ABC Photo Archives // Getty Images

It's been more than five decades since "The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia" first hit the airwaves. Now, thanks to a viral recording by Briley King and the reach of social media, it's getting a brand new life for country music fans (and even being used as cheeky commentary on recent college football game ). The dark lyrics have us wondering about the song's history and the story behind the chilling ballad, so we did some digging.

The Origins of a Dark Classic

The song was originally penned in 1972 by Bobby Russell. It was reportedly turned down by Cher before it was recorded by Bobby's wife, Vicki Lawrence. Vicki is best known as a comedian who starred on The Carol Burnett Show , but she took the song to number 1.

The lyrics tell a com

See Full Page