Gladys Knight and The Pips – Midnight Train to Georgia

About The Song

“Midnight Train to Georgia” is a classic soul song performed by Gladys Knight & the Pips. Released in 1973, the song tells the story of a woman leaving Los Angeles to return to Georgia, capturing the essence of love, dreams, and the pursuit of a better life. The track became one of Gladys Knight’s signature songs and remains an iconic piece in the soul and R&B genres.

5 Facts about Gladys Knight & The Pips’ “Midnight Train to Georgia” (1973):

Inspiration and Origin: The song was inspired by the experiences of songwriter Jim Weatherly. Originally titled “Midnight Plane to Houston,” Weatherly wrote it about his friend, Farrah Fawcett, who was flying back to Houston. When Gladys Knight heard the song, she suggested changing the destination to Georgia, and the Pips added the distinctive background 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 or Group. The song’s success contributed to the group’s already impressive list of achievements in the R&B and soul music scene.
Commercial Success: The single was a commercial triumph, reaching the number one spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1973. Its success extended beyond the United States, making it an international hit and solidifying Gladys Knight & the Pips’ status as one of the leading soul acts of the era.
Adaptations and Covers: Over the years, “Midnight Train to Georgia” has been covered and adapted by various artists from different genres. The enduring appeal of the song lies in its poignant lyrics, soulful melody, and the powerful vocal delivery by Gladys Knight, making it a timeless classic.
Musical Arrangement: The song is characterized by its rich musical arrangement, featuring the Pips’ harmonious backing vocals, a prominent horn section, and a strong rhythm section. The combination of Gladys Knight’s emotive lead vocals and the Pips’ harmonies contributes to the song’s emotional impact, enhancing its status as a soul masterpiece.

Video

Lyrics

L.A proved too much for the man
(Too much for the man)
(He couldn’t make it)
So, he’s leaving the life he’s come to know, oh

He said he’s going back to find
(Going back to find)
What’s left of his world
The world he left behind
Not so long ago

He’s leaving (leaving)
On that midnight train to Georgia (leaving on a midnight train)
Hmm, yeah
Said he’s going back (going back to find)
To a simpler place and time (and when he takes that ride)
Oh yes, he is (guess who’s gonna sit right by his side)

And I’ll be with him (I know you will)
On that midnight train to Georgia
(Leaving on a midnight train to Georgia)
I’d rather live in his world (live in his world)
Than live without him in mine (world, world)
(It’s his, his and hers alone)

He kept dreaming
(Dreaming)
Oh, that someday 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 (dreams don’t always come true)
Oh no (uh-uh, no, uh-uh)

So he hung all his hopes
And he even sold his own car, hmm
Bought a one way ticket back
To the life that he once knew
Oh yes he did
He said he would

I know he’s leaving (leaving)
On that midnight train to Georgia (leaving on a midnight train)
Hmm, yeah
Said he’s going back to find, oh (going back to find)
A simpler place and time (and when he takes that ride)
(Guess who’s gonna sit right by his side)

And, I’m gonna be with him (I know you will)
On that midnight train to Georgia
(Leaving on the midnight train to Georgia)
I’d rather live in his world (live in his world)
Than live without him in mine (world, world)
(It’s his, his and hers alone)

Oh, he’s leaving
(Leaving)
On a midnight train to Georgia
(Leaving on a midnight train)
Yeah, oh yo
Said he’s going back to find
(Going back to find)
Oh, a simpler place and time (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)
I’d rather live in his world (live in his world)
Than live without him in mine (world, world)
(Is his, his and hers alone)

one love
(All aboard) all aboard
A midnight train to ride
(One love) one love
(All aboard) all aboard

Gotta go on the midnight train to go (midnight train to go)
(One love) one love
(All aboard) all aboard
Aha, the midnight train to go (midnight train to go)

My world (one love)
His world (all aboard)
Our world, mine and his alone (midnight train to go)
My world (one love)
His world (all aboard)
Our world, mine and his alone (midnight train to go)

I’ve got to go (one love)
I’ve got to go (all abroad)
I’ve got to go (midnight train to go)
Hey
I’ve got to go (one love)
I’ve got to go (all abroad)
(Midnight train to go)

My world (one love)
His world (all aboard)
My man, his girl
I’ve got to go, I’ve got go
I’ve got to go