Memphis In June
Annie Lennox Lyrics


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Memphis in June
A shady veranda
Under a Sunday blue sky

Memphis in June
And cousin Amanda
Is making a blueberry pie
I can hear the clock inside
A-ticking and a-tocking
Everything is peacefully dandy

I can see your granny
'Cross the street still a rocking
Watching all the neighbors go by, oh

Memphis in June
With sweet oleander
Blowing perfume in the air

Up jumps a moon
To make that much grander
It's paradise, brother
Take my advice,




Nothing's half as nice
As Memphis in June

Overall Meaning

Annie Lennox's "Memphis in June" is a soft, tranquil song that paints a vivid picture of a lazy, peaceful Sunday in Memphis, Tennessee. The song starts with Lennox sitting on a shady veranda, admiring the blue sky and listening to a clock ticking away the afternoon. Her cousin, Amanda, is baking a blueberry pie nearby. Lennox's soothing voice is accompanied by a gentle, almost dreamy melody, that makes the listener feel as if they too are enjoying a peaceful moment on that veranda.


Lennox's descriptions pull the listener into this idyllic world, from the sweet perfume of the oleander blowing in the breeze to the sight of her granny rocking on the porch across the street. Lennox emphasizes the tranquility of the scene, describing it as "peacefully dandy." She contrasts this with the lively activity of the neighbors passing by, creating a sense of comfortable stillness in contrast with the active bustle of the community around.


The final verse reveals the true sentiment behind the song: Memphis in June is paradise, and there is nothing half as nice. This line speaks to the concept of being present in the moment and cherishing the simple pleasures of life. The song is a reminder to slow down and enjoy the small moments that make life sweet.


Line by Line Meaning

Memphis in June
The singer is in Memphis in the month of June


A shady veranda
She is sitting on a porch in the shade


Under a Sunday blue sky
It is a beautiful Sunday day with clear blue skies


And cousin Amanda
The singer's cousin named Amanda is present


Is making a blueberry pie
Amanda is baking a blueberry pie


I can hear the clock inside
The singer can hear the sound of a clock ticking


A-ticking and a-tocking
The clock is making a ticking and tocking sound


Everything is peacefully dandy
The atmosphere is peaceful and pleasant


I can see your granny
The singer sees someone's grandmother


'Cross the street still a rocking
The grandmother is rocking on the porch across the street


Watching all the neighbors go by, oh
The grandmother is watching the neighbors pass by


With sweet oleander
The air is fragrant with the scent of oleander flowers


Blowing perfume in the air
The flowers are emitting a fragrant scent


Up jumps a moon
The moon suddenly appears


To make that much grander
The presence of the moon makes the atmosphere even more beautiful


It's paradise, brother
The atmosphere is like being in paradise


Take my advice
The singer advises the listener to take her advice


Nothing's half as nice
Nothing is as nice as Memphis in June


As Memphis in June
Being in Memphis in June is a very pleasant experience




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Peermusic Publishing
Written by: PAUL FRANCIS WEBSTER, HOAGY CARMICHAEL

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

Alice Ecila

Annie Lennox is the consummate performer. She hits every note perfectly. Her face is as expressive as a silent movie queen. Her hands flow like an Italian. She has the body language of a ballerina. All of it is seamlessly coordinated and in perfect synchronization with the music. At an age when most lead vocalists are burned-out, decrepit wrecks, she is drop-dead gorgeous, vital, and still blows the competition out of the water. I was deeply moved by Strange Fruit.

Niall McEvoy

Wonderful commentary

Ervin Cavanaugh

What a voice! No one says sweet oleander as grand as Annie Lennox.

Robert Larson

Love the whole Nostalgia album. I think Annie is such a wonderful talented recording artist. Just incredible! What a voice and the orchestra was terrific.

Roman Johnston

A standout voice over the ages. Always be one of my favorites.

cecilia granados

She makes me want to be in Memphis, her voice sends me to dreamland…

Amy

She will always be one of my favorites! <3

Accesserised

Some of the best music this generation has to offer.... are the classics, sung by an 80s legend! ^^

Sara Yara

The years will pass and you will always be my favorite singer ❤️❤️❤️❤️

ternitamas

Exquisite singing as always, she looks stunning, her beauty remains intact. Love you Annie! You're holy to me

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