Memphis Slim & Buddy Guy Lyrics


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Ain't no sunshine when she gone
It's not warm when she's away
Ain't no sunshine when she gone
She's always gone too long
Anytime she goes away

Wonder this time where he's gone
Wonder if he's gone to stay
Ain't no sunshine when he's gone
This house just ain't no home
Anytime he goes away

I know, I know, I know, I know
I know, I know, I know, I know
I know, I know, I know, I know
I know, I know, I know, I know

I know, I know, I know, I know
I know, I know, I know, I know
I know, I know, I know, I know
I know, I know, I know, I know

I think I should leave the young thing alone
'Cause ain't no sunshine when she gone

Ain't no sunshine when she gone
Only darkness everyday
Ain't no sunshine when she gone
This house just ain't no home
Anytime she goes away (ain't no sunshine)

Anytime she goes away
Anytime she goes away (anytime)
Anytime she goes away (ain't no sunshine)
Anytime she goes away

Anytime he goes away
Anytime she goes away




Anytime she goes away
Anytime she goes away

Overall Meaning

The song "Ain't No Sunshine" by Memphis Slim & Buddy Guy delves into the theme of longing and absence. The repeated line "Ain't no sunshine when she's gone" is a metaphor for the despair and darkness that one feels when the person they love is not with them. The singer expresses his feelings of emptiness and loneliness when his lover leaves, indicating that he can’t feel the warmth and comfort of his partner’s presence. The line "This house just ain't no home" reinforces this sentiment, emphasizing how much the singer’s partner means to him.


The second verse shifts the focus to the male partner, illustrating the equal suffering that is happening in their household. The singer wonders if his lover will come back, if they are truly gone for good, once again emphasizing the sense of uncertainty and vulnerability in relationships. The repetition of the phrase "I know" is a cry of anguish and frustration, reinforcing the idea that the singer is helpless to change his situation.


Overall, the song conveys the pain, frustration, and confusion of relationships, and how important love and companionship are to one's sense of safety and happiness.


Line by Line Meaning

Ain't no sunshine when she gone
Life is bleak and dark without her presence


It's not warm when she's away
Her warmth and love is missing


She's always gone too long
Her absence is prolonged and difficult to bear


Wonder this time where he's gone
Questioning where he has gone and if he will come back


Wonder if he's gone to stay
Worries that he has left forever


This house just ain't no home
Without her, the home is empty and lacks warmth


I know, I know, I know, I know
Repeated phrase indicating a deep sense of understanding and acceptance of the situation


I think I should leave the young thing alone
Realizing that pursuing a younger person will not fill the void left by her absence


Only darkness everyday
Days are without light, happiness and joy


Anytime she goes away (ain't no sunshine)
Her departure brings darkness and strife


Anytime she goes away (anytime)
Whenever she departs, life becomes difficult


Anytime she goes away (ain't no sunshine)
Her presence is much needed to bring light and warmth to life


Anytime he goes away
His absenece is also difficult to bear


Anytime she goes away
Her departure brings sorrow


Anytime she goes away
Whenever she leaves, it is tough on life




Lyrics © DistroKid, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Bill Withers

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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