Jackson startd out as a gospel singer in The Raspberry Singers. He was in the Dell-Vikings from 1957 to 1959.
After recording as Charles Jackson for the Clock label in 1959 he signed with Wand Records in 1961. He was immediately successful with his first single I Don't Want To Cry which reached No. 5 R&B, No. 36 Pop in the USA. He was with Wand through most of the sixties, scoring several R&B and Pop hits. In 1969 he moved to Motown but didn't do so well there. He continued to record throughout the seventies for labels like ABC, All Platinum and EMI America, scoring his last R&B hit in 1980.
Although never hugely successful his soulful voice resulted in 23 R&B top 100 singles in the USA and the same number of US Pop 100 hits over the course of 20 years.
Several of Jackson's songs later became hits for other artists including Ronnie Milsap, whose 1982 cover version of "Any Day Now" reached No. 1 on the Country and Adult Contemporary charts. Michael McDonald covered "I Keep Forgettin'" with much success. "I Keep Forgettin'" was also covered by David Bowie on his album "Tonight".
On 4 October 2015, Chuck Jackson was inducted into the Rhythm and Blues Music Hall of Fame.
Rainy Night In Georgia
Chuck Jackson Lyrics
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Tryin' to find a warm place to spend the night
A heavy rain a fallin'
Seems I hear your voice callin'
"It's all right"
A rainy night in Georgia
A rainy night in GeorgiaI believe it's rainin' all over the world
Neon signs a flashin'
Taxi cabs and busses passin' through the night
The distant moanin' of a train
Seems to play a sad refrain to the night
A rainy night in Georgia
A rainy night in Georgia
I believe it's rainin' all over the world
How many times I've wondered
It still comes out the same
No matter how you look at it, think of it
You just got to do your own thing
I find me a place in a box car
So I take out my guitar to pass some time
Late at night when it's hard to rest
I hold your picture to my chest
And I'm all right
A rainy night in Georgia
A rainy night in Georgia
I believe it's rainin' all over the world
Chuck Jackson's "Rainy Night In Georgia" describes the struggles of a transient who is caught in a downpour on a gloomy night. He wanders the streets searching for a warm place to stay and finds solace in listening to the sounds of the world around him. The rain, neon signs, and distant train noises all create a melancholic feeling that is emphasized by the singer's mournful voice. Still, even as he ponders his own existence, he assures himself that everything is going to be okay, and his lover's voice echoes in his mind, comforting him.
The lyrics are full of rich imagery that paints a vivid picture of the unnamed protagonist's inner and outer life. His suitcase represents his meager belongings, and he is always searching for a dry spot to avoid the relentless rain. The neon signs and taxi cabs give the scene a chaotic feel, emphasizing the singer's loneliness and disorientation. Likewise, the train's "sad refrain" suggests that he is caught up in the chaos but cannot escape his own sadness.
"Rainy Night in Georgia" has remained a classic since its release, and it continues to be covered and celebrated by musicians today. Its timeless message of finding comfort and hope in the midst of rain and hardship has made it a favorite across genres.
Line by Line Meaning
Hoverin' by my suitcase
Standing uncertainly near my suitcase
Tryin' to find a warm place to spend the night
Desperately searching for a comfortable place to sleep
A heavy rain a fallin'
A significant rain shower has begun
Seems I hear your voice callin'
I think I can hear you calling my name
"It's all right"
Comforting words told to me, implying that everything will be okay
A rainy night in Georgia
Georgia's weather is dominated by heavy rainfall
A rainy night in Georgia
Georgia's weather is dominated by heavy rainfall
I believe it's rainin' all over the world
I believe that rain is pouring in most of the world
Neon signs a flashin'
Flashing signs covered in neon lights
Taxi cabs and busses passin' through the night
Taxis and buses driving through the area during the night
The distant moanin' of a train
The sound of a faraway train on the tracks
Seems to play a sad refrain to the night
The noise is conveying a gloomy tune to the surroundings
A rainy night in Georgia
Georgia's weather is dominated by heavy rainfall
A rainy night in Georgia
Georgia's weather is dominated by heavy rainfall
I believe it's rainin' all over the world
I believe that rain is pouring in most of the world
How many times I've wondered
I've questioned myself numerous times
It still comes out the same
Despite everything, the outcome always remains unchanged
No matter how you look at it, think of it
Regardless of your perspective or opinion on the matter
You just got to do your own thing
You have to follow your own path, regardless of what others have to say
I find me a place in a box car
I discover a spot in a railroad car
So I take out my guitar to pass some time
I start playing music to pass the time
Late at night when it's hard to rest
During the night, when sleeping is difficult
I hold your picture to my chest
I clasp your image to my heart
And I'm all right
And everything seems to be okay
Lyrics © TUNECORE INC, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Tony White
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind