In the 1960s, the simple song became an anthem of the civil rights movement. 'This Little Light of Mine' takes on a whole new meaning in the context of the civil rights movement. This is understandable because it sounds similar to other Southern spirituals of the time. These are the lyrics to a song written in the 1920s by Harry Dixon Loes, a pastor/music teacher. It’s based on Matthew 5:15-16 where Jesus says, “Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light … If Jesus is the light, how then can we also be the light? This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine! It's also not unheard of for this simple tune to be played as an instrumental on everything from a mellow string tune to a raucous song for a group of horns. Let it shine til Jesus comes. The real story for this American folk music classic begins with a Michigan music minister who penned over 1500 gospel songs and 3000 tunes in his career. It was later adapted by Zilphia Horton, amongst many other activists, in connection with the civil rights movement. LZ7 are part of the work of the evangelical charity The Message Trust, which promotes the work of various groups who reach out to schoolchildren in the Manchester area. This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine. It is often heard in a slow, gospel style or in a fun, upbeat version for kids. In the same way, we may be excellent or poor reflectors of the light of Jesus. Lyrics to 'This Little Light of Mine' by VeggieTales. This little light of mine I'm going to let it shine Oh, this little light of mine I'm going to let it shine This little light of mine I'm going to let it shine Let it shine, all the time, let it shine All around the neighborhood I'm going to let it shine All around the neighborhood I'm going to … A classic children's hymn! The song can be sung in any manner you choose. Children can learn from this song that a light of love should always come from them. This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine. Monday gave me the gift of love, Tuesday peace came from above, Wednesday told me to have more faith, Thursday gave me a little … The third verse uses the phrase "Jesus gave it to me" as the repeating line. A Civil Rights leader by the name of Fanny Lou Hamer, was arrested for trying to … Although it was written for children, this song ended up being the anthem for the Civil Rights movement. Christians are to show their loving hearts of compassion, and help others when needed. 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, Yes, I'm gonna let it shine, Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine The light that shines is the light of love, Lights the darkness from above, It shines on you and it shines on me, and it shows what the light … It was adapted for this purpose by Zilphia Horton (who also taught Pete Seeger "We Shall Overcome") and other activists. A muscular version of "This Little Light of Mine" is the emotional high point of Harris' presentation: a unifying affirmation that gives the crowd a taste of that feeling from the 1960s. It's one of the first songs many children learn in Sunday school and is often passed down through generations. This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine. By using LiveAbout, you accept our, "If I Had a Hammer," by Pete Seeger and Lee Hays, Folk Song History of "We Shall Not Be Moved", "Keep Your Eyes on the Prize": A Civil Rights Movement Anthem, The Story of 'Michael Row the Boat Ashore', The History of African-American Folk Music, The Very Best Singles from Rock Icon Pete Seeger, The 'Doo Dah' Song: "Camptown Races" by Stephen Foster. The song is actually attributed to Harry Dixon Loes. Although it was written for children, this song ended up being the anthem for the Civil Rights movement. There is a beautiful lesson to be learned from this song. It is a theme for holiness purposes. This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine. The recording can still be found in the Library of Congress archives. Children can clap, stomp their feet, and wiggle to this song. LiveAbout uses cookies to provide you with a great user experience. Hide it under a bushel - NO! The first two lines above are included in Loes' original three verses. We can use this song to help our children learn how to make changes in the world. You never know if that preschooler is going to be a song writer or musician one day. Without Jesus and the good news concerning his birth, death, buri… You know the song and you know it well, yet it may surprise you that "This Little Light of Mine" was not a slave spiritual before it was popularized during the Civil Rights movement of the 1960s. Black Gospel This Little Light Of Mine Lyrics. Meaning: The song was sung by slaves as a religious song at community gatherings. Nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Children can learn that oppression is not the answer. “This Little Light of Mine” is one of the best known and most loved Bible songs for preschoolers. Only one line in each verse changes. Additional stanzas: Ev'rywhere I go, I’m gonna let it shine! Some shine bright, some shine small. I m gonna let it shine song that most children learn at preschool age from their Sunday school teacher. Embed addison-road 151656 views 2011-02-03T11:55:44 The members of Addison Road sent out a call to their fans to help them make a music video for their new single- This Little Light of Mine. 