Lyrics Page
Shine Your Light
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Aug 12, 2026 updated
Verified editorial review
Nichole Nordeman's 'Shine Your Light' is a gentle call for believers to openly share their faith and hope. The song uses the biblical image of a city on a hill to encourage Christians not to hide their beliefs but to let their lives reflect God's love. It speaks of the peace and wonder that come from knowing God, and urges listeners to be salt and light in a dark world. The lyrics emphasize that the reason for our hope is meant to be shared, not kept secret, and that we are called to bring light to others through our actions and words.
Lyrics Verified by Editorial Team
Tell me why
Why you got your secret locked inside?
Why you trying to keep it for your own
If he asks for bread
Tell me why, why you giving him a stone
You know
The reason for the hope
That burns your soul
The reason that you're sleeping peacefully
Wasn't meant to be undisclosed
Oh, don't you know
When you live in a city on a hill
You've got to shine your light
When you live in a city on a hill
You've got to shine your light
Go and tell
Go and bring them water from a different well
Running with your candle into blackest night
To be salt and light
To the wide, wide world
'Cause when you live in a city on a hill
You've got to shine your light
When you live in a city on a hill
You've got to shine your light
Your heart is filled with wonder
Your cup is running over still
When you live in a city on a hill
(Shine your light)
(Shine your light)
(Shine...)
When you live in a city on a hill
You've got to shine your light
When you live in a city on a hill
You've got to shine your light