Vicki Lawrence- The Night The Lights Went Out In Georgia

[doctorw2]

this song is about the leo frank trial.

[blueeyesjames]

I do wish we could see more of Vicki today. I did love Mama's Ted Williams rant! Now I'd LOVE to see Eunice on a street corner trying to get famous! Has anyone ever seen the rare TV movie "Eunice"? It was made before "Mama's Family", although Mama dies in it. I have a dvd, find it if you can. :)

[leftiesrox]

@blueeyesjames it used to be on here. i don't know if it still is, but i was like 2 years ago.

[blueeyesjames]

Man I love all those songs from the 70's that told somewhat tortured narrative tales! ;) "Southern Gothic" is what wiki classifies this as, perfect. I heard Vicki first, then 2 decades later I became a Reba Impersonator and came to appreciate the force and even anger she put into the song.

[SupercellKid]

Writers write their lines. Audio technicians make them sound better. Make up artists make them look better, and video tech's make them look better again. Directors and producers make sure there as few mistakes as possible when making them look better and sound better than they really are. Casting personal make sure no one out shines them while standing next to them. Wheres the Talent? V.L. Believes that only the rich,talented,& those born into it should be famous. If you fall into fame ur JUNK

[kingjames8283]

Please get the correct. This song belongs to Vicky and her then husband who wrote this song and Vicky recorded in 1972. It had been turned down by other artist popular at the time. This song was not made for any movie and was never sung in any movie. One year after this song charted, Tanya Tucker used the music from the song but changed some of the lyrics to fit the 1973 movie of the same name. In 1991, Reba McIntyre recorded a cover of this song which became popular in country radio.

[xXxStrifeMexXx]

this song is beautiful, no matter who is singing it.

its just personal choice that I like Reba's voice more.

Vicki sings it with so much emotion, maybe thats what Reba is missing. I love the way Vicki starts off the Chorus. <3

[Seyahhsod]

..if he was really hung, I highy doubt he was innocent.... heheheh

[freethought1990]

I like Vicki but in my opinion Reba does this song better...I just think that Reba gets more emotion across through her vocals. Vicki is a bit pitchy here.

[Tenn033]

I remember the movie this was made for the tiltle of the song was the movie lol. Great song and movie wish i could find it on dvd it had kristi mcnichol and dennis quaid in it.

[DaveWollenberg]

Why would anybody dislike this 1? Vicki hit #1 pop, #7 AC, and #36 country, in Billboard. God bless!

[bigbenkentucky2]

@DaveWollenberg The subject matter probably startled them.

[1User20008]

This one is the best version I've heard so far! This live performance really NAILS this song. in this performance, Vicki's more mature voice than the original is what the song really needed. It has those deep, dark tones that these lyrics really call for. Too bad the recording cuts out before the end. I really don't know why people prefer Reba's version. I do like Reba, in general, but not for this song. Her voice is just too soprano and cheerful, and this song needs a good alto.

[DaveWollenberg]

Gang, why don't we have any vids of Miss Vicki playin' trumpet. I looked it up on Google, and it says that she can. That'd be somethin' to see her do, right, guys? God bless!

[gabbydeanne]

@BIGJUDGE. So rude, she's got more talent than you probably have in the left side of your brain, Which you should probably use more of. So disrespectful, and I can't say your a teenager because I don't really know you, but I'm fifteen and show way more respect than that, by the way she's no Ke$ha but she's rocking for an elderly person!

[rawdeal83]

Saw this live a few days ago....nice show...she looks good for her age. nice song

[BigBlueBeast]

Hey! It's Mama!

[UltimateTidusFan]

sorry, but it isnt as good as reba's version.

sorry if i offended any Vicki fans

[Gnillob802]

@UltimateTidusFan I'm just curious what went through your mind to just have to have the urge to post that. I'm assuming you were drunk.

[gabylovesmaine]

@Gnillob802 Why do you assume someone was drunk??? I don't get your post.

[Gnillob802]

@gabylovesmaine Maybe because you're drunk too.

