Some of the most famous Georgia-inspired songs include “Georgia on My Mind” by Ray Charles, “Midnight Train to Georgia” by Gladys Knight & The Pips, and “The Devil Went Down to Georgia” by The Charlie Daniels Band. These iconic songs have become synonymous with Georgia and continue to be played on radios and music platforms around the world.
But the list doesn’t end there. We will also delve into lesser-known yet equally powerful songs that showcase the state’s diverse cultural and musical heritage. From James Brown’s “Georgia on My Mind” to the Allman Brothers Band’s “Ramblin’ Man,” these songs tell a story of a state that has something for everyone.
Whether you’re a Georgia native, a music lover, or simply curious about this charming state, this article will give you a taste of the top 20 songs about Georgia.
1. “The Devil Went Down to Georgia” by Charlie Daniels
“The Devil Went Down to Georgia” by Charlie Daniels is a classic country rock song about a fiddling contest between a talented young boy named Johnny and the devil. Johnny outplays the devil and wins a golden fiddle, but the devil warns him that he’ll be back to collect his soul. The song is known for its fast-paced fiddle playing and catchy chorus, as well as its humorous lyrics and colorful characters.
2. “Georgia” by Elton John
“Georgia” by Elton John is a slow, soulful ballad that pays tribute to the state of Georgia and its natural beauty. The song features John’s signature piano playing and heartfelt vocals, as he sings about the gentle rain and peaches growing on the vine. The lyrics also reference the state’s troubled history, with lines about the ghosts of the Civil War and Martin Luther King Jr.
3. “Midnight Train to Georgia” by Gladys Knight & The Pips
“Midnight Train to Georgia” by Gladys Knight & The Pips is a classic R&B song about a woman who leaves her small town in Georgia to chase her dreams of stardom in Los Angeles, only to find disappointment and heartbreak. She decides to return home on the midnight train to Georgia, where she knows she will find love and acceptance. The song is known for its soulful vocals and catchy chorus, as well as its message of hope and resilience.
4. “Georgia Woods” by Keith Urban
“Georgia Woods” by Keith Urban is a country song that tells the story of a man who finds peace and solace in the woods of Georgia. The song features acoustic guitar and harmonica, as well as Urban’s smooth vocals, as he sings about the healing power of nature and the memories he has made in the woods.
5. “Georgia on My Mind” by Ray Charles
“Georgia on My Mind” by Ray Charles is a timeless classic that has become the unofficial anthem of the state of Georgia. The song features Charles’ iconic voice and piano playing, as he sings about his longing for the state he loves. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of Georgia’s beauty and culture, and the song has become a symbol of pride and nostalgia for those who call Georgia home.
6. “Georgia On a Fast Train” by Billy Joe Shaver
“Georgia On a Fast Train” by Billy Joe Shaver is a fast-paced country song that tells the story of a rough-and-tumble cowboy from Georgia who lives life on the edge. The song features electric guitar and a driving beat, as well as Shaver’s gritty vocals, as he sings about the wild adventures of the Georgia cowboy.
7. “Sweet Georgia Brown” by Stéphane Grappelli, Django Reinhardt
“Sweet Georgia Brown” by Stéphane Grappelli and Django Reinhardt is a classic jazz standard that has been covered by many artists over the years. The song features Grappelli’s soaring violin and Reinhardt’s virtuosic guitar playing, as they pay tribute to the state of Georgia and the women who inhabit it. The song is known for its lively melody and playful lyrics, as well as its impressive musicianship.
8. “Walkin’ Back to Georgia” by Jim Croce
“Walkin’ Back to Georgia” by Jim Croce is a bluesy, soulful song about a man who is homesick for Georgia and decides to walk back to his hometown. The song features Croce’s distinctive voice and acoustic guitar, as he sings about the sights and sounds of the road and the memories he has of Georgia.
9. “The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia” by Reba McEntire
“The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia” by Reba McEntire is a country song about a woman who is wrongfully accused of murder in a small Georgia town. The song features McEntire’s powerful vocals and a driving beat, as she sings about the injustice of the situation and the tragic ending of the story.
