Soulshine" is a song written by American musician Warren Haynes and originally recorded by Larry McCray on his 1993 album, Delta Hurricane. It is best known as a recording that The Allman Brothers Band released on their 1994 album, Where It All Begins, featuring Gregg Allman on vocals. The song's title originates from Haynes's nickname, given by his father.

Although the Allman's version was never released as a single, it remained one of their best known songs among fans and concert-goers.[citation needed] A live version of the song, which appeared on the Allmans' 2003 DVD, Live at the Beacon Theatre, had Allman and Haynes alternating vocals on the verses and harmonizing on the chorus, and includes a slide solo from Derek Trucks, as Dickey Betts was no longer with the band. This has become the standard for the song in most recent years with dual vocals.

When Haynes and bassist Allen Woody formed Gov't Mule, they took the song with them. Gov't Mule performs "Soulshine" live at their concerts and it was included on the band's Live... With a Little Help from Our Friends, The Deep End, Volume 1, and The Deepest End, Live in Concert releases.


SoulshineWhen you cant find the lightThat guides you through a cloudy dayWhen the stars aint shinin brightAnd you fill like youve lost youre wayWhen the candle lights of homeBurn so very far awayWell you got to let your soul shineJust like my daddy used to sayHe used to say soul shineIts better than sunshineIts better than moonshineDamn sure better than rainHey now people dont mindWe all get this way sometimesGot to let your soul shineShine till the break of dayI grew up thinkin that I had it madeGonna make it on my ownBut life can take the strongest manAnd make him feel so aloneNow and then I feel a cold windBlowin through my achin bonesI think back to what my daddy saidHe said Boy, in the darkness before the dawnLet your soul shineIts better than sunshineIts better than moonshneDamn sure better than rainYeah now people dont mindWe all get this way sometimesGot to let your soul shineShine till the break of daySometimes a man can feel this emptinessLike a woman has robbed him of his very soulA woman too, God knows, she can feel like thisAnd when your world seems coldYou got to let your spirit take controlLet your soul shineIts better than sunshineIts better than moonshneDamn sure better than rainLord now people dont mindWe all get this way sometimesGot to let your soul shineShine till the break of dayOh, its better than sunshineIts better than moonshneDamn sure better than rainYeah now people dont mindWe all get this way sometimesGot to let your soul shineShine till the break of day
Source: Musixmatch
Songwriters: Warren Haynes
Soulshine lyrics © Buzzard Rock Music