The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia

Last updated

"The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia"
The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia - Vicki Lawrence.jpg
Single by Vicki Lawrence
from the album The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia
B-side "Dime a Dance"
Released7 November 1972 [1]
RecordedOctober 24–26, 1972
Genre Country pop
Length3:40
Label Bell
Songwriter(s) Bobby Russell
Producer(s) Snuff Garrett
Vicki Lawrence singles chronology
"No, No"
(1970)		"The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia"
(1972)		"He Did with Me"
(1973)

"The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia" is a Southern Gothic murder ballad, written in 1972 by songwriter Bobby Russell and first recorded by his then-wife singer, comedian and actress Vicki Lawrence. Lawrence's version, from her 1973 album of the same title, went to number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart after its release. Of several cover versions, the one recorded by Reba McEntire for her 1991 album For My Broken Heart peaked at number 12 on the Hot Country Songs chart.

Contents

Content

The unnamed female narrator tells about how her unnamed brother, identified only as "Brother", was hanged for a crime he did not actually commit, although he had intended to do it.

Returning home from a two-week trip to a place called Candletop, Brother stops for a drink at Webb's Bar before going home to his bride. While at the bar, he encounters his friend Andy Wolloe, who informs him that while he was gone his bride/wife was having an affair with "that Amos boy, Seth", and then admits that he himself had been with her as well. A now-angry Brother abruptly leaves the bar, and a frightened Andy makes his way home.

Assuming his absent wife has left town, Brother retrieves a gun (described as "the only thing papa had left him") and makes his way through the backwoods to Andy's house. On the way there, he notices a set of footprints leading to and from the house, but they are not big enough to have been made by Andy. Arriving at his back door, the man finds Andy inside lying dead on the floor from a gunshot. In a panic, Brother fires a shot in the air to get the attention of the Georgia Patrol, but is accused by a "big-bellied Sheriff" for Andy's murder and arrested. In a show trial, the judge wastes little time declaring Brother guilty and sentences him to death by hanging, which is carried out in short order.

The story wraps up as the narrator reveals that she is the sister of the "innocent man" and that it was her footprints that Brother saw on his way to Andy's house. She then confesses that she had not only killed Andy, but Brother’s adulterous wife as well, disposing of the latter's body where she is certain nobody will ever find it, saying "That's one body that'll never be found," and boasting, "Little Sister don't miss when she aims her gun."

In the song's chorus, the singer blames the local criminal justice system for Brother's death, warning the listener, "Don't trust your soul to no backwoods Southern lawyer, 'cause the judge in the town's got blood stains on his hands." [2]

History and original recording

Cashbox advertisement, December 9, 1972 The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia - Cash Box ad 1972.jpg
Cashbox advertisement, December 9, 1972

Although Bobby Russell wrote the lyrics and composed the music for the song, he was reluctant to even record a demo for it because he did not like it. Lawrence, who was married to Russell at the time, believed the song was a hit and recorded the demo. The publishers and the record label did not know how to pitch the song, as it was not a country or a pop song. The first thought was to offer the song to actress/singer Liza Minnelli, but eventually it was offered to singer Cher, but her then-husband and manager Sonny Bono reportedly refused it, as he was said to be concerned that the song might offend Cher's Southern fans. [3] Without a singer to record the song, Lawrence, along with producer Snuff Garrett, went into a studio and recorded it professionally herself, with the instrumental backing of L.A. session musicians from the Wrecking Crew. [4]

Release and reception

Released as a single in November 1972, the song went to No. 1 on the Hot 100 chart in 1973 when Lawrence was a regular performer on the ensemble variety comedy television show The Carol Burnett Show. On March 24, 1973, the final episode of the sixth season, Burnett surprised Lawrence by presenting her with an RIAA gold record for more than a million copies sold. The song hit No. 6 on the Easy Listening chart, [5] and peaked at No. 36 on Billboard's Hot Country Singles chart. [6] It was No. 1 for two weeks on the Billboard Hot 100, and was topped by Tony Orlando and Dawn's "Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Ole Oak Tree." Billboard ranked it as the No. 11 song for 1973.[ citation needed ]

In Canada, the single version went to No. 1 on the RPM 100 national singles chart on May 5, 1973. [7] On the RPM Country Singles chart, it reached No. 25. [8]

