About the song
Brook Benton’s soulful ballad “Rainy Night in Georgia” remains a timeless classic that resonates with listeners for its evocative lyrics and heartfelt delivery. Released in 1970 as a single and featured on his album “Brook Benton Today,” the song captures the essence of melancholy and longing associated with rainy nights.
Written by Tony Joe White, “Rainy Night in Georgia” paints a vivid picture of solitude and introspection amidst a backdrop of rain and urban landscapes. Brook Benton’s rich baritone vocals convey a deep sense of emotion, drawing listeners into the melancholic narrative of lost love and yearning for home.
Upon its release, “Rainy Night in Georgia” achieved significant success on the music charts. It peaked at number 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and number 1 on the Billboard Easy Listening chart. The song’s crossover appeal, blending elements of soul, blues, and pop, contributed to its broad popularity across different musical genres.
The album “Brook Benton Today,” which featured the song as a centerpiece, received critical acclaim for Benton’s vocal prowess and the songwriting excellence of “Rainy Night in Georgia.” It showcased his ability to interpret songs with depth and emotion, further solidifying his reputation as a versatile artist.
“Rainy Night in Georgia” has endured as a beloved standard, covered by numerous artists over the years. Its poignant lyrics and Benton’s soul-stirring performance continue to captivate audiences, making it a staple on radio playlists and a testament to Benton’s enduring legacy in the realm of soul and rhythm & blues music.
In summary, “Rainy Night in Georgia” by Brook Benton stands as a timeless testament to the power of music in evoking emotions and painting vivid landscapes through song. Its legacy as a classic in soul music remains intact, ensuring its place in the hearts of listeners who appreciate its poignant storytelling and Benton’s incomparable vocal delivery.
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Lyrics
Hoverin’ by my suitcase
Tryin’ to find a warm place to spend the night
Heavy rain’s fallin’
Seems I hear your voice callin’ “it’s all right”
A rainy night in Georgia
A rainy night in Georgia
Lord, I believe it’s rainin’ all over the world
I feel like it’s rainin’ all over the world
Neon signs a-flashin’
Taxicabs and buses passin’ through the night
A distant moanin’ of a train
Seems to play a sad refrain to the night
But it’s a rainy night in Georgia
Such a rainy night in Georgia
Lord, I believe it’s rainin’ all over the world
I feel like it’s rainin’ all over the world
How many times I wondered
It still comes out the same
No matter how you look at it or think of it
It’s life and you just got to play the game
Find me a place in a box car
So I take my guitar to pass some time
Late at night when it’s hard to rest
I hold your picture to my chest and I feel fine, I feel fine
But it’s a rainy night in Georgia
Baby, it’s a rainy night in Georgia
Lord, I believe it’s rainin’ all over the world
Kinda lonely now and it’s rainin’ all over the world
Rainin’, rainin’ rainin’, rainin’, rainin’ rainin’, rainin’, rainin’, rainin’, rainin’