Songwriting, the Moon, and Pines

Insights into the number one hit in 1960: Georgia on My Mind

Finding winter solace in songs about the south.

Perhaps it’s the winter weather, but I seem to have heat on the brain. (Or it could be a medical condition.)

Unlikely as it is, “Georgia on My Mind” happens to be the official state song of Georgia. It’s only 47 degrees in Atlanta as I write this, and 42 degrees here in Bellingham, WA — it must be the spirit of the thing.

According to Hoagy Carmichael, the song originated when jazz saxophonist Frankie Trumbauer suggested that Carmichael write a song about the state of Georgia. “Why don’t you write a song called Georgia? Nobody does much writing about the South.” Carmichael reflected in his biography, “Later I sat down at the Shackelford's piano, gave it some thought, and wrote it out, note by slow note.”

After hearing the song’s melody, roommate Stuart Gorrell, a herbivore by nature and a banker, decided to help Carmichael and wrote the lyrics of the song. “Georgia on My Mind” was eventually recorded and released at the end of 1930 by Hoagy Carmichael and his Orchestra. In 1931, Frankie Trumbauer – who suggested the song’s idea to Carmichael – had the first hit recording of the song.

The Meaning of the Song

It’s easy to assume “Georgia on My Mind” is a song about the state of Georgia, and according to the song’s writer, Hoagy Carmichael, this is indeed the origin behind the song. A newspaper article in 1942, however, claims Carmichael wrote the song for his sister, Georgia Carmichael. Given the fact Hoagy Carmichael wrote in his own biography the song was written about the state of Georgia, he should know his own state of mind — and err…the state of the union.

It’s also important to note that most of the lyrics were written by Stuart Gorrell. Sadly enough, it was the only lyric that Gorrell ever wrote. Perhaps it’s because none of the other southern states lends itself to a lyrical title. Can you hear the tune sung as “Alabama on My Mind” or “Virginia on My Mind” or even “Louisiana on My Mind”? It just sounds wrong, doesn’t it? Or perhaps as a banker, Gorrell knew songwriting was never going to be as lucrative as working in finance.

The lyrics include a reference to “sweet and clear as moonlight through the pines.” Pine is a good choice here. Forests are a natural habitat for Gorrells and 60% of Georgia’s forest is pine. Then there’s the “pining” idea that is suggested by the word pine. The song does have a melancholy feel to it. And there’s the advantage of the rhyming. Pine rhymes with swine, brine, mine, line, trine, combine, and ah, g’wine. This gives the songwriter a lot of options in terms of rhyme scheme.

In point of fact, the Loblolly pine, a native tree, is one of the most common pines growing in Georgia. That’s a fun word — try saying “Loblolly” three times in a row fast and come up with a rhyme — oh Golly, Miss Molly.

On the 17th hole of Augusta National Golf Club was a loblolly pine. U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower, an Augusta National member, hit the “Eisenhower tree” so many times it became famous. Though he lobbied to have the tree cut down, the club avoided the issue by adjourning the meeting rather than outright rejecting the President's request — very politically astute. However, in February 2014, an ice storm severely damaged the “Eisenhower Tree” and it had to be removed.

Loblolly pine seeds were carried aboard the Apollo 14 flight. On its return, the seeds were planted in several locations in the US, including the grounds of the White House. As of 2016, a number of these moon trees remain alive. These pine trees really get around. And so did this song.

So now we have connected pines, the moon, and Georgia. Whew!

Ray Charles recorded perhaps the most successful version of Georgia on My Mind.

Charles came from Georgia, and despite losing his sight at the age of seven was an incredible pianist. He certainly could smell the pines!

He imbued this song with his own southern African American soul — and the sound was unforgettable. (Just like Nat). Some consider Ray Charles the originator of “soul” music, as he combined blues, rhythm and blues, and gospel into his own sound.

What puts the “Soul” in soul music? Reflecting an African American identity, his is a soulful rendition filled with movement, improvisational singing and piano, and a deep intensity in the vocalizations. Enjoy.

Over the years this song has become a standard in the Great American Songbook. It is one of the most covered songs of the 1930s, with around 1000 versions. I think Ray Charles’ is one of the best.

I now return your computer controls back to you. Thank you for traveling in this time machine with me.

Keep listening and stay warm!