We Shared a Song

“You are my sunshine, my only sunshine.

You make me happy when skies are grey.

You’ll never know dear how much I love you.

Please don’t take my sunshine away.

The other night dear, as I lay sleeping,

I dreamt I held you in my arms

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 grey.

You’ll never know dear how much I love you.

Please don’t take my sunshine away.” [1]

-Jimmy Wakeley and The Sunshine Girls- Bob Hamlin

-Jimmy Davis- 1940

Songs can bring back memories.  Dad loved to sing in the car and we loved to follow along for the ride.  As we traveled the roads in a variety of weighty cars, the Impala, the Cougar, the functional Wagon, the radio’s volume turned to high, it wasn’t long before he’d break into song.  Then, I’d join in. Off tune, oblivious to the fact, we sang together. Shortly after, his hand would move behind to the back seat, seeking mine.  He would give it a squeeze. Then, it was my sister’s turn.  Her small fist would reach up, to find his strong hand, above the seat back.  Briefly, joined together, we would continue to sing.  It was a spontaneous, loving act, a moment in time.  Songs can bring back memories.  Dad loved to sing in the car and we loved to follow along for the ride.