Joint Resolution of the Georgia General Assembly

April 24, 1979

OFFICIAL STATE SONG DESIGNATED.

No. 32 (House Resolution No.146-516).

A RESOLUTION

Designating the song "Georgia on My Mind" as the official song of the State of Georgia; and for other purposes.

WHEREAS, the song "Georgia on My Mind," with lyrics by Mr. Stuart Gorrell and music by Mr. Hoagy Carmichael, has an enduring quality that has made it one of the best loved songs in America for many years; and

WHEREAS, although "Georgia on My Mind" describes a Georgian's love for his State, its beautiful melody and lyrics have given the song a worldwide appeal; and

WHEREAS, "Georgia on My Mind" has been recorded by many outstanding artists, but the rendition by Mr. Ray Charles, a native Georgian, which was first recorded in 1958, has been greatly enjoyed by music lovers throughout the world; and

WHEREAS, "Georgia on My Mind" was first copyrighted in 1930 and recopyrighted in 1975, and the publisher is Peir International Corporation; and

WHEREAS, it is appropriate that the official State song should be a beautiful song that has wide appeal throughout the country, and "Georgia on My Mind" is an outstanding example of these qualities.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF GEORGIA that the song "Georgia on My Mind" with lyrics by Mr. Stuart Gorrell and music by Mr. Hoagy Carmichael is hereby designated as the official song of the State of Georgia.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the lyrics of "Georgia on My Mind" are as follows:

"Georgia on My Mind

Melodies bring memories

That linger in my heart

Make me think of Georgia

Why didwe 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, Geogia, no peace I find

Just an old sweet song keeps Georgia on my mind."

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Resolution Act Number 53, approved August 19, 1922 (Ga. Laws 1922, p. 114) and Resolution Act Number 108, approved March 25, 1958 (Ga. Laws 1958, p. 506), relative to the adoption of the song "Georgia" as the official State song, are hereby repealed in their entirety.

Approved April 24, 1979.

Source: Ga. Laws 1979, pp. 1426-1427.

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