Ain’t No Sunshine – On the Rocks

by Bill Whithers – Key of D

There is no introduction on this song, as the vocals come in right away. This was thought of as bad for marketing purposes, as it meant disc jockeys couldn’t talk it up, but it gave the song a more interesting structure. Withers’ label Sussex Records gave him plenty of artistic freedom, which he lost when Sussex folded and he moved to Columbia. In the 2009 documentary Still Bill, Withers explains, “If nobody throws all their rules at you, you might make a song with no introduction.”

Ain’t no sunshine when she’s gone [ Dm Am Dm ]
It’s not warm when she’s away [ Dm Am Dm ]
Ain’t no sunshine when she’s gone [Am]
And she’s always gone too long [Gm]
Anytime she goes away [ Dm Am Dm ]

Wonder this time where she’s gone [ Dm Am Dm ]
Wonder if she’s gone to stay [ Dm Am Dm ] Ain’t no sunshine when she’s gone [Am] And this house just ain’t no home [Gm] Anytime she goes away [ Dm Am Dm ]

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 ETC

I oughtta leave young thing alone
But ain’t no sunshine when she’s gone [ Dm Am Dm ]

Ain’t no sunshine when she’s gone [ Dm Am Dm ]
Only darkness every day [ Dm Am Dm ]
Ain’t no sunshine when she’s gone [Am]
And this house just ain’t no home [Gm]
Anytime she goes away. [ Dm Am Dm ]
Anytime she goes away. [ Dm Am Dm ]
Anytime she goes away. [Dm]