Eddie grew up within a family to whom the music of his local brass band fea… Read Full Bio ↴Eddie grew up within a family to whom the music of his local brass band featured highly. He was soon able to play a variety of instruments though he was most accomplished on the trumpet. After World War II, he graduated from playing as an amateur in brass bands to professional engagements with popular dance orchestras of the day including that of Geraldo, and he soon became renowned for the virtuosity of his performances. Following his exposure on TV with the Stanley Black Orchestra, an enthusiastic announcer introduced him as the 'Man With The Golden Trumpet' - an apt description that remained with him for the remainder of his musical career.

Eddie's style was unusually individualistic, and he became a familiar musician on BBC radio and TV during the 1950s. He started to make records for the Columbia label and his popularity can be assessed from the success of his records, which included two UK number ones, 'Oh Mein Papa', followed more than a year later by 'Cherry Pink And Apple Blossom White'. He was thus the first British instrumentalist to achieve two number ones. The magnificent 'Oh Mein Papa', which also sold well in the USA, topped the UK singles chart for no less than nine weeks (a British chart record}, and was successful enough to provide him with the first ever 'gold disc' awarded for an UK instrumental track.

Further chart entries were secured with 'John And Julie', taken from the soundtrack of the movie; plus 'Mandy', Eddie's last major hit. Other recordings include 'Stranger In Paradise' in 1955; 'The Man with the Golden Arm' in 1956; and 'Jealousy' in 1960.

As the music scene entered the less innocent age of the 1960s, Eddie's beautiful musical renditions became less appreciated by record buyers. By 1968 Eddie had become a little disillusioned by his dwindling fortunes and left Britain, making South Africa his home.

Eddie died in 1978 aged 56.

Georgia on My Mind
Eddie Calvert Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Back down memory lane, I began as my mother's bright idea
A short time later they all watched in awe and all of a sudden I'm here
She was also my father so I hardly got to see her
I was afraid of the dark, but it was only 'cause I was a believer

I was told when I was two years old
She swore that I would be special
I took a good look around and thought

Don't worry mama this city's gonna help ya

Georgia, you'll always be home to me
Georgia, I belong to you and yes you belong to me
When they ask me where I'm from
I'm proud to say that I'm your son

I'm movin' on using mostly dirt roads until I find my way
Campbellton Road, can't forget Cascade or remember both MLK
There's somethin' about Atlanta, doesn't cease to amaze me
Oh, after all you even raised the people that raised me

And my old man is very dead, can't be mad now why bother?
And you have been my mother nature also my godfather

Georgia, you'll always be home to me
Georgia, I belong to you and yes you belong to me
When they ask me where I'm from
I'm proud to say that I'm your son
Georgia, you'll always be home to me
Georgia, I belong to you and yes you belong to me

When they ask me where I'm from
I'm proud to say that I'm your son

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Eddie Calvert's "Georgia On My Mind" express the artist's deep connection to the state of Georgia. The first verse describes his upbringing, beginning as his mother's "bright idea." They watch in awe as he suddenly appears, but he hardly gets to see his mother, who was also a father figure. The line "I was afraid of the dark, but it was only 'cause I was a believer" suggests that he had a fear of the unknown, but his faith in something greater helped him conquer that fear.

The second verse discusses his early years and how his mother believed he would be special. He is proud to call Georgia his home and when asked where he is from, he proudly proclaims that he is a son of Georgia. He mentions moving on and finding his way, but he never forgets the places in Georgia that have played important roles in his life, such as Campbellton Road and MLK. The last few lines of the song show gratitude towards Georgia for raising him and playing a part in shaping who he is today.

Overall, the song is an ode to Georgia and the artist's appreciation for everything the state has done for him. Despite hardships and a lack of family connections, Georgia has remained his constant and his home.

Line by Line Meaning

Back down memory lane, I began as my mother's bright idea
Looking back on my life, I can see that my mother had big plans for me from the start.

A short time later they all watched in awe and all of a sudden I'm here
People were amazed by how quickly I became successful once I started pursuing my dreams.

She was also my father so I hardly got to see her
My mother took on both parental roles, so I didn't get to spend as much time with her as I would have liked.

I was afraid of the dark, but it was only 'cause I was a believer
As a child, I was scared of the dark because of my strong belief in supernatural forces.

I was told when I was two years old
My mother had high hopes for me from a very young age.

She swore that I would be special
My mother believed that I had a unique talent or calling in life.

I took a good look around and thought
However, early on, I was skeptical of my own potential.

Don't worry mama this city's gonna help ya
But eventually, I realized that the city of Atlanta would give me the resources and opportunities I needed to succeed.

Georgia, you'll always be home to me
Georgia has always been my true home and the place where I feel most comfortable.

Georgia, I belong to you and yes you belong to me
I am deeply connected to Georgia and feel a strong sense of ownership over my hometown.

When they ask me where I'm from
When people ask me about my origins or background,

I'm proud to say that I'm your son
I am proud to say that I come from Georgia and am a product of its culture and values.

I'm movin' on using mostly dirt roads until I find my way
Although I may face obstacles on my journey, I am determined to forge my own path.

Campbellton Road, can't forget Cascade or remember both MLK
I have many fond memories of specific neighborhoods and landmarks in Atlanta.

There's somethin' about Atlanta, doesn't cease to amaze me
Despite spending my whole life here, I am constantly impressed and inspired by the unique energy of the city.

Oh, after all you even raised the people that raised me
Atlanta has not only helped shape my own path, but has also been a nurturing environment for my family and community.

And my old man is very dead, can't be mad now why bother?
Although my father is no longer alive, I have no reason to be angry with him and have moved on from any past issues.

And you have been my mother nature also my godfather
In many ways, the city of Atlanta has played the nurturing roles of both a mother and a father figure in my life.

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., BMG Rights Management
Written by: David Guy, Homer Steinweiss, Leon Michels, Nick Movshon, Thomas Brenneck, Thomas Callaway

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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