The meaning of the lyrics of the song "I Been to Georgia on a Fast Train" by the artist "Willie Nelson"

Willie Nelson's "I Been to Georgia on a Fast Train" tells the story of a man who has lived a life filled with hardship and struggle, yet remains defiant and determined.

From the opening lines ("On a Wednesday morning, the rain was fallin' / Down on a one-room country shack"), we are introduced to a character who has known poverty from birth. The image of his mother being told to abandon him ("Mama told me to roll on, said 'Don't you look back'") further emphasizes his sense of loneliness and being unwanted.

However, the protagonist refuses to give up. He acknowledges his grandmother's meager pension as his saving grace ("I'd like to mention my grandma's pension / It's the reason I'm standin' here today"). The line "This old country is a teachin' us to churn milk / Pick cotton and bail hay" hints at the hard labor and lack of opportunities in the society he comes from.

The encounter with "pretty Carolina" represents a symbol of hope and a better life that he aspires to. He emphasizes his experience ("I been to Georgia on a fast train, honey, I wasn't born no yesterday") and education ("I got a good Christian raisin' and an eighth grade education"), demanding respect and recognition.

The image of Carolina's "brand new shiny Plymouth with a fold-down top" embodies the dream of freedom and prosperity. The protagonist is tired of injustice and hypocrisy ("In this country, you gotta scratch for what you want / You gotta hurry up and wait"). He is determined to make a better life for himself ("I'm talkin' to my soul, if you hear centuries comin' / You should know I'm gonna get mine").

The repetition of "I been to Georgia on a fast train" at the end of the song reinforces the protagonist's drive for change and his self-belief. He is not afraid of challenges and is ready to fight for his happiness.