About the song
Gladys Knight & The Pips’ rendition of “Midnight Train to Georgia” is a soulful journey through the ups and downs of love and ambition. Written by Jim Weatherly, this timeless classic showcases Knight’s powerhouse vocals and the Pips’ seamless harmonies, delivering a stirring and unforgettable performance.
Originally featured on their album “Imagination,” released in 1973, “Midnight Train to Georgia” quickly soared to the top of the charts, earning widespread acclaim and commercial success. Its soulful melody and poignant lyrics struck a chord with audiences, propelling it to top positions on various music charts, including the Billboard Hot 100.
Throughout their career, Gladys Knight & The Pips have solidified their status as icons of soul and R&B music, with “Midnight Train to Georgia” becoming one of their signature songs. Their impassioned performance of the song resonated with listeners, earning them critical acclaim and numerous accolades, including a Grammy Award for Best R&B Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group.
“Midnight Train to Georgia” tells the story of a woman who follows her dreams to Los Angeles, only to return home to Georgia with her partner, where they find solace and contentment. Knight’s emotive delivery, paired with the Pips’ soulful harmonies, brings the narrative to life, capturing the essence of love, resilience, and the pursuit of happiness.
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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