About the song
“Georgy Girl” is an iconic pop anthem by the Australian music group The Seekers, and it stands out as one of the defining hits of the mid-1960s. Released in late 1966, this song was not just a chart-topping success but also served as the title track for the film of the same name, which premiered in the same year. Composed by Tom Springfield, known for his work on “I’ll Never Find Another You,” and with lyrics by Jim Dale, “Georgy Girl” captures a unique blend of folk-pop charm and cinematic storytelling.
The song was introduced in the film with variations in its lyrics compared to the commercially released version, and it was prominently featured at both the beginning and the end of the film. Although “Georgy Girl” was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Song, it did not win, with the award going to “Born Free” instead.
In terms of commercial success, “Georgy Girl” achieved remarkable milestones. It reached number one in Australia and climbed to number three on the UK charts. In the United States, it made a significant impact, topping the Cash Box Top 100 and reaching number two on the Billboard Hot 100, narrowly missing the top spot due to competition from The Monkees’ “I’m a Believer.” The song’s popularity in the U.S. led to the re-titling of The Seekers’ British album, “Come the Day,” to “Georgy Girl” for its American release.
The song’s influence extended beyond The Seekers. In 1966, The Lennon Sisters recorded a cover for The Lawrence Welk Show, although it did not match the original’s chart success. Later, in 1967, an instrumental version by the Baja Marimba Band also made its mark, reaching number 98 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 14 on the easy listening chart.
The song has been reinterpreted by various artists over the years. Notably, The New Seekers, a reformed group from 1969 featuring guitarist Keith Potger, included a version on their UK album “We’d Like to Teach the World to Sing.” Saori Minami also recorded a cover in 1971 for her album “Shiokaze No Melody.”
“Georgy Girl” even found its way into popular culture in the late 1970s and early 1980s, when its melody was repurposed in Barbie doll commercials, showcasing its enduring appeal and versatility.
Overall, “Georgy Girl” remains a significant piece of pop history, cherished for its catchy melody and the cheerful, upbeat vibe that resonates with listeners across generations. Its success and lasting impact underscore the song’s ability to capture the zeitgeist of the 1960s while continuing to engage new audiences through various adaptations and covers.
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Lyrics
Hey there, Georgy girl
Swinging down the street so fancy-free
Nobody you meet could ever see the loneliness there inside you
Hey there, Georgy girl
Why do all the boys just pass you by?
Could it be you just don’t try or is it the clothes you wear?
You’re always window shopping but never stopping to buy
So shed those dowdy feathers and fly a little bit
Hey there, Georgy girl
There’s another Georgy deep inside
Bring out all the love you hide and, oh, what a change there’d be
The world would see a new Georgy girl
Hey there, Georgy girl
Dreaming of the someone you could be
Life is a reality, you can’t always run away
Don’t be so scared of changing and rearranging yourself
It’s time for jumping down from the shelf a little bit
Hey there, Georgy girl
There’s another Georgy deep inside
Bring out all the love you hide and, oh, what a change there’d be
The world would see a new Georgy girl
Wake up, Georgy girl
(Hey there, Georgy girl)
Come on, Georgy girl
(Hey there, Georgy girl)
Wake up, Georgy girl