I Been to Georgia on a Fast Train by Billy Joe Shaver

Album: Old Five and Dimers Like Me (1973)

License This Song

lyrics

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...

More Songfacts:

Watching The WheelsJohn Lennon

In the late '70s, John Lennon slowed his roll, becoming a househusband who baked bread and took care of his young son Sean. This inspired his song "Watching The Wheels," where he discovers the benefits of taking it easy.

Last NightGood Charlotte

Good Charlotte's video for "Last Night" reconstructs the TV show "Family Double Dare," complete with host Marc Summers.

I'll WaitVan Halen

Michael McDonald co-wrote the Van Halen song "I'll Wait."

StrongerKanye West

A 2011 Gold's Gym poll found "Stronger" by Kanye West the best song to work out to. Second place was the Rocky theme.

The Rubberband ManThe Spinners

"The Rubberband Man" is a "short, fat guy" with rhythm and grace. Spinners producer Thom Bell wrote it to boost the self-esteem of his rotund son.

My GenerationThe Who

Pete Townshend wrote the lyrics for "My Generation" by The Who during a train ride from London to Southampton on his 20th birthday when he was thinking about "trying to find a place in society."