Celebrate the Heart of Country, Americana, and Roots Music!

Drop Us A Line, Y'all

Y'all interested in advertising, partnering up, contributing stories, joining our team, or just got a question? Well, don't be shy, drop us a line!

Follow Us

“The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia:” A 1990s Country Classic by Reba McEntire

by
  • Arden is a Senior Country Music Journalist for Country Thang Daily, specializing in classic hits and contemporary chart-toppers.
  • Prior to joining Country Thang Daily, Arden wrote for Billboard and People magazine, covering country music legends and emerging artists.
  • Arden holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of Tennessee, with a minor in Music Studies.

Who Sang The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia?

It is a country ballad song written by American songwriter Bobby Russell. It was first performed by American pop music artist Vicki Lawrence in the year 1972. His version of the song was released in November 1972 as a single from his album, The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia.  After the song’s release, it gained positive comments from music critics and the song entered the country charts.

Although Bobby Russell wrote and composed the song, he did not bother to record it because he did not like it. According to Lawrence, Russell’s wife, she believed that the song was destined to be successful and recorded the song herself. However, publishers and record labels do not know how to pitch the song. So, Lawrence went to the studio and recorded it with the back instrument of L.A. session musicians from the Wrecking Crew. Her record was published by the label and released as a single.

Speaking of the song’s popularity, it has been recorded by various music artists, one of those is our very own Reba McEntire.

Reba McEntire’s The Night The Lights Went Out In Georgia Version

The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia, Reba McEntire
Via Reba McEntire’s Official Facebook Page

Reba McEntire‘s version of the song “The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia” was released in April 1992. Her version was included in her album, For My Broken Heart. The song was again a hit in 1991, and entered the country charts. It reached number 12 on the Hot Country songs.

About the Song

The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia, Reba McEntire
Via Youtube.com by Screengrab

This song is about the narrator’s brother who loves drinking alcohol. One day, before going home to his wife, he stopped by a bar to drink. He talked to a stranger named Andy Wolloe who told him that while he was out, his wife was having an affair with someone. Thus, Andy admitted that he himself had been with her. So, he rushed home.

His wife had left town. The man took his father’s gun and quickly drove to Andy’s house. When he arrived, he noticed a set of footprints leading to the house and when he entered, he was shocked. He saw Andy  dead on the floor from a gunshot. To get attention from their neighbors so he could ask for help, he fired a shot in the air.

Unfortunately, he was arrested for Andy’s murder. In the court, he was declared guilty and sentenced to death by hanging.

The story wraps up as the narrator reveals herself as the little sister. The footprints seen was from her, but she is not the only one who killed Andy. She was then with her brother’s wife as well. In the chorus of the song, it shows that the little sister blamed the local criminal justice system about her brother’s death.

To read more articles about your favorite country stars and country songs, feel free to visit our website or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Latest Stories

Dolly Parton makes her first public appearance since Carl Dean’s passing, thanking fans for their support and showing resilience through grief.

Dolly Parton Makes First Public Appearance Since Husband’s Passing

Dolly Parton has always been a symbol of strength, grace, and resilience. Still, her latest public appearance may be one of her most meaningful yet. Just 11 days after the ...

Dolly Parton’s 1987 advice on aging is timeless, blending wisdom, humor, and her fearless approach to life, proving age is just a number.

Dolly Parton’s 1987 Advice on Aging Is Something We All Need to Hear

Dolly Parton has always had a way with words, whether writing hit songs or dropping life lessons with that signature charm. Back in 1987, she gave advice about aging that, ...

Cody Johnson stayed true to his sound and image, refusing to conform to Nashville’s music machine—and his success proves real country music still thrives.

Cody Johnson Didn’t Sell Out To Nashville’s Music Machine And It Paid Off

There was a time when Nashville’s music executives told Cody Johnson he had to change everything—his sound, his image, even his signature cowboy hat—the same cowboy hat that has since ...

Scotty McCreery’s 2-year-old son, Avery, melts hearts as he sings a George Strait classic, proving country music runs in the family.

Scotty Mccreery’s Son Steals The Show Singing George Strait

Scotty McCreery has never been shy about his love for George Strait. He’s the kind of fan who doesn’t just admire The King of Country—he builds his own career on ...

Doug Kiker, American Idol’s 'Singing Garbage Man,' passes away at 32, leaving behind a legacy of raw talent and an unforgettable audition.

Doug Kiker Won Hearts On American Idol And Now The World Is Mourning His Loss

Doug Kiker’s story was one of raw talent, humble beginnings, and a voice that could stop people in their tracks. The Alabama native first won over hearts in 2020 when ...

Willie Nelson announces his 154th album, Oh What A Beautiful World, featuring songs by Rodney Crowell, proving he’s still going strong

Willie Nelson Just Announced His 154th Album And He’s Still Going Strong

At an age when most people are reminiscing about the past, Willie Nelson is still out here making history. The country legend announced his 154th studio album, Oh What A ...

Johnny Cash’s handwritten Bible notes reveal the scriptures that guided his faith, redemption, and lifelong search for grace.

Johnny Cash’s Handwritten Bible Notes Show the Scriptures That Guided Him

Johnny Cash lived a life of contradictions—faith and failure, rebellion and redemption, sin and salvation. He wasn’t a saint, and he never claimed to be. But if one thing defined ...

Chappell Roan clarifies her new country-inspired song isn’t a genre crossover, saying, 'It’s not me trying to invade country music.'

Chappell Roan Steps Into Country Music But Insists She Is Not Crossing Over

Chappell Roan isn’t trying to take over country music—at least, she says. The rising pop star, known for her theatrical performances and bold lyrics, surprised fans when she announced “The ...

Dolly Parton made a heartfelt promise to her late husband, Carl Dean, in his final moments, honoring their nearly 59-year love story.

Dolly Parton Made Her Late Husband a Solemn Promise Before He Passed

Dolly Parton and Carl Dean shared a love story that was as private as it was enduring. Married for nearly 59 years, they built a life away from the spotlight, ...

T. Graham Brown finally receives his long-overdue Grand Ole Opry invitation after 300+ performances, marking a well-deserved milestone in his career.

T. Graham Brown Finally Gets His Grand Ole Opry Invitation After Decades of Dedication

Some honors in country music come quickly, and others take their sweet time. In T. Graham Brown’s case, the Grand Ole Opry membership invitation took longer than it should have. ...

Leave a Comment

For security, use of Google's reCAPTCHA service is required which is subject to the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.