'Fannie Lou' Musical

“This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine …”

One of Fannie Lou Hamer’s favorite songs, “This Little Light of Mine,” is the sixth entry in the Fannie Lou Musical INSIDE TRACKS series.

This is an instrumental version, featuring solo viola, that was recorded several years ago when the musical Fannie Lou was in its infant stages.

At that time, it was just assumed that the song would be included in the musical, since it was so dear to the title character. So, I just went ahead and recorded it, thinking I would use the recording in some way at some point. That was before I made the decision to make Fannie Lou a completely original musical that incorporates only songs I wrote specifically for it.

But that doesn’t change Fannie Lou Hamer’s affinity for “This Little Light of Mine,” and it doesn’t negate the fact that it has helped serve as inspiration for Fannie Lou. (And, while it is not in the full production, “This Little Light of Mine” actually has been used once as a culminating song for one of our “Scenes and Songs from Fannie Lou” productions.)

“This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine.”

The sentiment of the song is so simple, yet so formidable.

Think about it. Fannie Lou Hamer and other voting-rights activists constantly encountered resistance. When faced with myopic bullies, socially stagnant haters, even conscience-less murderers, to stand squarely and confront them with the words “This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine” is the epitome of empowerment.

When you’ve been working so hard to relay basic common sense, but you’ve made little progress trying to break through what seems like a brick wall of opposition; when you’ve walked a long road but there’s so much more ground to cover; when you’ve fought the good fight but many battles still lie in wait; when your will is strong but your soul is weary; when you attempt enlightenment but are met with entrenchment-- imagine hearing the affecting strains of

This little light of mine

I’m gonna let it shine

This little light of mine

I’m gonna let it shine

This little light of mine

I’m gonna let it shine

Let it shine

Let it shine

Let it shine

It is the perfect inspiration.

And that’s why “This Little Light of Mine” has been selected as the sixth song in the Fannie Lou Musical INSIDE TRACKS series. Please feel free to listen to it, as well as other songs in the series, on this website.

To hear “This Little Light of Mine,” please click the arrow below.

OTHER INSIDE TRACKS SERIES
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To hear other Fannie Lou Musical INSIDE TRACKS, please visit here, here, here, here and here.

THE LIGHT INSIDE
FANNIE LOU HAMER

The song “This Little Light of Mine” is so identified with Fannie Lou Hamer that her biographer, Kay Mills, selected it as the title for her book about the voting-rights heroine.

It doesn't take a whole lot to learn about our history and the people, places and events that have helped shape our lives today. I actually bought this biography at a library book sale for $1. Yes, $1!!!! While reading it, I was inspired to start writing what has evolved into the stage musical Fannie Lou. So, a $1 investment and the commitment of a little time was all it took to get started on what has become an acclaimed musical that has been performed before sold-out crowds and received with standing ovations.

To learn more about
the life of Fannie Lou Hamer -- and her special  light that shined (shines! -- her legacy lives on!!) so brightly -- check out "This Little Light of Mine" by Kay Mills from your own local library. The book is also available via amazon.com.