The other night dear, as I lay sleeping
I dreamed I held you in my arms
But when I awoke, dear, I was mistaken
So I hung my head and I cried.

You are my sunshine, my only sunshine
You make me happy when skies are gray
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 and love another,
You'll regret it all some day:

You are my sunshine, my only sunshine
You make me happy when skies are gray
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 could come between.
But not you've left me and love another;
You have shattered all of my dreams:

You are my sunshine, my only sunshine
You make me happy when skies are gray
You'll never know dear, how much I love you
Please don't take my sunshine away

In all my dreams, dear, you seem to leave me
When I awake my poor heart pains.
So when you come back and make me happy
I'll forgive you dear, I'll take all the blame.

You are my sunshine, my only sunshine
You make me happy when skies are gray
You'll never know dear, how much I love you
Please don't take my sunshine away

The Story Behind You are my sunshine

You Are My Sunshine is one of the most iconic American songs of the 20th century. While often sung as a sweet and simple lullaby, its full lyrics tell a much more emotional story – one of love, loss, and longing.

The song was first recorded in 1939 by The Pine Ridge Boys, but it was Jimmie Davis, a country singer and future governor of Louisiana, who popularised it shortly after.

Despite its melancholy verses, the chorus became widely beloved for its warmth and tenderness. That familiar refrain – "You are my sunshine, my only sunshine..." – has made it a favourite for parents, grandparents, and children for generations.

☀️ A Lullaby With Layers

When sung as a lullaby, most people stick to the upbeat chorus, leaving out the verses about heartache and lost love. And that’s totally okay – many families use just that comforting part as a bedtime or bonding moment.

But the deeper verses add a layer of poignancy for adults, reminding us that even simple songs can carry powerful emotions.