10. “Cedartown, Georgia” by Waylon Jennings
“Cedartown, Georgia” is a country song written and performed by the legendary artist Waylon Jennings. The song was released in 1971 and tells the story of a man who left his hometown of Cedartown, Georgia to pursue his dreams, but eventually realizes that he wants to go back home. The song features a slow and mellow melody with Jennings’ signature deep voice, and the lyrics evoke a sense of nostalgia and longing for simpler times. It’s a classic country ballad that touches on the themes of love, loss, and the search for meaning, and has become a fan favorite among Jennings’ extensive discography.
11. “Lonely Night in Georgia” by Marc Broussard
“Lonely Night in Georgia” by Marc Broussard is a soulful and bluesy song that captures the feeling of being alone in a big city. Broussard’s raw and powerful vocals paired with the slow and melancholic melody create a haunting and introspective atmosphere that transports the listener to the late-night streets of Georgia.
12. “Georgia Peaches” by Lynyrd Skynyrd
“Georgia Peaches” by Lynyrd Skynyrd is a high-energy rock song that pays tribute to the southern belles of Georgia. The catchy and upbeat melody is accompanied by the band’s signature electric guitars and Ronnie Van Zant’s dynamic vocals, making it a classic anthem for anyone who loves the peach state.
13. “Georgia Rain” by Trisha Yearwood
“Georgia Rain” by Trisha Yearwood is a heart-warming and emotional ballad that tells the story of a woman reminiscing about a lost love during a rainy day in Georgia. Yearwood’s powerful vocals and the simple yet beautiful melody create a poignant and introspective atmosphere that captures the feeling of love and loss.
14. “Rainy Night In Georgia” by Brook Benton
“Rainy Night in Georgia” by Brook Benton is a soulful and bluesy song that captures the mood of a dark and rainy night in Georgia. The smooth and silky voice of Benton, paired with the simple and melancholic melody, create a dreamy and nostalgic atmosphere that transports the listener to a time and place of longing.
15. “She’s So Georgia” by Jon Langston
“She’s So Georgia” by Jon Langston is an upbeat and catchy country song that celebrates the beauty and charm of a Georgia girl. The fun and lively melody, paired with Langston’s energetic vocals, make it a perfect anthem for anyone who loves everything about the southern state.
16. “Talk About Georgia” by Jason Aldean
“Talk About Georgia” by Jason Aldean is a high-energy country song that tells the story of a man’s love for a Georgia girl. The fast-paced and dynamic melody, paired with Aldean’s strong vocals, create an upbeat and joyful atmosphere that captures the feeling of young love and excitement.
17. “Why Georgia” by John Mayer
“Talk About Georgia” by Jason Aldean is a high-energy country song that tells the story of a man’s love for a Georgia girl. The fast-paced and dynamic melody, paired with Aldean’s strong vocals, create an upbeat and joyful atmosphere that captures the feeling of young love and excitement.
18. “The Moon over Georgia” by Shenandoah
“The Moon over Georgia” by Shenandoah is a classic country ballad that tells the story of a man who misses his love back home while he’s away working in Georgia. The slow and mellow melody, paired with the band’s signature harmonies, create a sentimental and romantic atmosphere that captures the feeling of love and longing.
19. “Georgia Clay” by Josh Kelley
“Georgia Clay” by Josh Kelley is a heartwarming and nostalgic song that celebrates the memories and experiences of growing up in Georgia. The simple and catchy melody, paired with Kelley’s soothing vocals, create a warm and comforting atmosphere that transports the listener to a time and place of joy and innocence.
20. “Georgia Peaches” by Lauren Alaina
“Georgia Peaches” by Lauren Alaina is a fun and upbeat country song that celebrates the vivacious and lively spirit of Georgia girls. The catchy and energetic melody, paired with Alaina’s strong vocals, make it a perfect anthem for anyone who loves the fun and festive energy of the peach state.
Macey West is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
