I Been to Georgia on a Fast Train

Album: Old Five and Dimers Like Me (1973)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • An outlaw country classic that has been recorded by Waylon Jennings, Emmylou Harris and Tom T. Hall, "I Been to Georgia on a Fast Train" was Billy Joe Shaver's first single release, and it tells the story of his life. The lyrics, "I got all my country learning picking cotton, raising hell, and bailing hay," are about working on his uncle's farm, which he dropped out of high school to do. He later worked at a sawmill where he lost some finger parts in an accident, but he eventually made it as a country songwriter. His songwriting success brought problems of their own, however, and Shaver had some issues with alcohol and drugs. Many years later, after a near-death experience or two, Shaver became a Born Again Christian.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Art Alexakis of Everclear

Art Alexakis of EverclearSongwriter Interviews

The lead singer of Everclear, Art is also their primary songwriter.

La La Brooks of The Crystals

La La Brooks of The CrystalsSong Writing

The lead singer on "Da Doo Ron Ron" and "Then He Kissed Me," La La explains how and why Phil Spector replaced The Crystals with Darlene Love on "He's A Rebel."

Trans Soul Rebels: Songs About Transgenderism

Trans Soul Rebels: Songs About TransgenderismSong Writing

A history of songs dealing with transgender issues, featuring Pink Floyd, David Bowie, Morrissey and Green Day.

Lajon Witherspoon of Sevendust

Lajon Witherspoon of SevendustSongwriter Interviews

The Sevendust frontman talks about the group's songwriting process, and how trips to the Murder Bar helped forge their latest album.

Jon Anderson of Yes

Jon Anderson of YesSongwriter Interviews

From the lake in "Roundabout" to Sister Bluebird in "Starship Trooper," Jon Anderson talks about how nature and spirituality play into his lyrics for Yes.

Angelo Moore of Fishbone

Angelo Moore of FishboneSongwriter Interviews

Fishbone has always enjoyed much more acclaim than popularity - Angelo might know why.