The light that shines is the light of love

Representative Text

Refrain:
This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine.
This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine.
This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine,
let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.

1 The light that shines is the light of love,
lights the darkness from above,
it shines on me and it shines on you,
and shows what the power of love can do.
I'm gonna shine my light both far and near,
I'm gonna shine my light both bright and clear.
Where there's a dark corner in this land
I'm gonna let my little light shine. [Refrain]

2 On Monday he gave me the gift of love,
Tuesday peace came from above.
On Wednesday he told me to have more faith,
on Thursday he gave me a little more grace.
On Friday he told me just to watch and pray,
on Saturday he told me just what to say,
on Sunday he gave me the pow'r divine
to let my little light shine. [Refrain]

Source: Complete Anglican Hymns Old and New #901

Author: Bob Gibson

(no biographical information available about Bob Gibson.) Go to person page >

Text Information

First Line: The light that shines is the light of love
Author: Bob Gibson (1958)
Refrain First Line: This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine
Copyright: New words ©1960 Melody Trails, Inc.

Notes

The spiritual "This little light of mine" dates as early as 1931, as recorded by the Louisville Sanctified Singers ("God give me a light") for Victor Records, but these extra words and melodic material are by American folk singer Bob Gibson, recorded on his album There's A Meetin' Here Tonight (1958), recorded again at the Newport Folk Festival (24–26 June 1960), and registered for copyright (27 October 1960). The extra material is likewise credited to him in We Shall Overcome! Songs of the Southern Freedom Movement (NY: Oak Publications, 1963).

—Chris Fenner

Timeline

Instances

Instances (1 - 2 of 2)

Ancient and Modern #808

Text

Complete Anglican Hymns Old and New #901

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