About the song
“Georgy Girl” is more than just a catchy tune; it’s a cultural touchstone woven into the fabric of the 1960s. This iconic song, performed by the Australian pop-folk group The Seekers, not only topped charts worldwide but also secured a coveted Academy Award nomination.
Composed by Tom Springfield (who previously penned “I’ll Never Find Another You”) and lyricized by Jim Dale, “Georgy Girl” was originally written for the 1966 film of the same name. Interestingly, the song appears in the film with different lyrics at the beginning and end, showcasing its adaptability.
Though it didn’t win the Oscar (losing to “Born Free”), “Georgy Girl” soared on its own merits. It became a massive hit in late 1966 and early 1967, reaching number one in Australia and cracking the top three in the UK. In the United States, it became The Seekers’ biggest hit, reaching number one on the Cash Box Top 100 and a respectable number two on the Billboard Hot 100 (only “I’m a Believer” by The Monkees kept it from the top spot). This success even led to the renaming of their British album “Come the Day” to “Georgy Girl” for the American release.
The song’s influence extended beyond the charts. It spawned numerous cover versions, including by The Lennon Sisters and a unique instrumental take by the Baja Marimba Band. Even the iconic toy brand Barbie adopted the melody for commercials in the late 70s and early 80s, replacing the lyrics with catchphrases like “Here comes Barbie fun.”
“Georgy Girl” stands as a testament to the enduring power of pop music. Its cheerful melody and relatable themes resonated with audiences worldwide, solidifying its place in musical history. From award nominations to pop culture ubiquity, this song by The Seekers continues to bring a smile to listeners’ faces for generations.
Video
Lyrics
Hey there, Georgy girl
Swinging down the street so fancy-free
Nobody you meet could ever see the loneliness there inside you
Hey there, Georgy girl
Why do all the boys just pass you by?
Could it be you just don’t try or is it the clothes you wear?
You’re always window shopping but never stopping to buy
So shed those dowdy feathers and fly a little bit
Hey there, Georgy girl
There’s another Georgy deep inside
Bring out all the love you hide and, oh, what a change there’d be
The world would see a new Georgy girl
Hey there, Georgy girl
Dreaming of the someone you could be
Life is a reality, you can’t always run away
Don’t be so scared of changing and rearranging yourself
It’s time for jumping down from the shelf a little bit
Hey there, Georgy girl
There’s another Georgy deep inside
Bring out all the love you hide and, oh, what a change there’d be
The world would see a new Georgy girl
Wake up, Georgy girl
(Hey there, Georgy girl)
Come on, Georgy girl
(Hey there, Georgy girl)
Wake up, Georgy girl