[dhucke4assembly]

This is the way songs should be written - ones that tell a story.

[cammybammy]

She Acts and sings is there anything this woman cant do???

awesome lady

[grasspa]

I always liked this song ............

[BIGJUDGE1975]

Peter Pan had a sex change?

[DorisDayFanatic]

I think Vicki is fantastic! I'd love to see this show! =D

[DA90027]

Vicki never really was a singer, she had a fluke hit with this song, and with what they can do to your voice in a studio anyone can have a hit record. She doesn't sound that bad here.

[roosevelthighschool]

I love this song. I imagine it's a sad story from Vicki's life.

[j5muscle]

she is hot

[MrUsa131]

no offense to anyone, but this sucks.

aweful! Reba all the way.

[rangergirl333]

thise song is muche better with Reba.

[ChildOfFire5475]

the original was recorded in 1972. Reba's cover was recorded in 1989.

[BrianHamiltonTV]

Billboard Hot 100 number one single (Vicki Lawrence version)

April 7, 1973 — April 14, 1973

[chk444]

Cher were originally offered the song, Sonny thought it would upset her southern fans, they passed on it. Vicky recorded the song knowing it was going to be a hit. That's how it happened.

[sherryquilts]

I don't care who wrote the song. This brings back memories for me. Love all those old 45s I used to listen to...ahhh the good ole days! :)

[indigoport]

this is not the original version of the song...it was sung by tanya tucker first listen at ur own risk lol

[ChildOfFire5475]

Oh no no no! Tanya Tucker recorded a different version for the 1981 film The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia although with some altered lyrics which reflected the plot line of the movie, which is not the same as the story of the original song.

[stormincher]

You're right it was written by her husband

[brandondallas]

I was so fascinated when I learned that Vicki wrote this song. COOL.

[melliet]

I don't think she wrote it, she just performed it. I think it was written by her then husband.

[brandondallas]

You're right, it was Bobby Russell.

[eatfreaky]

She sounds like shit!

[70sPopRock]

Vicky Lawrence was best known for her comedic roll as Carol Burnett's mother in the "Carol Burnett Show." She wore grey curly haired wigs to play grandmother type rolls. Vicky was a comedian at heart. But in March of 1973, Vicky Lawrence was no laughing matter. Grandma had discovered the 'fountain of youth' when she shocked the world with her #1 hit song, "The Night The Lights Went Out In Georgia." Sadly, Vicky ended her singing career after her divorce to then husband, "Bobby Russell."

[ifusuckilltellu]

Simply wonderful!

[mkl62]

On one of his talk shows on the radio, Mark Christopher was talking about the music scene in 1973. He said that it was a down year as far as quality went. In other words, a lot of the songs were wimpy. Agree or disagree? Feel free to reply.

[doreenhogan]

This is how I remember the song.

[ozjvgon]

I think she sounds real good!

[wilkes85]

she should stick with acting

[jester99sch]

She was the original singer/song writer of this song. She's a LOT older since she first recorded this song in what? 1970? I'd say she did damn good for who and what she is. Let see you write and record a song then sell a million copies of it then come back 30+ years later and sing it for people NOT then you can criticize other people

[jester99sch]

Just for the sake of any confusion it was her and her then husband Bobby that wrote the song, Vicki recorded the song in 1972

[MiiZZPOOH94]

*♫BOTH VERSiONZ SOUND VERY DiFFERENT!--BUT i HAV 2 SAY THAT REBA'S iZ BETTER!BUT THATZ JUST MY OPiNiON!♫*

[sydluv420]

wrong.

[MiiZZPOOH94]

*♫WELL,iT WAZ JUSS MY OPiNiON.YOU DONT HAVE TO AGREE W/ ME.♫*

[roosevelthighschool]

Is this song based off a real story or something? Does Vicki explain with what the song is about in an interview? Thank You.

[kilroy238]

Check out the write up on Wikipedia

[thrice3muses]

Love her voice!! More soul than Reba's version....I do like both however.

[roosevelthighschool]

My question is who is Andy and who the hell is his sister? Thank You.

