I'M A MAN
The B. Goodes 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 was originally composed by Hoagy Carmichael and Stuart Gorrell in 1930, and it is one of the most famous and iconic songs ever written about the state of Georgia. However, the B. Goodes made a bluesy, soulful cover of it in 1968 with their hit, 'I'm a Man' which invokes a strong sense of nostalgia for the state. The lyrics in the first stanza reflect the singer's inner feelings and longing for Georgia, and how a sweet song brings back memories of the state for him. He sings, "Just an old sweet song keeps Georgia on my mind," which shows how much the state constantly stays with him.
The chorus repeats the same lines, "Georgia, Georgia, the whole day through" and pays homage to the beauty of the state by invoking moonlight through pines as an image that is 'sweet and clear'. The bridge adds a layer of complexity to the song by introducing the idea of other arms reaching out to him and other eyes that smile tenderly. However, the song's protagonist is resolute in his love for the state, saying "the road leads back to you."
The song's final stanza is very emotional as the singer admits that he can’t find any peace and solace. He's far away from Georgia and unable to return. The “old sweet song” brings him some measure of comfort, but keeps calling him back to Georgia. Overall, the song speaks to the universal human experience of missing home and how a familiar song can evoke strong memories and emotions that transcend time and distance.
Line by Line Meaning
Georgia, Georgia
The singer is addressing the state of Georgia twice for emphasis.
The whole day through (the whole day through)
The singer is emphasizing that Georgia is on his mind all day long.
Just an old sweet song
The singer describes his constant thoughts about Georgia as a sweet song, suggesting fond memories associated with the place.
Keeps Georgia on my mind (Georgia on my mind)
The singer can't stop thinking about and potentially missing Georgia.
I'm say Georgia, Georgia
The singer repeats his address to the state, perhaps as a way of reaffirming his thoughts and feelings about it.
A song of you (a song of you)
The singer describes Georgia as being so significant to him that it even has its own song that is special and personal to him.
Comes as sweet and clear
The singer describes the song of Georgia as very clear and sweet, potentially suggesting that the memories associated with the place are very vivid and potent.
As moonlight through the pines
The singer uses this poetic phrase to reinforce the idea that Georgia is a place of great beauty and natural wonder.
Other arms reach out to me
Despite being surrounded by other people, the singer still feels a sense of longing for Georgia.
Other eyes smile tenderly
Despite being shown love and kindness by others, the singer's thoughts and feelings are still focused on Georgia.
Still in peaceful dreams I see
The singer has even dreamed about Georgia and the memories associated with it, showing how deeply it is ingrained in his mind.
The road leads back to you
There may be other paths in life the singer could take, but ultimately he feels that his journey will always lead him back to Georgia.
No peace I find (peace I find)
Despite the singer's love for Georgia and the memories associated with it, he may still feel a sense of unrest or unhappiness without it in the present moment.
Woah, Georgia, Georgia
The singer repeats his address to the state once again, potentially as an emotional release or way of expressing his affection for it.
Just an old, sweet song
The singer once again describes his constant thoughts about Georgia as a sweet song, reinforcing the idea that these memories bring him comfort and joy.
Keeps Georgia on my mind (Georgia on my mind)
The singer ends the song by repeating the refrain once again, showing that no matter what he does or where he goes, Georgia will always stay with him in his thoughts and memories.
Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing, CAMPBELL CONNELLY FRANCE
Written by: HOAGY CARMICHAEL, STUART GORELL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind