Gene Autry - You Are My Sunshine Lyrics (2024)

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Gene Autry

About You Are My Sunshine

"You Are My Sunshine" is a song popularized by Jimmie Davis and Charles Mitchell in 1939. It has been declared one of the state songs of Louisiana because of its association with Davis, a country music singer and governor of the state in the years 1944–1948 and 1960–1964. The song has been covered numerous times — so often, in fact, that it is "one of the most commercially programmed numbers in American popular music." The song, originally country music, has "virtually lost" its original country music identity, and "represent[s] both the national flowering of country music and its eventual absorption into the mainstream of American popular culture. " In 1941, it was covered by Gene Autry, Bing Crosby, Mississippi John Hurt, Wayne King and Lawrence Welk. The versions by Autry, Crosby, and King reached the US charts of the day. In subsequent years, it was covered by Doris Day (1951), Nat King Cole (1955), The Marcels (1961), Ray Charles (1962), Ike & Tina Turner, The Rivingtons (1962), Andy Williams (1963), Burl Ives (1968), Frank Turner, The Beach Boys, Aretha Franklin, Anne Murray (1979), Chuck Berry, Jerry Lee Lewis, Johnny Cash, Norman Blake , Brian Wilson, Mouse and the Traps, Gene Vincent, Jamey Johnson, Low, Mose Allison, Bryan Ferry, Carly Simon, Yusuf Islam, Copeland, Johnny and the Hurricanes, and Barbra Lica (2012), amongst many others. The 1940 version by Davis has been added to the National Recording Registry in the Library of Congress on March 21, 2013, for long-term preservation. Virginia Shehee, a long-time Davis family friend and member of the Louisiana State Senate from 1976 to 1980, introduced legislation to make "You Are My Sunshine" the official state song.more »


Year:
2010
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Become A Better Singer In Only 30 Days, With Easy Video Lessons!

You are my sunshine, my only sunshine You make me happy when skies are greyYou'll never know dear, how much I love youPlease don't take my sunshine awayThe other night dear, as I lay sleepingI dreamed I held you in my armsWhen I awoke, dear, I was mistakenAnd I hung my head and criedYou are my sunshine, my only sunshineYou make me happy when skies are greyYou'll never know dear, how much I love youPlease don't take my sunshine awayI'll always love you and make you happyIf you will only say the sameBut if you leave me to love anotherYou'll regret it all some dayYou are my sunshine, my only sunshineYou make me happy when skies are greyYou'll never know dear, how much I love youPlease don't take my sunshine awayYou told me once dear, you really loved meAnd no one else dear, could come betweenBut now you've left me and love anotherYou have shattered all my dreamsYou are my sunshine, my only sunshineYou make me happy when skies are greyYou'll never know dear, how much I love youPlease don't take my sunshine away

Become A Better Singer In Only 30 Days, With Easy Video Lessons!

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Gene Autry

Orvon Grover Autry (September 29, 1907 – October 2, 1998), better known as Gene Autry, was an American performer who gained fame as a singing cowboy on the radio, in movies, and on television for more than three decades beginning in the early 1930s. Autry was also owner of a television station, several radio stations in Southern California, and the Los Angeles/California/Anaheim Angels Major League Baseball team from 1961 to 1997. more »

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Country

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Written by: EUVIN SPENCER

Lyrics © SUELION MUSIC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

17 facts about this song

Song Origin

"You Are My Sunshine" is one of the most well-known songs in the world, first recorded by Jimmie Davis in 1940.

Authorship Controversy

Although Jimmie Davis bought the rights to the song and is often cited as one of the composers along with Charles Mitchell, there is ongoing controversy about who originally wrote the song.

Cover Versions

In the 80 years since it was first recorded, the song has been covered by a wide variety of artists spanning many musical genres.

Ray Charles Version

Ray Charles' version of the song, released on his 1962 album "Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music", was the first significant cover version and reached number seven on the Billboard Hot 100.

Gene Autry Version

Cowboy actor and musician Gene Autry also had a popular version of the song in the early 1940s.

Country Music

The song has been adopted by the country music community and has been covered by numerous artists in the genre, including Johnny Cash.

Rock and Roll

It's not just country artists who have covered "You Are My Sunshine". Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Chuck Berry has also recorded a version, as did rockabilly artist Gene Vincent.

Rhythm and Blues

Some of the giants of R&B music, including Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, and Ike & Tina Turner, have all covered "You Are My Sunshine".

Pop Music

The song has also made its way into pop music, with artists like Bing Crosby and Doris Day covering it.

Folk Music

Folk artists like Yusuf Islam (formerly known as Cat Stevens) and Mississippi John Hurt have given their own unique takes on "You Are My Sunshine".

Jazz Music

Jazz pianist and singer Mose Allison has also covered "You Are My Sunshine".

Soft Rock

Renowned soft rock artist Carly Simon recorded her version of the song on her 2008 album "This Kind of Love".

State Song

"You Are My Sunshine" has been designated one of Louisiana's state songs, because of Jimmie Davis, who served two non-consecutive terms as the state's governor.

Worldwide Appeal

The song has been translated into other languages and remains a standard in the repertoires of many musicians around the world.

Bing Crosby Version

Bing Crosby recorded this song in 1941 with Victor Young and His Orchestra.

Jerry Lee Lewis Version

Famous pianist Jerry Lee Lewis recorded his version of "You Are My Sunshine" in 1972.

Bryan Ferry Version

Bryan Ferry, frontman of the rock band Roxy Music, also has his version of this famous song.

