How many times in a row does Bill Withers sing "I Know" in his 1971 song "Ain't No Sunshine"?

In his 1971 song "Ain't No Sunshine", Bill Withers sing the words "I Know" twenty six (26) times in a row. This song was a breakthrough hit for Withers.

The song "Ain't No Sunshine" reached number six on the U.S. R&B Chart and number three on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Billboard ranked it as the No. 23 Song of the Year for 1971. The song also appears on the original soundtrack album for the 1997 film "When We Were Kings". Twelve years later after being in the film, the song reached Top 40 in the charts in 2009 when it was sung by Kris Allen in the 8th season of 'American Idol'.

Additionally as a fun fact, in the updated version of the song which Withers released in 1989, he says "I know" 74 times after the first verse (including softly behind the solo) and then another 39 times after the second verse for a total of 113 times.

More Info: en.wikipedia.org

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13 Comments

Jeannie Ellis

The correct answer might be “too many “!

Nancy Ryan

🎵Ain’t no sandwich when she’s gone 🎵😝

Merri Sillery

I remember the first time I heard this, I thought he was saying wino. Lol

Naked Kitty Slave

25 too many. Can't stand that tune for this reason.

Johnny Rock

Its one of those off the wall things I counted. Its in my #26 file along with, letters in the alphabet, miles in a marathon etc.

Keshav Nrugham

Here is 32 Wonder this time where he's gone Wonder if he's gone to stay Ain't no sunshine when he's gone This house just ain't no home Anytime he goes away 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, 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 I know, I know, I know, I know I think I should leave the young thing alone 'Cause ain't no sunshine when she gone

Cheryl McMeekin

Had no idea

Ruth Cost

Didn't know for sure but figured 26 was a low #

Steve Miller

I didn't know. I remember the song. Was at a friends house where he played their family record of it while playing as kids, and wouldn't you know, the record had a skip it it!