I've been wondering..perhaps someone knows. Arlo has some great string arrangements throughout his albums (I especially like the cello on Hobo's Lullaby).....does he do his own arranging ? I'm sure the Louisville Symphony gig took quite a few caligraphers (though today I guess it's a PC.....oops..MAC). You don't get liner notes to explain these things with itunes like the albums of old.

Also, musicology 101. I noticed (was surprised) Sarah Lee and Johnny closed with "You Are My Sunshine" last Sunday. (Every music therapist has to learn the tune, ...I think it's a requirement) Does anyone know the history of the song ? Are there more than 2 verses. (I recently learned the last sardonic verse to Bicycle Built for 2,......but better yet...learned..."Days Are Short"..it's a big hit with my "folks")

I saw a far out PBS video of Pete Seeger being taught "If I Had A Hammer"...by civil rights marchers down south. Very different from P,P,&M. Gospelly and full of soul...like the Georgia Sea Island Singers, so some of these songs are not what they may appear to most (Like Kris Kristofferson writing...Bobby McGee...Many don't know that...but fewer know Arlo taught it to Janice...including myself till I bought "Sidney".)

Thanks !

Is this too dumb of a question, am I an idiot, or does no one know the answer.............perhaps all the above. (ie: 56 read no responses).

You Are My Sunshine’ Writer Jimmie Davis Dies
BMI songwriter Jimmie Davis, known as Louisiana's singing governor, died Sunday, November 5 at his home in Baton Rouge, LA. No one, including Davis himself, knew his true age, believed to be about 101. Davis was one of 11 children and his sharecropper parents could not remember exactly when he was born.

The former governor of Louisiana who served two terms began writing songs in the mid-1930's without knowing how to read or write music. The self-taught guitarist caught the ear of an RCA talent scout and his music career took off from there. In addition to "You Are My Sunshine," first recorded in 1940, Davis wrote songs like "Nobody's Darling But Mine," "It Makes No Difference Now," "Honky Tonk Blues," "Take My Hand" and hundreds more. His own renditions did well, attracting artists like Bing Crosby, Gene Autry, Guy Lombardo and the Andrews Sisters to record his songs.

Over the next 60 years, "You Are My Sunshine" was recorded by more than 350 artists, sold millions of records and was translated into 30 languages. It is easily one of the world's most recognizable songs and in 1977, legislature decreed that "You Are My Sunshine" would share honors as Louisiana's state song with "Give Me Louisiana." The song also received the Towering Song Award from the Songwriter's Hall of Fame earlier this year.

Davis is survived by his second wife, country singer Anna Gordon, and a son, James. Asked late in life how he wanted to be remembered, he replied: "As someone who scattered a little sunshine along his path."
Okay...How's that?

The 4th verse most people don't sing for some reason...I think the song flows better without it.

You Are My Sunshine

The other night dear, as I lay sleeping
I dreamed I held you in my arms
But when I awoke, dear, I was mistaken
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 and 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

Wow Sue thanks !!! A far more interesting and complete response than I ever expected ! Thanks for all the lyrics too.