Geoff Muldaur was a founding member of the Jim Kweskin Jug Band which Maria later joined. After the Kweskin Jug Band broke up, the Muldaurs produced two albums together.
Their first album, Pottery Pie, was released on Warner Brothers Records in 1969. It was on this album that the Muldaurs recorded "Brazil" (original title "Aquarela do Brasil") which became the title inspiration and the opening theme for Terry Gilliam's 1985 film Brazil. After recording Pottery Pie, the Muldaurs moved to the burgeoning folk, blues and folk-rock in Woodstock, New York. They separated in 1972, shortly after Geoff joined Paul Butterfield's Better Days group.
Both Muldaurs went on to record solo albums.
Georgia On My Mind
Geoff & Maria Muldaur Lyrics
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The whole day through (the whole day through)
Just an old sweet song
Keeps Georgia on my mind (Georgia on my mind)
I′m say Georgia, Georgia
A song of you (a song of you)
Comes as sweet and clear
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 (peace I find)
Just an old sweet song
Keeps Georgia on my mind (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
Woah, Georgia, Georgia
No peace, no peace I find
Just an old, sweet song
Keeps Georgia on my mind (Georgia on my mind)
I said just an old sweet song
Keeps Georgia on my mind
The song "Georgia on My Mind" by Hoagy Carmichael and Stuart Gorrell is a love letter to the state of Georgia. The lyrics express a longing for Georgia that can't be fulfilled by any other place. The lyrics speak of the beauty of the state, of the moonlight through the pines, the tenderness of its people, and the peaceful dreams it inspires.
The lyrics also touch on the idea of the singer being torn between two worlds, with other arms reaching out to him and other eyes smiling tenderly, yet in peaceful dreams, he sees the road leading back to Georgia. This suggests a sense of dislocation and a yearning for the familiar, for a place that represents home.
The song has been covered by many artists, but the soulful version by Ray Charles has become the most well-known. It was declared Georgia's official state song in 1979, and it has been recognized as one of the greatest songs of the 20th century. The song's popularity is a testament to the writers' ability to capture the essence of the state and evoke a strong emotional response from listeners.
Line by Line Meaning
Georgia, Georgia
The state of Georgia, which is special in many ways.
The whole day through (the whole day through)
All day long, every day.
Just an old sweet song
A melody that is familiar and comforting.
Keeps Georgia on my mind (Georgia on my mind)
Reminds me of Georgia and the memories associated with it.
I′m say Georgia, Georgia
I am talking about Georgia.
A song of you (a song of you)
A song that is about the essence of Georgia.
Comes as sweet and clear
It is a beautiful and pristine tune.
As moonlight through the pines
As clear and serene as moonlight filtering through trees.
Other arms reach out to me
Despite being reminded of Georgia, I am tempted by other things.
Other eyes smile tenderly
Other people try to charm me, but I do not forget Georgia.
Still in peaceful dreams I see
Even when sleeping, Georgia is present in my subconscious.
The road leads back to you
Ultimately, all roads lead back to Georgia.
I said Georgia, oh Georgia
Once again, I am talking about Georgia.
No peace I find (peace I find)
Despite seeking peace, I cannot find it away from Georgia.
Just an old sweet song
Once again, the tune serves as a reminder of Georgia.
Keeps Georgia on my mind (Georgia on my mind)
The melody continuously plays in my head, reminding me of Georgia.
Woah, Georgia, Georgia
An exclamation of longing for Georgia.
No peace, no peace I find
Despite my efforts, I am unable to find peace away from Georgia.
Just an old, sweet song
The melody continues to remind me of Georgia.
Keeps Georgia on my mind
The song serves as a constant reminder of Georgia's significance in my life.
Writer(s): Hoagy Carmichael, Stuart Gorrell
Contributed by Caden I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.