SUNSHINE IN MY SOUL

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 1887

“Sunshine in My Soul” is one of those late-19th-century gospel hymns that radiates simple joy and personal devotion—very much a song meant to be felt as much as sung.

Origins (1887)

  • Text: Eliza E. Hewitt

  • Music: John R. Sweney

The hymn was written in 1887,

Eliza E. Hewitt’s story
Eliza Edmunds Hewitt (1851–1920) was a schoolteacher whose life changed dramatically after a severe spinal injury. The injury left her largely homebound for long periods and forced her to give up teaching. During her recovery, she turned deeply to poetry and hymn writing.

Out of physical limitation came spiritual brightness. Many of Hewitt’s hymns focus on inner joy that exists despite outward suffering, and “Sunshine in My Soul” is one of the clearest expressions of that theme.

Musical setting
John R. Sweney, a leading gospel composer and church musician, provided the tune. Sweney was known for:

  • Cheerful, flowing melodies

  • Strong, singable refrains

  • In

The buoyant melody reinforces the imagery of light and warmth found in the lyrics.

Biblical
The hymn draws on familiar biblical symbolism:

  • That as a sign of Christ’s presence (John 8:12)

  • Joy in sarate

  • Inner peace produced by faith (Romans 15:13)

The repeated refrain emphasizes that the “sunshine” is not external happiness but Christ’s presence within the believer.

Use and legacy

  • Popular in Sunday schools, youth gatherings, and revival meetings

  • Frequently used in services focused on joy, testimony, and praise

  • Especially loved for congregational singing due to its upbeat refrain

Unlike hymns that dwell on struggle or longing, “Sunshine in My Soul” celebrates faith as a source of steady gladness—even when life is hard.

Lasting appeal
Its optimism is not shallow; it comes from lived experience. Hewitt’s own suffering gave credibility to her joyful theology, which helps explain why the hymn has endured for well over a century.

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