About the song
“Georgy Girl” is a charming and iconic song by the Australian pop/folk group The Seekers, which perfectly encapsulates the spirit of the mid-1960s. The track served as the title song for the 1966 film “Georgy Girl,” and it has since become one of the band’s most enduring hits. The music was composed by Tom Springfield, who also penned The Seekers’ earlier hit “I’ll Never Find Another You,” while the lyrics were crafted by the versatile English actor and songwriter Jim Dale.
The song’s cheerful melody and catchy lyrics capture the essence of the film’s protagonist, Georgy, a young woman navigating life and love in swinging London. Notably, “Georgy Girl” is heard at both the beginning and end of the film, albeit with different lyrics tailored to the movie’s narrative. Interestingly, these versions differ from the commercially released single, adding a unique twist for viewers of the film.
“Georgy Girl” garnered critical acclaim, earning a nomination for an Academy Award for Best Original Song. Although it ultimately lost to “Born Free,” the nomination itself underscored the song’s significant impact. The song’s infectious optimism and distinctive arrangement struck a chord with listeners around the world.
Released in late 1966, “Georgy Girl” quickly ascended the charts, achieving impressive success in several countries. In Australia, it soared to number one, while in the United Kingdom, it reached a commendable number three. Across the Atlantic in the United States, “Georgy Girl” became The Seekers’ highest-charting single, peaking at number two on the Billboard Hot 100. It was kept from the top spot by The Monkees’ hit “I’m a Believer.” However, it did reach number one on the Cash Box Top 100, demonstrating its widespread popularity.
The song’s success in the U.S. was so significant that it led to the re-titling of The Seekers’ British album “Come the Day” to “Georgy Girl” for its American release. This strategic move helped solidify the band’s presence in the American music scene and brought their delightful blend of pop and folk music to an even wider audience.
The Seekers, consisting of Judith Durham, Athol Guy, Keith Potger, and Bruce Woodley, enjoyed a remarkable career marked by their harmonious vocals and melodic tunes. “Georgy Girl” remains a testament to their musical legacy, continuing to charm listeners with its upbeat tempo and nostalgic appeal. The song’s timeless quality ensures that it endures as a beloved classic, fondly remembered by fans and music enthusiasts alike.
Video
Lyrics
Hey there, Georgy girl
Swinging down the street so fancy-free
Nobody you meet could ever see the loneliness there inside you
Hey there, Georgy girl
Why do all the boys just pass you by?
Could it be you just don’t try or is it the clothes you wear?
You’re always window shopping but never stopping to buy
So shed those dowdy feathers and fly a little bit
Hey there, Georgy girl
There’s another Georgy deep inside
Bring out all the love you hide and, oh, what a change there’d be
The world would see a new Georgy girl
Hey there, Georgy girl
Dreaming of the someone you could be
Life is a reality, you can’t always run away
Don’t be so scared of changing and rearranging yourself
It’s time for jumping down from the shelf a little bit
Hey there, Georgy girl
There’s another Georgy deep inside
Bring out all the love you hide and, oh, what a change there’d be
The world would see a new Georgy girl
Wake up, Georgy girl
(Hey there, Georgy girl)
Come on, Georgy girl
(Hey there, Georgy girl)
Wake up, Georgy girl