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. Several popular folk artists have recorded "This Little Light of Mine" through the years. This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine! This lends itself nicely to the folk tradition, making it an easy song to remember and sing along with. Each verse is finished up with "I'm gonna let it shine, let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.". This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine! I'm gonna let it shine, let it shine, let it shine, let it shine. By singing this song, children can understand that they do not need to be selfish. Jesus tells us that He is “the light of the world” in John 8:12 and John 9:5. This Little Light Of Mine lyrics performed by Black Gospel: She:This a little light of mine,I´m gonna let it shineThis a little I'm gonna let it shine. Odetta - This Little Light of Mine Lyrics. Loes wrote the song for children in the 20s. 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 Light that shines is the light of love Hides the darkness from above Shines on me and it shines on you Shows you what the power of love can do Shine my light both bright and clear Shine my light both far and near In every dark corner that I find Let my little light … 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 The light that shines is the light of love Lights the darkness from above Its shines on me and it shines on you And shows what the power of … The classic analogy is that of the moon and the sun. In addition to its key place in American folk and gospel music, the song holds significance as an anthem of the civil rights movement. It is not all about them, but being nice one to another. Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine Light that shines is the light of love, Hides the darkness from above, Shines on me and it shines on … Its lyrics are simple for kids to easily remember and recite, with "light of mine" having a powerful meaning of the love and truth of Jesus Christ. A Civil Rights leader by the name of Fanny Lou Hamer, was arrested for trying to register to vote. This is not bad for a meaningful song with minimal lyrics. 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 I'm gonna take this light around the world And I'm gonna let it shine I'm gonna take this light around the world And I'm gonna let it shine I'm gonna take this light around the world And I'm gonna let it shine Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine This little light of mine… Children are learning that they can be a light to their own generation. It caught on among the black Civil Rights leaders, who would later sing it as they marched in peaceful protests, for the rights and protections of their people. It means to let God have his way with you, and let his light shine through you. This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine. Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine! il_76/Shutterstock Don't Miss a Story! But don’t you ever lose your light. In 2010 a hip-hop version by Manchester based quintet LZ7 became the first ever Christian-rap track to make the UK Top 40 under the title of "This Little Light." CHALLENGE WORDS She is also the Community Manager for the folk music magazine NoDepression. There’s a little flame inside us all. DEGGANS: Sometimes, experts say, songs like "This Little Light Of Mine" start off as children's folk songs which become spirituals sung everywhere from churches to prison work camps. I'm gonna let it shine. This Little Light Of Mine. Benefits of Summer Activities with Nursery Rhymes, Spending Time with Family Listening to Nursery Rhymes. “This Little Light of Mine” is a gospel song that was written by Harry Dixon Loes in 1920. “This Little Light of Mine” is a song written by Harry Dixon Loes and recorded numerous times throughout the 20th and 21st centuries. TIME 10 minutes to listen to songs 10 minutes to sing along 5 minutes for discussion 5 minutes to make new lyrics for “This Little Light of Mine” 10 minutes to record new lyrics RECOMMENDED AGE GROUP This activity will work best with children in kindergarten through fourth grade. "This Little Light of Mine" may be a spiritual that originated with enslaved African Americans before emancipation, but there is no evidence for this. This lends itself nicely to the folk tradition, making it an easy song to remember and sing along with. Here is another preschool Bible song demonstrated by Cullen. Stacie Marshall. How did that come about? This little light of min In this life you will know. Performed by the Carlton Reese Memorial Unity Choir. This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine. 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