About the song
“Georgia on My Mind,” a timeless anthem of love and longing for the state of Georgia, has woven itself into the fabric of American music history since its inception in 1930. Written by Hoagy Carmichael and Stuart Gorrell, the song was first brought to life in the RCA Victor Studios in New York City, where Carmichael recorded it that same year. Initially, its sentimentality and evocative melody captured the essence of nostalgia and homesickness.
The song’s enduring fame, however, owes much to the legendary soul singer Ray Charles. A native son of Georgia himself, Charles immortalized “Georgia on My Mind” with his heartfelt rendition on the 1960 album *The Genius Hits the Road*. His deeply soulful voice and personal connection to the song resonated profoundly with audiences, catapulting it to iconic status.
In recognition of its cultural significance, the State of Georgia adopted Ray Charles’ version as its official state song in 1979, a testament to the song’s emotional resonance and enduring appeal. Beyond its state-level accolades, “Georgia on My Mind” has secured its place in the esteemed ranks of the Great American Songbook, a collection of the most influential and cherished songs in American music history.
The song’s inception reveals a charming anecdote: saxophonist Frankie Trumbauer playfully suggested the song’s opening words, “Georgia, Georgia…” to Carmichael, who then collaborated with Gorrell to craft lyrics that would resonate with listeners on a personal level. Despite its origins, which some suggest tie back to Carmichael’s sister Georgia, the song’s universal themes of longing and nostalgia have touched hearts far beyond familial ties.
The Grammy Hall of Fame has doubly honored “Georgia on My Mind,” recognizing both Ray Charles’ iconic rendition and Hoagy Carmichael’s original recording. This dual induction underscores the song’s enduring impact and the exceptional artistry of its creators.
From its humble beginnings in a New York recording studio to becoming a cherished anthem for a state and a nation, “Georgia on My Mind” stands as a testament to the power of music to evoke emotion, capture history, and transcend time. Its melodies continue to echo through generations, reminding us of the enduring magic woven into the fabric of American music by its talented composers and impassioned performers.
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