Michael Jackson – Ain’t No Sunshine

*Produced by The Corporation
* Written and composed by Bill Withers

Track on Michael’s debut solo album, GOT TO BE THERE, released in
January 1972 in the States and May 1972 in the UK.

Issued as Michael’s third solo single in the UK in July 1970 (I Wanna
Be Where You Are having been chosen as the third release in the
States), peaking at no.8.

Alternate version remixed by Dean Burt included on the 1987 album,
THE ORIGINAL SOUL OF MICHAEL JACKSON. SSY Remix
featured on the album, SOUL SOURCE – JACKSON 5 REMIXES 2,
released in Japan in 2001.

Original version by writer Bill Withers featured on his 1971 album,
JUST AS I AM.

Title track of a budget compilation of Michael’s Motown output,
released in 1982 by the Pickwick label in the UK.

Other hit versions:
Bill Withers – no.3 on the Hot 100 and no.6 on the R&B singles chart
in the States in 1971.
Sivuca – no.56 in the UK in 1984.
Sydney Youngblood – no.51 on the R&B singles chart in 1991.
Kid Frost – no.95 on the Hot 100 in the USA in 1995.
Ladysmith Black Mambazo featuring Des’Ree – no.42 in the UK in
1999.

Ain’t no sunshine – Lyrics

You ever want something
That you know you shouldnt have
The more you know you shouldnt have it,
The more you want it
And then one day you get it,
Its so good too
But its just like my girl
When shes around me
I just feel so good, so good
But right now I just feel cold, so cold
Right down to my bones
cause ooh…
Aint no sunshine when shes gone
Its not warm when shes away
Aint no sunshine when shes gone
And shes always gone too long
Anytime she goes away

Wonder this time where shes gone
Wonder if shes gone to stay
Aint no sunshine when shes gone
And this house just aint no home
Anytime she goes away

I know, I know, I know, I know,
I know, know, know, know, know,
I know, I know,
Hey I ought to leave
I ought to leave her alone
Aint no sunshine when shes gone

Aint no sunshine when shes gone
Only darkness every day
Aint no sunshine when shes gone
And this house just aint no home
Anytime she goes away