Meaning of "Going Back To Georgia" by Nanci Griffith

"Going Back To Georgia" narrates the singer's yearning for love and connection. The mention of the city snow making the protagonist's love interest's eyes shine suggests a sense of wonder and enchantment. The protagonist, who has experienced difficult times, seeks solace and comfort in returning to Georgia, a place that appears to hold significant meaning. The lyrics express a desire to be accompanied on this journey as a way to counteract the sorrows and burdens of life. The reference to New York as a friend of the "traveling kind" implies that the protagonist is accustomed to a nomadic lifestyle and seeks stability and a sense of belonging. The recurring theme of being pursued by love, yet still bound by it, suggests a struggle with past experiences. The line "I been thinking of leaving, I been thinking of you" reflects conflicting emotions and the need to prioritize one's own desires and feelings.

The lyricist portrays a sense of loneliness and isolation, emphasizing the longing for companionship and understanding. The line "I been blinded by the sun, washed in the rain, scattered in America, I’m scattering again" evokes a feeling of disconnection and the need for a sense of home. By asking to be taken along on the journey, the protagonist seeks to forge a deeper connection and find solace with the person they are addressing. The repetition of the plea to be taken "back to Georgia" highlights the importance and significance of this destination, suggesting it holds answers to the protagonist's longing and yearning for love.

Overall, "Going Back To Georgia" delves into themes such as love, longing, companionship, and the search for a place of belonging. It explores the complexities of emotions and the need for human connection, ultimately expressing a desire for love and understanding in the face of life's challenges.