This Little Light of Mine

“This Little Light of Mine” is one of the most widely recognized Christian children’s songs, rooted in Scripture and filled with joyful simplicity. It is often attributed to Harry Dixon Loes, an American composer and teacher at the Moody Bible Institute, who is believed to have written it around 1920. The hymn draws its central theme from Matthew 5:14-16, where Jesus tells His followers, “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid… Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”

Originally composed as a gospel children’s song, it gained immense popularity during the American civil rights movement of the 1950s and 1960s. Activists adopted it as a song of hope and courage, singing it during marches and gatherings to encourage believers to stand firm in their testimony. The simple yet powerful refrain, “I’m gonna let it shine,” became both a personal declaration of faith and a communal cry for light to overcome darkness.

The song’s structure is repetitive and easy to remember, making it accessible to children and adults alike. Each verse typically replaces the phrase “this little light of mine” with lines like “hide it under a bushel? No!” or “won’t let Satan blow it out,” reinforcing the call to let the light of Christ shine publicly and consistently. Over time, “This Little Light of Mine” has appeared in hymnals, children’s songbooks, and numerous recordings, remaining a beloved favorite for Sunday schools, worship services, and community gatherings.