Vicki Lawrence

Don't trust your little sister! Unravel the dark tale of Vicki Lawrence's shocking 1972/1973 number one hit, "The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia." This compelling story-song, blending country pop with Southern Gothic drama, became an unexpected smash and unforgettable one-hit wonder.

Released as a single by television star Vicki Lawrence, this track, penned by her then-husband Bobby Russell, climbed to the top of the charts. Its narrative complexity, detailing infidelity, murder, and wrongful conviction within a catchy country pop framework, captivated audiences and secured her one-hit wonder legacy.

This classic 1972/1973 pop song stands out for its chilling Southern Gothic storyline and surprise twist ending. Its blend of accessible country pop music with dark, narrative lyrics made "The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia" a unique radio hit and an enduring one-hit wonder.

SONG MEANING: The song tells a murder mystery from the perspective of the actual killer. The narrator describes how her brother was falsely accused and executed for murdering his wife's lover, after returning home to find his wife had been unfaithful. The final verse reveals the narrator ("Little Sister") committed both murders herself and let her innocent brother take the blame.