[thrice3muses]

Andy was the singer's brother's best friend. When the brother was away Andy had an affair with her brother's wife. The sister (the singer of the song) killed Andy and her sister- in- law for revenge. But her brother was hanged for the murder of Andy. And they never found the wife's body.

[jester99sch]

This was a ficticious story/song Vicki came up one night with her first husband, She told the story of how this song came about a long time ago on a talk show

[roosevelthighschool]

Are you thinking of her own talk show? Remember, jester99sch she had her own talk show? Thank You.

[Tenn033]

I liked both versions! I even loved the movie!

[musicguy225]

There was a movie? What was it called? I've thought a couple times that it'd be a good one.

[Rusfi16]

Another song bound for a 2nd life on one of those K-Tel records.

Not sure if the Sound Effects took a stab at it.

[sydluv420]

reba doesn't have shit on vicki lawrence...

just amazing

[Suki40330]

Vicki Lawrence had real class. Her version is so much better than Reba's screaming and unmusical version.

[Richman1494]

I have to say I disagree with you. Sure, Vicki does have class, but so does Reba. Their both great women. I personally like Reba's better because she has a more deeper voice that has a greater vocal range. Don't get me wrong, Vicki is nice, but I think Reba did a better job!

[jester99sch]

I'm not sure whether or not McIntire is a song writer but "The Night The Lights Went Out In Georgia" was Vicki Lawrence's and Bobby Russells doing (her then husband) , and she recorded the song. One thing that totally turns me off about country music and its artists is which is opposite to most rock bands is the fact that most couldn't write a song to save their asses

[BIGJUDGE1975]

@Suki40330 WELL, I WOULD LIKE TO DIFFER, SHE IS BASICALLY JUST TALKING. SOUNDS LIKE SHE IS A DYING PIG

[DorisDayFanatic]

@BIGJUDGE1975 That's just cruel! If you don't have something positive to say, why say it? Why are you watching this? Stay off her videos if you don't like her!

[babyboi1002]

@BIGJUDGE1975 Her voice actually fits this song......

[doogymon]

I grew up with this song on the radio and always thought an African gal was singing. Always loved the voice. When I found out it was Ms. Lawrence I almost had a cow. I disagree that Reba with her twangy slide guitar voice can sing it better.

Geesh

[roosevelthighschool]

Where and when was this? Thank You.

[rebarox1029]

reba's was better, because it's a story song and reba tells the story. I do think that Vicki has a nice voice though, so don't get me wrong- its the storytelling aspect (plus reba has the voice of an angel)

[videogeekin]

I am a music 'archivist'..and this song is so rare..I cannot locate the 'sheet music' anywhere?

[IIITreyDuPontIII]

wow...an 'archivist' that mean your some sorta prafesser er somethin. whas that 'sheet music' stuf anyways

[JoeyFudd]

This looks like lyp-synching, since the mic drops so far away without any lessening in sound volume. Also, bad feedback here. Painful!

[dkshotwell]

The tracking is off for the audio.

[KelleyMag]

This song ALWAYS gives me the chills!

[captainsmith1]

I just came from seeing Vicki Lawrence and Mama, and it's one of the funniest shows I've ever seen in my life. I got to meet Vicki after the show, and she was so sweet! Mama is still rockin after all these years. If this show comes to your area, take my advice and spend the money. You'll be so glad you did. I am. She sang this tonight, and it remains one of my all time favorites.

[streisand4]

hey captainsmith1

I just came from the same show. How did you get to meet her??? I really enjoyed all her singing!!

[captainsmith1]

I interviewed her by phone for an article for the paper I write for. She and I had a great chat, and she asked me to a meet and greet after the show.

[JoeyFudd]

She came to Lowell, Mass. a couple of years ago, to a historic theatre, but I couldn't make it, unfortunately. The hook for me was hearing her do this song live, so thanks for this!

[thelmaharper2005]

Vicki is coming to a town 45 miles from here on October 24th, and I have spent the money and I have front row seats! I'm also going in my full ThelmaHarper costume b/c I look just like Vicki/Thelma....I am super excited!

