The Vaselines' song "Jesus Wants Me for a Sunbeam" is a sarcastic and irreverent take on the idea of religious devotion. The lyrics express a defiance against the expectation to conform and behave in a certain way for the sake of religion. The singer rejects the notion of being like a "sunbeam" for Jesus, implying that they are not meant to be a perfect, shining example of faith. The chorus "Don't expect me to lie, don't expect me to cry, don't expect me to die for thee" reinforces the idea that the singer is not going to pretend or sacrifice themselves for the sake of someone else's beliefs. It's a rebellious declaration of independence and refusal to conform. Overall, the song is about rejecting the pressure to conform to religious expectations and instead embracing individuality and autonomy. It's a cheeky and irreverent take on the idea of religious devotion, with a rebellious spirit that's authentic to United States culture.
