Recorded in 1973 and released under Buddah Records, “Midnight Train to Georgia” became one of Gladys Knight & The Pips’ biggest hits, and remains her signature song. The track appears on their Imagination album and helped solidify their move away from Motown, giving them a fresh identity and broader appeal.
The song was penned by Jim Weatherly under the original title “Midnight Plane to Houston,” inspired by a casual phone conversation with actor Lee Majors. When the song was passed to Knight & The Pips, Gladys requested a change in setting—from Houston by plane to Georgia by train—to resonate more deeply with her heritage and the storytelling feel. Upon release in August 1973, “Midnight Train to Georgia” reached No. 1 on both the Billboard Hot 100 and R&B charts and won the 1974 Grammy Award for Best R&B Vocal Performance (Duo, Group or Chorus).
Fans can stream and download Gladys Knight & The Pips – Midnight Train to Georgia mp3 via all major platforms. With its rich vocals, vivid narrative, and emotional impact, the song remains a timeless classic in soul music and a permanent highlight of their legacy.
gladys knight & the pips midnight train to georgia lyrics
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 back to find (Going back to find) What’s left of his world The world he left behind Not so long ago
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)
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)
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
I know he’s leaving (leaving) On that midnight train to Georgia (leaving on a midnight train) Hmm, yeah Said he’s going back to find, oh (going back to find) A simpler place and time (and when he takes that ride) (Guess who’s gonna sit right 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)
Oh, he’s leaving (Leaving) On a midnight train to Georgia (Leaving on a midnight train) Yeah, oh yo Said he’s going back to find (Going back to find) Oh, a simpler place and time (whenever he takes that ride) (Guess who’s gonna be right by his side)
I’ve got to 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) (Is his, his and hers alone)
one love (All aboard) all aboard A midnight train to ride (One love) one love (All aboard) all aboard
Gotta go on the midnight train to go (midnight train to go) (One love) one love (All aboard) all aboard Aha, the midnight train to go (midnight train to go)
My world (one love) His world (all aboard) Our world, mine and his alone (midnight train to go) My world (one love) His world (all aboard) Our world, mine and his alone (midnight train to go)
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)
My world (one love) His world (all aboard) My man, his girl I’ve got to go, I’ve got go I’ve got to go
