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
Day by Day (hymn) of the 1920s, and its popularity has increased since then. The hymn's tune was composed in 1872 by Oscar Ahnfelt. The hymn's Swedish name is "Blott en Dag," its first three words in Swedish. The words mean "just one day" or "just another day." In Sweden, it is popular at funerals. It was recorded by Carola Häggkvist in 1998 on the album "Blott en dag" .. Other Swedish recordings include one in 1965 by Curt & Roland and on Anna-Lena Löfgren's 1972 Christmas album, "Nu tändas tusen juleljus." Day by Day (hymn) Day by Day, is a Christian hymn written