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The article is about the song. For the compilation album, see Shine: The Hits.

Single Chronology
Previous Single   -  Dear Shame
Next Single   -  Spirit Thing


Single Chronology
Previous Single   -  Truth Be Known - Everybody Gets a Shot (video only)
Next Single   -  I'm Not Ashamed (remixed)


Shine is the second track on Newsboys' fifth album, Going Public. It was released as the single and became a giant hit. It is now one of the most recognizable of Newsboys' songs, and is arguably their signature song. It was performed live on Houston We Are GO Live. It is also featured in the CCM hits compilation WOW 1996. A remixed version, made by Tom Lord-Alge and called "Shine 2000," was released as a radio single for the Entertaining Angels EP, and was later featured on the compilation albums Shine: The Hits, The Greatest Hits, and The Ultimate Collection. Lyrics were written by Steve Taylor with music by Peter Furler.

Lyrics[]

Dull as dirt
You can't assert the kind of light
That might persuade
A strict dictator to retire
Fire the army
Teach the poor origami
The truth is in
The proof is when
You hear your heart
Start asking, "What's my motivation?"


And try as you may, there isn't a way
To explain the kind of change
That would make an Eskimo renounce fur
That would make a vegetarian barbecue hamster
Unless you can trace this about-face
To a certain sign...

Chorus:
Shine
Make 'em wonder what you've got
make 'em wish that they were not
On the outside looking bored Shine
Let it shine before all men
Let 'em see good works, and then
Let 'em glorify the Lord


Out of the shaker and onto the plate
It isn't Karma
It sure ain't fate
That would make a Deadhead sell his van
That would make a schizophrenic turn in his crayons
Oprah freaks
And science seeks a rationale
That shall excuse
This strange behavior


When you let it shine you will inspire
The kind of entire turnaround
That would make a bouncer take ballet
(Even bouncers who aren't happy)
But out of the glare with nowhere to turn
You ain't gonna learn it on "What's My Line?"
(chorus)

(female voices shush, chorus X3, song ends)

Trivia[]

  • What's My Line? is the name of two game shows, one originally broadcast in the UK from 1951 to 1996, and one originally broadcast in the US from 1950 to 1967, with syndicated reruns into the 1970s.
  • The song has received some criticism for lyrics perceived to be racist ("Make an Eskimo renounce fur"), ableist ("Make a schizophrenic turn in his crayons"), and discriminatory towards alternative diets ("Make a vegetarian barbecue hamster").
  • Some have argued that one of the main guitar riffs was plagiarized from "You Sexy Thing" by Hot Chocolate.

Scripture references[]

  • According to Peter Furler, the primary inspiration for the song was Matthew 5:16, which is paraphrased in the chorus.










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