Josh Scogin describes A Rose By Any Other Name as this:
"During some of the later years of being in Norma Jean I would randomly write some very mellow music. It was never something that was planned. I can only assume it was just something that happend to break up to continuity of writing predominantly heavier songs. After I had quit Norma Jean I assumed I would just work on the music that I had created and go in that direction. But I guess that was not the Lord's plan. Since being in The Chariot, even more songs have come. Until very recently, none of these songs have been heard by anyone but me, April (my then girlfriend, now wife) and possibly a few others . These songs are not meant to be anything more than they are, they are lyrics from my heart wrapped around very simple music that might possibly be a blessing to someones life. I do hope you enjoy them."
Georgia
A Rose By Any Other Name Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
they'll place my weary bones in the ground.
At least there won't be a blank page
In the chapters that precede my fate.
For I danced upon the earth and the seas
And now it’s just you and me.
As we laugh about the birds and the bees,
I am shaken but not stirred.
Maybe I am going insane
And everybody sees it but me.
The Americans need God, like Georgia needs the rain
At least that’s what the preachers say.
I’ve started several fires,
Some are burning bright today.
In A Rose By Any Other Name’s song “Georgia”, the singer reflects on their life as they approach death. They acknowledge that soon their “weary bones” will be placed in the ground, but take comfort in the fact that they won’t leave a “blank page” in their life’s story. The singer embraces the memories of their life, remembering time spent dancing and admiring the beauty of nature. As they continue to reminisce with their companion, they acknowledge that their memory is fading and they may be losing touch with reality.
The song takes a turn when the singer makes a bold statement about religion, saying that “the Americans need God, like Georgia needs the rain. At least that’s what preachers say.” This line can be interpreted in a few different ways, but it seems to suggest that some people rely on religion like Georgia relies on rain for sustenance. However, the singer is skeptical, questioning whether this is actually true or just something that has been ingrained in American culture. The song ends with the singer reflecting on the fires they have started in their life, both literally and metaphorically, suggesting that they have made an impact on the world and left a mark behind.
Line by Line Meaning
Not so many years from now,
In the not-so-distant future, my body will be buried in the earth.
they'll place my weary bones in the ground.
My physical remains will be laid to rest underground.
At least there won't be a blank page
My life will leave behind a legacy that cannot be forgotten.
In the chapters that precede my fate.
My experiences and decisions before my death will contribute to my future.
For I danced upon the earth and the seas
I embraced all that life had to offer, both on land and sea.
And now it’s just you and me.
My life has come to an end, and only you and I remain to reminisce about my journey.
As we laugh about the birds and the bees,
As we enjoy memories of simpler times, we find amusement in nature's wonders.
My memory is fading away.
I am losing the ability to recall my past experiences and accomplishments.
I am shaken but not stirred.
I am unsettled, but not completely overcome by my emotional struggles.
Maybe I am going insane
It is possible that my mental state is deteriorating.
And everybody sees it but me.
My loved ones are aware of my instability, but I cannot see it myself.
The Americans need God, like Georgia needs the rain
Some believe that the people of America require religious guidance, just as the state of Georgia requires rainfall.
At least that’s what the preachers say.
This statement has been proclaimed by religious leaders.
I’ve started several fires,
There are multiple situations that I have initiated.
Some are burning bright today.
Some of my actions are having a significant impact and causing consequences in the present.
Contributed by Natalie C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.