When I Awoke Dear I Was Mistaken is a verse from the song You Are My Sunshine sung by Johnny Cash. The lyrics of the song are written by Charles Mitchell & Jimmie Davis.
When I Awoke Dear I Was Mistaken Lyrics
[Verse 1]
The other night dear, as I lay sleeping
I dreamed I held you in my arms
When I awoke, dear, I was mistaken
So I bowed my head and I cried
[Chorus]
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
[Instrumental Break]
[Verse 2]
I’ve always loved you and made you happy
And nothing else could come between
But now you’ve left me to love another
You have shattered all of my dreams
[Chorus]
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
[Spoken Outro]
(I always hated that third verse)
^Laughter^
It was a nice short version
Do you wanna- uh, pick it up?
I’t’s alright (It’s good)
(We got a short version)
It might have that other verse on it in another take
Well, I’ll tell you what… Let’s… uhm…
Well, if I feel like my song’s a song… ^Laughter^
It don’t care… (There you go!)
I don’t care if it’s short
And I feel like my song’s a song
A pleasure! Two minutes… I’ve recorded songs two minutes
(They were huge hits!)
Have you got, uh, time on that?
Music Video
Song Credits
| Song | You Are My Sunshine |
| Artist | Johnny Cash |
| Album | Unearthed 3: Redemption Songs |
| Writer | Charles Mitchell & Jimmie Davis |
| Producer | Rick Rubin |
About the Song
“You Are My Sunshine” is one of the most beloved and emotionally simple songs in American music history. In Johnny Cash’s version, the song takes on a deeper and more reflective tone. While many people know it as a cheerful tune often sung to children, Cash’s voice brings out the hidden sadness within the lyrics.
The song talks about love, fear of loss, and emotional dependence. Behind its gentle melody is a feeling of vulnerability, where the singer expresses how much someone means to him and how empty life would feel without them. Johnny Cash’s deep, steady vocals make these emotions feel honest and raw, giving the song a mature and heartfelt character.
Cash recorded the song during a period when he was deeply connected to traditional folk and country music. His version stays true to the song’s roots while adding his own emotional weight. There is no excess production or drama—just a calm arrangement that lets the message shine through.
What makes this version special is its sincerity. Johnny Cash does not try to make the song sound overly happy or tragic. Instead, he lets it exist in between, just like real life. “You Are My Sunshine” remains timeless because it speaks directly to the heart, reminding listeners how powerful simple words and honest music can be.