About the song
“Sunshine on My Shoulders” is a timeless ballad that has captured the hearts of millions of music lovers around the world. Written and recorded by the legendary American singer-songwriter John Denver, this song has become an iconic classic of the 1970s. Released in 1971 as an album track on Poems, Prayers & Promises, it wasn’t until 1973 that it was released as a single, which eventually reached the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart in early 1974.
The song’s origins are rooted in a melancholy winter day in Minnesota, where Denver was inspired by the longing for spring and the warmth of the sun. He wrote the song in a state of introspection, reflecting on the human desire for sunshine and the simple joys it brings. The song’s lyrics are a poignant expression of this longing, with Denver’s soothing vocals and acoustic guitar work creating a sense of intimacy and vulnerability.
The song’s success was not limited to its chart performance. It has become a staple of adult contemporary radio stations and has been featured in various films and television shows. In 1973, a made-for-television movie titled Sunshine, which starred Cliff DeYoung and Cristina Raines, used the song as its theme. The movie’s success prompted a short-lived TV series, which ran for three months during the summer of 1974. The song has also been featured in the John Denver biographical film Take Me Home: The John Denver Story, which tells the story of Denver’s life and career.
Throughout its history, “Sunshine on My Shoulders” has been praised for its beautiful lyrics, soaring melody, and John Denver’s heartfelt vocals. It is a testament to the power of music to evoke emotions and bring people together.
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Lyrics
Sunshine on my shoulders makes me happy
Sunshine in my eyes can make me cry
Sunshine on the water looks so lovely
Sunshine almost always makes me highIf I had a day that I could give you
I’d give to you a day just like today
If I had a song that I could sing for you
I’d sing a song to make you feel this waySunshine on my shoulders makes me happy
Sunshine in my eyes can make me cry
Sunshine on the water looks so lovely
Sunshine almost always makes me highAnd if I had a tale that I could tell you
I’d tell a tale sure to make you smile
If I had a wish that I could wish for you
I’d make a wish for sunshine all the while (yes, I would)The sunshine on my shoulders makes me happy
Sunshine in my eyes can make me cry
Sunshine on the water looks so lovely
Sunshine almost always makes me high
Sunshine almost all the time makes me high, mm-hm
Sunshine almost always