Born on 28th January 1929 in Pensford, Somerset, christened Bernard Stanley Bilk, he has been one of the world's best known clarinettists since the late 1950s. His trademark goatee, bowler hat, and striped waistcoat are almost as recognisable as his breathy, vibrato-rich, middle-register clarinet style. Although playing mainly jazz in Dixieland and trad styles, he became famous for his 1961 hit "Stranger on the Shore", with which he became mainly associated in the public mind.
sadly this delightful man died 2nd November 2014, aged 85. Will be missed.
Georgia On My Mind
Acker Bilk Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Quite as often as I could have
Maybe I didn't treat you
Quite as good as I should have
If I made you feel second best
Girl I'm sorry I was blind
But you were always on my mind
Maybe I didn't hold you
All those lonely, lonely times
I guess I never told you
That I am so happy that you're mine
If I made you feel second best
Girl I'm sorry I was blind
But you were always on my mind
You were always on my mind
Tell me, tell me that your sweet love hasn't died
Give me, give me one more chance
To keep you satisfied
I'll keep you satisfied
Little things I should have said and done
I just never took the time
But you were always on my mind
You were always on my mind
You were always on my mind
You were always on my mind
The lyrics describe the singer's memories of growing up in Georgia and how it shaped their identity. The first verse refers to the singer's mother, who played a significant role in their life as both mother and father, but was not always present due to circumstances that are not fully explained. The singer also talks about their fear of the dark, which may reflect the challenges they faced at a young age. Despite this, the singer's mother had high hopes for them and believed they would be special, which the singer acknowledges in the second verse.
The second verse talks about the singer's journey through life, using dirt roads to find their way. They mention specific areas of Atlanta that hold meaning for them, such as Campbellton Road and Cascade. The singer notes that Georgia continues to amaze them and has had a lasting impact on their life. The final lines express love and gratitude for their home state, proudly stating that they belong to Georgia and Georgia belongs to them.
Acker Bilk's "Georgia On My Mind" was actually a cover of the original song by Hoagy Carmichael and Stuart Gorrell, which was famously performed by Ray Charles. Despite this, Bilk's version was a hit in the UK in the 1960s.
Other notable versions of "Georgia On My Mind" include those by Louis Armstrong, Willie Nelson, and Gladys Knight & The Pips.
The song was designated as the official state song of Georgia in 1979, reflecting its importance and cultural significance to the state.
The lyrics were written by Stuart Gorrell, a Georgia native who was inspired by memories of his home state while living in New York City.
The song has been used in numerous films and TV shows, most notably in the film "Ray" about the life of Ray Charles.
The song was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1991, recognizing its enduring relevance and impact.
The song won the Academy Award for Best Original Song in 1931, which further cemented its place in American music history.
The melody was actually composed by Hoagy Carmichael while he was staying in New York City, and the lyrics were added later by Gorrell.
The original title of the song was "Georgia On My Mind (A Song of the South)," reflecting the cultural influence and nostalgia for the region.
The chords for the song are: C Am F D7 / B7 Em Am D7 / G7 C E7 A7 Dm / G7 C.
Line by Line Meaning
Back down memory lane, I began as my mother's bright idea
I take a trip down memory lane to the time when my mother conceived me and how it was her idea to bring me into this world
A short time later they all watched in awe and all of a sudden I'm here
Within a short period of time, my family members were amazed to see me born into this world
She was also my father so I hardly got to see her
Since my mother also played the role of my father, I didn't have much time to spend with her
I was afraid of the dark, but it was only 'cause I was a believer
I used to be scared of the dark, but it was only due to my strong belief in supernatural entities
I was told when I was two years old
At the age of two, I was informed
She swore that I would be special
My mother promised that I would grow up to be someone special
I took a good look around and thought
After looking around and pondering
Don't worry mama this city's gonna help ya
I believed that the city would play a major role in shaping my future and making it special, thus affirming my mother's promise
There's somethin' about Atlanta, doesn't cease to amaze me
Atlanta has a certain charm about it that never ceases to fascinate me
Oh, after all you even raised the people that raised me
Even the people who played a significant role in raising me were brought up in the same place, highlighting the impact of the hometown on our lives
And my old man is very dead, can't be mad now why bother?
Since my father has passed away, there's no reason to bear any grudges against him
And you have been my mother nature also my godfather
In the absence of my father, my mother played multiple roles including that of a guardian or godfather
Georgia, you'll always be home to me
I'll always consider Georgia as my true home, even if I move away physically
Georgia, I belong to you and yes you belong to me
I feel a strong sense of belonging towards Georgia, and believe that the state reciprocates the same feeling towards me
When they ask me where I'm from
Whenever someone inquires about my place of origin
I'm proud to say that I'm your son
I feel proud to acknowledge that I come from the state of Georgia
Lyrics © Tratore, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Peermusic Publishing, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Wayne Carson Thompson, John Jr. Christopher, Mark James
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Ryszard Krupa
Trzeba marzyć- wszyscy wiedzą, niech marzenia Cię wyprzedzą (przy tej muzyce).
wyndhl eodumegwu
In today's "Generic Fake Jazz" parlance, this sweet delivery of the song is called "Smooth Jazz".
Acker Bilk nails it with simplicity and beauty - " Straight, No Chaser", shall we say.
Božena Honzová
krása vdaka ti Bilk
Kalyani Dutta
Favourite of my youth, in the 60s , now gone. Play your harp in heaven Mr Bilk
Alicja Orłowska
I share your opinion, we are peers, his music made me feel good, we will always miss him, and it's great that modern technology has stopped his work for us. It was a great and wonderful tracher! Zdzisław from Poland
salvatore ganci
allieta gli angeli....con la tua musica caro Acker.
Ana barria carrasco
MUSICA PARA EVOCAR............
salvatore ganci
Nostalgia di un tempo ormai passato...
L. T. Hewitt
RIP Acker Bilk.
W.D. Lee
R.I.P. Mr. Acker Bilk.....