You Are My Sunshine

As we drove back from Meadows of Dan last night, I was caught up in the spirit of the evening and broke into song, singing "You Are My Sunshine." I knew the chorus, but that was about all.

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.

That sounds pretty nice--"you make me happy" and "how much I love you." But I could recall only the first two lines of the first verse:

The other night dear, as I lay sleeping,

I dreamed I held you in my arms,

That was a nice thought, also. But, when I found the lyrics, I began to feel a bit uncomfortable with the next two lines of the first verse:

but when I woke dear, I was mistaken,

and I hung my head and cried.

Then I found the second verse, which I don't think I had ever heard:

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.

There's another chorus, another verse, and a final chorus, but this was pretty disturbing. In the span of two verses, the tone has moved from happiness, love, and sunshine to a serious threat.

I have commented often that the jam sessions are real, referring to the musicians and their investment into the music. Along with that real-ness comes the reference to real emotions. In a way, it is unfortunate that the words of the songs are often very clear when the song is sung.

One final example comes from the song, "On the Banks of the Ohio." It begins with:

I asked my love to take a walk

Just a little ways with me

And as we walked and we would talk

All about our wedding day.

(chorus)

Darling say that you'll be mine

In our home we'll happy be

Down beside where the waters flow

On the banks of the Ohio

Now that's a happy, serene scene--a couple walking along the riverbank, planning their wedding day and looking forward to a happy home.

Then comes the second verse:

I took her by her pretty white hand

I let her down that bank of sand

I pushed her in where she would drown

Lord, I saw her as she floated down

WHAM! Where did that come from?

There are two more verses, but . . . . Maybe there is such a state as too much reality.

I think I'll start humming along with the songs to cover the words or maybe ask: "Can you play 'Rocky Top'?" Wait, maybe I should check those lyrics first.

Today was a day to buy groceries, take care of some final home rental matters, and plan our schedule for the upcoming festivals.