I'll Be a Sunbeam Want Me for a Sunbeam". The latter version was covered by Nirvana. The hymn was also referenced in the lyrics of the song "Alibi" by Elvis Costello ("Maybe Jesus wants you for a sunbeam?"). I'll Be a Sunbeam "I'll Be a Sunbeam" (also called "Jesus Wants Me for a Sunbeam") is a popular children's Christian hymn composed by Nellie Talbot; it is sung to music composed in 1900 by Edwin O. Excell. Due to its age, the hymn has entered the public domain in the United States. Published in Chicago by Excell as hymn number 137 in his "Praises" in
What a Friend We Have in Jesus solace. It is translated as "Preethi gala mana Yesu" and it is listed in the Andhra Kraisthava Keerthanalu (Andhra Christian hymnals) as hymn No. 407. In India, the hymn sung in Konkani, "Dulob Jezu", was translated by Felix Paul Noronha of Mangalore. A version was sung during World War I with the line "When this bloody war is over" in place of the original title. The tune was used in the 1969 film, "Oh! What a Lovely War" with the title "When This Lousy War Is Over". The tune was used in Alan Price's song "Changes", which was written for