About the song
“Georgia on My Mind” is a timeless classic that has been etched in the annals of American music history. Written by Stuart Gorrell and Hoagy Carmichael in 1930, this soulful ballad has undergone numerous transformations over the years, yet its essence remains unchanged. The song’s most iconic rendition is undoubtedly the 1960 version by the legendary Ray Charles, a native of Georgia who poured his heart and soul into the recording. Charles’ version not only reached the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart but also became the most widely recognized and enduring interpretation of the song.
The song’s impact extends beyond its chart-topping success. The string intro, famously copied by the Eagles for their piano intro to “Desperado,” has become a staple of American music. Moreover, the song has been featured in various forms of media, including a clay animation short, “Jimmy the C,” in which U.S. President Jimmy Carter sings along to Charles’ version. In 1979, the song was officially designated as the State Song of Georgia, and Charles was invited to perform it at the state capitol.
The song’s influence can also be seen in popular culture, with the TV series “Designing Women” using an instrumental version as its opening theme. In 1991, Charles performed his version of the song live on piano during the show’s opening credits, accompanied by the show’s cast. The song’s enduring popularity was further solidified when Rolling Stone magazine named the Ray Charles version the 44th greatest song of all time in 2003. With its rich history, timeless melody, and poignant lyrics, “Georgia on My Mind” remains an American classic that continues to captivate audiences to this day.
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Lyrics
Georgia, Georgia
The whole day through (the whole day through)
Just an old sweet song
Keeps Georgia on my mind (Georgia on my mind)
I said Georgia
Georgia
A song of you (a song of you)
Comes as sweet and clear
As moonlight through the pines
Other arms reach out to me
Other eyes smile tenderly
Still in peaceful dreams I see
The road leads back to you
I said Georgia
Oh Georgia, no peace I find (no peace I find)
Just an old sweet song
Keeps Georgia on my mind (Georgia on my mind)
Other arms reach out to me
Other eyes smile tenderly
Still in peaceful dreams I see
The road leads back to you
Whoa-whoa, Georgia
Georgia
No peace, no peace I find
Just an old, sweet song
Keeps Georgia on my mind (Georgia on my mind)
I said just an old sweet song
Keeps Georgia on my mind