Georgia State Song

"Georgia on My Mind" Lyrics: Stuart Gorrell Music: Hoagy Carmichael Adoption: 1979 HISTORY "Georgia on My Mind" was written by Stuart Gorrell in 1930 and composed by Hoagy Carmichael, an actor, performer, and popular songwriter, best known for writing "Stardust" and "Winter Moon." Although it is almost universally believed to have been written about the state of Georgia, the lyrics actually refer to Hoagy Carmichael's sister Georgia Carmichael. It was first recorded in 1930, and a version by Frankie Trumbauer rose to  number 10 on the pop charts in 1931. While the song has been recorded by many artists over the years, the best known version by far was arranged by Ray Charles, who included it on the album The Genius Hits the Road. It won him four Grammy awards in 1960, although, ironically, Charles was banned from performing in the state of Georgia because of his opposition to segregationist policies. On April 24, 1979, however, it was proclaimed the state song of Georgia when Charles performed it on the floor of the state legislature. It was used as an official song of the 1996 Olympics held in Atlanta, its title was used on Georgia's license plates from 1997 to 2003, and Rolling Stone magazine named it the 44th greatest song of all time. Country singer Willie Nelson sang the song at Charles' funeral in 2004. -World Trade Press LYRICS "Georgia on My Mind" 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.