Memphis Blues
Ambrose and His Orchestra Lyrics

Folks I've just been down, down to Memphis town,
I have recently been to Memphis.

That's where the people smile, smile on you all the while.
The people in Memphis are very friendly and welcoming.

Hospitality, they were good to me.
The hospitality shown to me in Memphis was excellent.

I couldn't spend a dime, and had the grandest time.
Despite not spending any money, I had a wonderful time in Memphis.

I went out a dancing with a Tennessee dear,
I went out dancing with a woman from Tennessee.

They had a fellow there named Handy with a band you should hear
There was a talented musician named Handy who led a band in Memphis.

And while the folks gently swayed, all the band folks played Real harmony.
The crowd was swaying to the music while the band played in perfect harmony.

I never will forget the tune that Handy called the Memphis Blues.
I will always remember the song called the Memphis Blues, played by Handy's band.

Oh yes, them Blues.
The blues music played in Memphis was truly exceptional.

They've got a fiddler there that always slickens his hair
There is a fiddler in Memphis who is known for his stylish appearance.

And folks he sure do pull some bow.
This fiddler is also notably skilled at playing his instrument.

And when the big Bassoon seconds to the Trombones croon.
When the bassoon joins in with the trombones, it creates a unique sound.

It moans just like a sinner on Revival Day, on Revival Day.
The sound produced by these instruments is both mournful and powerful, like that heard during a religious revival.

Oh that melody sure appealed to me.
I found the melody to be incredibly appealing.

Just like a mountain stream rippling on it seemed.
The melody had a flowing, natural quality to it like a stream in the mountains.

Then it slowly died, with a gentle sigh
The melody eventually faded away, like a gentle sigh.

Soft as the breeze that whines high in the summer pines.
The fading of the melody was as soft and gentle as the sound of wind in the trees.

Hear me people, hear me people, hear I pray,
Listen to me, please.

I'm going to take a million lesson's 'til I learn how to play
I plan on taking countless music lessons until I, too, can play as well as the musicians in Memphis.

Because I seem to hear it yet, simply can't forget
I can still hear the haunting melody of the Memphis Blues and it lingers in my mind.

That blue refrain.
The recurring melody of the Memphis Blues is known as the 'blue refrain.'

There's nothing like the Handy Band that played the Memphis Blues so grand.
There is no band quite like Handy's, who played the Memphis Blues so masterfully.

Oh play them Blues.
I implore these musicians to continue playing the blues of Memphis.

That melancholy strain, that ever haunting refrain
The Memphis Blues has a sad quality to it, with a melody that stays with you.

Is like a sweet old sorrow song.
This song is like a bittersweet mournful tune that evokes a sense of nostalgia and longing.

Here comes the very part that wraps a spell around my heart.
This next part of the song has a special meaning to me and evokes a powerful emotional response.

It sets me wild to hear that loving tune a gain, the Memphis Blues.
Hearing this song again fills me with intense emotion and leaves me feeling energized and alive.