Georgia on My Mind
Ray Charles / The Count Basie Orchestra Lyrics
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The whole day through
Just an old sweet song
Keeps Georgia on my mind
I said Georgia
Georgia
A song of you
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,
Ooh 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
"Georgia On My Mind" is a song that explores the nostalgia and longing for a place of belonging. The opening line of the song repeats the word "Georgia" twice, as if to emphasize the deep connection the singer has to the place. The whole day through, the song occupies the singer's mind, keeping them tethered to a past they can't seem to shake off. The phrase "just an old sweet song" is paradoxical, as the song is both old and sweet, and also serves as a comforting presence that keeps the singer's connection to Georgia alive.
The lyrics delve into the idea of missed opportunities and choices the singer has made which have led them away from Georgia. Other arms reach out and other eyes smile tenderly, but the singer is still haunted by the memories of Georgia. Even in peaceful dreams, the road leads back to Georgia. This song is a powerful representation of the feeling of homesickness, even when one is physically away from their home or place of origin.
Line by Line Meaning
Georgia, Georgia,
Ray Charles is singing about the state of Georgia and its hold on his thoughts and emotions.
The whole day through
Georgia is on Ray Charles' mind all day long.
Just an old sweet song
There is a song that reminds Ray Charles of Georgia and it brings him comfort.
Keeps Georgia on my mind
The song serves as a constant reminder of Georgia and its significance to Ray Charles.
I said Georgia
Ray Charles is emphasizing the importance of the state of Georgia in his life.
Georgia
Ray Charles is directly addressing Georgia as if it were a person.
A song of you
The song he associates with Georgia is a tribute to the state's beauty and cultural significance.
Comes as sweet and clear
The song is powerful and moving in its simplicity and clarity.
As moonlight through the pines
The song is as hauntingly beautiful as moonlight filtering through a stand of pine trees.
Other arms reach out to me
Despite being physically far from Georgia, Ray Charles is still lured by the affectionate touch of others.
Other eyes smile tenderly
People are still kind and gentle with Ray Charles, even though he is not in Georgia.
Still in peaceful dreams I see
Even in his dreams, Ray Charles is still connected to Georgia.
The road leads back to you
No matter where Ray Charles goes, he always feels like he eventually ends up back in Georgia.
Ooh Georgia, no peace I find
Ray Charles feels somewhat tormented by his longing for Georgia, yet he cannot escape it.
Just an old sweet song
Once again, the song that reminds Ray Charles of Georgia is described as sweet and comforting.
Keeps Georgia on my mind
The song is a central element that keeps Georgia in Ray Charles' thoughts and heart.
Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing, CAMPBELL CONNELLY FRANCE
Written by: HOAGY CARMICHAEL, STUART GORELL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@murph3001
Have heard Ray sing this many many times. The fun is he never sings it quite the same. __ in my opinion this piece is the greatest American song ever. RIP my hero.
@richardcondon3797
Ray on the Ivory with the voice only God would give.
@richardcondon3797
Honey wrote a song about his home and his final resting place. This is a hymn.
@richardcondon3797
that is Hoagey....
@terencedawson3142
🖤🖤🖤
Perfect song for unwinding on a rainy Friday night after a hectic work week.
Sip something smooth and relax.
@whatsthescore1289
Perfection! Never heard this version by Ray.
@richardcondon3797
These are some of Charle's recordings with a master backing him up. Ray sang pithing the new compositions.
@richardcondon3797
Some of Ray's best takes backed by another master.
@GusKohler
You’re the man
@Tremaine26
Best one