carmichael • gorrell
Hoagland Howard "Hoagy" Carmichael (1899 – 1981) composed this tune in 1930, and his room mate Stuart Graham Steven Gorrell (1901 – 1963) from the Indiana University Bloomington helped him during a night after a party to work it out; Gorrell responsible for the lyrics.
Both have stated that the lyrics were inspired by Hoagy's younger sister named "Georgia". The result was recorded by Carmichael, with Bix Beiderbecke on cornet, in New York City on September 15th, 1930. Gorrell's name wasn't credited, but Carmichael sent him royality checks no matter. Gorrell became a banker, and never wrote a single line no more.
In 1960, Ray Charles made his famous recording. In 1979, the State of Georgia designated Ray Charles' version "the official state song", despite the fact that it was NOT written IN or ABOUT the state at all. The song has become a part of the American jazz tradition.
I've never understood why. This melody is not genius, only commonly snappy. The lyrics are barely mediocre. I've never been a fan of neighter Ray Charles, nor this kind of music at all. Still I've included it with my album of busker's songs.
The reason is, that I frequently have had requests. It's done in 2 minutes, cut short, and invites to twist it your own way. Sometimes I feel like fucking up originals, and this one is a heavenly gift.
But Mr. Carmichael, You have my full respect as both artist and composer, after all.
Georgia : Georgia
the whole day through
just an old sweet song
keeps Georgia on my mind
I said 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 : oh Georgia
no peace I find
just an old sweet song
keeps Georgia on my mind
For the following CHORD section, fullscreen/horizontal mobile is recommended.
Chords in brackets may be omitted.
G B7 B7/A Em Em7 C ...Gdim Georgia Georgia the whole day through G E7 A7 Cmaj7 B7 ...E7...A7...D7 just an old sweet song keeps Georgia on my mind G B7 B7/A Em Em7 C ...Gdim Georgia Georgia a song of you G E7 A7 Cmaj7 D6 G ...C...G...B7 comes sweet and clear as moonlight through the pines Em A Cmaj7 C other arms reach out to me Em A Em7 A7 other eyes smile tenderly Em A7 Bm E7+9 Em7 D7 still in peaceful dreams I see the road leads back to you G B7 B7/A Em Em7 C ...Gdim Georgia Georgia no peace I find G E7 A7 Cmaj7 D6 G Just an old sweet song keeps Georgia on my mind
