Sweet Georgia Brown
Anita O’Day Lyrics


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She just got here yesterday,
Things are hot here now they say,
There's a new gal in town.
Gals are jealous, there's no doubt.
All the guys just rave about
Sweet, Sweet Georgia Brown.
And ever since she came, the common folks all claim, say;
No gal made has got a shade on Sweet Georgia Brown.
Two left feet, but oh, so neat has Sweet Georgia Brown.
They all sigh and wanna die for Sweet Georgia Brown,
I'll tell you just why, you know I don't lie (not much!).
It's been said she knocks 'em dead when she lands in town.
Since she came why it's a shame how she's cooled 'em down.
Fellas that she can't get must be fellas that she ain't met.
Georgia claimed her, Georgia named her, Sweet Georgia Brown.

All you gals will get the blues,
all you pals will surely lose.
And, there's but one excuse.
Now I've told you who she was,
and I've told you what she does,
Still, give this gal her dues.
This pretty maiden's prayer is answered anywhere

No gal made has got a shade on Sweet Georgia Brown.
Two left feet, but oh, so neat has Sweet Georgia Brown.
They all sigh and wanna die for Sweet Georgia Brown,
I'll tell you just why, you know I don't lie (not much!).
All those tips the porter slips to Sweet Georgia Brown
They buy clothes at fashion shows for one dollar down.




Fellas, won'tcha tip your hats. Oh boy, ain't she the cats?
Who's that mister, tain't her sister, It's Sweet Georgia Brown.

Overall Meaning

The song "Sweet Georgia Brown" by Anita O'Day tells the story of how a new girl in town, Sweet Georgia Brown, has caused quite a stir among the locals, especially the men. The singer reveals that the women are jealous of Georgia's allure, and the men "just rave about" her. Despite being rumored to have "two left feet," Georgia's grace and beauty attract all who see her. She has the power to make men feel weak in the knees and make other women feel blue. The song's lyrics suggest that Georgia is a woman to be reckoned with, and her presence is enough to change people's lives.


The chorus emphasizes the impact Georgia has on everyone, with the singer claiming that no other woman can compare to her. The lyrics are full of admiration and reverence for this newcomer, suggesting that her beauty is otherworldly, and her appeal is universal. The song conveys a sense of awe and wonder at Georgia's ability to captivate people without even trying.


Line by Line Meaning

She just got here yesterday,
Sweet Georgia Brown has just arrived in town.


Things are hot here now they say,
There is a lot of excitement and buzz about Sweet Georgia Brown's arrival.


There's a new gal in town.
A new woman has arrived in town.


Gals are jealous, there's no doubt.
Other women in town are envious of Sweet Georgia Brown.


All the guys just rave about Sweet, Sweet Georgia Brown.
Men in town cannot stop talking about Sweet Georgia Brown.


And ever since she came, the common folks all claim, say;
Since Sweet Georgia Brown arrived, people are saying.


No gal made has got a shade on Sweet Georgia Brown.
No other woman can compare to Sweet Georgia Brown.


Two left feet, but oh, so neat has Sweet Georgia Brown.
Sweet Georgia Brown may not be a good dancer, but she is still attractive and charming.


They all sigh and wanna die for Sweet Georgia Brown,
Men in town find Sweet Georgia Brown irresistible.


I'll tell you just why, you know I don't lie (not much!).
I will explain why Sweet Georgia Brown is so popular, but there may be some exaggeration.


It's been said she knocks 'em dead when she lands in town.
People say Sweet Georgia Brown has a dramatic and impressive impact when she arrives in town.


Since she came why it's a shame how she's cooled 'em down.
Since Sweet Georgia Brown arrived, men in town have become less interested in other women.


Fellas that she can't get must be fellas that she ain't met.
The only men who do not show interest in Sweet Georgia Brown are the ones who have not yet met her.


Georgia claimed her, Georgia named her, Sweet Georgia Brown.
Sweet Georgia Brown is named after the state where she is from.


All you gals will get the blues, all you pals will surely lose.
Other women in town will feel unhappy and be at a disadvantage compared to Sweet Georgia Brown.


And, there's but one excuse.
There is only one reason for Sweet Georgia Brown's popularity.


Now I've told you who she was, and I've told you what she does, Still, give this gal her dues.
Even though I have told you about Sweet Georgia Brown, she still deserves recognition and respect.


This pretty maiden's prayer is answered anywhere
Sweet Georgia Brown's wishes come true no matter where she goes.


All those tips the porter slips to Sweet Georgia Brown They buy clothes at fashion shows for one dollar down.
Men in town give Sweet Georgia Brown money, which she uses to buy fashionable clothing at discount prices.


Fellas, won'tcha tip your hats. Oh boy, ain't she the cats?
Men are encouraged to show their respect for Sweet Georgia Brown. She is considered the best.


Who's that mister, tain't her sister, It's Sweet Georgia Brown.
Sweet Georgia Brown is so unique and special, people mistake her for someone else.




Lyrics © O/B/O APRA/AMCOS

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Comments from YouTube:

Som Luong

I love Anita O'Day. Just look/listen at the way she controls her voice, the way she moves in and out from the mic. Such precision. She knows exactly what she is doing and is having fun with it.

1122redbird

Yea, she is a badass performer. And high as fuck on smack too.

Terry Costello

You are witnessing probably the best live jazz singing ever from 65years + virtuosic ,timing , interpretation,modern swing,space humour it has it all.Pure pure genius❤

J Mc

I really don’t know what is happening here, but it’s hypnotic. Or rather she is. Accomplished musicianship from the band. Wonderful camera work and editing of the very cool crowd. And the elegance, class and effortless improvisation from Anita O’Day. A beautiful snapshot of a bygone era. Thankyou.

Andrew Horsfield

Maybe too cool a crowd??

Rien Jans

This was taken from a film called Jazz on a Summer's Day, a documentary more like, about the Newport Jazz Festival in 1958. Must see, mesmerizing stuff indeed!

Rain for me

Very beautiful comment

J Mc

@Rain for me Thankyou

skycam66

She admitted she was high on heroin and doesn't remember any of this

16 More Replies...

Michael G Moore

That woman was one of the greatest Jazz performers ever. No one was like her at all. Her rythimatic style was uñbelievable. She had the looks to go with. I bought her Cocktail Hour 2 CD set made in 2000 around that time. I will miss her.

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