About the song
“Midnight Train to Georgia” by Gladys Knight & The Pips is a timeless classic that has captured the hearts of music lovers across generations. Released in 1973, this soulful ballad became the signature song for Gladys Knight & The Pips, solidifying their place in music history. Written by Jim Weatherly, “Midnight Train to Georgia” was originally conceived as a country song titled “Midnight Plane to Houston,” but was reworked to fit the soul genre when it reached Knight and her group.
The song is part of the album *Imagination*, which was a major milestone in their career, showcasing their smooth harmonies and emotional depth. “Midnight Train to Georgia” tells the poignant story of a man who decides to leave Los Angeles and return to his roots in Georgia after failing to achieve his dreams. Knight’s powerful and emotive delivery, paired with the Pips’ harmonious backing vocals, brings the narrative to life, resonating with anyone who has faced life’s inevitable crossroads.
Upon its release, the song quickly climbed the charts, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and remaining there for two weeks. It also topped the Soul Singles chart and earned Gladys Knight & The Pips a Grammy Award for Best R&B Vocal Performance by a Duo, Group, or Chorus. Over the years, “Midnight Train to Georgia” has been covered by numerous artists and continues to be a beloved staple in the repertoire of classic soul music.
The enduring appeal of “Midnight Train to Georgia” lies not just in its beautiful melody and heartfelt lyrics, but also in its universal themes of love, sacrifice, and the longing for home. For many listeners, it evokes a sense of nostalgia and a reminder of the journeys we all take in search of our dreams and the places we call home.
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