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You Are My Sunshine Lyrics
Table of Contents
You are my sunshine, my only sunshine
You make me happy when skies are grey
You’ll never know dear, how much I love you
Please don’t take my sunshine away
The other night dear, as I lay sleeping
I dreamed I held you in my arms
When I awoke, dear, I was mistaken
And I hung my head and cried
You are my sunshine, my only sunshine
You make me happy when skies are grey
You’ll never know dear, how much I love you
Please don’t take my sunshine away
I’ll always love you and make you happy
If you will only say the same
But if you leave me to love another
You’ll regret it all some day
You are my sunshine, my only sunshine
You make me happy when skies are grey
You’ll never know dear, how much I love you
Please don’t take my sunshine away
You told me once dear, you really loved me
And no one else dear, could come between
But now you’ve left me and love another
You have shattered all my dreams
You are my sunshine, my only sunshine
You make me happy when skies are grey
You’ll never know dear, how much I love you
Please don’t take my sunshine away
A Sweet Serenade Standing the Test of Time
As soon as those familiar chords hit my ears, I’m pulled back into precious memories – my daughters’ tiny hands clasped in mine, their sleepy heads nestled on my chest as I sang them “You Are My Sunshine.” It’s a simple, soothing ode to devotion that keeps tugging at heartstrings across generations. Let’s delve into how this classic tune came to be!
Tracing the Winding Origins of a Humble Folk Ballad
While numerous artists have put their spin on “You Are My Sunshine” over the decades, its exact origins remain obscured by the mists of time.
Some sources point to Jimmie Davis, a Louisiana country singer who served as governor and claimed to have written it in 1939. But the song was published in at least two songbooks earlier in the 1930s.
Other accounts trace it back further, to a man named Oliver Hood who copyrighted a version called “You Are My Sunshine” in 1934.
The Heartfelt Message of You Are My Sunshine
While often considered a romantic love ballad, “You Are My Sunshine” evokes a universal message that resonates just as strongly between parent and child.
Lines like “Please don’t take my sunshine away” reflect the tender protectiveness a father feels for his son or daughter. The poignant lyrics beautifully capture both the joys and heartaches that come with loving someone unconditionally.
Fun Facts About You Are My Sunshine
- In 1977, it became Louisiana’s official state song after being closely linked with former governor Jimmie Davis.
- Rolling Stone ranked it no. 73 in their list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.
- Johnny Cash recorded a moving version for his 1959 album Songs of Our Soil.
Why This Song Still Shines Through the Ages
When I sing these sweet lyrics to my own children now, it makes me hope to pass down the same musical traditions I enjoyed as a child. Despite how much changes, “You Are My Sunshine” still touches that tender place in our hearts.
Its uncomplicated messages of devotion, comfort, and hope never lose their magic. I hope this sentimental song kindles happy memories for you like it does for me. Let me know what cherished childhood tunes you love to share with your kids! And for more nostalgic favorites, check out my list of 50 Fun & Educational Children’s Songs.
Hey there! I'm Allen, but you can call me "The Corny Dad" from Canada. I have a wife and four kiddos. Yep, one's full grown, but they'll always be my babies. When I'm not doing something with my family or playing video games, I'm here, jotting down my bits of wisdom on this blog. From the fun stuff to the parenting chaos, I cover it all. Believe me, with the right attitude, parenting's a smoother ride and I'm here to help.
