Ray Charles "Georgia On My Mind" - Lyrics, Sheet Music, and Renditions

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Georgia On My Mind - A Beautiful Song With a Rich History

Music lovers around the world know Ray Charles, and one of his most famous songs is "Georgia On My Mind", written by Stuart Gorrell and Hoagy Carmichael. Although the song was actually written for a woman named Georgia, Ray Charles' rendition of the song went on to become the Georgia State Song in 1979. Ray Charles' recording of this song also marked an evolution in his music career, confirming his mark on the industry as a multi-genre artist of genius proportions.

However, "Georgia On My Mind" has been recorded by many other artists running the gamut from country singer Wllie Nelson to R&B group Brownstone. The lyrics are ambiguous enough to refer to either a person or a place named Georgia, which gives the song different meaning to different people. The song also has a timeless melody, giving it life generation after generation. Although it was written in the 1930s, this tune continues to be jewel of American music.

Georgia On My Mind Lyrics 

Georgia, Georgia,
The whole day through
Just an old sweet song
Keeps Georgia on my mind

I'm say Georgia
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

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 - History 

"Georgia on My Mind" is a song written in 1930 by Hoagy Carmichael (music) and Stuart Gorrell (lyrics). It is the official state song of the U.S. state of Georgia. Gorrell wrote the lyrics for Hoagy's sister, Georgia Carmichael http://webapp1.dlib.indiana.edu/metsnav/hoagy/navigate.do?pn=1&size=large&oid=http%3A%2F%2Ffedora.dlib.indiana.edu%3A9090%2Ffedora%2Fget%2Fiudl%3A26519%2FMETADATA. However, the lyrics of the song are ambiguous enough to refer either to the state or to a woman named "Georgia". Carmichael's 1965 autobiography, Sometimes I Wonder, records the origin: a friend, saxophonist and bandleader Frankie Trumbauer, suggested: "Why don't you write a song called 'Georgia?' Nobody lost much writing about the South." Thus, the song is universally believed to have been written about the state.

The song was first recorded on September 15, 1930 in New York by Hoagy Carmichael and His Orchestra with Bix Beiderbecke on muted cornet and Hoagy Carmichael on vocals. The recording was part of Bix Beiderbecke's last recording session. The recording was released as Victor 23013 with "One Night in Havana".

Frankie Trumbauer had the first major hit recording in 1931 when his recording made the top ten on the charts. Trumbauer had suggested that Carmichael compose the song.

The song is perhaps best known as sung by Ray Charles, who recorded it in 1960 on the album The Genius Hits the Road. It became Georgia's state song in 1979. Inspired by this blues version, Willie Nelson formally introduced the song to country audiences in 1978 as a #1 Country/Western hit.

Download the Sheet Music for Georgia On My Mind (Piano) 

Click on the image below to download the sheet music for "Georgia On My Mind".




georgia

Georgia On My Mind - The Ray! Movie Soundtrack Version 

Although various renditions of "Georgia On My Mind" have been recorded, even multiple recordings by Ray Charles himself, my absolute favorite is the version featured in Ray! on the movie soundtrack.

The sound is so rich, full, and true to the era in which it was first recorded that it makes me close my eyes and envision Georgia in the 1960s (as much as you can when you're 29 years old). My father, who was roughly the same age as Ray Charles, sings and plays piano in a very similar style, so I really feel like this song is a part of who I am.

The song has been named #44 on Billboard's Greatest Songs of All Time, and rightfully so, I believe. The lyrics, composition, and performance of this version come together to create a musical experience unlike any other.

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Download "Georgia On My Mind" by Ray Charles - MP3 

Check out my favorite songs! I've handpicked these MP3s from Amazon. Take a listen. If you like, you can click to buy them on Amazon.

Buy the Ray! Movie Soundtrack for the Best Price 

Ray!: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack

Amazon Price: $14.99 (as of 11/10/2009)Buy Now

This collection of songs is so beautiful and colorful that they make a great addition to any sound library. Although I love this song by Ray Charles in all it's versions, I enjoy the Ray! Soundtrack version the most.

Other Renditons of Georgia On My Mind 


Yolanda Adams - Georgia On My Mind

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Willie Nelson - Ray Charles - Georgia on my mind

Runtime: 5:10
315472 views
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Georgia on My Mind - Django Reinhardt

Runtime: 3:16
139509 views
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Spencer Davis Group - Georgia on My Mind

Runtime: 5:07
63808 views
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Martin Taylor - Georgia on my mind

Runtime: 4:52
120980 views
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Gerald ALbright - Georgia on My Mind

Runtime: 10:05
126016 views
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Georgia on my mind (live) - The Swingfellas

Runtime: 3:39
8064 views
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MICHAEL BOLTON feat RAY CHARLES - GEORGIA IN MY MIND

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curated content from YouTube

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Reader Feedback: What Are Your Memories Of This Song? 

icjackson wrote...

Thank you, Ken :-)

My father is 78 years old, and when I was growing up, he used to play What'd I Say and America the Beautiful on our piano and sing like Ray Charles. We used to watch Ray on television when we were children, especially those Pepsi commercials :-P

It sparked a life-long love for his music, and I am more than happy to share that with you and the rest of the world.

And happy early birthday, too ;-)

ReplyPosted February 18, 2009

Lensmaster

Ken R Taylor wrote

Thank you for the nice presentation on Ray Charles. I am a soon to be ( Sat 21st Feb ) a 71 year old who has been asked to sing some songs from the 1930's for our annual "Art Deco" weekend celebrations here in Napier, New Zealand. I just love the music from this period and on up to 1950, especially songs written by Hoagy Carmichael.
Keep up your high standard, it is a real pleasure for those of my generation to see this.
I have passed it on to all my muso friends.

Reply Posted February 18, 2009

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by icjackson

I.C. Jackson is a minister, business writer, home business owner, green enthusiast, professional online networker, and entrepreneur.



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