A Tour of Georgia Through Song: Exploring the Most Popular Music Mentions of Georgia

Georgia is known for its rich culture, history and vibrant music scene. Music is one of the most powerful ways to connect with the people and places of the Peach State. From legendary soul singers to chart-topping country artists, many of the world’s best-known musical acts have paid homage to Georgia in their lyrics. Here is a look at some of the most beloved songs about Georgia.

Ray Charles - “Georgia On My Mind”

This classic tune by Ray Charles is a staple of the Georgia music scene. It’s a love song that expresses yearning for the Peach State and celebrates its beauty, its people and its culture. The song was first recorded in 1960 and went on to become the official state song of Georgia in 1979.

OutKast - “Hey Ya!”

OutKast’s 2003 hit “Hey Ya!” is one of the most recognizable songs in hip-hop history. The track features a shout-out to Georgia’s capital city, with the lyrics “Shake it like a Polaroid picture, Atlanta all night.” The band’s mix of soul, funk and hip-hop has made them one of the most influential acts in rap music.

Gnarls Barkley - “Crazy”

Gnarls Barkley’s 2006 hit “Crazy” was a global phenomenon, reaching number one in more than 10 countries. The song mentions Georgia in its lyrics, with the line “I remember when, I remember, I remember when I lost my mind. There was something so special about that place, even your emotions had an echo in so much space.”

Guns N’ Roses - “Sweet Child O’ Mine”

One of the most iconic songs of the 1980s, Guns N’ Roses’ “Sweet Child O’ Mine” was a chart-topper around the world. The song includes a nod to Georgia, with the lyric “Where do we go now? Sweet home Alabama, where the skies are so blue.”

The Allman Brothers Band - “Ramblin’ Man”

The Allman Brothers Band’s 1973 single “Ramblin’ Man” was a major hit in the US and the UK. The song mentions Georgia in its lyrics, with the line “I was born in the backwoods of Georgia, a poor little country boy.” The Allman Brothers Band is often credited with helping to popularize the Southern rock sound.

Johnny Mercer - “Moon River”

This classic tune by Johnny Mercer is one of the most beloved songs of all time. The song pays homage to Georgia in its lyrics, with the line “My huckleberry friend, moon river and me.” The song has been covered by many artists, including Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley and Andy Williams.

The B-52s - “Love Shack”

The B-52s’ 1989 single “Love Shack” was an international hit, reaching number three on the US Billboard Hot 100. The song mentions Georgia in its chorus, with the lyric “The Love Shack is a little old place where we can get together.” The B-52s are one of the most influential bands to come out of the state.

Billy Joe Royal - “Down in the Boondocks”

Billy Joe Royal’s 1965 single “Down in the Boondocks” was a top 10 hit in the US. The song mentions Georgia in its lyrics, with the line “Down in the boondocks, down in Georgia.” The song has been covered by numerous artists, including Kenny Rogers and Hank Williams Jr.

R.E.M. - “The One I Love”

R.E.M.’s 1987 single “The One I Love” was a major hit in the US and the UK. The song mentions Georgia in its chorus, with the lyric “Georgia, keep a-holdin’ on.” R.E.M. is one of the most successful bands to come out of the state.

An Ode to Georgia: A Look at the Best Songs that Reference the Peach State

Georgia has been immortalized in song for decades, with artists like Ray Charles, R.E.M., Outkast, and many more paying homage to the Peach State. From the rolling hills of the north to the flat plains of the south, Georgia has been the backdrop for some of the greatest tunes in history. Below is a look at some of the best songs that reference Georgia in some way.

Ray Charles - "Georgia on My Mind"

No list of Georgia-referencing songs would be complete without this classic by Ray Charles. Written by Hoagy Carmichael and Stuart Gorrell, this song has become an anthem for the state and is a timeless classic. While the lyrics don't explicitly mention Georgia, the song paints a picture of the state with its lush, rolling hills and winding rivers. It's a must-listen for any fan of Georgia music.

