Carolina in My Mind

James Taylor

About Carolina in My Mind

"Carolina in My Mind" is a song written and performed by singer-songwriter James Taylor, which first appeared on his 1968 self-titled debut album. Taylor wrote it while overseas recording for the Beatles' label Apple Records, and the song's themes reflect his homesickness at the time. Released as a single, the song earned critical praise but not commercial success. It was re-recorded for Taylor's 1976 Greatest Hits album in the version that is most familiar to listeners. It has been a staple of Taylor's concert performances over the decades of his career. The song was a modest hit on the country charts in 1969 for North Carolinian singer George Hamilton IV. Strongly tied to a sense of geographic place, "Carolina in My Mind" has been called an unofficial state anthem for North Carolina. It is also an unofficial song of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, being played at athletic events and pep rallies and sung by the graduating class at every university commencement. The association of the song with the state is also made in written works of both fiction and non-fiction. It has become one of Taylor's most critically praised songs and one that has great popularity and significance for his audience. 


Year:
2003
3:56
47 
#1

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In my mind I'm gone to Carolina
Can't you see the sunshine?
Can't you just feel the moonshine?
Ain't it just like a friend of mine
To hit me from behind?
Yes, I'm gone to Carolina in my mind

Karin, she's a silver sun
You best walk her way and watch it shine
Watch her watch the morning come
A silver tear appearing now
I'm cryin', ain't I?
Gone to Carolina in my mind

There ain't no doubt in no ones mind
That love's the finest thing around
Whisper something soft and kind
And hey babe, the sky's on fire
I'm dying, ain't I?
Gone to Carolina in my mind

In my mind I'm gone to Carolina
Can't you see the sunshine?
Can't you just feel the moonshine?
Ain't it just like a friend of mine
To hit me from behind?
Yes, I'm gone to Carolina in my mind

Dark and silent, late last night
I think I might have heard the highway call
And geese in flight and dogs that bite
The signs that might be omens say
I'm goin', I'm goin'
I'm gone to Carolina in my mind

With a holy host of others standin' around me
Still I'm on the dark side of the moon
And it seems like it goes on like this forever
You must forgive me, if I'm up and gone to
Carolina in my mind

In my mind I'm goin' to Carolina
Can't you see the sunshine?
Can't you just feel the moonshine?
Ain't is just like a friend of mine
To hit me from behind
Yes, I'm gone to Carolina in my mind
Gone to Carolina in my mind
And I'm goin' to Carolina in my mind
Gone to Carolina in my mind
Gone, I'm gone, I'm gone
Say nice things about me 'cause I'm gone South now
Carry on without me, I'm gone

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James Taylor

James Vernon Taylor (born March 12, 1948) is an American singer-songwriter and guitarist. A five-time Grammy Award winner, Taylor was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2000. more »

11 fans

Written by: James Taylor

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


13 facts about this song

Song Release
"Carolina in My Mind" was released in 1968, first appearing on James Taylor's self-titled debut album.
Song Inspiration
James Taylor wrote the song while overseas recording for The Beatles' label Apple Records. Homesick, he wrote the song reflecting his longing for his home in North Carolina.
Beatles Connection
Paul McCartney and George Harrison of The Beatles sang backup vocals on the original recording of the song.
Song Importance
This song was one of the first songs James Taylor wrote and it is considered as one of his best-known compositions.
Grammy Hall of Fame
In 2002, "Carolina in My Mind" was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, an honor bestowed upon recordings "of lasting quality or historical significance."
Redoing of the Original
In 1976, Taylor recorded a new version of the song for his greatest hits album. This version featured his longtime backup singers and had a more polished sound than the original.
Breakthrough Track
Many regard "Carolina in My Mind" as the breakthrough track that helped establish Taylor's music career.
Musical Composition
The song is written in the key of D Major, and it commences with the signature open D Major Chord.
Unique Recording Process
The original version of the song was recorded at three different recording studios till it reached its final version.
Song Recognition
In 2016, “Carolina in my Mind” was selected by National Public Radio (NPR) as “the unofficial anthem of North Carolina."
Live Performances
The song has been regularly played at James Taylor's live performances and is often requested by fans.
Covers and Versions
"Carolina in My Mind" has been covered by various artists over the years, including Al Kooper, Melanie, and Larry Lurex, an early pseudonym of Freddie Mercury before his Queen days.
Soundtrack Appearances
The song has appeared in numerous television shows and films, including Remember the Titans, Going Home, and Dawson's Creek.

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