Musical structure

The lyrics use an AABCCB rhyming pattern on the verses, and ABAB on the chorus. The song's verses are in C Dorian. Verse one consists of four lines, each using the chord pattern Cm-B♭/C-Cm-F/C-Cm-Gm7-Cm. At the chorus, the song modulates to the key of G major, with a chord pattern of Am-D7-G-Em used three times before ending on Am-D7-Gm. [9]

Verse two uses the same structure as verse one, with an additional two lines. The first additional line also modulates to G major with a chord pattern of Am-D7-G-Em-Am-D-Gm, before returning to C Dorian for another repetition of the original chord pattern. After the second chorus, the third verse consists of two lines before the chorus is sung a third time. The song ends with a four-measure riff in G minor. The vocal range is G3-D5. [9]

Cover versions

"The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia"
Single by Reba McEntire
from the album For My Broken Heart
B-side "All Dressed Up"
ReleasedApril 1992
Recorded1991
Genre Country
Length4:17
Label MCA
Songwriter(s) Bobby Russell
Producer(s) Tony Brown, Reba McEntire
Reba McEntire singles chronology
"Is There Life Out There"
(1992)		"The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia"
(1992)		"The Greatest Man I Never Knew"
(1992)

Tanya Tucker

In 1981, country singer Tanya Tucker recorded a version with differing lyrics and an altered timeline, based on the plot of the 1981 film The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia. Tucker's cover is included on the film's soundtrack album.[ citation needed ]

Reba McEntire

During 1991, the song was covered by Reba McEntire on her album For My Broken Heart. It reached No. 12 on Billboard's Hot Country Songs chart. While still a commercially successful release, it broke a string of 24 consecutive top 10 country singles by McEntire.[ citation needed ]

Jack Cole directed a music video for the McEntire single, in which the older brother of the story is given the name Raymond Brody. The video included spoken dialogue expanding on the song's plot points, including the suggestion that the judge convicted Brody despite knowing Brody was innocent, because he (the judge) feared a trial would expose that he had also had an affair with the wife, played by Playboy centerfold/pin up model Barbara Moore. In the video, the little sister, played by McEntire, as a young woman in flashbacks and as a 60-year-old woman, catches her fiancé, Andy, in the act with her brother's wife.

During a promotional tour for the song, Lawrence and McEntire performed the song as a duet on Lawrence's talk show Vicki! using the McEntire backing track.

Chart performance

Reba McEntire version

Certifications

Vicki Lawrence version

RegionCertification Certified units/sales
United States (RIAA) [20] Gold1,000,000^

^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.

Reba McEntire version

RegionCertification Certified units/sales
United States (RIAA) [21] Gold500,000‡

‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vicki Lawrence</span> American actress, comedian, and singer (born 1949)

Vicki Lawrence, sometimes credited as Vicki Lawrence Schultz, is an American actress, comedian, and singer. She is best known for her character Mama. Lawrence also originated many other characters on CBS's The Carol Burnett Show from 1967 to 1978, the variety show's entire series run.

<i>For My Broken Heart</i> 1991 studio album by Reba McEntire

For My Broken Heart is the seventeenth studio album by American country music singer Reba McEntire, released on October 1, 1991. It was the first studio album recorded after an airplane crash which killed most of the members of her touring band. The album is, as McEntire states in the album's notes, "a form of healing for all our broken hearts" and the songs were chosen to that effect.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fancy (Bobbie Gentry song)</span> 1969 single by Bobbie Gentry

"Fancy" is a song written and recorded by Bobbie Gentry in 1969. The country song was a crossover pop music hit for Gentry, reaching the top 40 of the Billboard Hot 100 and the top 30 of the Billboard country chart. It was covered in 1990 by country music artist Reba McEntire on her album Rumor Has It. McEntire's version surpassed the original on the country music charts, reaching the Top Ten on Billboard's Hot Country Hits in 1991.

<i>Its Your Call</i> 1992 studio album by Reba McEntire

It's Your Call is the eighteenth studio album by American country music artist Reba McEntire, released in December 1992. It contains the song "The Heart Won't Lie", which featured Vince Gill and which was later ranked at #18 on CMT's list of the 100 Greatest Country Duets. The album also includes a re-recording of the song "Baby's Gone Blues", which was recorded in 1987 by Patty Loveless for her album If My Heart Had Windows.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cathy's Clown</span> 1960 single by the Everly Brothers

