You are my sunshine
My only sunshine
You make me happy when skies are gray
You'll never know, Dear
How much I love you
Please don't take my sunshine away - Jimmie Davis
Louisiana governor Jimmie Davis, aka the singing governor, was credited for writing, You Are My Sunshine. The song, reportedly, was inspired by an elusive love interest, but he later found himself performing it for a more receptive audience on his political campaign trail.
You Are My Sunshine, a song that has transcended time and language barriers, was recorded in the 1940s and sold over one million copies in the United States alone. Its popularity didn't stop there. It crossed the Atlantic for a British release, where it was reportedly declared King George VI's favorite song. It was also recorded by renowned artists like Gene Autry and Bing Crosby, and its popularity spread to more than 350 versions in 30 languages, including Russian and Japanese, according to The Songwriters Hall of Fame.
Sharing in the sunshine
My parents, not particularly interested in politics, were always drawn to the magic of folk-style music. This enchanting tune, You Are My Sunshine, was no exception. Its infectious sweetness and whimsy resonated with them, and it became a staple in our home.
Their mutual fondness for You Are My Sunshine led to the following scene, which occasionally took place in our home.
My mother to my father: Lloyd, please sing, You Are My Sunshine to the kids.
My father: Aww, Nancy, they don't want to hear me sing.
My mother: Oh, yes, they do, please.
My siblings and I: Yes, Daddy! We want you to sing it to us, please.
I don't know if it was my mother's smile, the coy, come-hither look on her face (typically rendering him weak at the knees and eating out of the palm of her hand), or the exuberant chants from his children, but my nearly tone-deaf dad was belting his best country-twang'd version of this beloved song. We were all tickled by our parents' exchange. They were smiling, we were smiling, and we thoroughly enjoyed our time together.
Later, having a family of my own, I passed the loving song on to my child.
Rachel, my beautiful "Rae of Sunshine," has been lulled to sleep by the comforting melody of You Are My Sunshine; it has been our anthem of joy, sung at the top of our lungs. We've made silly videos, shared heartfelt moments, and celebrated milestones with this song. One of my most cherished memories is of my four-year-old, radiant in her bright yellow jumper, performing it at her preschool graduation. The song has woven itself into the fabric of our lives, bonding us in ways I could not have imagined.
Thirty years after giving birth to my daughter, You Are My Sunshine has become more than just a song in our family. It has been our lullaby, our cheer-up song, and our anthem of joy. It has been a constant reminder of the unbreakable bond we share, a bond that is as strong and warm as the sun.
Last Mother's Day, my daughter called to wish me a "Happy Mother's Day." At the end of our conversation, she asked me to go check my mailbox for a small gift. I promised I would walk down to the box and retrieve her package.
I did as promised. I opened the mailer. In it, I discovered a sterling silver necklace etched in gold with a charm that read. "YOU ARE MY SUNSHINE".
I don't know if any gift has touched me so profoundly. This precious charm has brought back so many memories of my childhood and my daughter's. As I compose this article, I am still tearing up.
I am eternally grateful to Mr. Davis for penning this priceless song. It has not only touched the hearts of many but has also become a cherished part of my family's story. Thank you, Mr. Davis, for giving us a song that will forever be our sunshine.
Whether you are a mother or have had an exceptional one, I wish you a very Happy Mother's Day!
Oh! And, if you need a pick-me-up, I recommend you hum, You Are My Sunshine, or call someone you love and sing it together!
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