“I just want Georgia to notice me / I just want Georgia.” No, Brittany Howard isn’t referencing the southern state, but rather a crush named Georgia. Brittany Howard, best known as the frontwoman of Grammy-winning alternative collective Alabama Shakes, hasn’t previously dived into sexuality. On “Georgia,” the third track from her critically acclaimed solo debut album, Jaime, she addresses same-sex attraction head-on. “Georgia,” hence, atones for more conservative views of sexuality, particularly those who grew up in the south.
While Brittany Howard uses “Georgia” to open up about her sexuality, she goes through some of relatable issues that plague the LGBTQ+ community in regard to coming out. On the first verse of this thoughtful ballad, she asserts, “I’m afraid to tell you how I really feel.” Whenever we are forced to confess or confront something, regardless if it’s as deep as gender, identity, or sexuality issues, fear is common. On the second verse, Howard tries to push beyond ‘internalized sexuality,’ something a previous track by Clairo (“Sofia”) explored:
“Georgia, I think if I got you alone
You could tell I’m being really sincere
And I can’t help the way that I was born to be
I ain’t no little boy.”
On the bridge, the final section of “Georgia,” Howard still seems to be unsure about things, still questioning: “Is it unnatural? / Georgia, is it cool?” One of the biggest takeaways from “Georgia” is mustering up the courage to come out. Yes, there is more acceptance and tolerance of the LGBTQ+ community now compared to then, but there are still plenty of people who disagree and dislike ‘the lifestyle’ and fail to cover up their biases and bigotry. Furthermore, those coming to terms with their sexuality still struggle with those internalized views. “Georgia,” hence, is the perfect discussion piece regarding sexuality.
You can learn more about Brittany Howard here:
About The Curator - Brent Faulkner
Slightly eccentric with interests that seem to know no ends, restless ‘Renaissance Man’ is the best way to characterize Brent Faulkner, a native of Kentucky. A certified music educator, multi-instrumentalist, and composer known for his incredibly sharp ear, he lives and breathes music of a variety of styles. In addition to passion for educating, performing, and writing music, he’s equally passionate blogging and writing about it, managing his own site, The Musical Hype (https://themusicalhype.com). When he’s not intensely analyzing music, you can find him reading or watching a movie, reality television or some sporting event.
