Georgia on My Mind
Ella Fitzgerald and Nelson Riddle Lyrics


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Georgia, Georgia
The whole day through
Just an old sweet song
Keeps Georgia on my mind

I'm say Georgia, Georgia
A song of you
Comes as sweet and clear
As moonlight through the pines

Other arms reach out to me
Other eyes smile tenderly
Still in peaceful dreams I see
The road leads back to you

I said Georgia
Oh Georgia, no peace I find
Just an old sweet song
Keeps Georgia on my mind

Other arms reach out to me
Other eyes smile tenderly
Still in peaceful dreams I see
The road leads back to you

Georgia, Georgia
No peace, no peace I find
Just this old, sweet song
Keeps Georgia on my mind





I said just an old sweet song
Keeps Georgia on my mind

Overall Meaning

The song "Georgia on My Mind" is a poignant tribute to the state of Georgia, written by Hoagy Carmichael and Stuart Gorrell in 1930. The song became a hit in 1960 when Ray Charles recorded it, but before that, it was transformed into a jazz classic by the incomparable Ella Fitzgerald and the arranger Nelson Riddle in 1963.


The lyrics describe a deep longing for the state of Georgia, which is conveyed through a conversation with the self. The singer speaks to Georgia as if it is a person, saying that the whole day through, an old sweet song keeps Georgia on their mind. They describe the state as sweet and clear, evoking the image of moonlight through the pines. However, despite this deep connection and longing for Georgia, the singer cannot find peace. They describe how other arms reach out to them and other eyes smile tenderly, but in peaceful dreams, they see the road leading back to Georgia. Thus, the song is both a tribute to Georgia and a bittersweet expression of longing and unfulfilled desire.


Line by Line Meaning

Georgia, Georgia
The state of Georgia, which brings a flood of emotions and memories to mind


The whole day through
Every moment of the day, without fail


Just an old sweet song
A classic melody that reminds the listener of the beauty of Georgia


Keeps Georgia on my mind
Ensures that Georgia remains at the forefront of the listener's thoughts


I'm say Georgia, Georgia
Once again, I am reminded of Georgia through this song


A song of you
This song is about Georgia and all it means to me


Comes as sweet and clear
This song is a beautiful and vivid representation of Georgia


As moonlight through the pines
Like the bright and serene moonlight shining through the trees in Georgia


Other arms reach out to me
Despite being surrounded by others, I still think of Georgia


Other eyes smile tenderly
I see kindness and warmth in the eyes of another, but still long for Georgia


Still in peaceful dreams I see
Even in quiet moments, Georgia remains a constant presence in my mind


The road leads back to you
No matter where I go, my journey always brings me back to Georgia


Oh Georgia, no peace I find
I am unable to find peace while away from Georgia


Georgia, Georgia
Once again, Georgia comes to mind


Just this old, sweet song
This classic tune is the only way I can express my love for Georgia


Keeps Georgia on my mind
This song ensures that Georgia will never be far from my thoughts


I said just an old sweet song
This song may be old, but it still holds deep meaning for me




Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing
Written by: HOAGY CARMICHAEL, STUART GORELL

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

Steve Young

I've loved Ellas music since I was 13. Now I'm 68 and the love is still there. Only cd or vinyl I don't have is the 16 (?) set with all of the song books on them. Good birthday for me next march?!!

rouryglen

LOVE THIS VERSION BY ELLA

Peter Durkin

Ella with Nelson riddle heaven

Peter Durkin

Nelson riddle and Ella. heaven

john huffinley

the whole album is knockout

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