The Heartfelt Journey Behind Kane Brown’s “Bury Me in Georgia:” A Love Letter to Home

Kane Brown’s “Bury Me in Georgia” is the singer-songwriter's love letter to his home state. Sure, it’s got catchy hooks and is the absolute gem you’d expect from one of country music’s biggest stars, but at its core, this song is something much deeper. It’s Brown paying homage to his hometown, which shaped him, and ultimately, where he wants to rest in peace. It isn’t just a chart-topping hit; it’s a legacy.  

In this post, we’re digging into the makings of “Bury Me in Georgia,” Brown’s personal stories, emotional ties, and his undeniable pride in being from Georgia. Spoiler: It will definitely make you homesick.  

“Bury Me in Georgia” is Brown’s milestone 10th No. 1 single, making it all the more special. Released on March 31, 2023, it’s the opening track and fifth single from his third studio album, Different Man. It performed well across multiple Billboard charts and gained massive radio support from day one. It’s no surprise, given Brown’s chart achievements, including becoming the first artist to have simultaneous number ones on all five main Billboard country charts in October 2017. Not bad for someone who got his start uploading covers of songs on YouTube to mainstream success with his breakout single “Used to Love You Sober.”  

Brown has a deep personal connection to his home state despite his challenging upbringing, which in turn shaped his identity and resilience. His difficult childhood experiences include instability, abuse, lack of a father figure, homelessness, and hearing racial slurs from his classmates. He grew up in the northwest Georgia cities of Rossville, Fort Oglethorpe, and LaFayette, locations he referenced in the song.  

Brown attended Lakeview Fort Oglethorpe High School, where his talent was early recognized. He sang in the choir with Lauren Alaina. Later, he attended Soddy-Daisy High School in Chattanooga, Tennessee, where he was one of only a few students of color. These experiences of adversity and his connection to Georgia’s small-town environment became central to the song’s message. His love for the Georgia Bulldogs even reflects his regional pride.  

The song, in spite of its obvious and literal title, isn’t just Brown’s wish to be buried in Georgia; it’s also his love letter to the place that shaped him to be who he is today. It also serves as funeral instructions, where he mentioned specific requests such as putting “Go Dawgs” on his headstone.   

The chorus, “Bury me in Georgia / Lemme rest in peace / Underneath the pines / Yeah, yeah, yeah / Where my roots run deep / When it's my day / Put me in that clay / And remember what I told ya / When I die / Bury me in Georgia,” highlights how he acknowledged how deep his roots run deep in his home town.  

Brown was initially hesitant to release the song following the success of “Thank God,” especially after his wife Katelyn’s mother expressed concern about its subject matter, even though Katelyn herself loved it. However, becoming a father to three children shifted Brown’s perspective on legacy and home, giving the song a deeper personal meaning.  

Brown showed in “Bury Me in Georgia” the importance of remembering where you came from. In spited his success in the music industry, he hasn’t changed his fundamental connection to Georgia. Aside from the track, he still makes it a point to go back home yearly. His experiences growing up as someone “different” from his classmates also inspired his role as a trailblazer for artists of color and LGBTQ+ representation in country music.