About the song
There are few songs in the American musical canon as deeply evocative as “Georgia on My Mind.” Written by Hoagy Carmichael and Stuart Gorrell in 1930, the song has transcended its origins to become something far greater than just a ballad about a Southern state—it is a meditation on longing, nostalgia, and the ineffable pull of home. Though many have recorded it over the decades, it was Ray Charles’ 1960 rendition that forever stamped it as a masterpiece, intertwining jazz, blues, and soul in a way that made it both personal and universal. It became the official state song of Georgia in 1979, yet its emotional resonance extends far beyond any single place.
So when two American musical legends—Willie Nelson and Ray Charles—came together to perform this classic, it was nothing short of magic. The collaboration between these two titans is more than just a duet; it’s a masterclass in interpretive depth, phrasing, and raw emotion. By the time of this performance, both men had already spent decades redefining American music in their own ways. Willie Nelson, the outlaw country troubadour with a voice like weathered leather, brought his signature phrasing and easy, world-weary wisdom to the song. Ray Charles, with his incomparable command of soul, jazz, and blues, made every note ache with experience.
Nelson and Charles complement each other beautifully, their voices weaving in and out like two old friends trading stories over a slow-burning fire. Willie’s slightly behind-the-beat delivery, so characteristic of his unique approach to singing, contrasts wonderfully with Ray’s fluid, gospel-tinged phrasing. The arrangement is warm and intimate, allowing the natural textures of their voices to carry the emotional weight. There’s a hushed reverence in the way they approach the lyrics, as if they both understand that a song like this doesn’t need embellishment—only truth.
Beyond just a meeting of two great voices, this rendition of “Georgia on My Mind” stands as a testament to the enduring power of American music. It bridges country and soul, blues and jazz, proving once again that great songs—and great artists—know no boundaries.
Video
Lyrics
Georgia, Georgia, the whole day through.
An’ just an old sweet song keeps Georgia on my mind.
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.
Georgia, Georgia, no peace I find.
Just an old sweet song keeps Georgia on my mind.
Instrumental break.
Georgia, Georgia, no peace I find.
Just an old sweet song keeps Georgia on my mind.
Just an old sweet song keeps Georgia on my mind.
On my mind.
On my mind.
On my mind.
On my mind.
On my mind.
On my mind.
On my mind.
To Fade out.
