The song was a hit only in indie-pop and twee circles until in 1992, The Vaselines re-released the song with a slight title change ("Jesus Doesn't Want Me for a Sunbeam") on the compilation album The Way of the Vaselines: A Complete History.
Jesus Wants Me For A Sunbeam
The Vaselines Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
'Cause sunbeams are not made like me
And don't expect me to cry
For all the reasons you had to die
Don't ever ask your love of me
Don't expect me to lie
Don't expect me to cry
Oh, Jesus don't want me for a sunbeam
'Cause sunbeams are not made like me
And don't expect me to cry
For all the reasons you had to die
Don't ever ask your love of me
Jesus don't want me for a sunbeam
'Cause sunbeams are not made like me
And don't expect me to cry
For all the reasons you had to die
Don't ever ask your love of me
Don't expect me to lie
Don't expect me to cry
Don't expect me to die for thee
Oh, Jesus don't want me for a sunbeam
'Cause sunbeams are not made like me
And don't expect me to cry
For all the reasons you had to die
Don't ever ask your love of me
The Vaselines's song "Jesus Wants Me For A Sunbeam" is a commentary on the unrealistic and manipulative expectations that religious individuals often have towards their loved ones. The lyrics speak directly to the religious pressure that can cause immense guilt and shame, especially towards those who do not fit conventional expectations. The line "Jesus don't want me for a sunbeam, 'cause sunbeams are not made like me" suggests that the singer is being ostracized for being different, even though they are themselves as pure and natural as a sunbeam.
As the song progresses, there is a clear defiance and rejection of the expectations that are placed upon them. The lyrics "Don't ever ask your love of me, don't expect me to lie, don't expect me to cry" all further emphasize this rejection. The singer is unwilling to compromise their own beliefs and values to satisfy someone else's expectations, even if that person is a religious figure. The song, therefore, actively challenges the idea that one must blindly follow religious principles, and emphasizes the importance of freedom and individuality.
Overall, "Jesus Wants Me For A Sunbeam" is an important commentary on the dangerous effects that religious pressure can have on individuals, and the importance of standing up for one's own beliefs and values.
Line by Line Meaning
Jesus don't want me for a sunbeam
I do not fit the mold of what Jesus would want as his follower
'Cause sunbeams are not made like me
I am not pure or perfect like the rays of the sun
And don't expect me to cry
I will not shed tears for the reasons you think I should
For all the reasons you had to die
I understand that Jesus died for a reason, but I may not agree with it
Don't ever ask your love of me
Do not expect me to love like Jesus loved
Don't expect me to lie
I will not be dishonest about my beliefs or feelings
Don't expect me to die for thee
I am not willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for someone else's beliefs
Oh, Jesus don't want me for a sunbeam
I am not the type of follower Jesus is looking for
'Cause sunbeams are not made like me
My imperfections and faults make me different from the ideal follower
And don't expect me to cry
My emotions and reactions may not be what you expect
For all the reasons you had to die
I have my own thoughts on why Jesus died and may not share your views
Don't ever ask your love of me
I will love in my own way, not how you want me to
Jesus don't want me for a sunbeam
I do not feel accepted by the religious community
'Cause sunbeams are not made like me
I do not fit the religious standard of purity and goodness
And don't expect me to cry
I will not show my emotions in the expected way
For all the reasons you had to die
I may have my own interpretation of the reasons behind Jesus' death
Don't ever ask your love of me
My capacity for love may not meet your expectations
Lyrics © DOMINO PUBLISHING COMPANY, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Frances McKee, Eugene Kelly
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@xikitium3979
Jesus don't want me for a sunbeam
'Cause sunbeams are not made like me
And don't expect me to cry
For all the reasons you had to die
Don't ever ask your love of me
Don't expect me to lie
Don't expect me to cry
Don't expect me to die for thee
Oh, Jesus don't want me for a sunbeam
'Cause sunbeams are not made like me
And don't expect me to cry
For all the reasons you had to die
Don't ever ask your love of me
Jesus don't want me for a sunbeam
'Cause sunbeams are not made like me
And don't expect me to cry
For all the reasons you had to die
Don't ever ask your love of me
Don't expect me to lie
Don't expect me to cry
Don't expect me to die for thee
Oh, Jesus don't want me for a sunbeam
'Cause sunbeams are not made like me
And don't expect me to cry
For all the reasons you had to die
Don't ever ask your love of me
@kexp
Indeed, they are referencing the song "I'll Be a Sunbeam," which begins "Jesus wants me for a sunbeam." They use both titles "wants" / "doesn't want" interchangeably when referring to it, but the album does list the title as "wants" despite how it's introduced here. So I hope that's "right" enough for you, motherblackcap. Thanks!
@thomasdupont7186
mmmmh 🤔 Artists... Right ?
@ryant3922
This band is criminally underrated.
@tatianar.2001
Frances's voice is so angelic, just beautiful
@Smoshy16
It's fucking awful. It's too sharp!
@loganmohler737
@SmoshNZ tone nazi
@mitza420
@@Smoshy16yo smoshy chill man
@Lemont321989
Cobain loved this song. And sang it with the utmost respect for the Vaselines.
@mrc5742
I agree... you can hear in his voice.
@socratesdrankcronium
and the most disrespect for Jesus Christ.