They originally got together just for fun, but in the process stayed together far longer than any of their previous groups had ever managed to do.[citation needed]
Their first album, The Official Blues Band Bootleg Album, a mixture of blues standards and original songs – notably the Jones-McGuinness composition "Come On In", and their long-standing stage favourite "Flatfoot Sam" - initially attracted no interest from major record companies, so they pressed a limited run of 3,000 themselves, hand-stamped their logo on the cardboard sleeve, and signed them all. After unqualified endorsement from BBC Radio 1 presenter Simon Bates and others, media interest resulted in a recording contract with Arista Records, who gave the album an official release.
In 1982 Flint left, and was replaced by former Family drummer Rob Townsend. They briefly disbanded later that year after recording a live album, Bye Bye Blues, released in 1983, but reformed soon afterwards. They have remained a constant factor on the music scene ever since, unfazed by lack of chart success (after the first few years, as demonstrated below), happy to combine a regular schedule of touring and recording around their other commitments. More recent albums include Back For More, Homage, Brassed Up, Wire Less, Fat City, and Thank You Brother Ray, the last being a set of cover versions of Ray Charles songs, recorded as a tribute.
Jones, McGuinness and Townsend are also members of The Manfreds, a virtual reincarnation of Manfred Mann, though because of the non-participation of the eponymous keyboard player of the 1960s outfit, legal reasons and courtesies require them to assume the name 'Manfreds'. Jones and Kelly sometimes play gigs as a duo, and Kelly performs with The Dave Kelly Band (generally The Blues Band without Jones).
As the band themselves often joke, "The music industry doesn’t bother us and we don’t bother them."
Georgia On My Mind
The Blues Band Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Think I got somethin' on my mind
I think I got somethin' on my mind, girl
I think I got something on my mind
Ohhh, can ya hear me
Ohhh, can ya hear me
Gonna love you honey, never gonna leave you
Gonna love you honey, never gonna leave you
Gonna love you honey, never gonna leave you
Mmmm
Oh ya
Mmmm
Ya ya
Mmm
Ya ya
Ohh ohh
Ya Ya
I think I got somethin' on my mind, girl
I think I got somethin' on my mind
I think I got somethin' on my mind, girl
I think I got somethin' on my mind
Oooo
Oooo
Can ya hear me
Mmmm
Mmm
Mmm
Mmm
Ya ya
Mmm, mmm
Ya ya
The lyrics to The Blues Band's song "Georgia on My Mind" capture the feeling of heartbreak and the search for answers after losing a love. The singer sings about how losing his baby almost drove him insane, causing his head to spin with confusion and sadness. He turns to a gypsy to have his fortune read, hoping for some sort of explanation or guidance. The gypsy's news is not what he wanted to hear; she tells him that his baby has left him for good.
The song highlights the universal emotional experience of heartbreak and the search for closure that often follows. The lyrics capture the desperation and helplessness that can come with losing a loved one, as well as the desire for answers and closure.
Line by Line Meaning
When I lost my baby (baby)
The singer is talking about how he lost his lover and is deeply affected by it.
I almost lost my mind
The loss of his lover has shaken him to the core, and he is struggling to deal with the situation.
My head is in a spin since she's left me behind
The loss has left him disoriented and confused, and he is finding it difficult to move on.
I went to see the gypsy
The artist is seeking help and guidance to deal with his loss.
And had my fortune read
He is hoping that the gypsy can provide him with some insight into his future and help him deal with his present situation.
I hung my head in sorrow when she said what she said
He is overwhelmed with emotion and sadness when he hears what the gypsy has to say about his future.
Well, I can tell you, people (people)
He is talking to those who are listening to him and wants to share his story with them.
The news was not so good
The gypsy's predictions about his future were not positive, adding to his distress.
She said "Your baby's left you"
The gypsy tells him that his lover has left him for good.
"This time she's gone for good" (gone for good)
The loss of his lover is final, and she is not returning. The artist is devastated, and it is reflected in the repetition of the phrase, emphasizing its finality.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: JOEL POLUCK
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind