The Meaning Behind The Song: I Been to Georgia on a Fast Train by Billy Joe Shaver
When it comes to country music, Billy Joe Shaver is considered a pioneer of the Outlaw country style. One of his most famous songs is “I Been to Georgia on a Fast Train.” This song was released in 1973 and has remained a beloved classic ever since. This article will explore the meaning behind the song and answer some of the most frequently asked questions related to it.
What is the meaning behind “I Been to Georgia on a Fast Train”?
At its core, “I Been to Georgia on a Fast Train” is a song about a man who has lived a fast and adventurous life. The lyrics chronicle the narrator’s travels, from “California to the Carolinas” and through various cities and states. The chorus of the song focuses specifically on his time in Georgia, where he rode on a fast train that took him “halfway to Heaven and halfway to Hell.”
However, there is more to the song than just a list of places that the narrator has visited. It’s a celebration of life on the road, of living free and wild. It’s a tribute to a certain kind of lifestyle that values adventure and risk-taking over the comfort of a settled life. Despite the highs and lows of his travels, the narrator is unrepentant: “I’ve fooled around and I’ve fooled around, but I ain’t never hurt nobody.”
Who wrote “I Been to Georgia on a Fast Train”?
Billy Joe Shaver is the credited writer of the song. Shaver was known for his raw and authentic style of songwriting, in which he drew from his own life experiences of poverty, addiction, and the rough-and-tumble world of the American South. He was a close friend of fellow Outlaw country musician Waylon Jennings, who was instrumental in launching Shaver’s career.
What is Outlaw country?
Outlaw country is a subgenre of country music that emerged in the 1970s. It represented a departure from the slick, polished sound of mainstream Nashville country, and instead embraced a rougher, more rebellious image. Outlaw country artists often sang about themes of freedom, rebellion, and anti-authority. Some of the most famous Outlaw country artists include Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, and of course, Billy Joe Shaver.
How did “I Been to Georgia on a Fast Train” become so popular?
“I Been to Georgia on a Fast Train” became popular because it struck a chord with listeners who were drawn to its celebration of living a wild and free life. The song’s energetic melody and catchy chorus made it a hit on country radio, and it remains a beloved classic to this day.
What is the significance of the fast train in the song?
The fast train in the song represents the narrator’s wild and adventurous lifestyle. This train takes him halfway to Heaven and halfway to Hell, symbolizing the ups and downs of the narrator’s life on the road. The train also represents the idea of moving quickly through life, of never staying in one place for too long. For the narrator, life is all about the journey, not the destination.
What is the connection between Billy Joe Shaver and Waylon Jennings?
Billy Joe Shaver and Waylon Jennings were close friends and collaborators. Jennings was instrumental in launching Shaver’s career, as he saw potential in Shaver’s raw and authentic songwriting style. The two collaborated on many projects together, including Jennings’s landmark album “Honky Tonk Heroes,” which Shaver wrote the majority of the songs for.
What other songs is Billy Joe Shaver known for?
In addition to “I Been to Georgia on a Fast Train,” Billy Joe Shaver is known for many other classic songs in the Outlaw country canon. Some of his most famous songs include “Old Five and Dimers Like Me,” “Georgia on a Fast Train,” “Honky Tonk Heroes,” and “Live Forever.”
What is the legacy of “I Been to Georgia on a Fast Train”?
“I Been to Georgia on a Fast Train” is one of the most iconic songs in the Outlaw country genre, and it has endured as a classic for decades. Its celebration of a wild and free life has resonated with generations of listeners, who are drawn to the idea of living life on their own terms. The song is a testament to the enduring power of country music and the uniquely American themes it represents.
What is the significance of Billy Joe Shaver within the country music community?
Billy Joe Shaver is considered a pioneer of the Outlaw country style. His raw and authentic songwriting style has influenced countless other artists in the country music world and beyond. He is revered for his honesty, his authenticity, and his ability to capture the spirit of the American South in his music.
What is the best way to experience “I Been to Georgia on a Fast Train”?
The best way to experience “I Been to Georgia on a Fast Train” is to listen to it with an open mind and an appreciation for the rich history of country music. Put on a pair of cowboy boots, grab a cold beer, and let the energetic rhythms of the song take you on a journey through the American South. As the song says, “I’ll be high as a Georgia pine.”
What are some cover versions of “I Been to Georgia on a Fast Train”?
“I Been to Georgia on a Fast Train” has been covered by many other artists over the years. Some notable covers include versions by Charlie Daniels, Terry Allen, Joe Ely, and even rock band Little Feat.
What is the instrumentation in “I Been to Georgia on a Fast Train”?
“I Been to Georgia on a Fast Train” features a classic country music instrumentation, including acoustic guitar, electric guitar, bass guitar, drums, and piano. The energetic melody and driving rhythms of the song give it a distinctive sound that has become synonymous with the Outlaw country style.
What is the mood of “I Been to Georgia on a Fast Train”?
The mood of “I Been to Georgia on a Fast Train” is celebratory and energetic. Despite the ups and downs of the narrator’s life on the road, the song is ultimately a celebration of living life on one’s own terms. It’s a song that encourages listeners to embrace the adventure of life, to take risks, and to live life to the fullest.
