My records co-credit Charles Mitchell. I suspect it's a collaboration - that Jimmie didn't 'steal' it, as he has lots of other songs to his credit.

I'd be interested in your opinions on why this song is always portrayed as rollicking and happy - the lyrics seem to say otherwise. My theory is that folks only know the chorus and just assume it's supposed to be happy.

Here's the whole thing, including the scarce other verses:

You Are My Sunshine
Written by Jimmie Davis and Charles Mitchell, 1940

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 hung my head and I cried.

CHORUS (each stanza)
You are my sunshine, my only sunshine.
You make me happy when skies are gray.
You'll never know dear, how much I miss you.
Please don't take my sunshine away.

I'll always love you and make you happy,
If you will only say the same.
But if you leave me to love another,
You'll regret it all some day:

You told me once, dear, you really loved me
And no one else could come between.
But now you've left me and love another;
You have shattered all my dreams:

In all my dreams, you seem to leave me,
When I awake, my poor heart pains,
So, won't you come back and make me happy,
I'll forgive dear, I'll take all the blame.