Love Shine a Light

This is a popular / soft-rock style song about love.

It was written by English rock singer-songwriter and guitarist, Kimberley Charles Rew (b 1951).

The song was written for British rock band Katrina and the Waves, which Rew was a member of between 1981 and 1999. They performed it in Dublin as the United Kingdom's prizewinning entry at the Eurovision Song Contest entry in 1997 - although Rew himself did not perform in the contest.

The song was requested by the brother of Katrina and the Waves' drummer, Alex Cooper. He wanted an an anthem for Samaritans, and commissioned the song to mark the 30th anniversary of the Swindon branch which he was a member of.

While not specifically religious, the focus on love and self-examination means that the song has been used in some churches. And because it appeals to a universal theme, it can be acceptable at events including people of many religions and none.

It has been translated to other languages, including:

Swedish - Låt ett ljus få brinna
German - Liebe und Licht
Finnish - "Päivänvaloon
Afrikaans - "Liefde skyn 'n lig
Flemish - Liefde brengt licht

It is set to an unnamed tune, also by Rew. This has a 4/4 time signature. In the key of F, the first few notes of the melody are E EE F G, FE DDDCD with accompanying chords C / F / G / Am.

Image adapt. from Pxhere, CC0

Downloads

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Piano arrangement, with guitar chords

Downloadable SATB choir arrangement by Charles Beale

Examples

Lead singer and band, TV performance:

2020 Eurovision artists, virtual choir style compilation:

Professional recording:

Singer with small band:

Contemporary choir with band:

Singer with orchestra:

Boys choir with orchestra:

Gospel choir:

Original signer, with massed pop-choir:

Lyrics

The lyrics are copyright so cannot be reproduced here. But they are currently available on this website. A rough outline is:

1. Love shine a light in every corner of my heart ...

2. Love shine a light in every corner of my dream ...

Chorus:
And we're all gonna shine a light together
All shine a light to light the way
Brothers and sisters in every little part
Let our love shine a light in every corner of our hearts.

3. Love shine a light in every corner of the world ...