear for their lives for death will soon dwell
In the warmth of your love is the fire of Hell
[Chorus]
It's like chain lightning, this love that I feel
Who knows where it strikes or when it will hit
How long it will last, or when it will quit
[Verse 3]
And soon the sparks scatter, and wind whips the flame
For love will soon shatter what it cannot tame
And the cycle continues from life into dust
For I am now in you with the fire of lust
And I hear the explosion of thunder and rain
The water is falling, the ashes remain
[Chorus]
It's like chain lightning, this love that I feel
Who knows where it strikes or when it will hit
How long it will last, or when it will quit
[Verse 4]
The Indians tell us that the phoenix can rise
From the smoldering ashes that once were my eyes
And watch beautiful colors from black and from grey
Be formed into wings and then take me away
Where evil is darkness and goodness is light
And love is the lightning that cuts through the night
And strikes only once in a dark place in time
And forms a gold stairway that all of us climb

About Chain Lightning

"Chain Lightning" is part of Don Mclean's recorded catalog and should be introduced with a light editorial touch. The song title creates the first impression, but the lasting effect comes from the interaction of melody, production, and delivery. Some listings preserve version details or featured credits, so the description should stay cautious about background unless confirmed by dedicated music references. Even with that restraint, the song can be framed around its emotional or rhythmic purpose: whether it invites movement, reflection, release, or tension. "Chain Lightning" gives listeners one more route into Don Mclean's musical identity.