Georgia has a rich and varied musical history, and it’s no surprise that the Peach State has inspired some truly great songs over the years. From soulful R&B to twangy country and everything in between, Georgia has provided the backdrop for some of the most memorable tunes in American music. In this blog post, we’ll be taking a look at some of the best songs about Georgia.
From iconic hits that have become synonymous with the state to lesser-known tracks that still deserve a place on any playlist, these songs showcase the diverse range of musical styles and influences that Georgia has to offer. So whether you’re a lifelong resident of the state or just a fan of great music, this list of songs about Georgia is sure to have something for you.
Contents
- 1. Gladys Knight & The Pips - Midnight Train to Georgia (1973)
- 2. The Charlie Daniels Band - The Devil Went Down to Georgia (1973)
- 3. Vance Joy - Georgia (2014)
- 4. Reba McEntire - The Night The Lights Went Out In Georgia (1991)
- 5. Riley Green - Georgia Time (2018)
- 6. John Mayer - Why Georgia (2001)
- 7. Jim Croce - Walkin' Back to Georgia (1972)
- 8. Jonah Kagen - georgia (2022)
- 9. Oscar Peterson Trio - Georgia On My Mind (1963)
- 10. Ray Charles - Georgia on My Mind (2021)
- 11. Kane Brown - Bury Me in Georgia (2022)
- 12. Brook Benton - Rainy Night in Georgia (1970)
- 13. The Mountain Goats - Going to Georgia (2005)
- 14. Carter Faith - The Devil's Still Down in Georgia (2022)
- 15. Mir Fontane - Georgia Peaches (2020)
- 16. Ashland Craft - Make It Past Georgia (2021)
- 17. CRUCIFIX - Georgia Rain (2019)
- 18. Shenandoah - The Moon Over Georgia (1990)
- 19. Billy Joe Shaver - I Been to Georgia on a Fast Train (1982)
- 20. Lukas Nelson and Promise of the Real, Lucius - Forget About Georgia (2017)
1. Gladys Knight & The Pips - Midnight Train to Georgia (1973)
Track name: Midnight Train to Georgia
Album: Imagination (Expanded Edition)
Release year: 1973
Midnight Train to Georgia is a feel-good song from 1973, sung by Gladys Knight & The Pips. It has a powerful, soulful sound, featuring the vocal talents of each of The Pips. The lyrics tell the story of a man who takes a midnight train in search of a better life. His partner is left behind but she continues to wait, believing that she will be reunited with him someday. The chorus reflects on the soul of the song, encapsulating the pain of leaving and the hope of a brighter future. It's an emotive and timeless classic that gives us a sense of hope in a time of uncertainty.
2. The Charlie Daniels Band - The Devil Went Down to Georgia (1973)
Track name: The Devil Went Down to Georgia
Album: A Decade Of Hits
Release year: 1973
The Devil Went Down to Georgia by The Charlie Daniels Band is an iconic song from 1973. It is a fast-paced, bluesy Southern rock tune featuring clever instrumentals and a catchy chorus. The song tells the story of a vengeance-seeking devil who is outwitted when challenged to a fiddle duel with a local boy. The energetic riffs are exciting and full of soul and there is an underlying feeling of suspense as the outcome of the contest is set up. It is a powerful choice for anyone looking for an upbeat song with a story to tell - a test of skill and determination with a definite winner.
3. Vance Joy - Georgia (2014)
Track name: Georgia
Album: Dream Your Life Away (Special Edition)
Release year: 2014
Georgia by Vance Joy is a beautiful and emotionally powerful song from 2014. The song starts with gentle guitar strums and Vance Joy's soothing yet powerful vocals. The lyrics tell a story of reminiscing on a lost love and the emotions of heartache and longing that come with it. The song is filled with bittersweet nostalgia, creating an intimate and heartfelt atmosphere. The lyrics are especially captivating as they give the listener an insight into the tumultuous journey of trying to move on and make sense of things. The music builds to a powerful and anthemic chorus, making the listener feel empowered and determined. Georgia is a beautiful song that captures the raw emotion of heartbreak and longing, making it an all-time favorite.
4. Reba McEntire - The Night The Lights Went Out In Georgia (1991)
Track name: The Night The Lights Went Out In Georgia
Album: For My Broken Heart
Release year: 1991
The Night The Lights Went Out In Georgia by Reba McEntire from 1991 is a slow, gently rolling country hit. Its acoustic guitars and fading harmonica perfectly capture the soulful lyrics and sentiment of the song. It tells the story of wrongful accusation with a mix of sadness and resignation. The narrator finds strength in her faith and searches for justice in the darkness. Her sorrow adds poignancy to the melody and her aim to never lose faith in the truth. The song's emotive message, elegant instrumentation and Reba's passionate delivery make it an enduring classic.
