James was born fifty miles north of Jackson (not to be confused with another Richland just south of Jackson). He began playing as a teen, under the names "Cleanhead" and "Joe Willie James", alongside musicians such as the first Sonny Boy Williamson, Howlin' Wolf, and Robert Johnson. During World War II James joined the United States Navy and was stationed in Guam.
Upon his discharge James returned to central Mississippi and eventually settled in Canton. He began recording with Trumpet Records in nearby Jackson in January 1951, first as sideman to the second Sonny Boy Williamson and others, then debuting as a session leader in August with what became his signature song, "Dust My Broom". It was a surprise R&B hit in 1952 and turned James into a star. His "I Believe" was another hit a year later. During the 1950s he recorded for the Bihari Brothers' Flair and Modern labels, as well as for Chess Records. His backing musicians were known as the Broomdusters. In 1959 he began recording what are perhaps his best sides for Bobby Robinson's Fire Records label. These include "The Sky Is Crying" (credited to Elmo James and His Broomdusters), "Stranger Blues", "Look On Yonder Wall", "Done Somebody Wrong", and "Shake Your Moneymaker", all of which are among the most famous of blues recordings.
The slide guitar riff from "Dust My Broom" is one of the best-known openings in all of blues.
Elmore James died of his third heart attack in Chicago in 1963, already a major influence on guitarists such as The Rolling Stones' Brian Jones. His classic "Done Somebody Wrong" and "One Way Out" were often covered by The Allman Brothers Band, who cited James as a major influence. James was also covered by blues-rock band Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble many times in concert. The most famous of these covers is Vaughan's take on James's legendary recording, "The Sky Is Crying". James is mentioned in The Beatles' song "For You Blue". While John Lennon plays the slide guitar, James' trademark, George Harrison says "Go, Johnny, go ... Elmore James got nothin' on this, baby." Another famous guitarist who admired Elmore James was Jimi Hendrix. On a sleeve of the posthumously released Hendrix CD Blues, there is a photo of Hendrix wearing his famous military jacket and holding Elmore James's vinyl.
The Sun is Shining
Elmore James Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The sun is shining, although it's raining in my heart,
You know I love you baby, ah,
But the best of friend must part.
My baby left me this morning, ah,
And didn't even, ah, say goodbye,
My baby left me this morning,
She said she wasn't gonna leave me, ah,
But she told poor me a lie.
I had a dream, I had a dream one rainy night, ah,
Ah, I had a dream, I had a dream one rainy night, ah,
Went out, when I found my baby, ah,
She told me, "Daddy everything was alright."
In Elmore James's song "The Sun Is Shining," the main theme revolves around the dichotomy of emotions that the singer is going through. The chorus sets the scene with a simple yet very powerful image: "The sun is shining, although it's raining in my heart." This line is indicative of the way he feels about his relationship with his love interest. Although things seem to be going wrong between them and he's heartbroken, he still loves her deeply. However, the stark contrast of the joyous sunshine and dreary rain symbolizes the disconnect between the singer's emotions and his external surroundings. In the second half of the chorus, he acknowledges that sometimes even the best of friends must part, hinting that he thinks his relationship with his lover is coming to an end.
In the following verses, he goes on to reveal that his partner has left him without any warning or explanation, and this has made him feel even worse. He talks about how much he loved her and even had a dream about her. However, despite his dream, he knows that it's time to let her go. The song's lyrics suggest that his relationship has ended, and he has no choice but to accept it and move on.
In summary, "The Sun Is Shining" is a song about heartbreak, loss, and acceptance. It is a powerful reminder that sometimes we can't control what happens in life, but we can control how we deal with it. The song teaches us that even during the darkest of times, there is always a glimmer of hope shining somewhere, even if it's not in our hearts.
Line by Line Meaning
The sun is shining, although it's raining in my heart,
Even though there is darkness inside, the outside world remains beautiful with the sun shining.
You know I love you baby, ah,
Confessing love for someone dear.
But the best of friend must part.
Even though it is hard, sometimes even the closest of friends have to go their separate ways.
My baby left me this morning, ah,
The heartbreak of being left behind by someone who was once so important to you.
And didn't even, ah, say goodbye,
The pain of not getting the closure of a goodbye.
No, she didn't even, ah, she didn't even say goodbye, ah
Reiterating the hurt and disappointment of not being given a proper goodbye.
She said she wasn't gonna leave me, ah,
Being blindsided by the unexpected departure of a loved one despite promises of staying.
But she told poor me a lie.
Realizing the harsh reality that a loved one may have lied about their intentions.
I had a dream, I had a dream one rainy night, ah,
Recalling a dream that brought hope and fleeting comfort amidst the heartache.
Went out, when I found my baby, ah,
Embarking on a search for the one who has been missed so much.
She told me, "Daddy everything was alright."
Finally being reunited and reassured that everything is okay, even if just for a moment.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: ELMORE JAMES
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Larry Ressler
I've seen and heard several versions of this song here on YouTube that were alternate takes, that were trying to be passed off as the original recording. THIS is the official final take for "The Sun Is Shining", by Elmore James. I LOVE this recording!!! Great emotional singing, rock-solid songwriting, and fantastic, visionary guitarwork by the greatest American guitarist of the 20th Century.
GothikGem
@Larry Ressler.....I echo your comments! Breaks your heart, as it's meant to ❤
BloozeDaddy76
The most raw, gut wrenching, kick-ass blues vocalist of all time! ELMORE RULES!
GothikGem
@BloozeDaddy76 . This recording proves how right you are 🎵🎶
Golden Butter Revue
Agree 100%. He sounds like his life depends on it!
Maria Tereza Paro Otton
Genial voz incrivel
Smooth Operator
That guitar! That voice!!!!
Damian G
Great song. That voice !!!!
Branka T.
Izvanredan glas , pravi bluz , nemam rijeci !!! Hvala !!!
mark mc myn
1:58 - A great moment in the blues. When you are at your last vestige, without hope,put on some Elmore James,he just might heal your broken heart.