What Are The Lyrics To "You Are My Sunshine"? Learn Them & Your Child Will Love You Forever

When singing to your child, it’s perfectly acceptable to substitute some tra-la-las in for the actual lyrics. Maybe you’re protecting your child from some of the more bizarre meanings of seemingly innocent nursery rhyme. Most likely though, you’ve probably forgotten the words. And who can blame you? You’re a busy woman who has more important things to remember than the lyrics to “You Are My Sunshine.”

But that’s not to say you can’t or shouldn’t try to learn the song. After all, there are some benefits to knowing the lyrics of this and other classic songs that children love. For starters, no one wants to be yelled at by a child for forgetting the words. Also, you’d hate to stop singing mid-lullaby because you forgot the words. When a song is working its magic and soothing your little one to sleep, the last thing you want is for them to wake up because there’s a pause in the music.

Although “You Are My Sunshine” isn’t technically a lullaby, it’s a longtime favorite of parents, caregivers, and a famous crooner or two. Ray Charles and Johnny Cash have both covered it, as well as children’s music artist Elizabeth Mitchell. The lyrics are sweet, loving, and yes, occasionally melancholy, but definitely worth learning to make the experience complete when you’re singing it to your little sunshine.

You Are My Sunshine

You are my sunshine, my only sunshine

You make me happy when skies are grey

You never know, dear, how much I love you

Please don't take my sunshine away

The other night, dear, as I lay sleeping

I dreamt I held you in my arms

When I awoke, dear, I was mistaken

So I hung my head, and I cried

You are my sunshine, my only sunshine

You make me happy when skies are grey

You never know, dear, how much I love you

Please don't take my sunshine away

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 one day

You are my sunshine, my only sunshine

You make me happy when skies are grey

You never know, dear, how much I love you

Please don't take my sunshine away

Please don't take my sunshine away