"Ain't No Sunshine" is actually a song originally written and performed by Bill Withers in 1971. However, Al Jarreau covered the song in his own style, bringing a fresh interpretation to the lyrics. The song talks about the absence of someone special, indicating that when this person is gone ("she's gone"), there is a void and darkness in the singer's life. The phrase "ain't no sunshine" symbolizes the gloom and emptiness that is felt when this person is not around. The lyrics suggest that the singer's life lacks warmth and comfort when the subject of the song is away. The repetition of the phrase "ain't no sunshine when she's gone" emphasizes the significance of this person's presence to the singer's happiness and well-being. The line "And this house just ain't no home" reinforces the idea that without this person, the singer's surroundings feel empty and devoid of love. The absence of "sunshine" metaphorically represents the absence of this person's love and light in the singer's life. The song also touches on the emotional pain caused by the absence, with the lines "It's breaking me up" and "It's breaking me up, gotta leave the young thing alone." The singer may be struggling with the loneliness and heartache caused by the separation, acknowledging that he needs to find a way to cope with this loss. Overall, "Ain't No Sunshine" explores the longing and emptiness experienced when someone special is absent from the singer's life. It portrays the deep impact this person has on their happiness and the pain that comes from being separated from them.
