A childhood hymn has been given a new lease of life – and found its way into the UK charts. Our music editor explores why Elle Limebear’s ‘Give me joy’ is striking a chord across the generations
The UK charts experienced an unexpected new arrival this summer – an updated classic worship song that’s resonating far beyond the Church.
Elle Limebear’s ‘Give me joy’ is a lively reimagining of the old primary school hymn, ‘Give me oil in my lamp’.
It’s an outburst of praise for the deep happiness that comes from choosing a life of faith; one of those songs that make it impossible to be in a bad mood!
Limebear, the daughter of Delirious? frontman Martin Smith, made history when she became the first Christian artist to sign with legendary record label Decca Records – home to The Rolling Stones, David Bowie, Andrew Lloyd Webber and Andrea Bocelli – earlier this year.
‘Give me joy’ has remained number one in the Official UK Christian & Gospel Singles Chart throughout the summer, marking another incredible success for Limebear.
Speaking to Premier Christianity, she said: “I think it’s been really beautiful to see the different generations grab hold of it. I’ve had messages from teachers around the country. ‘Hi Elle! Just to let you know we are still singing this hymn in assembly.’
“It’s been great to see a Jesus-centred song in the charts, and in non-Christian playlists,” she added. “Speaking to my dad, he said their band, Delirious?, would be banging on the doors of mainstream labels. It just wasn’t the thing 20 years ago. People wanted to stay absolutely clear of Christian and gospel music. It’s cool how things are turning – now they’re going after Christian artists and wanting this music on their label.”
‘Give me joy’ was written for Satellites, the Christian youth festival created to inspire teenagers to live life with God. Explaining the song’s origin, Limebear said: “For the past three years, I’ve tagged the old hymn ‘Give me oil in my lamp’ and worked it into my sets. I did it in America one time and it didn’t quite land. I think it’s just us Brits who sang this in assemblies. I started doing it more in the UK and it was beautiful to see this old assembly hymn ignite people’s nostalgia. There was this real sense of: ‘I remember this!’”
Elle’s husband suggested she go one step further and rewrite it in her own style with new verses. The track we hear today evolved over the last few years, as she shaped the song with friends and family.
We always need to be reminded of the joy that comes from following Jesus – whatever our age or stage of life. This song is an upbeat and powerful way of declaring that truth.
‘Give me Joy’ by Elle Limebear is available to stream now
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