This Little Light of Mine is said to have been composed by Harry Dixon Loes back in the 1920s, although he never claimed to write the song. It is almost certain though that it appeared sometimes around the 1920s in the United States and today it is not just a beloved children’s tune, known around the world, it is also one of the most famous spiritual songs.
The song is believed to have played a role during the civil rights movement in the 1950s and 1960s. One of its popular stories is that of Fannie Lou Hamer, a Civil Rights leader who was determined to register as a voter and enjoy her democratic rights. However, the police detained her on her way back from registration. During her arrest, she started singing this song and people soon began associating the rhyme with her.
This Little Light Of Mine became a famous civil rights anthem in the 50s and 60s thanks in particular to popular renditions by Zilphia Horton and Ray Charles. People used this song as an anthem to express unity and the pursuit of a common cause.
Today, the tune is used mainly in the Christian setting and it alludes to spreading the Gospel.
This Little Light of Mine Lyrics
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 let it shine
All around the neighborhood
I’m going to let it shine
Let it shine, all the time, let it shine.
Hide it under a bushel? No!
I’m going to let it shine
Hide it under a bushel? No!
I’m going to let it shine
Hide it under a bushel? No!
I’m going to let it shine
Let it shine, all the time, let it shine.
Don’t let Satan blow it out!
I’m going to let it shine
Don’t let Satan blow it out!
I’m going to let it shine
Don’t let Satan blow it out!
I’m going to let it shine
Let it shine, all the time, let it shine.
This Little Light of Mine Music Sheet
