"Going to Georgia" - The Mountain Goats Live (fixed audio)

January 2010, from the NPR "All Songs Considered" podcast.
Fixed audio version of the file originally posted here: • Video

[@veronikasophia]

the most remarkable thing about john darnielle playing going to georgia live is that it's john darnielle and that he's playing going to georgia live

[@Shalom64221]

++

[@realbland]

it is pretty remarkable considering his thoughts on the song!

[@agonsfitness7308]

Every time I listen to this song I end up listening to the live version and I always read this comment and it never fails to make me smile or want to upvote again in agreement.

[@Anarchivist343]

John on why he forgets lyrics: "Unlike other so called songwriters who spend all day contemplating their navels, I actually write a fucking lot of songs."

[@TheEffinity]

I love how he obviously doesn't want to play this song, but he asked for a request, it was requested, he played it, and he played it with feeling.

[@realbadtech9318]

He really doesn't lol. Last time I saw him live I requested it (like I always do) and he uhh, went on a little rant about how he doesn't like requests for old songs

[@pleasedrivefaster873]

Watch "Going to Georgia for Sixty US Dollars," TLDW John accepts cash to play the song and not only plays it badly, he spends more time shitting on the song between verses than singing the verses. Very bad optics.

[@xXLoonoeXx]

@@pleasedrivefaster873 I don't think he plays it badly at all, but he does shit on the song between verses. And it's his right to do that, it's his song and he probably feels he's better att writing lyrics today.

[@billzsigray1504]

@@xXLoonoeXx that’s funny cause newest album is first good one he’s written since Beat The Champ.

[@xXLoonoeXx]

@@billzsigray1504 That's your opinion, and that's fine, but the only way it matters is is if he wants to cater to you, and he probably wants to cater to himself instead, then only his opinion matters.

[@martinkurien8813]

The commentary, forgetting the lines partway through, the exuberance and passion in the singing all come together in this performace in such a way that I can't help but love the hell out of this live version over the studio one. Thank you for being a beautiful person, John Darnielle.

[@reverendsteveii]

As a guitarist, I'm so glad he gave me a melody for the spoken parts. I have a really difficult time keeping up a strum pattern while just talking offhandedly like he does in the studio (lol) version. As someone who could just sit and listen to him tell stories for the rest of my life, I'm glad he gave us that little screwup and the insight as to why he doesn't do this song anymore. I'm a bit embarrassed by some of the stuff I thought was important when I was younger as well. I get it.

[@jackieeller4243]

Nice Mountain Goats cover, steve carell. You did an amazing job.

[@jodysoldman]

I was thinking the Dentist form The Hangover

[@dragouspe3n]

more like Freddie Prinze jr. :D

[@leedominicksanjose3124]

More like ian duncan from community

[@adityakhanna113]

@@leedominicksanjose3124 no wonder both are Johns

[@emilioporrasvergara2158]

The way he sings "and you smiiiiiile" at 2:31 is one of my favourite moments in music ever.

[@gordonstearns2232]

This is my actual experience with this song. All of this happened today. 1st time listening: This isn't... bad I guess. But I'm not sure why so many Mountain Goats fans love it so much. 2nd time listening: Wow, this is really, really good. 3rd time listening: I want to cry now.

[@DrArcaedian]

Ha! I think this is the experience most listeners have as they discover The Mountain Goats, regardless of the song.

[@user-vp8gq6hc3j]

This cycle also works with neutral milk hotel

So true, when my friend made me listen to them first few times, I was like meeh, but now... Damn

[@CoolHandLuke7]

My sister burned a CD back when that was something you did and you only had 80 minutes of room to work with. It was 80 minutes of Going to Georgia.

[@raisedbybears1991]

I saw the Mountain Goats earlier this month. John played a few songs solo, and someone shouted for Going to Georgia. I don't have a recording of the show, but he muttered something along the lines of "never again in this lifetime." We all have our opinions on his decision not to perform it anymore, but he has said that he didn't want to take the song away from anyone because he know it's a favorite for many people, he just doesn't want to do it anymore. I think it's perfectly reasonable to love the song and, simultaneously, undertand and respect his decision.