5. Riley Green - Georgia Time (2018)
Track name: Georgia Time
Album: Georgia Time
Release year: 2018
Georgia Time by Riley Green from 2018 is a song with a folk-rock sound. It starts out with a captivating guitar riff that is joined by an upbeat rhythm. It has an optimistic tone and carries a strong message of hope and resilience. The lyrics talk about taking life into your own hands and making the most of opportunities. The words convey a sense of bravery and resilience and inspire you to keep pushing to reach your goals. It's a great song to listen to if you're feeling down, as it reminds you that life can be tough but if you persist you can get through it.
6. John Mayer - Why Georgia (2001)
Track name: Why Georgia
Album: Room For Squares
Release year: 2001
John Mayer's song titled Why Georgia is a soft rock song released in 2001. It has a calming yet bittersweet feel with peaceful guitar strumming, where Mayer shares an intimate story of his experience with its soulful lyrics. It's a song that captures his feelings of homesickness and nostalgia of the Peach State. The soothing melody leads Mayer to a hopeful conclusion in the chorus, conveying a message of reassurance that his home state's beauty will always remain close to his heart no matter how far away he may go. The song speaks of the strong impact of places and the power of the emotions that can be attached to them.
7. Jim Croce - Walkin' Back to Georgia (1972)
Track name: Walkin' Back to Georgia
Album: You Don't Mess Around With Jim
Release year: 1972
Walkin' Back to Georgia by Jim Croce is a beautiful and uplifting song from 1972. Its cheerful folk sound and Croce's warm, comforting vocals carry a meaning of hope and nostalgia. The song still has a happy and optimistic energy, and its thought-provoking lyrics talk of facing difficult realities, yet moving on and searching for something that will make life better for the singer. There's a subtle but powerful message in the song - that no matter where life takes you, you can always go back to where it all began.
8. Jonah Kagen - georgia (2022)
Track name: georgia
Album: georgia got colder
Release year: 2022
Jonah Kagen's Georgia from 2022 is a delightful combination of acoustic-driven soul, blues and folk. Its message is one of hope, reflection and positivity while delivering a vibrant, uplifting soundscape. Its steady beat, drive, and passionate lyrics make it a truly special song. Its chorus of ‘Hold on to me, Georgia' sweeps you away with its heartfelt emotion as it speaks to strength and resilience as a central theme. The delightful instrumental melodies punctuate its overall message as it carries forth with a powerful and confident energy. Together these bring forth a vivid and beautiful story of renewal, hope, and love.
9. Oscar Peterson Trio - Georgia On My Mind (1963)
Track name: Georgia On My Mind
Album: Night Train (Expanded Edition)
Release year: 1963
Georgia On My Mind is a classic jazz track composed by Hoagy Carmichael. It was recorded in 1963 by Oscar Peterson Trio and reached No.1 on the US charts. The song has a soulful rhythm, the keys and the bass forming a swing beat together with the drums. The melody expresses the bittersweet feelings of nostalgia and longing with Peterson's skilled notes and masterful use of vibrato. It evokes an image of longing for home, of yearning for what was left behind. This emotional and delightful song brings comfort to anyone who listens as they can feel they are understood in the way they wish to be. Georgia On My Mind indeed captures a state of being, expressing the emotion in a way that makes
10. Ray Charles - Georgia on My Mind (2021)
Track name: Georgia on My Mind
Album: True Genius
Release year: 2021
Ray Charles' classic Georgia on My Mind is as relevant and beloved today as it was in its inception. Its timeless tunes and simple arrangement create a soulful and heartfelt ambience. Its lyrics reflect the enchanting beauty of the state of Georgia, offering a message of hope and love. The song's wonderful instrumentation, combined with Ray Charles' iconic voice, encapsulate a strong emotion that stay with the listener long after it ends. It is a timeless classic that will leave you feeling uplifted and inspired. Long after its original release in 1961, Ray Charles' Georgia on My Mind continues to touch the hearts of listeners all over the world.
11. Kane Brown - Bury Me in Georgia (2022)
Track name: Bury Me in Georgia
Album: Different Man
Release year: 2022
Bury Me in Georgia is an emotional song from Kane Brown's 2022 album. It is a slow ballad with captivating guitar and strings that play in the background. Brown sings partly with his natural voice and partly in a deep whisper. His subtle yet strong words tell a story of heartache and regret, but ultimately a hope of the hereafter. He longs to be buried in Georgia - away from the hustle and bustle of life - and stay forever in the peace and beauty of the place he loves. The sad but beautiful melody and poetic lyrics certainly make this song an everlasting classic.
12. Brook Benton - Rainy Night in Georgia (1970)
Track name: Rainy Night in Georgia
Album: Brook Benton Today
Release year: 1970
Rainy Night in Georgia by Brook Benton is an unforgettable classic. Its slow, bluesy melody and soulful lyrics evoke the feeling of a dark and lonely night in the country. The sorrowful words of the song convey the longing of a man's heart while the mournful strings in the background paint a picture of his longing and loneliness. The song expresses the idea that in chase of one's dreams, no matter how hard it is raining, one must remain faithful to their purpose on the journey that lies ahead. There's something timelessly comforting and uplifting about this heartfelt story of resilience and faith in the face of loneliness and despair.
