About the song
“Ain’t No Sunshine,” a timeless classic by Bill Withers, resonates as one of the defining songs of his career and a cornerstone of American soul music. Released in 1971 as part of his debut album ‘Just As I Am,’ produced by Booker T. Jones, the song captivated listeners with its poignant lyrics and emotive melody.
Recorded initially in Los Angeles and later embellished with overdubs in Memphis by engineer Terry Manning, “Ain’t No Sunshine” quickly rose to prominence after its release as a single. It soared to number six on the U.S. R&B Chart and peaked at number three on the Billboard Hot 100, solidifying Withers’ place in the music industry. Billboard honored it as the 23rd best-performing song of 1971.
Decades later, in 2009, the song experienced a revival when it was performed by Kris Allen during the eighth season of American Idol, bringing it back into the public eye. Its enduring popularity and cultural impact were further underscored in 2024 when it was selected for preservation in the National Recording Registry by the Library of Congress, recognizing its profound significance in American music history.
Inspiration for “Ain’t No Sunshine” stemmed from Withers’ reflections on the film ‘Days of Wine and Roses’ (1962), where he drew parallels between its characters’ struggles with addiction and his own experiences. The song’s minimalist structure, notably the repetition of “I know” in the third verse, was a creative decision influenced by Withers’ peers and collaborators, reflecting his humble beginnings as a factory worker.
Originally intended as the B-side to “Harlem,” “Ain’t No Sunshine” unexpectedly overshadowed its counterpart, becoming a breakout hit that propelled Withers to fame. Its success marked the beginning of Withers’ remarkable career, which saw him receive accolades such as a Grammy Award for Best R&B Song in 1972 and inclusion in Rolling Stone’s esteemed list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time, where it holds the 285th position.
With its raw emotion and soulful delivery, “Ain’t No Sunshine” continues to resonate with audiences worldwide, solidifying its place not only in Withers’ legacy but also in the pantheon of iconic American music. Its ability to evoke universal feelings of longing and heartache ensures its enduring relevance, making it a perennial favorite across generations.
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Lyrics
Ain’t no sunshine when she’s gone
It’s not warm when she’s away
Ain’t no sunshine when she’s gone
And she’s always gone too long
Anytime she’s goes away
Wonder this time where she’s gone
Wonder if she’s gone to stay
Ain’t no sunshine when she’s gone
And this house just ain’t no home
Anytime she goes away
And I know, I know, I know, I know
I know, I know, I know, I know, I know
I know, I know, I know, I know, I know
I know, I know, I know, I know, I know
I know, I know, I know, I know, I know
I know, I know
Hey, I ought to leave young thing alone
But ain’t no sunshine when she’s gone, whoa-whoa
Ain’t no sunshine when she’s gone
Only darkness every day
Ain’t no sunshine when she’s gone
And this house just ain’t no home
Anytime she goes away
Anytime she goes away
Anytime she goes away
Anytime she goes away