[@DrArcaedian]

Dan? His name is John. Haha. But anyways, I agree with your opinion. He has his reasons, and we're not owed the song or anything. It's still a shame, as I'm seeing him in September in Pittsburgh and I was really hoping to hear this. It means so much to me, but it's his decision what to play.

[@raisedbybears1991]

+jeremy kins Yup, John Darnielle. I genuinely have no idea why I typed Dan. When I saw you correcting me I was so confused about who Dan was until I re-read my own comment, haha

[@DrArcaedian]

Haha. It happens. Chalk it up to morning brain haze.

[@uns33n]

if you search for going to Georgia explanation on KZbin there is a video of him explaining why he doesn't play it. in short he thinks it a affirms a negative way of relating to a woman.

[@MsFuzzipoo]

Damn, this got long. Sorry! I saw TMG at The Crystal Ballroom in Portland last year. I was right up at the stage, excited as hell, but also bracing myself for audience members shouting over each other to request older obscure songs. For about half the show there was no yelling of song titles, which was a pleasant surprise. However, during a brief but quiet pause, some dude waaaay in the back bellowed: *GOING TO GEORGIA!!!* Without thinking I muttered "the fuck, asshole?" and turned around to shoot said dude a look. I never spotted him. Instead, I saw that nearly everyone else had also swiveled their heads toward the back of the room. Sounds of disgust and disapproval rippled through the audience. Then we turned back to the stage and the show continued. I don't think John reacted at all. I'm pretty sure he's _over_ that shit, having heard it called out god knows how many times... A few days before the concert I was on reddit and chatting with others who'd be at the show. One of them said he was going to yell it just for shits and giggles. He eventually relented and said he wouldn't. Maybe he _was_ that dude in the back. Or maybe not... I've seen a lot of people get intensely upset over John's decision to ditch the song: reacting like his refusal is practically a personal attack, angrily blaming the influence of "feminazi" ideas, PC culture, his wife (!)... it's disturbing. Some folks _really_ love the song and won't give up on requesting it. Others apparently use it to get a reaction/attention. I love Going to Georgia. I also understand why he doesn't want to play it anymore, I respect his decision, and I actually agree with his reasons. He explains why in this performance. He's laid out his feelings about the song very clearly, many times. Unfortunately, I think there will always be fans requesting it and bringing it up during live performances...

[@krazykane100]

i love how he fucks up his own song this guys awesome

[@kobinho1917]

+Brandon Frasier lol

[@HeadAboveWater95]

The most remarkable thing about you standing in the doorway is that it's you, and that you're standing in the doorway.

[@ilse9744]

every now and then i come back and watch this just to hear the incredible line "the world throws its light underneath your hair" again. i think it's noteworthy that even though it might not be the healthiest thing to write, the way he writes was still so strong. like with "the feeling of being in motion again". idk there are songs of his that are straight poetry but there's something about the openness of songwriting that he really pins down and makes work every time. anyway thats enough of my 3am tmg opinions .thanks for the upload

[@silvarace]

i honestly feel like him screwing up the lyrics kind of makes it better. like hes more believable

[@MatthewDesmondToledo]

Yeah, this version is lovely; it's worth it just for the intro. And it's funny that he manages to flub the most perfect line he ever wrote, but it still works.

[@joshgulisano1863]

This is a very magical performance. Like, the first time I saw this I was in awe.

[@claytonbaker1540]

Feels great when he gets caught on the lyrics, these are our songs now more than they are John's

[@michaeldanielpaisleyhender399]

He lived it once. We relived it every time since.

[@TigerDriver66]

This is such a great and accurate comment.

[@KyleIsABiscuit]

There is a reason this has no dislikes... It's physically impossible to show any dislike for Mr. Darnielle or this song.

[@bear5945]

Still no dislikes... Absolutely Remarkable!

