Ray Charles Song Analysis

Ray Charles was an amazing song writer and performer, which was even more notable because he was blind. Along with this he made many contributions to songwriting. Charles slowly built his way up from the bottom. His first inspiration to play music was when he heard Pit play “boogie woogie” at the red café. From their Charles began to move into the different genres of music. Charles‘ played soul, jazz and the blues, which eventually allowed him to blend them together and pioneer “soul“ music. Charles’ hit song “Georgia on my mind” contains numerous poetic devices which showcase Charles’ genius.

Georgia on my mind contains many poetic devices, one of which can be seen in the 3rd line down. Charles’ says “Sweet song,” which is an example of alliteration. Another example of a poetic device can be found in the second stanza toward the bottom “Comes as sweet and clear As moonlight through the pines” this is an example of Imagery, It gives the listener a very vivid image of what the landscape of Georgia. In the third stanza there is much personification and symbolism. “Other arms reach out to me Other eyes smile tenderly” Can be both people and states that are welcoming Charles’, but he finds that there is nothing like Georgia. “Still in peaceful dreams I see The road leads back to you.” In this sentence Georgia is being treated more like a person than a state. He is saying that in his dreams he is being led back to Georgia. In the 4th stanza Charles’ says “Ooh Georgia, no peace I find Just an old sweet song Keeps Georgia on my mind” This is the first line of the song that has a rhyme to it. It is repeating again in the 6th stanza. The entire song contains local color. It is describing the beauty of Georgia.

Charles was a very religious man. He enjoyed the ideas of gospel music, but didn’t want to stick to just one style of music. He also enjoyed jazz and blues. As time progressed he was able to find a way to mix all of these styles of music together into one genre. Through Charles creativity and innovation he pioneered the genre of “soul” Music. This was a massive contribution to song writing and musical appreciation. From this Charles’ has become a legend and will always be known as the “The Genius.”