Delightful Irony

I just heard that 'You Are My Sunshine' song on TV and it made me smile, as it always does. I find that song very ironic, as it is used heavily to symbolise happines and joy, and it's actually about sadness and loss.


Here's a copy of the lyrics, there are multiple versions, but the full versions all follow this theme:

You Are My Sunshine
Norman Blake

The other night dear, as I lay sleeping
I dreamed I held you in my arms
But when I awoke, dear, I was mistaken
And So I hung my head and I cried.

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

I'll always love you and make you happy,
If you will only say the same.
But if you leave me and love another,
You'll regret it all some day:

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

You told me once, dear, you really loved me
And no one else could come between.
But not you've left me to love another;
You have shattered all of my dreams:

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

In all my dreams, dear, you seem to leave me
When I awake my poor heart pains.
So when you come back and make me happy
I'll forgive you dear, I'll take all the blame.

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

As you can see, it's filled with negative imagery and somewhat creepy thoughts. I first came into contact with the actual lyrics of this song back in the late eighties and since then I've been highly amused whenever I see it used in such a positive context. I think that perhaps the Executive Board of Golden Circle might not have heard the full version, that's for sure :)