About the song
“Georgia on My Mind” is a timeless classic from 1930, penned by Hoagy Carmichael and Stuart Gorrell. The song was first recorded by Carmichael himself that same year, in the bustling RCA Victor Studios in New York City. Although its initial release did not capture the widespread acclaim it would later receive, it is now inseparably linked to the legendary soul singer Ray Charles. Charles, a proud native of Georgia, included the song on his 1960 album “The Genius Hits the Road,” and it was his rendition that truly brought the song into the limelight.
Ray Charles’s version of “Georgia on My Mind” resonated deeply with audiences, so much so that in 1979, it was officially designated the state song of Georgia. This song has since become a cherished piece of the Great American Songbook, a collection of America’s most treasured musical compositions.
The song has been honored with two inductions into the Grammy Hall of Fame. The first was in 1993 for Ray Charles’s recording, and the second came in 2014 for the original 1930 recording by Hoagy Carmichael and his Orchestra. This dual recognition underscores the song’s enduring appeal and significant place in American musical history.
The origins of “Georgia on My Mind” are as fascinating as the song itself. Although many believed that Carmichael wrote it about his sister Georgia, Carmichael’s own writings reveal a different story. The initial inspiration came from saxophonist Frankie Trumbauer, who, with a playful suggestion of the song’s opening line, nudged Carmichael and his collaborator Stuart Gorrell towards creating this memorable tune. Despite some confusion over the song’s origins and authorship, Carmichael’s commitment to his friend Gorrell, who penned the lyrics, was evident in the form of royalty checks sent to Gorrell, even though his name was not included in the official copyright.
“Georgia on My Mind” continues to captivate listeners with its soulful melody and heartfelt lyrics, affirming its place as a musical treasure that bridges generations and celebrates the rich tapestry of American music.
Video
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