Introduction
If you’re in search of a musical time machine to whisk you away to the soulful sounds of the 1970s, look no further than “Midnight Train to Georgia” by Gladys Knight & The Pips. This iconic song, released in 1973, has stood the test of time, and its allure remains as powerful as ever.
Did You Know?
- Gladys Knight & The Pips: This legendary American R&B and soul group was fronted by the immensely talented Gladys Knight, often referred to as the “Empress of Soul.” The Pips, her family group, provided exquisite harmonies that perfectly complemented Gladys’s powerhouse vocals.
- Grammy Award-Winner: “Midnight Train to Georgia” earned Gladys Knight & The Pips a Grammy Award for Best R&B Vocal Performance by a Duo, Group, or Chorus in 1974, solidifying its place in music history.
- Lyric Inspiration: The song was inspired by a phone call that Gladys Knight received from a friend, Jim Weatherly, who shared his experiences of living in Los Angeles. He was headed back to his hometown of Atlanta, Georgia, on a “red-eye” flight, which later led to the creation of this soulful masterpiece.
- Cover Versions: Over the years, numerous artists have paid tribute to the timeless beauty of “Midnight Train to Georgia” by creating their own renditions, showcasing the song’s enduring appeal.
- Classic Television: The song was featured in various TV shows and movies, further cementing its status as a cultural touchstone.
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L.A. proved too much for the man
(Too much for the man, he couldn’t make it)
So he’s leaving a life he’s come to know, ooh
(He said he’s going)
He said he’s going back to find
(Going back to find)
Ooh, what’s left of his world
The world he left behind not so long agoHe’s leaving
(Leaving)
On that midnight train to Georgia, yeah
(Leaving on the midnight train)
Said he’s going back
(Going back to find)
To a simpler place and time, oh yes he is
(Whenever he takes that ride, guess who’s gonna be right by his side)
I’ll be with him
(I know you will)
On that midnight train to Georgia
(Leaving on a midnight train to Georgia, woo woo)
I’d rather live in his world
(Live in his world)
Than live without him in mine
(Her world is his, his and hers alone)He kept dreaming
(Dreaming)
Ooh, that some day he’d be a star
(A superstar, but he didn’t get far)
But he sure found out the hard way
That dreams don’t always come true, oh no, uh uh
(Dreams don’t always come true, uh uh, no, uh uh)
So he pawned down his hopes
(Woo, woo, woo-woo)
And even sold his old car
(Woo, woo, woo-woo)
Bought a one way ticket back to the life he once knew
Oh yes he did, he said he wouldOh-oh, he’s leaving
(Leaving)
On that midnight train to Georgia, yeah
(Leaving on a midnight train)
Said he’s going back to find, ooh
(Going back to find)
A simpler place and time, ooh, yeah
(Whenever he takes that ride, guess who’s gonna be right by his side)
I’m gonna be with him
(I know you will)
On that midnight train to Georgia
(Leaving on a midnight train to Georgia, woo woo)
I’d rather live in his world
(Live in his world)
Than live without him in mine
(Her world is his, his and hers alone)Ooh, he’s leaving
(Leaving)
On the midnight train to Georgia, yeah, ooh y’all
(Leaving on the midnight train)
Said he’s going back to find
(Going back to find)
Ooh, a simpler place and time, ooh y’all, uh-huh
(Whenever he takes that ride, guess who’s gonna be right by his side)
I’ve got to be with him
(I know you will)
On that midnight train to Georgia
(Leaving on a midnight train to Georgia, woo woo)
I’d rather live in his world
(Live in his world)
Than live without him in mine
(Her world is his, his and hers alone)For love, gonna board the midnight train to ride
For love, gonna board, gotta board the midnight train to go
For love, gonna board, uh huh, the midnight train to go
My world, his world, our world, mine and his alone
My world, his world, our world, mine and his alone
I got to go
I got to go
I got to go, hey
I got to go
I got to go
My world, his world, my man, his girl
I got to go
I got to go, oh
I got to go
My world, his world, our world, his girl