All Together Now

*NOTE: This was a fun blog to write, and features an excellent compilation of videos at the very end. Be sure to check them out.

It’s time to sit down and write about another song for 1Perfect Song. Another song that has been part of my life, in one way or another, for a long time. Another song that I feel passionate about, and that I want to write about. This week I am writing about “Midnight Train to Georgia,” and I have absolutely no idea why I have not written about this song before. I love this song.

Recorded by Gladys Knight and the Pips in 1973, “Midnight Train to Georgia” is a shimmering example of clear, concise songwriting combined with an arrangement perfectly suited to the song, and a vocal performance that is luxurious and completely satisfying.

The Pips began as a vocal group in Atlanta, Georgia in the early 1960’s. Comprised of siblings and cousins from the extended Knight family, the group soon became Gladys Knight and The Pips, recognizing the talent and magnetism of their lead singer. Some of the family members left, and some non-family members joined, and the group continued.

Berry Gordy worked hard to attract the Pips to join his Motown label. At first they were hesitant to make that switch, as they considered themselves more of a soul group, and less mainstream than artists like The Temptations or The Jackson Five. However, after they learned they would be joining the new Motown Soul label, they eagerly made the switch. The released a few albums, and they had a few hits.

And then came “Midnight Train to Georgia,” written and originally recorded by Jim Weatherly, a Nashville based country and pop songwriter.

One late night in 1970, Weatherly called his good friend Lee Majors (future 6 Million Dollar Man actor), and Lee’s girlfriend Farrah Fawcett (future Charlie’s Angel actor) picked up the phone instead. Lee could not come to the phone, Fawcett explained, and told Weatherly that she could not talk long as she had to leave the house soon to catch a midnight plane to Houston. Weatherly liked the sound of that, and immediately wrote and recorded a country song about a woman returning home after failing to achieve success in Hollywood.

Cissy Houston (Whitney’s mother) recorded the song next as a soul song, but asked if they could change the title to “Midnight Train to Georgia.” Weatherly said, “yes, just don’t change any of the other lyrics.”

They agreed, and then they changed other lyrics, and she did a beautiful job.

The song was now an R&B/country song about a man failing to find success in Hollywood, and the how woman he loves him follows him back home to Georgia. Gladys Knight and the Pips found the song next, and unleashed all its full R&B and soul music potential. A snare drum marches us in on the intro, soon joined by a lilting piano and luscious horns bringing the syncopation. Gladys’ voice comes in like a whisper.

“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)
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”

The song is a story told by both Gladys Knight, and The Pips. They fill in the story she is telling, and she fills in the story they are telling. In perfect harmony, and with perfect arrangements, we can sit back and savor every moment of angst and regret.

The strings and a quiet Hammond B3 organ are now sitting comfortably under all the rest of the instruments and vocals, and it almost feels like we are on that dark train, gently gliding along the rails in the middle of the night, never arriving at the destination, looking up at the stars.

“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)“

The horns emphasize every point. The bass fluidly carries the story along. The Pips, the glorious, amazing Pips, embrace their role perfectly. They are chewing up every note, giving Gladys all the room she needs to make this song soar.

“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)”

The country connections are hard to miss, now that you know they are there. A man trying to find himself. His woman staying by his side. A journey of self-reflection and realization. But set to the right music, sung by the right singer, produced and arranged by the right producer, this is as good as soul and R&B music gets.

“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“

And that woman by his side pledges her loyalty and love, and promises to stay 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)“

As the song continues, so does Gladys Knight’s commitment to the material. She could be singing a great new R&B song, or she could be leading the congregation in song at church on a Sunday morning. One would be forgiven if they weren’t sure.

The song ends with five continuous verses of rapid fire declarations of commitment, love and dedication. Gladys Knight. The Pips. Back and forth. Emphasizing, scatting, repeating, and echoing. She loves him. She is going back home with him. She would rather be with him at home than in alone in LA.

“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)”

Gladys Knight and The Pips never again achieved the level of success they achieved with “Midnight Train to Georgia,” but with a recording like this, they didn’t need to.

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Gladys Knight and The Pips performing “Midnight Train to Georgia” live on television, circa 1973

An amazing cover/satire of “Midnight Train to Georgia” on the TV Show 30 Rock, featuring a special guest at the very end.

“…and The Pips” appearing on the Richard Pryor variety TV show. Funny though this may be, they really did try to break out on their own, with very little success.

“Midnight Train to Georgia”
Written by Jim Weatherly
Performed by Gladys Knight and The Pips
Released August, 1973