«You Are My Sunshine» is a song published by Jimmie Davis and Charles Mitchell in 1940. According to BMI, it has been recorded by more than 350 artists, and translated into 30 languages. In 1977, the Louisiana State Legislature decreed that «You Are My Sunshine» would be a state song, to honor two-time governor Jimmie Davis.
«You Are My Sunshine» was one of Jimmie Davis’ biggest-selling records (one source claims it was «among the top five country music recordings of that year»), and it has enjoyed continual success ever since. In 1940, the Vocalion version by Bob Atcher and Bonnie Blue Eyes, released in February, went to number 1 on the embryonic Billboard Top Hillbilly Recordings of the Month (July 27, 1940, issue). Perhaps thanks to the popularity of the Davis and Atcher versions, the original 1939 recording by The Pine Ridge Boys peaked at number 4 on October 26, 1940. Wayne King and his Orchestra recorded the first version to hit the popular music chart on September 4, and reached number 19 on November 9, 1940.
Single by Jimmie Davis with Charles Mitchell’s Orchestra
B-side «Old Timer»
Published January 30, 1940
Released March 25, 1940
Recorded February 5, 1940
Studio Decca Recording, New York City
Genre Hillbilly
Length 2:47
Label Decca
Songwriter(s) Jimmie Davis, Charles Mitchell
Jimmie Davis – You Are My Sunshine Lyrics
[Verse]
The other night, dear, as I lay sleeping
I dreamed I held you in my arms
But when I awoke, dear, I was mistaken
And I hung my head and cried
[Chorus]
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
[Verse 2]
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
[Chorus]
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
[Verse 3]
You told me once, dear, you really loved me
And no one else could come between
But now you’ve left me and love another
You have shattered all my dreams
[Chorus]
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
