You Are My Sunshine
Willie Nelson & Leon Russell Lyrics


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You are my sunshine, my only sunshine, you make me happy when skies are grey
You'll never know dear, how much I love you, please don't take my sunshine away
The other night dear as I laid sleeping I dreamed I held you by my side
When I awoke dear I was mistaken and I hung my head and cry
You are my sunshine
You told me once dear you really loved me and no one else could come between

But now you've left me and you love another and you have shattered all my dreams
You are my sunshine
I'll always love you and make you happy if you will only say the same
But if you leave me to love another you'll regret it all some day




You are my sunshine
Please don't take my sunshine away

Overall Meaning

In Willie Nelson and Leon Russell's timeless classic "You Are My Sunshine," the singer expresses their love and devotion to someone they cannot imagine living without. They describe this person as their sunshine, the source of their happiness and joy in life. The lyrics are filled with longing and desperation, as the singer pleads with their love not to leave them. They recount a dream where they held their lover close, only to wake up and realize it wasn't real. This realization brings the singer to tears, and they end the song with one final plea: please don't take my sunshine away.


The lyrics of this song are poignant and emotional, expressing the intense emotions that come with love and loss. While it is often interpreted as a romantic love song, it can also be applied to any type of relationship where someone feels deeply connected to another person. The song touches on themes of loyalty, heartbreak, and regret, making it relatable to anyone who has experienced the highs and lows of love.


Line by Line Meaning

You are my sunshine, my only sunshine, you make me happy when skies are grey
You bring light into my life and make me happy even during tough times


You'll never know dear, how much I love you, please don't take my sunshine away
I wish I could fully express how deeply I love you and I hope you never leave me


The other night dear as I laid sleeping I dreamed I held you by my side
Even in my dreams, I yearn to be close to you and feel your presence


When I awoke dear I was mistaken and I hung my head and cry
But when I wake up without you, I am filled with sadness and sorrow


You told me once dear you really loved me and no one else could come between
You assured me of your love and commitment, and I believed every word


But now you've left me and you love another and you have shattered all my dreams
But now you've left me for someone else and shattered all my hopes and dreams for us


I'll always love you and make you happy if you will only say the same
I'll continue to love you and make you happy, as long as you promise to love me back


But if you leave me to love another you'll regret it all some day
But if you choose to leave me for someone else, you will eventually regret your decision


Please don't take my sunshine away
Please don't break my heart and leave me alone and in the dark




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Peermusic Publishing
Written by: Jimmie Davis

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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