[@xoxo_grease]

It's weird actually seeing him. I spend so much time listening to his albums and wondering how a person could get it so well that I forget he is an actual person. He's become so much of a god to me it's weird to think he actually exists and does things normal people do. Comforting, as well.

[@mockingbirdarmada]

I was wondering how he could do that at first too. Look at his hand right before he even asks the question. He had knew they were going to ask for that so had the chord ready then immediately after the question just went to the same position.

[@treyroberson7296]

the most remarkable thing about The Mountain Goats is i was going to see them 40 miles from Atlanta and I punked out cuz i just got out of a mental hospital that day. going to georgia

[@ThomasBaxter]

Take care human. I hear you. I resemble you. I want the best for you.

[@bambiitree1673]

I agree with John, this song is stupid. But I can't help but love it.

[@Adam-ie5wy]

The most remarkable thing about coming home to you is the feeling of being in motion again It's the most extraordinary feeling in the whole world I have two big hands and a heart pumping blood and a 1967 Colt .45 with a busted safety catch The world shines As I cross the Macon County line Going to Georgia The most remarkable thing about you standing in the doorway is that it's you And that you're standing in the doorway And you smile when you ease the gun from my hand and I’m frozen with joy right where I stand The world throws its light underneath your hair Forty miles from Atlanta, this is nowhere Going to Georgia

[@kmacmuzikmafia27]

he just sings his fuckin throat out. It's amazing

[@iceman123123]

thank you soupy from the wonder years for introducing me to this amazing artist

[@likeatinglass]

FORTY MILES FROM ATLANTA, THIS IS….NOWHERE vibes :*

[@obaphone]

Adom and his package got me to this....the best thing an artist can do, is show you a new artist you don't know about

[@AM-rb4ps]

Which Atom song covers this? I love Atom's weird shit.

[@LadyNekoshema]

I love this song because it captures being 20 and assuming you're an artist by doing something pretentious sounding and stupid. In other words, I hear this song and remember being 19-20 and writing terrible poetry but thinking I sounded deep because I used lines like "the most remarkable thing about you standing in the doorway, is that it's you, and that you're standing in the doorway."

[@DJPach]

The first time I heard this song, at all, I was high on LSA derived from Hawaiian Baby Woodrose Seeds. I was blown away by the passion encapsulated in the delivery of the lyrics (and knowing he discredits this song as misogynistic at a later date) I am still awestruck by his delivery.

[@claytonbennett7797]

This is Gordon Gano level of derangement and I love it.

[@Coberation]

This is the best going to Georgia performance I've heard. Even with the mistake, John has so much soul.

[@thomaswheerl1883]

40 miles from Atlanta this is nowhere (Griffin, GA)

[@mitchellcook6957]

this is my favorite mountain goats song. hands down.

[@audioish]

even when he messes up. it still brilliant.

[@whatErik]

thank you for sharing this. I heard this song performed last month by Sean Bonnette of Andrew Jackson Jihad, at that time I remembered that I had read on John's tumblr that he was discontinuing this song's performance. I was curious as to why.

[@WelfareChrist]

holy crap I was just watching Tiny Desk thinking why did they not have mountain goats on.

[@shadowprophet88]

@Tigerb0tHESH He's a geekier, much angrier Ben Folds. And I love that so much about him lol

[@blakekorte]

This is just my opinion but John would blow Isaac out of the water as far as writing is concerned.

[@bohika5]

And you smile as you ease the gun from my hands, and I'm frozen with joy, right where I stand!

[@halterman666]

That is a very good eye you have, but you forgot something important. Most Mountain Goats songs have the same chords. ;D

[@sideshowirl6779]

This is my first time looking for the mountaingoats outside of just listening on Spotify and being in awe. Now I get to listen to my favorite song, different, still in awe

[@kindnessfirst9670]

For an acclaimed novelist he's makes pretty good records!

[@matthewbass2052]

Does anyone know how he tunes his guitar? from the sound of it everything is half a step up from standard.