[samnseq89]

LUCKY :(

[jennifer23ish]

@captainsmith1 just saw her this past friday ,wonderful is all I can say not bored for one second I wasn't lucky enough to meet her after the show ,bummer

[Darnell1SimmonsLouk]

@captainsmith1 I think she is wonderful!!

[roosevelthighschool]

Oh I wish I was here to see this. I'm a huge Vicki Lawrence fan. I love watching her as Mama. I would just like to know what this song is about exactly. Thank You.

[meredithchandler73]

The singer tells a story: her brother returned after 2 weeks away, met his best friend Andy at a bar, Andy tells him his wife has been cheating & he was 1 of the guys. Andy left the bar. The brother went home, thought his wife left town, found his father's gun, went to Andy's house but Andy was already dead. He fired a shot to get the cops (they were doing rounds), there's a quickie trial (implies judge had been w/ the wife) and brother hanged. But the sister (singer) killed Andy & the wife.

[axltyler]

"the lyrics to this song never made much sense" - Vicki Lawrence.

She said this when Reba guest starred on her show and they sang the song together.

[SaLlYMaEpRoPsOn]

i just got done seeing this show about a hour ago and it was amazing!

[egotrippin007]

I remember this song when I was a small girl it struk a chord with me and still remains one of my favorite songs.

[TeamEdwardCullen]

i absolutely love this song... personally, i think the lyrics are amazing. =D

[paddyjoejr1]

Now Vicki Lawrence Is On Hannah Montanna She Plays MamaAlso!

[Fanilow09]

I just saw this show in Topeka, Kansas a couple of weeks ago! Where is this one?

[xoxhannahbanana22xox]

its spelled mamaw not mama

[LADiiSOULJA3]

i ONlY KN0W HER ASz "MAMA" ON THAT ONE SHOW

[sweettrt]

Vicki, made this a number 1 hit in the 70's

That's why so many remade it.

[nanafairy1]

all love vicki-you've made enough money to tell all the hater's to KISS you're butt

[gingey2008]

I like reba's virsion better.

[16jay85]

me too u took the word right outta y mouth.lol

[flutey28]

I agree completely. But, I do love Viki!

[jmsweat]

I saw this show in concert and it was excellent. She was hilarious as herself and Mama.

[broadwaydreamer1836]

i know that vicki did this song before reba but reba's version is better. vicki's is too slow.

[dennyvibes]

This live version is much slower than Vicki's recorded version. It's probably the same tempo as Reba's.

[collinsjamesl]

I beg to differ.  Vicki's oriinal version is faster. Plus, Vicki is singing with piano only here. The original pop version is the definitive verion. # 1 for Vicki!!!! Not bad for an actress who tried her hand at signing. Apparently, Cher turned this song down. Cher's loss, Vicki's win!

[20042007redsox]

Does anyone know why when I click on this song and others it will not play. But I can click on some thigs and they play. Help needed.

[charmedfover]

she sucks reba

[dutats21]

STOP!!! REBA ROCKS THIS SONG!!! you are cool and all, but just give it up Vicki!!!

[jonhut111]

hey. Vicki recorded it way before Reba did.

[jester99sch]

You obviously didn't hear the original 1972 studio version

[mkl62]

She's still fine at 59. Happy Birthday, Vicki. 3-26-08.

[gege65]

I have always liked Vicky's version the best.

[gege65]

I have always liked Vicky's version the best.

[gigantor62]

" Ships in the Night" and "He Did with Me" were better songs than this one. Why aren't these clips on youtube?

[DennyAlbert]

Vicki, you are a very talented woman!! I loved your characters on The Carol Burnett Show as well as your own Mama's Family show!!!

[TubeGuest5178]

anybody have the record version because this live version is hard to hear clearly.

[abelevine]

The lights usually go down in Georgia at night. It's a very dark state with few street lights. It's great that they created a song about the apparent lack of lighting in this state. It's a very serious issues...

