That's All
The Righteous Brothers Lyrics


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Up in the mornin' out on the job, work like the devil for my pay
But that lucky old sun has nothin' to do
But roll around heaven all day
Fuss with my woman toil for my kids
Sweat 'til I'm wrinkled and gray
While that lucky old sun has nothin' to do
But roll around heaven all day
Good Lawd above, can't you know I'm pinin'
Tears all in my eyes
Send down that cloud with a silver linin'
Lift me to paradise
Show me that river

Take me across and wash all my troubles away
Like that lucky old sun, give me nothin' to do
But roll around heaven all day

Up in the mornin' out on the job,
Work like the devil for my pay
But that lucky old sun has nothin' to do
But roll around heaven all day
Fuss with my woman toil for my kids
Sweat 'til I'm wrinkled and gray
While that lucky old sun has nothin' to do
But roll around heaven all day

Good Lawd above, can't you know I'm pinin'
Tears all in my eyes
Send down that cloud with a silver linin'
Lift me to paradise
Show me that river

Take me across and wash all my troubles away




Like that lucky old sun, give me nothin' to do
But roll around heaven all day

Overall Meaning

The Righteous Brothers' song "That's All" tells the story of a hardworking man who is exhausted from his daily labor. He watches the sun roll around in the sky with envy because it never seems to work, only play. He wishes he could be carefree like the sun and enjoy his life without toiling away every day. The song expresses his desire for a better life - one where he can escape the stresses of work and provide for his family without the constant worry and effort.


The lyrics in the song are a metaphor for life, specifically the struggle many people face to balance work and family responsibilities while still finding time to enjoy life. The singer is expressing his desire to escape the monotony of his daily grind and seek a way to enjoy life more fully, just like the sun seems to do.


At the same time, the song acknowledges that life is not perfect, and there will always be worries and troubles that need to be dealt with. But the hope is that with the right mindset, one can find a way to roll through life like the lucky old sun, carefree and content.


Line by Line Meaning

Up in the mornin' out on the job, work like the devil for my pay
I wake up early to go to work and work really hard to earn my living.


But that lucky old sun has nothin' to do But roll around heaven all day
The sun just stays in the sky and doesn't have to work, it just rolls around in heaven all day.


Fuss with my woman toil for my kids Sweat 'til I'm wrinkled and gray
I spend my time taking care of my family and working hard until I'm old and wrinkled.


While that lucky old sun has nothin' to do But roll around heaven all day
The sun doesn't have to deal with any of the struggles I have, it just rolls around in heaven all day.


Good Lawd above, can't you know I'm pinin' Tears all in my eyes
God above, can't you see that I'm suffering and sad.


Send down that cloud with a silver linin' Lift me to paradise
Please send me something good to make me feel better and take me to a better place.


Show me that river Take me across and wash all my troubles away
I want to be taken to a beautiful river that will wash away all my problems and worries.


Like that lucky old sun, give me nothin' to do But roll around heaven all day
I want to have a carefree life like the sun in heaven, where I don't have to worry about anything.




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Downtown Music Publishing
Written by: Beasley Smith, Haven Gillespie

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

dawna berry

This is so beautiful. I remember it from my teen years [50's]. Can't remember who recorded it. Bill sings it beautifully.

Frank Wilson

Nat King Cole did the original.

Patricia Labbe

I think Nat King Cole recorded it first but Bill brings his own interpretation to this standard and does a soft and sweet version of his own.

tessa hainey

@dawna berry did you make it down to the show in the end?

CT L

@Patricia Labbe Couldn't have written it better. Mr. Medley all the way.

Patricia Labbe

@dawna berry Gosh. I'm envious. Hope Covid is gone by then and you get to go. ❤

dawna berry

@Patricia Labbe don't get me started! For several years I lived in Orange County. Anaheim and Fountain Valley, to be exact. I keep wondering why I never looked for their shows. Guess I was too busy. One of the biggest regrets of my life. But Bill will be here in Phoenix in November, and I hope I can get down the mountain to see him.

Patricia Labbe

@dawna berry I know what you mean. I'm only 5 years younger (born in 1945) and I regret never meeting them. Together they were best duo ever and both outstanding solo. So much talent!!

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