[@mikogale]

It's just standard E i'm pretty sure

[@Rutherford_Inchworm_III]

And I for one never considered this song to be about suicide or murder; I took it as a kind of metaphor. The 1967 Colt .45 with the busted safety catch is a metaphor for that kind of wild, hair-trigger desperation that love induces in young men. "I love you, let's light ourselves on fire" kind of thing.

[@timcox7169]

Feck Eric-Schmidt especially considering he was born in ‘67.

[@pucktoad]

John doesn't do metaphors

[@roo223780]

That is a Rainsong graphite. Costume made i am sure.

[@billyalarie929]

“..yeah alright -_- “ @ the request

[@UncleXerces]

This is metal

[@whatErik]

I am in agreement with you, I don't interpret the song to be about any of that sort of stuff about meaning harm toward yourself or other people, just kind of the presence of something dangerous. I think Going to Georgia is the ideal song for young people who are aware of their own foolishness, maybe John's grown up and and is trying to erase evidence of that foolishness. Oh well.

[@danav82]

kills me. every time.

[@stayproductions8654]

The fact that John messed up on the same part that I messed up on trying to play this from memory is absolutely mind-blowing and humbling. What a real person.

[@MrCombfoot]

Does anybody know the guitar he is using? i cant place it.

[@音姫soundprincess]

rainsong guitars, concert series i believe

[@jameshuman1753]

So... was Georgia the girls name or am I alone in the double meaning?

[@phantomgacha5294]

მაგარია! :3

[@Kjmonster3]

Yay! Soo happy I found this! And it was posted on my birthday 🎉!

[@nightpandas7178]

His singing voice is so different from his speaking voice

[@kodymcbanks1]

Anyone have the chords for this?

[@sinewaverev]

Kody Nicholson D Asus4 G6

[@fragmentalstew]

Morevividthansunsets 1 I wanted to +1 your comment, but I could not.

[@jasonlitherland]

i had no idea Atom and His Package covered this song.

[@np02058]

@KyleIsABiscuit you had to jinx it dident you?

[@aijiang]

The timing in these lyrics is baller

[@japhysynder]

Wish you started it at 0:52 for mixing purposes...

[@jeff7764]

First song I learned on guitar

[@redeyedspawn]

so much better when it all syncs up

[@davidwilliama.7296]

I was just writing a song, but about half way through, I realized it sounded kind of like this song. The lyrics are completely different, but the chords are almost the same and the feel is similar. Not exactly, but still... I have been listening to a lot of Mountain Goats songs lately, and my writing style kind of fused with the sound of songs like this. Oh well.

[@wayfechylde3]

I live 40 miles from Atlanta \m/

[@silvarace]

I love this recording don't get me wrong, but I get worried for John darnelle when I watch him sing. he looks like he's going to hurt himself!

[@mafiamilitia]

you are one hundred miles away from santa monica, CA , i will meet you one day

[@Foster_B]

You meet him yet?

[@wayfechylde3]

I see what you just did...

[@MassHero]

Just gotta say thanks for posting this.

[@revominds]

fuc yea

[@swr3603]

cute

[@t4ll3y]

Yeah, alright.

[@mrronan2007]

Torture

[@kgpspyguy]

Hi Joel.

[@moneytimesfifteen]

love this so much

[@Nic33rd]

Oh hell yes!

[@sithspitdanikan4725]

OH HEEEL YASS

[@Rutherford_Inchworm_III]

I saw him in Boone, NC on May 1, 2013. He said basically the same thing he does here, except this time he vowed he was never going to play Going to Georgia live ever again because he "could no longer politically justify the idea that women should be impressed by a guy who wants to harm himself or someone else". In the same show, he played precisely 2 Tallahassee songs and badly forgot the lyrics to Old College Try. He's got a wife and a toddler now. Ooblah dee, ooblah dah, I guess.

[@dylan8550]

0:51

[@Floydthefuckbag]

Aww he fucks up his songs just like I do. I'll feel a bit closer to him very time I start to sing the wrong verse.