Jesus Doesn't Want Me For A Sunbeam

Album: The Way of The Vaselines: A Complete History (1992)
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Songfacts®:

  • A remake of an old Christian song called "Jesus Wants Me For A Sunbeam," this is mainly remembered for Nirvana's performance of it at their 1993 MTV Unplugged concert. Nirvana's lead singer, Kurt Cobain, adored the Vaselines. >>
    Suggestion credit:
    Matt - Millbrae, CA
  • Cobain changed the title to fit the lyrics and made it "Jesus Doesn't Want Me For A Sunbeam" for Nirvana's Unplugged special. >>
    Suggestion credit:
    D - 1, AL

Comments: 9

  • Ray923 from Carrollton, GaI understand the lyrics do not seem as if they are actually based on a Christian song but to me; this version makes me realize how unworthy we are to have Christ die for us. Unworthy, then grateful He did. It also makes me think about telling others that you aren't going to lie nor die for them because you arent Holy enough to be the One who did.
  • Anthony from Lewistown, PaActually, Orangebreaker is right. The Vaselines did initially call the song "Jesus Wants Me for A Sunbeam," but then re-recorded it under the title "Jesus Doesn't Want Me for a Sunbeam," and Nirvana covered the second one. You were probably misinformed because on the MTV Unplugged show (where Nirvana played it), the title original title popped up on the screen, although Kurdt was really singing the second one.
  • Mark from Worcester, Mitom, harlingen, TX I agree that we can all relate to this song at one point or another. I'd be interested to hear why it's so important to you though...seriously...if you can or don't mind.
  • Jorge from San Jose, Belgiumi think this song is about an atheist that dosent believe in why jesus wanted follwers. a if they dont fully understand why they would have to die, or give their life to jesus
  • Kelsey from Clarendon, TxThe Meat Puppets also did a version of this song.
  • Tom from Harlingen, Txeveryone can relate to this song at one point or another. but for some of us, this song has meaning beyond that of any other out there. so much pain,hate,and sorrow in this piece
  • Steven from West Carrollton, OhThis is kind of a sad song... I don't know why, it just feels that way for me.
  • Orangebeaker from Edinburgh, ScotlandThere's some misinformation about this song, the Vaselines version is "Jesus Doesnt Want Me For A Sunbeam", Kurt Cobain did not change the name of it. It is based on an old Christian song but The Vaselines switched it to the negative.
  • D from 1, AlThe Vaselines version of this song is named Jesus Wants me for a Sunbeam, Nirvana changed the title to fit the lyrics and made it Jesus Doesn't Want me for a Sunbeam
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