She was born in Marlin, Texas, and raised in Dallas. Her flute training included classical and jazz styles in high school. She continued her studies at Texas Southern University and Southern Methodist University. Dizzy Gillespie saw Humphrey play at a talent contest at Southern Methodist, and inspired her to pursue a musical career in New York City. She followed his advice, getting her first big break performing at the Apollo Theatre on Amateur Night. She eventually began playing regularly throughout the city, including a gig with Duke Ellington.
By 1972, she was recording for the Blue Note Jazz label, one of the first female instrumentalists to do so. Humphrey has played with well-known musicians, ranging from Duke Ellington to Lee Morgan. Guitarist George Benson and Humphrey were guest musicians on Humphrey's friend Stevie Wonder's single "Another Star" from his Songs in the Key of Life (1976) album. In 1976, she was named Best Female Instrumentalist by Billboard. In 1994 Humphrey launched her label, Paradise Sounds Records, releasing Passion Flute, which continues to be one of her best-selling recordings.
Bobbi Humphrey has played at the Apollo Theatre, Hollywood Bowl, Carnegie Hall, Montreux Jazz Festival, Russian River Jazz Festival (Northern California), and other venues around the world.
Ain't No Sunshine
Bobbi Humphrey Lyrics
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That you know you shouldn't have
The more you know you shouldn't have it,
The more you want it
And then one day you get it,
It's so good too
But it's just like my girl
When she's around me
But right now I just feel cold, so cold
Right down to my bones
'Cause oh
Ain't no sunshine when she's gone
It's not warm when she's away
Ain't no sunshine when she's gone
And she's always gone too long
Anytime she goes away
Wonder this time where she's gone
Wonder if she's gone to stay
Ain't no sunshine when she's gone
And this house just ain't no home
Anytime she goes away
I know, I know, I know, I know,
I know, know, know, know, know,
I know, I know,
Hey I ought to leave
I ought to leave her alone
Ain't no sunshine when she's gone
Ain't no sunshine when she's gone
Only darkness every day
Ain't no sunshine when she's gone
And this house just ain't no home
Anytime she goes away
The lyrics of Bobbi Humphrey's "Ain't no sunshine" express the longing for someone who is not around, highlighting the emptiness and coldness experienced in their absence. The song describes the temptation of wanting something that is forbidden and the overwhelming feeling that arises when that desire is fulfilled. The use of the phrase "Ain't no sunshine when she's gone" repeatedly throughout the song, conveys the depth of sadness and darkness that is experienced when this person is not around.
The singer seems to be struggling with a push-pull feeling between wanting to hold on to this person and realizing that it would be better to leave them alone. The lyrics "I ought to leave her alone" portrays the internal conflict and confusion regarding what the singer should do. The melancholic melody of the song compliments the sentiment expressed in the lyrics, making it a perfect depiction of the feeling of loss and emptiness.
Line by Line Meaning
You ever want something
Have you ever desired something?
That you know you shouldn't have
that you are aware is not honorable for you to possess?
The more you know you shouldn't have it,
The more you realize you should not possess it?
The more you want it
The more you crave it?
And then one day you get it,
And then one day you acquire it?
It's so good too
It feels so pleasurable as well?
But it's just like my girl
However, it is like my girlfriend in many ways?
When she's around me
Whenever she's close to me?
I just feel so good, so good
I can't help but feel exceptionally good and happy?
But right now I just feel cold, so cold
But at present, I'm just feeling chilly and unloved?
'Cause oh
"Oh" denotes a transition to a momentous realization.
Ain't no sunshine when she's gone
The absence of my girlfriend's presence is like a cold and dark night.
It's not warm when she's away
The warmth within me dissipates when she's not around.
Ain't no sunshine when she's gone
The warmth and light. Within me vanish when she's away.
And she's always gone too long
And, unfortunately, her absence is always indefinite.
Anytime she goes away
Whenever she leaves.
Wonder this time where she's gone
I'm left wondering to where she's gone this time again.
Wonder if she's gone to stay
Might it be that she's not coming back?
Ain't no sunshine when she's gone
Without her presence, I'm like a plant in the dark deprived of life in my home.
And this house just ain't no home
The lack of her presence transforms our sweet home in a place where my soul lacks warmth, love, and light.
Anytime she goes away
Whenever she's not around.
I know, I know, I know, I know,
I'm fully aware and understand that
I know, know, know, know, know,
I am entirely aware that
I know, I know,
I am genuinely informed that
Hey I ought to leave
I ought to exit
I ought to leave her alone
I shouldn't push my girlfriend to stay.
Ain't no sunshine when she's gone
When she's away, the light in my life disappears.
Ain't no sunshine when she's gone
She's like the sun that brightens my day, and when she's not around, the sky turns dark.
Only darkness every day
Everyday life turns bleak and sorrowful with her absence.
Ain't no sunshine when she's gone
Without her presence, life appears miserable.
And this house just ain't no home
The sweetness and warmth in our home vanishes when she's not around.
Anytime she goes away
Whenever she leaves.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Bill Withers
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
James Orr
So much a gem in the evolution of soul and certainly her touch burns bright even thru today. She should never be forgotten with her progressive and picturesque mucials paintings...
Michael Johnson
Fabulous!
DIZIER JEAN CLAUDE
SUPERBE
Sohrab Jabari
Thanks a lot thanks so much