[sierra8186]

WHAT! That is NOT what the song is saying.....the reference to lights went out is the fact that an innocent person was given the death penalty for a murder they did not do, therefore the "lights went out in Georgia"!

[dandy9918]

Hey sierra, abelevine was jerking around. Get a clue.

[nanafairy1]

TY it's why so much is vandalized at night here!!!!!!!

[beavertooth100]

OMG my friends and i were on our way to a dance (a decade dance) so we were listening to 60's music and this came on and we started to freak cause my bf's brother's name is andy ya it was freaky but funny!

[orbit15]

cher was offered this song 1st, but declined because is was a bit un-couth to southerners, then went on to record "half-breed".

[caitynelson]

this is the worst song ever!!

[huntingtonm15]

You wish.

[bugaloogirl]

Wow. I didn't know she could sing

[JNTM2000]

This is Vicki's, but Reba does put some pazzas into this song!

This was written by Bobby Russell, who was Vicki Lawrence's husband at the time. They divorced soon after this was released. Russell also wrote "Honey," which was a hit in 1968 for Bobby Goldsboro. He died of a heart attack in 1992.

[rosebass594]

this is a one hit wonder

[XKrystalLeNeeX]

what do you mean one hit wonder do you mean for her or the song in general.

[rosebass594]

they talk about it on vh1's greatest one hit wonders

[XKrystalLeNeeX]

oh ok :)

Check out my vid of me singing it! please :)

[coolerkng101]

the song may have been her one hit, but she's had a successfull carreer as an actress

[rosebass594]

totally -- i mean carol burnett show? shes a funny lady

[TheTroubleBoys]

...no, it actually belongs to Vicki Lawrence, regardless of whose version may, or may not, be considered better.

[puffball9]

this song belongs to reba

[pig199fly200]

that's worse lip syncing that Britney and Ashley Simpson!!!

[misspmorgan87]

i'm assuming there's a delay, not that she's lip syncing. because that seems too weird to be lip syncing.

[dunskie]

Great wierd tune.

[OjaiRoy]

you might be a redneck if you........

[BlazinBuffalo]

ya...uh....i live in florida....guns suck.you people are completely out ur mfing minds. Peace.

[Kikihutch8]

i mean mountainwilly

[Kikihutch8]

im talking to you sparklebtt

[sparklebtt]

LOL! One of my favs too. Brings back some memories it does...

[icheer4les09]

I kind of like Reba's version, this is too slo. But it was great.

[Oldiesbuff925]

Believe it or not, I always remember and will remember Vicki from this song, and not just The Carol Burnett Show. This song came out when I was like 7 OMG. Thanks for airing it.

[wrigdo]

if any of her fans can point me to her australian number 1 "He Did With Me" i would appreciate the help

[Franziasack]

Vicki is one of the greatest I will have my fondest memories of her

[mountainwilly]

One my all time favorite songs

[Kikihutch8]

its one of my all time favorite songs lol

[riddlegator]

Her voice is not what it once was. She was never that great of a singer though, although this is a great song.

[sparklebtt]

Funny, the only legacy Southern dads leave is a gun.

[icheer4les09]

We southerners happen to like guns!

[sparklebtt]

Yes. I know. I'm a Southerner too. And yes, I have the guns my daddy left me. Don't be so defensive. Ain't nobody gonna take the South's guns from them. I GAR UN Tee.

[icheer4les09]

Well hello fellow southerner! Sorry 4 getting so defensive! Just wanted to make sure that you knew guns were cool:P

[sparklebtt]

That's cool. I've met some lolaa paloozers on this site myself, I know what you mean. I should have put more details...have a good one!

[icheer4les09]

You 2!

[SeeMeAct87]

Why does she put the mic down when she's still singing words?!

[flyboynyc]

Well one has to assume that the video doesn't quite sync up with the audio (like in an old Japanese Godzilla movie).

[DaughterxOFxDarkness]

cos the visual doesnt match the sound

[brichard2]

I still remember when she first came out with that song, and it went gold. Definitely a classic.

[Joi19]

I love vicki Lawrence,shes so cool.