The Greenbriar Boys was an American northern bluegrass music group active f… Read Full Bio ↴The Greenbriar Boys was an American northern bluegrass music group active from 1959—1970 who first got together in jam sessions in New York's Washington Square Park.

Guitarist/vocalist John Herald formed The Greenbriar Boys, along with Bob Yellin (banjo) and Eric Weissberg (fiddle, mandolin, banjo). Weissberg was soon replaced by Paul Prestopino, who, in turn was later replaced by Ralph Rinzler (mandolin) to form their most successful combination.

They were credited as guest artists on two tracks from Joan Baez's 1961 album Joan Baez, Vol. 2. In 1962, they released their first (eponymous) album on Vanguard Records. Three more albums followed: Dián and the Greenbriar Boys in 1963 for Elektra (with Dián James, d. 18 May 2006), Ragged but Right! in 1964, and Better Late Than Never in 1966. The latter album featured mandolinist/vocalist Frank Wakefield, who replaced Rinzler, and fiddler, Jim Buchanan.

The Greenbriar Boys disbanded in 1970 as Wakefield launched what was to become a successful solo career bringing him international fame and which is still thriving. The Greenbriar Boys reunited occasionally in later years.

Shine on Me
The Greenbriar Boys Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Shine on Me
Shine on Me
Let the light of your lighthouse
Shine on Me

upon the chrystal stone at jesus feet
oh joyous I pass my golden crown
and his dear name repeat

Shine on Me
Shine on Me
Let the light of your lighthouse
Shine on Me

must jesus bear the cross alone
and the whole world go free

oh there's a cross for everyone
and there's a cross for me

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to The Greenbriar Boys' song Shine on Me express a desire for guidance and salvation. The repetition of "Shine on Me" throughout the song creates an image of the singer's spiritual emptiness being filled with a divine light. The metaphor of a lighthouse adds to this image, as it represents a beacon of hope and guidance for those lost at sea.

The second stanza of the song expresses a desire to give up worldly possessions and kneel at Jesus' feet. In doing so, the singer experiences joy and gratitude, even as they take up the burden of the cross. This is echoed in the final stanza, which questions whether Jesus should bear the cross alone when there is enough to go around for everyone, including the singer.

Overall, the lyrics to Shine on Me convey a deep yearning for spiritual guidance and comfort, while acknowledging the difficulties and sacrifices that come with faith.

Line by Line Meaning

Shine on Me
Requesting the light to shine upon oneself

Shine on Me
Repeating a request to shine a light on oneself

Let the light of your lighthouse
Asking for the light from a lighthouse

Shine on Me
Repeating a request to shine a light on oneself

upon the chrystal stone at jesus feet
Describing where the artist's golden crown is placed

oh joyous I pass my golden crown
Handing over one's crown with happiness

and his dear name repeat
Repeating the name of Jesus

Shine on Me
Repeating a request to shine a light on oneself

Let the light of your lighthouse
Asking for the light from a lighthouse

Shine on Me
Repeating a request to shine a light on oneself

must jesus bear the cross alone
Asking why Jesus must bear the cross alone