About the song
Background
- Early Success: Released in 1972 on the album Talking Book, it became Wonder’s third song to top the Billboard Hot 100.
- Grammy Winner: The song won a Grammy Award for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance in 1973.
- Enduring Love Song: It remains a beloved staple for weddings, anniversaries, and romantic expressions of all kinds.
Lyrics
Here’s a look at the opening verse and its meaning:
“You are the sunshine of my life That’s why I’ll always stay around You are the apple of my eye Forever you’ll stay in my heart”
- Simple and Direct: The lyrics are straightforward expressions of love and devotion.
- The Power of Metaphor: The metaphors of sunshine and an apple of one’s eye highlight the essential and precious nature of his love.
Themes
- Complete and Utter Love: The central theme is overwhelming love and the way a partner brings light, joy, and meaning into one’s life.
- Commitment and Devotion: The song conveys a sense of unwavering loyalty and steadfastness.
- Joy and Gratitude: There’s an underlying feeling of pure, unadulterated joy and gratefulness for finding such fulfilling love.
Legacy
“You Are the Sunshine of My Life” is considered one of the greatest love songs of all time. Its simple sincerity, heartfelt lyrics, and beautiful melody continue to resonate with listeners across generations.
Video
Lyrics
You are the sunshine of my lifeThat’s why I’ll always be aroundYou are the apple of my eyeForever you’ll stay in my heart
I feel like this is the beginningThough I’ve loved you for a million yearsAnd if I thought our love was endingI’d find myself drowning in my own tears, whoa, oh, oh
You are the sunshine of my life, yeahThat’s why I’ll always stay around, mmm, mmm, yeah, yeahYou are the apple of my eyeForever you’ll stay in my heart
You must have known that I was lonelyBecause you came to my rescueAnd I know that this must be heavenHow could so much love be inside of you?Whoa, whoa
You are the sunshine of my life, yeahThat’s why I’ll always stay around, mmm (baby)You are the apple of my eyeForever you’ll stay in my heart, yeah
You are the sunshine of my life, babyThat’s why I’ll always stay around