13. The Mountain Goats - Going to Georgia (2005)
Track name: Going to Georgia
Album: Zopilote Machine
Release year: 2005
Going to Georgia is a folk rock song by the Mountain Goats released in 2005. This track paints a picture of a man driven to the edge of the world by heartache. With lyrics of longing and an acoustic guitar driven rhythm, the song has a melancholic and hopeful sentiment. The singer simply reminds of the beauty found in life even when things don't go your way. Although the main character wants to vanish and escape, his message throughout the song is to keep your chin up. This tune is sure to bring a smile to your face and provide the courage to keep going.
14. Carter Faith - The Devil's Still Down in Georgia (2022)
Track name: The Devil's Still Down in Georgia
Album: The Devil's Still Down in Georgia
Release year: 2022
Carter Faith's The Devil's Still Down in Georgia is an energetic and intense rock ballad about the enduring power of fear, guilt, and uncertainty. With an ominous opening riff that builds steadily into a groovy chorus and angsty verses, the song has a powerful and oppressive feel. It's a shadowy, gritty look into how society perpetuates memories of wrongdoings through generational cycles of guilt, fear, and persecution. Carter's raw and haunting vocals drive the song and convey the message of the importance of facing our past and the monsters that haunt us. The Devil's Still Down in Georgia is a unique and breathtaking rock tune that poignantly captures a painful reality of our world today.
15. Mir Fontane - Georgia Peaches (2020)
Track name: Georgia Peaches
Album: Georgia Peaches
Release year: 2020
The song Georgia Peaches by Mir Fontane is an infectious rap track from 2020. It has a mellow beat combined with smooth, intense vocals. The track highlights the personal experiences of Mir Fontane in his hometown of Camden, New Jersey. He focuses on the destitution in the area and the struggles of growing up there. overall, the song paints a vivid picture of life in an economically-deprived neighbourhood. Its easy-going vibe yet powerful message makes Georgia Peaches a song of hope even in times of despair.
16. Ashland Craft - Make It Past Georgia (2021)
Track name: Make It Past Georgia
Album: Travelin' Kind
Release year: 2021
Make It Past Georgia by Ashland Craft is an uplifting and encouraging country song with a strong beat and passionate vocal delivery. This track is about taking risks and pushing yourself out of your comfort zone in order to reach your goals. The infectious chorus has a powerful and inspirational message, singing go on and make it past Georgia as an encouragement to try something new and overcome any obstacle that is in your way. This song is encouraging and invigorating, perfect for those times when you need a little push.
17. CRUCIFIX - Georgia Rain (2019)
Track name: Georgia Rain
Album: Desperado
Release year: 2019
Georgia Rain, a beautiful single from the artist CRUCIFIX, is an easy-listening, laid-back song with impactful lyrics. The gentle melody of the piece is backed by a prominent beat and acoustic guitar. The song's steady rhythm and infectiously catchy chorus transports listeners to a sunny day in the south, with an inviting blend of lyrical delightful, country-infused vibes. Its positive message showcases faith in life's unfairness and encourages resilience no matter the hardships we face. Georgia Rain is an inspiring and uplifting reminder that, in the end, all will be okay.
18. Shenandoah - The Moon Over Georgia (1990)
Track name: The Moon Over Georgia
Album: Extra Mile
Release year: 1990
The Moon Over Georgia by Shenandoah is a heartfelt classic country song from the 90s. It's a medium-tempo ballad, with a dreamy sound of acoustic guitar, strings, and banjo. It speaks of homesickness, telling the story of a man who is away from his home and the sweetheart he left there. The chorus is full of nostalgia, as he is hearing his sweetheart singing the song of his homeland. The feelings of sadness for the times he won't be able to share with her are mixed with pride for the place he proudly calls home.
19. Billy Joe Shaver - I Been to Georgia on a Fast Train (1982)
Track name: I Been to Georgia on a Fast Train
Album: Billy Joe Shaver
Release year: 1982
The song I Been to Georgia on a Fast Train by Billy Joe Shaver is a classic country song from 1982. Its fast tempo and bright guitar creates an upbeat, feel-good atmosphere. It sounds like a man who has been through a lot, but is determined to leave his troubles behind and find a new way of life. The song is filled with hope and conveys a message of embracing change. The lyrics focus on how quickly life can change and how sometimes changes can bring about better things in life. The song encourages its listeners to not be afraid of new beginnings and to always keep an eye out for what lies ahead.
20. Lukas Nelson and Promise of the Real, Lucius - Forget About Georgia (2017)
Track name: Forget About Georgia
Album: Lukas Nelson & Promise Of The Real
Release year: 2017
Forget About Georgia by Lukas Nelson and Promise of the Real, featuring Lucius, is a bluesy, gentle song released in 2017. It has a haunting, mellow melody with drawn-out violins, along with speakers' and womens' voices humming in the background. The heartfelt lyrics portray the struggle of trying to forget someone you love, who treated you wrong, wishing to keep the memories alive but recognizing it's not right for you. The track carries a reflective and melancholic ambience, suggesting that deep down it is still hurtful, despite being a necessary goodbye.
