Ain't No Sunshine
The Dells Lyrics


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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
This house just ain't no home
Anytime she goes away

Ain't no sunshine when she's gone
Only darkness every day
Ain't no sunshine when she's gone
House just ain't no home
Anytime she goes away





...(to be completed, - differs from original)...

Overall Meaning

The Dells's song "Ain't No Sunshine" is a poignant ballad about the feeling of emptiness and darkness that comes with the absence of a loved one, especially a romantic partner. The opening line "Ain't no sunshine when she's gone" sets the tone for the entire song, using the metaphor of the sun as a symbol of warmth, light and happiness, which disappears when the person in question is absent. The repetition of the line enhances the sense of despair and longing that the singer feels.


The second verse reveals the singer's uncertainty and anxiety about the woman's whereabouts and the duration of her absence, reflecting the fear of losing her completely. The third verse reiterates the theme of darkness and emptiness, accentuated by the repetition of the previous lines, indicating that the singer's world is completely devoid of joy and light without her.


The mournful melody, the use of falsetto, and the simple, yet evocative lyrics contribute to the emotional intensity of the song, making it a classic example of soul music. The song was originally written and recorded by Bill Withers in 1971 and has since become a standard, covered by numerous artists in different genres.


Line by Line Meaning

Ain't no sunshine when she's gone
Life feels incomplete and dull when she's not around


It's not warm when she's away
The feeling of comfort and happiness is missing when she's not present


And she's always gone too long
Her absence feels longer than it actually is, because of how much she means


Anytime she goes away
Every time she leaves, things don't feel right without her around


Wonder this time where she's gone
Questioning her whereabouts and the possibility of her staying away for longer


Wonder if she's gone to stay
Feeling uncertain about her intentions and whether she'll ever return


This house just ain't no home
Without her, the sense of belonging and comfort is lost in the place they share


Only darkness every day
The void she leaves behind is all-consuming and never-ending


House just ain't no home
Without her, the place that was once home doesn't feel the same anymore


Anytime she goes away
Her presence is so important that nothing feels right when she leaves




Contributed by Abigail V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Comments from YouTube:

@MicroChop

So good, thank you for posting this.

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