"Cathy's Clown" is a popular song, written by Don Everly and recorded by The Everly Brothers in 1960. The lyrics describe a man who has been wronged and publicly humiliated by his lover: "Here he comes / That's Cathy's clown". The choruses are sung by brothers Don and Phil in their trademark close harmony style, while Don sings the bridges solo.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">If You See Him/If You See Her</span> 1998 single by Reba McEntire and Brooks & Dunn

"If You See Him/If You See Her" is a song written by Terry McBride, Jennifer Kimball and Tommy Lee James, and recorded by American country music artist Reba McEntire, along with the duo Brooks & Dunn. It served as the title track to each artist's respective 1998 albums, both released on June 2 of that year. The song was concurrently promoted and distributed by both artists' labels: MCA Nashville and Arista Nashville, then the respective labels for McEntire and Brooks & Dunn.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Heart Won't Lie</span> 1993 single by Reba McEntire with Vince Gill

"The Heart Won't Lie" is a song written by Kim Carnes and Donna Terry Weiss, and recorded as a duet between American country music artists Reba McEntire and Vince Gill. It was released in February 1993 as the second single from Reba's album It's Your Call. The song reached the top of the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Does He Love You</span> 1993 single by Reba McEntire and Linda Davis

"Does He Love You" is a song written by Sandy Knox and Billy Stritch, and recorded as a duet by American country music artists Reba McEntire and Linda Davis. It was released in August 1993 as the first single from Reba's compilation album Greatest Hits Volume 2. It is one of country music's several songs about a love triangle.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cowgirls Don't Cry</span> 2008 single by Brooks & Dunn featuring Reba McEntire

"Cowgirls Don't Cry" is a song written by Ronnie Dunn and Terry McBride of McBride & the Ride and recorded by American country music duo Brooks & Dunn. It was released in October 2008 as the fourth and final single on their studio album Cowboy Town. One month after its chart entry, it was re-recorded and re-released as a duet with Reba McEntire. The song is Brooks & Dunn's 41st and most recent Top 10 hit on the Billboard country charts and McEntire's 56th.

"Is There Life Out There" is a song written by Susan Longacre and Rick Giles, and recorded by American country music singer Reba McEntire. It was released on January 28, 1992 as the second single from her album For My Broken Heart. The song reached Number One on the American country singles charts in March of that year, and peaked at the same position on the Canadian country singles charts in April.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">For My Broken Heart (song)</span> 1991 single by Reba McEntire

"For My Broken Heart" is a song written by Keith Palmer and Liz Hengber, and recorded by American country music singer Reba McEntire. It was released in September 1991 as the first single and title track from her album For My Broken Heart. The song was a Number One hit for McEntire, topping the country singles charts in both the U.S. and Canada.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">New Fool at an Old Game</span>

"New Fool at an Old Game" is a song first recorded by Canadian country music artist Michelle Wright. Wright's version was released in 1987 on Savannah Records as the second single from her 1988 album Do Right by Me and peaked at number 11 on RPM Country Tracks chart in Canada. American Country Music Hall of Fame artist Reba McEntire released her version in December 1988 as the third single from her album Reba. It was her twelfth number one on the country chart. The single went to number one for one week and spent a total of fourteen weeks on the country chart. The song was written by Steve Bogard, Rick Giles, and Sheila Stephen.

"It's Your Call" is a song written by Liz Hengber, Bruce Burch and Shawna Harrington-Burkhart, and recorded by American country music artist Reba McEntire. It was released in May 1993 as the third and final single and title track from her album, It's Your Call. The song reached #5 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart in July 1993.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Why Haven't I Heard from You</span> 1994 single by Reba McEntire

"Why Haven't I Heard from You" is a song written by Sandy Knox and T. W. Hale, and recorded by American country music artist Reba McEntire. It was released on March 21, 1994 as the first single from her album Read My Mind. The song reached number 5 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart in July 1994.

"And Still" is a song written by Liz Hengber and Tommy Lee James, and recorded by American country music artist Reba McEntire. It was released in May 1995 as the fifth and final single from her album Read My Mind. The song reached number 2 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart in August 1995.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Forever Love (Reba McEntire song)</span> 1998 single by Reba McEntire

"Forever Love" is a song by American country music artist Reba McEntire from her 22nd studio album, If You See Him (1998). It was written by Liz Hengber, Deanna Bryant and Sunny Russ and produced by McEntire and David Malloy. It was released on July 13, 1998, as the second single from the album.

"Wrong Night" is a song written by Josh Leo and Rick Bowles, and recorded by American country music artist Reba McEntire. It was released on October 23, 1998 as the third single from her album If You See Him. The song reached #6 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart in February 1999.

