You Are My Sunshine

Song meaning of You Are My Sunshine by Johnny Cash, and what it is about

The song "You Are My Sunshine" is sometimes credited to Jimmie Davis, a Louisiana-born politician and country music performer, even though the song's precise beginnings remain obscure. According to Davis, he wrote the song in the early 1930s using material from his personal connections and experiences. Some authors, however, speculate that the song might have been modified from traditional melodies or based on older folk tunes.

"You Are My Sunshine" is essentially a love ballad, a pledge of undying love and loyalty. In the lyrics, the performer declares their unwavering love for their beloved sunshine, describing a strong link between the two people. But as the song goes on, the singer bemoans the loss of their sunshine and the accompanying pain, and a sense of melancholy begins to seep in.

Among its most well-known covers is a 1989 Johnny Cash track. "You Are My Sunshine" was chosen one of the Songs of the Century by the Recording Industry Association of America and received a Grammy Hall of Fame award in 1999.

Song Lyrics of You Are My Sunshine by Johnny Cash

The other night, dear, as I lay sleeping

I dreamt I held you in my arms

When I awoke, dear, I was mistaken

So I bowed my head and I 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've always loved you and made you happy

And nothing else could come between

But now you've left me to love another

You have shattered all of 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