I'm not too sure if this is on the right track, but it does describe the nature of many unsung heroes: Donagh Long's "Never Be the Sun":

Never Be the Sun

Words and Music by
Donagh Long, 1994

You'll never be the sun turning in the sky.
And you won't be the moon above us on the moonlit night.
And you won't be the stars in heaven although they burn so bright.
But even on the deepest ocean you will be the light.

You may not always shine as you go barefoot over stones.
You might be so long together or you might walk alone.
And you won't find that love comes easy,
But that love is always right.
So even when the dark clouds gather you will be the light.

And if you lose a part inside when love turns round on you,
Leaving the past behind, knowing you'll do like you always do,
Holding you blind,
Keeping you true.

You'll never be the sun turning in the sky.
And you won't be the moon above us on the moonlit night.
And you won't be the stars in heaven although they burn so bright
But even on the deepest ocean you will be the light
You will be the light,
You will be the light.


It's been recorded by a host of singers: Dolores Keane, John McDermott, Nanci Griffith, and the trio Dolly Parton, Linda Rondstadt, and Emmylou Harris, to name a few!