"What Do You Say" is a song written by Neil Thrasher and Michael Dulaney, and recorded by American country music artist Reba McEntire. It was released on September 14, 1999 as the first single from her album So Good Together. The song reached number 3 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart in January 2000 and number 31 on the Billboard Hot 100 becoming her first crossover hit and top 40 hit on the Billboard Hot 100. It is her highest peaking single on that chart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Turn On the Radio</span> 2010 single by Reba

"Turn On the Radio" is a song written by Mark Oakley, Cherie Oakley and J. P. Twang, and recorded by American country music singer Reba McEntire to serve as the lead single for her 34th career album, All the Women I Am, which was released on November 9, 2010. It was released to country radio on July 7, 2010, and debuted at number 54 on the U.S. Billboard Hot Country Songs chart for the week of July 24, 2010. It was released as a digital download in the U.S. on August 3, 2010.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Reba McEntire singles discography</span>

The singles discography of American country music singer Reba McEntire contains 126 singles. They are further categorized by 100 released as a lead artist, seven as a featured artist and 19 that were issued as promotional singles. In addition to singles, eight unofficial singles were released and made charting positions in both the United States and Canada. After being discovered by Red Steagall, McEntire signed a recording contract with Polygram/Mercury Records in 1975. In 1977, she released her debut, self-titled album, which yielded four singles that low-charting entries on the Billboard Hot Country Songs survey. She had her first major hit as a solo artist with a remake of Patsy Cline's "Sweet Dreams" (1979).

References

  1. ↑ "Vicki Lawrence - the Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia".
  2. ↑ Vicki Lawrence. "The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia". MetroLyrics . Archived from the original on March 11, 2019.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  3. ↑ Bronson, Fred (1988). "The Night The Lights Went Out in Georgia". The Billboard book of number one hits . New York: Billboard Publications. ISBN   0-8230-7545-1. OCLC   17918476 . Retrieved January 22, 2009.
  4. ↑ Hartman, Kent (2012). The Wrecking Crew . St. Martin’s Griffin. pp.  261–263. ISBN   978-1-250-03046-7.
  5. ↑ Whitburn, Joel (2002). Top Adult Contemporary: 1961–2001. Record Research. p. 142.
  6. ↑ Whitburn, Joel (2004). The Billboard Book of Top 40 Country Hits: 1944–2006, Second edition. Record Research. p. 196.
  7. ↑ "Item Display - RPM - Library and Archives Canada". Collectionscanada.gc.ca. Retrieved October 7, 2016.
  8. ↑ "Item Display - RPM - Library and Archives Canada". Collectionscanada.gc.ca. Retrieved October 7, 2016.
  9. 1 2 For My Broken Heart: Piano, Vocal, Guitar. Hal Leonard Corporation. 1992. pp. 25–31. ISBN   0-7935-1295-6.
  10. ↑ Kacala, Alexander (July 10, 2022). "Iconic 'Designing Women' Scene Revived for History-Making 'Drag Race' Episode: 'Well, Now You Do'". Today.com . Archived from the original on July 10, 2022. Retrieved May 15, 2024.
  11. ↑ Flavour of New Zealand, 18 June 1973
  12. ↑ "Vicki Lawrence Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard.
  13. ↑ "Vicki Lawrence Chart History (Adult Contemporary)". Billboard.
  14. ↑ "Vicki Lawrence Chart History (Hot Country Songs)". Billboard.
  15. ↑ Canada, Library and Archives (February 8, 2017). "Image : RPM Weekly". Library and Archives Canada .
  16. ↑ "Top 100 Hits of 1973/Top 100 Songs of 1973". Musicoutfitters.com. Retrieved October 7, 2016.
  17. ↑ "Top RPM Country Tracks: Issue 2017." RPM . Library and Archives Canada. August 1, 1992. Retrieved August 15, 2013.
  18. ↑ "Reba McEntire Chart History (Hot Country Songs)". Billboard.
  19. ↑ "RPM Top 100 Country Tracks of 1992". RPM . December 19, 1992. Retrieved August 15, 2013.
  20. ↑ "American single certifications – Vicki Lawrence – The Nights The Lights Went Out In Georgia". Recording Industry Association of America . Retrieved August 15, 2024.
  21. ↑ "American single certifications – Reba McEntire – The Nights The Lights Went Out In Georgia". Recording Industry Association of America . Retrieved August 3, 2020.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.