He and his brother, Melvin Parker, joined James Brown in 1964; in his book Brown says that he originally wanted Melvin as his drummer but agreed to take Maceo under his wing as part of the deal. Maceo, Melvin and a few of Brown's band members left to found Maceo & All the Kings Men which toured for two years. In 1973 Maceo returned to James Brown's band. In 1975 Maceo and some of Brown's band members, including Fred Wesley, left to join George Clinton's Parliament.
Maceo once again joined James Brown from 1984 to 1988. In the 1990s he finally embraced a successful solo career. He has released seven solo records and plays 250 tour dates per year. It's also worth noting that his average play time on stage is more than two and a half hours.
In the late 1990s, Maceo began contributing semi-regularly to recordings by Prince and accompanying his band (The New Power Generation) on tour.
His current tour band includes bassist Rodney Skeet Curtis and several other talented musicians. They have been billed as "The greatest little funk orchestra on earth".
His latest album "Roots & Grooves" with the WDR Big Band is a tribute to Ray Charles whom Parker cites as one of his most important influences.
His gear consists of a Selmer Mark VI (alto) Saxophone together with a Selmer Brilhart 'Ebolin' #5 mouthpiece to create the funky sound he's famous for.
Georgia on My Mind
Maceo Parker Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Just an old sweet song
Keeps Georgia on my mind
Talkin' 'bout Georgia
I'm in 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
Georgia, sweet 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
It always leads back to you
Maceo Parker's rendition of Georgia on My Mind is a soulful and nostalgic tribute to the state of Georgia. The lyrics express the deep and abiding love the singer has for Georgia. The song plays out like a love letter, with Parker speaking directly to Georgia, telling her that he thinks of her all day long and that he feels at home when he's there. The song paints an image in the listener's mind of a peaceful and blissful Georgia, with moonlight shining through the pines.
Despite being away from Georgia and being surrounded by other people in different places, Parker's mind always drifts back to Georgia. He seems to be saying that the love he has for Georgia is so deep that it keeps drawing him back, over and over again. The lyrics also touch on the idea of peace - Parker confesses that he cannot find peace unless he is in Georgia, surrounded by its beauty and serenity. The song is essentially an ode to Georgia, showcasing its beauty and the peace it gives the singer.
Line by Line Meaning
Georgia, Georgia, the whole day through
I think about my home state of Georgia all day, every day.
Just an old sweet song
The memories and emotions associated with Georgia are like a comforting old melody.
Keeps Georgia on my mind
It's hard for me to stop thinking about Georgia.
Talkin' 'bout Georgia
Let's chat about my beloved Georgia.
I'm in Georgia
I am currently in my home state of Georgia.
A song of you
When I hear a song that reminds me of Georgia, I think of you.
Comes as sweet and clear as moonlight through the pines
The emotions and memories that the song evokes are as pure and vivid as moonlight shining through the trees.
Other arms reach out to me
Although I may be tempted by other places and experiences, there is something special about Georgia that draws me back.
Other eyes smile tenderly
People in other places may be kind to me, but there is a warmth and familiarity that I only find in Georgia.
Still in peaceful dreams I see
Even when I am asleep, I dream about Georgia and its soothing presence in my life.
The road leads back to you
No matter where I go, my travels ultimately lead me back to Georgia.
Georgia, sweet Georgia, no peace I find
The longing for Georgia is so strong that I feel restless and incomplete when I am away.
It always leads back to you
No matter how much I may try to avoid it, my path always leads me back to Georgia.
Contributed by Scarlett B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@paimun67
Hace unos 30 años escuché por primera vez esta versiòn de Georgia por M.Parker, a partir de ahí intenté tocar obsesionado con mi B3 una y otra vez lo más parecido a ese brutal feeling con que está ejecutado el Hammond. Siempre que lo escucho mi piel se eriza no puedo evitar quedarme en silencio cerrar los ojos y disfrutar esta súblime versión de Georgia on my mind. Fuente de mi inspiración.
@Obstsalatissimo
dammit, more views for this mellow piece of groove!!
@aaronhernandez8802
Rocket Jones On Guitars.<3
@BlackBlofeld
Rodney Jones.
@aaronhernandez8802
BlackBlofeld damnnnn man. Such a pretty Life it's earing this.
@BlackBlofeld
Hah?