Georgia on My Mind
J.J. Johnson / Kai Winding / Bill Evans / Paul Chambers Lyrics

The lyrics to J.J. Johnson's It Never Entered My Mind tells the story of a past relationship that the singer never truly appreciated until it was gone. The opening lines remark on how the singer once found it amusing when their partner would caution them about potentially ending up alone. This optimistic viewpoint is then contrasted with the singer's current state of being, in which they find themselves alone and uncomfortable in their own company. The line "uneasy in my easy chair" suggests that the singer's newfound solitude has left them feeling uneasy and restless, despite the ease and comfort of their physical surroundings.

The second verse of the song continues to reflect on the past, with the singer recalling how their partner once ordered orange juice for just themselves, instead of expecting the singer to share. This simple act of independence, which would normally be seen as a sign of trouble in a relationship, is presented to the singer as a happy memory of a time when their partner had their own energy and autonomy. The sadness in the singer's current situation is emphasized with the line "now I even have to scratch my back myself", which suggests a sense of abandonment and loneliness.

The final verse is a warning, given by the singer's partner when they were together, that if the singer was ever left alone they would regret their actions in driving their partner away. While the singer dismisses this sentiment at the time, they are left to contemplate it when they are alone and longing for the companionship they once took for granted. The repetition of the phrase "it never entered my mind" throughout the song serves to highlight the singer's regret and longing for the past that they were blind to when they had it.