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Gene Autry - You Are My Sunshine Lyrics (2024)

FAQs

Why is the song You Are My Sunshine so sad? ›

If you've ever read the lyrics to this sunshine song, it's not meant to be a happy song at ALL. It's about betrayal, loss, and loneliness.

What is the purpose of the song You Are My Sunshine? ›

“You Are My Sunshine” is often called “heartwarming”, but a close look at the lyrics after the first verse shows that they're better described as “heartbreaking”. It's about unrequited love. This song has enjoyed enduring popularity for nine decades.

Who originally sang You Are My Sunshine? ›

Earliest performances and recordings. The Pine Ridge Boys (Marv Taylor and Doug Spivey) recorded the song under the title "You Are My Sunshine" on August 22, 1939, and released it on October 6, 1939, for Bluebird Records. The song was recorded in Atlanta, Georgia, where the Pine Ridge Boys were from.

Is You Are My Sunshine a romantic song? ›

Part of its appeal lies in its universal message of love and devotion. The song's lyrics express a sentiment that is both timeless and deeply personal, reminding listeners of the enduring bonds of family, friendship, and romance. Another reason for the song's popularity is its singability.

What is the dark meaning of "You are my sunshine"? ›

The fear of abandonment and the pain of unrequited love are themes that run deep, making the song relatable to many who have experienced similar heartache. The song also hints at the singer's possessiveness and manipulation, as they threaten their lover with regret and blame if they ever leave.

What is the saddest song in the universe? ›

What's the saddest song of all time?
  • REM – Everybody Hurts.
  • Sinead O'Connor – Nothing Compares 2 U.
  • Eric Clapton – Tears in Heaven.
  • Whitney Houston – I Will Always Love You.
  • The Beatles – Yesterday.
  • Adele – Someone Like You.
  • Celine Dion – My Heart Will Go On.
  • Roy Orbison – Crying.
Mar 8, 2022

Is "You Are My Sunshine" a religious song? ›

No, it's actually a love song. “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.

Is "You are my sunshine" a metaphor? ›

Answer and Explanation:

Yes. Unless the speaker is literally speaking directly to sunshine, then this is a metaphor.

Why do fans sing "You are my sunshine"? ›

By adding singing over videos and pictures of LeBron James, TikTok users sought to exaggerate the adoration for James to the point of parody. While the viral surge of the meme occurred in 2024, its origins date back to January 2023, Know Your Meme reported.

What is the best version of You Are My Sunshine? ›

The legendary Ray Charles transformed “You Are My Sunshine” into a jazzy, soul-infused masterpiece. With his velvety vocals and heartfelt interpretation, Charles captivated listeners, leaving an indelible mark on the song's history.

Was You Are My Sunshine written about a horse? ›

Long about 1944, Davis decided to run for governor of Louisiana. He used the song during his campaign, and there are even references to Davis having a horse he named “Sunshine” that would stroll beside the well-loved songwriter and wannabe governor as he stumped along the back roads of the very rural state.

What does the You Are My Sunshine meme mean? ›

This is the meme's satirical strike against some clout kings, who are die-hard LeBron admirers. Die-hard fans of James have attached to him as he grew and developed throughout his ever-lasting career. They are his army, defending him always, whatever happens.

What is considered to be the most romantic song? ›

  1. "Unchained Melody" by the Righteous Brothers.
  2. "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman" by Aretha Franklin. ...
  3. "Can't Help Falling in Love" by Elvis Presley. ...
  4. "Faithfully" by Journey. ...
  5. "Endless Love" by Diana Ross and Lionel Richie. ...
  6. "All of Me" by John Legend. ...
  7. "My Heart Will Go On" by Celine Dion. ...
  8. "At Last" by Etta James. ...
Feb 12, 2020

What does sunshine mean in love? ›

: someone or something (such as a person, condition, or influence) that radiates warmth, cheer, or happiness.

Can you say sunshine to a girl? ›

To me, being called “Sunshine” is a real compliment! Someone is telling you that you have brightened-up their day, their life, their space - EVERYTHING!

Is You Are My Sunshine happy or sad? ›

The more upbeat version of the song, like the one sung by the original performer of the song — Jimmie Davis — or the one in the movie O' Brother Where Art Thou, is what most people are used to hearing. If you really listen to the first verse, however, you're already prepared for the song to be a little depressing.

What do you think is the saddest song? ›

  • #1 “Everybody Hurts” by R.E.M. ...
  • #2 “My Heart Will Go On” by Celine Dion. ...
  • #3 “I Will Remember You” by Sarah McLachlan. ...
  • #4 “Tears in Heaven” by Eric Clapton. ...
  • #5 “Hallelujah” by Jeff Buckley. ...
  • #6 “Everybody's Got to Learn Sometime” by The Korgis. ...
  • #7 “Bridge Over Troubled Water” by Simon & Garfunkel.
Feb 1, 2023

What is the You Are My Sunshine song about meme? ›

LeBron James 'You Are My Sunshine' meme song

Quite literally, users are referring to James as their "sunshine" with their use of the song. The song simply expresses love for a person, and proponents of the meme are ironically professing love for James in a way that pokes fun at some of his most passionate defenders.

Why is Eternal Sunshine so sad? ›

Left broken after a destructive break-up, both lovers choose to erase every memory they have of each other through Lacuna, a tech start-up with its own sketchy past. It's deeply, desperately depressing. Some films give you a headache, but Eternal Sunshine leaves you with a heartache.

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