Ain't No Sunshine

Bill Withers

About Ain't No Sunshine

"Ain't No Sunshine" is a song by Bill Withers from his 1971 album Just As I Am, produced by Booker T. Jones. The record featured musicians Donald "Duck" Dunn on bass guitar, Al Jackson Jr. on drums and Stephen Stills on guitar. String arrangements were done by Booker T. Jones, and recorded in Memphis by engineer Terry Manning. The song is in the key of A minor. The song was released as a single in 1971, becoming a breakthrough hit for Withers, reaching number six on the U. S. R&B Chart and number three on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Billboard ranked it as the No. 23 song for 1971. The song also appears on the original soundtrack album for the film When We Were Kings (1997), and in FX's first season (2016) of the anthology limited series American Crime Story, which focuses on the 1994 murder trial of O. J. Simpson. The song reached the Top 40 again in 2009, sung by Kris Allen in the 8th season of American Idol. 


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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 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 oughta leave young thing alone
But ain't no sunshine when she's gone

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

 Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer


Bill Withers

William Harrison "Bill" Withers, Jr. (born July 4, 1938) is an American singer-songwriter and musician who performed and recorded from 1970 until 1985. He recorded a number of hits such as "Lean on Me", "Ain't No Sunshine", "Use Me", "Just the Two of Us", "Lovely Day", and "Grandma's Hands". His life was the subject of the 2009 documentary film Still Bill. more »

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Written by: Bill Withers

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Songtrust Ave

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


13 facts about this song

Bill Withers
"Ain't No Sunshine" was written and performed by American singer-songerwriter, Bill Withers, in 1971.
Origins
The song was released as a single in September 1971, becoming a breakout hit and is now considered one of Bill Withers' signature songs.
Chart Success
"Ain't No Sunshine" reached number three on the Billboard Hot 100 in the US and number six on the UK Singles Chart.
Awards
The song is notable for being awarded a Grammy in 1972 for Best R&B Song.
Themes
"Ain't No Sunshine" is a soulful ballad that's marked by its melancholy lyrics about being left by a loved one.
Pop Culture
The song has been featured in numerous movies and television shows, including "Notting Hill", "Any Given Sunday", and "Scandal".
Countless Covers
Over the years, there have been many covers of "Ain't No Sunshine", by musicians from various genres.
Kris Allen
American Idol winner Kris Allen performed a notable cover of "Ain't No Sunshine" during the 8th season of the show.
Kris Allen's Performance
Allen's performance of the song was widely acclaimed, and is largely credited with helping him win the competition.
Album Inclusion
Kris Allen's version of "Ain't No Sunshine" was included in his self-titled debut album that was released after his victory on American Idol.
Released as Single
Kris Allen's version was also released as a single and reached number 37 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Live Performances
Both Bill Withers and Kris Allen have performed “Ain’t No Sunshine” live on numerous occasions, showcasing their individual styles and interpretations of the song.
Significance
The song is noted for its simplicity yet emotive impact, elevating it as a classic in the R&B genre.

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    Ain't No Sunshine

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    Top Hot 100 Songs 1971

    Billboard #3


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