There is something delicious about singing early American Folk Hymns. The melodies and harmonies may be a bit raw and unpolished, but they contain pure emotion, joy and worship. Several years ago now, I decided to write a set of hymn arrangements for solo voice. Some early American Hymns seemed like just the right choice to go into that collection. And though some of the hymns may not be exactly early American, they still fit that genre.

Text: Eliza E. Hewitt, 1851-1920, Music: John R. Sweney, 1837-1899
There is sunshine in my soul today more glorious and bright
Than glows in any earthly sky for Jesus is my light.
There is sunshine, blessed sunshine
When the peaceful, happy moments roll.
When Jesus shows his smiling face
There is sunshine in the soul.
There is music in my soul today, a carol to my King,
And *Jesus listening can hear the songs I cannot sing.
There is sunshine, blessed sunshine
When the peaceful, happy moments roll.
When Jesus shows his smiling face
There is sunshine in the soul.
There is springtime in my soul today, for when the Lord is near
The dove of peace sings in my heart, the flowers of grace appear.
Oh, there's sunshine, blessed sunshine
When the peaceful, happy moments roll.
When Jesus shows his smiling face
There is sunshine in the soul.
There is gladness in my soul today, and hope and praise and love,
For blessings which he gives me now, for joys laid up above.
Oh, there's sunshine, blessed sunshine
When the peaceful, happy moments roll.
When Jesus shows his smiling face
There is sunshine in the soul.
There is sunshine in my soul today,
Sunshine in my soul today.