R.E.M. - "The One I Love"

This 1987 hit by R.E.M. is a love song that references the state of Georgia in its lyrics. While the song is largely about a romantic relationship, it also has a subtle nod to the state with the line, "Georgia's always on my mind". It's a great reminder that love and Georgia go hand in hand.

Outkast - "So Fresh, So Clean"

This 2001 hit by Outkast is an ode to the Peach State, with the group singing about the city of Atlanta and the state's rich history. The song's chorus celebrates the beauty of the state and its people, with the group singing, "Georgia, Georgia, so fresh, so clean". It's a great reminder of the state's unique charm.

Little Richard - "Long Tall Sally"

This 1956 hit by Little Richard is an ode to a woman from Georgia. While the lyrics don't explicitly mention the state, the title of the song is a reference to a woman from Georgia and the song paints a vivid picture of the state with its upbeat tempo and lyrics. It's a great reminder of Georgia's vibrant culture.

Johnny Mercer - "Moon River"

This classic by Johnny Mercer is a love song about a Georgia river. The song paints a vivid picture of the state with its beautiful imagery and lush melodies. It's a great reminder of the state's natural beauty, and the song has become an anthem for Georgia.

Gladys Knight & The Pips - "Midnight Train to Georgia"

This 1973 hit by Gladys Knight & The Pips is a classic love song about a woman from Georgia. The song is a great reminder of the state's vibrant culture and its rich musical heritage. The lyrics are a perfect tribute to the state, with the group singing, "I'm gonna take the midnight train going anywhere, just to get away, just to get away".

Kenny Chesney - "No Shoes, No Shirt, No Problems"

This 2002 hit by Kenny Chesney is an ode to the Peach State, with the singer singing about the state's laid-back atmosphere and its unique charm. The song celebrates the state's natural beauty and its welcoming spirit, with the singer singing, "No shoes, no shirt, no problem, I'm on Georgia time".

Alicia Keys - "Georgia"

This 2012 hit by Alicia Keys is a tribute to the state of Georgia. The song celebrates the state's rich history and its vibrant culture, with the singer singing, "Georgia, sweet Georgia, I'm singing for you". It's a great reminder of the state's unique charm and its welcoming spirit.

Georgia Music: A Guide to the Best Songs that Mention the State in their Lyrics

Georgia has a rich and proud musical heritage, and many popular songs have mentioned the state in their lyrics. Whether it’s to honor the state’s proud history, or to pay tribute to its unique culture and people, there are some amazing songs out there that mention Georgia.

R.E.M. - "Stand"

R.E.M.’s “Stand” is one of the most well-known songs about Georgia. The song was released in 1988 and has become an anthem for the state. The song talks about standing up for what you believe in and honoring the state’s culture and history. It has become an iconic song for Georgians, and is a great representation of the state’s spirit.

OutKast - "Rosa Parks"

OutKast’s “Rosa Parks” is a classic hip hop song that mentions Georgia in its lyrics. The song talks about civil rights activist Rosa Parks, who famously refused to give up her seat on a bus in Montgomery, Alabama in 1955. The song pays tribute to her bravery and courage, and mentions the state of Georgia in the process.

Gnarls Barkley - "Crazy"

Gnarls Barkley’s “Crazy” is a song about embracing your individuality, and it mentions Georgia in the process. The song talks about how it’s okay to be different and to go against the grain. It’s a great song for anyone who wants to stand out from the crowd and be themselves.

Alan Jackson - "Chattahoochee"

Alan Jackson’s “Chattahoochee” is a classic country song about growing up in Georgia. The song talks about the culture, people, and places of the state. It’s a great song for anyone who wants to get a taste of what it’s like to be a Georgian.

John Denver - "Country Roads"

John Denver’s “Country Roads” is one of the most beloved songs about Georgia. The song talks about the beauty of the state and its people. It’s a great song for anyone who wants to feel connected to Georgia and its people.

Conclusion

Georgia has a long and proud musical heritage, and there are many great songs that mention the state in their lyrics. Whether it’s to honor its history, or to celebrate its culture and people, there are some amazing songs out there that mention Georgia. These five songs are just a few of the best songs about Georgia, and they’re sure to make you feel proud to be a Georgian.