State Song


On April 24, 1979, "Georgia On My Mind," with music by Hoagy Carmichael and lyrics by Stuart Gorrell, was designated Georgia's official state song. It was performed on March 7, 1979 before a joint meeting of the Georgia Senate and House of Representatives by Georgia-born recording artist Ray Charles.

 

Ray Charles playing in the�House Chambers at the Capitol in 1979
Ray Charles playing in the 
House Chambers at the Capitol in 1979

Photo: Bill Murphy

Georgia On My Mind

Melodies bring memories
That linger in my heart
Make me think of Georgia
Why did we ever part?
Some sweet day when blossoms fall
And all the world's a song
I'll go back to Georgia
'Cause that's where I belong.
Georgia, Georgia, the whole day through
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.

 

(Ga. L. 1979, p. 1425).
Use by State of Georgia governed by 1979 agreement with Peer International Corporation. 
Copyright 1930 by Peer International Corporation, now PeerMusic, Ltd.
Copyright renewed. Used by permission.