![]() To some, "Georgia" represents a person (Carmichael's sister's name was, in fact, Georgia, although he denies that the song was about her), while to others, especially the entire population of the southeastern United States, the subject of the song may be interpreted to refer to the Peach State. ![]() ![]() The song's vague lyrics mean different things to different people. The secret of this text is in the feeling it evokes in the listener. Lyrics The timeless lyric of this song demonstrates how eloquence and/or cleverness are not always necessary to create a musical work of art. ![]() It rises to a melodic high point on "see" before releasing built-up tension in a descending phrase to end the section. At the bridge in this AABA form, the melody takes on a more haunting quality built upon the relative minor, using vi as the new temporary tonic. The melodic outline of the third phrase ("just an old sweet song") delineates the tonic (major-major 7th) chord quality in a straightforward manner. Phrases are organized in two-measure units. Two-note motives (ascending, then descending) followed by long rests distinctly set apart the name "Georgia," literally painting the premise that this name alone encompasses the whole of the singer's thoughts. Melody Melodically, "Georgia On My Mind" drips simplicity. It was originally recorded in its birth year by Carmichael (vocals), Bix Beiderbecke (cornet) and Eddie Lang (guitar), and even reached hit status, but the song will forever be associated with Ray Charles, for whom it became a major international hit again in 1960. "Georgia On My Mind," penned in 1930, became the official state song of Georgia in 1979. The enduring quality of his songs hinges on stunningly beautiful melodies and the ability to equal an exquisite text in his musical contribution. Carmichael starred in a couple of films as a pianist-actor, making his permanent mark in that medium as well as in recorded music and in the writing of American standards. The birds, the scenery, the walks and the history make it a fascination destination for the whole family.Great American Songbook composer, Hoagy Carmichael, (1899-1981) penned many more standards besides the timeless "Stardust" and "Georgia On My Mind." He also is credited with writing "The Nearness of You," "Heart and Soul," "Skylark," and "I Get Along Without You Very Well," to mention a few more classics. There are dozens of state parks where you can fish, climb, camp, swim, and breathe that glorious fresh air. But if you enjoy the great outdoors, then Georgia is the place to be. The towns and cities have much to offer, including a wide range of hotels. The flora is fabulous with azaleas and dogwoods, magnificent when in full bloom. Spring and fall are ideal and even the winters are usually quite mild. The souvenirs have to be seen to be believed.įour major interstate highways lead you into Georgia, where a visit is fine almost any time of the year. In the museum, you wander the streets of music discovering instruments, musical styles, composers and performers. The Georgia Music Hall of Fame is a magical celebration of the music of many great musicians, including Ray Charles, Otis Redding, James Brown, Little Richard, Johnny Mercer and more. Music is a major part of the life of the city. You'll have plenty on your mind when you visit Georgia. Not bad for a lyric about a friend's sister. In 2003 Rolling Stone magazine declared "Georgia On My Mind" to be one of the top 50 greatest songs of all time. Why? Perhaps because it has a wonderful melody, a laid back feel, and it stirs feelings of home and patriotism. Here are just a few of the greats who have recorded this song: Fats Waller, Ella Fitzgerald, Willie Nelson, Louis Armstrong, Nat Gonella, Glenn Miller, Jo Stafford, Jerry Lee Lewis, Tom Jones, Coldplay, Oscar Peterson, Gladys Knight, Dean Martin and many, many more. But regardless of its origins, "Georgia on my Mind" has been hugely popular with artists. If you study the lyrics, you will see they could relate to a woman or to a state. In fact, the lyricist wrote the words for the composer's sister, Georgia Carmichael. Photo: Roman Eugeniusz, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia CommonsBut that was never its original intention. ![]()
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