Hymn Notes: I'll Be a Sunbeam

We know very little about 19^th century lyricist Nellie Talbot or her intention in writing this hymn. It has, however, become a favorite children’s song, perhaps because of its simple text, references to home, school, and play, and the sunbeam imagery that easily captures children’s imaginations. In 1900, the song was put to music by prestigious composer Edwin O. Excell who compiled and edited over 90 hymnals and songbooks, and produced the most common arrangement of AMAZING GRACE. The tune Excell composed for the song is melodic and easily singable.

Although the text is amenable to children, the message preaches well to adults. The sunbeam recalls light of the world imagery used by Jesus, and likewise fits Paul’s call to be stars shining in a dark and crooked generation. The text defines what it means to be a sunbeam: be loving and kind, pleasant and happy. The song dovetails nicely with our recent sermons on the call to holiness:

I will ask Jesus to help me

To keep my heart from sin,

Ever reflecting his goodness,

And always shine for him.

We sing this song today knowing that sunbeams bring a lot of joy and happiness.