Going Back To Memphis
Eric Burdon Lyrics


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I've been struggling up here, child, trying to make a living
Everybody wants to take, nobody like giving
I wish I was in Memphis back home there with my Mama
The only clothes I got left that ain't rags is my pajamas
No brotherly love, no help, no danger
Just a great big town full of cold hearted strangers

I went hungry in New York and Chicago was no better
But today, my dear mother wrote and told me in her letter
Son, come back to Memphis and live here with your Mama
You can walk down Beale Street, honey, wearing your pajamas
You know home folks here, we let do just what you want to
And I born you and raised you right here on the corner

I'm going to leave here in the morning and walk down to the station
I've got just enough money to pay my transportation
I'm going back to Memphis, back home with my Mama
If I have to ride that bus barefooted in pajamas




Back home in Memphis, no moaning and groaning
I know everything will be all right in the morning

Overall Meaning

In Eric Burdon's "Going Back to Memphis," the lyrics depict a struggling narrator who is trying to make a living in a big town but encountering nothing but hardship. The lyrics express the challenges of living in a cold-hearted town where people are reluctant to help others. The singer reminisces about his home in Memphis and his mother who is inviting him to come back home to avoid the struggles in the big city. The lyrics mention a lack of brotherly love and help and that everybody seems to be out for themselves. It is clear that the singer is in desperate need of a change and wants to return to the safety and comfort of home, where he feels he can be himself and be surrounded by people who care for him.


The lyrics also show the contrast between the big city and the home. In the big city, the singer is struggling to make ends meet and has very little in terms of possessions, while in Memphis, he has a sense of belonging and safety. The lyrics show that sometimes, despite the challenges and obstacles in our lives, all we need is to go back to our roots, where we can feel safe and surrounded by love.


Overall, "Going Back to Memphis" is a powerful representation of the struggle to find one’s place in the world and the yearning to return home to safety, love, and acceptance.


Line by Line Meaning

I've been struggling up here, child, trying to make a living
I've been facing difficulties in this place while trying to earn my livelihood


Everybody wants to take, nobody like giving
People only want to receive but don't want to give


I wish I was in Memphis back home there with my Mama
I desire to go back to Memphis, where I belong with my mother


The only clothes I got left that ain't rags is my pajamas
I have no decent clothes left except for my pajamas


No brotherly love, no help, no danger
I am not receiving any brotherly love, help or protection in this place


Just a great big town full of cold hearted strangers
The town is full of unsympathetic strangers


I went hungry in New York and Chicago was no better
I faced hunger in New York and Chicago wasn't any better


But today, my dear mother wrote and told me in her letter
My mother wrote to me today with some important news


Son, come back to Memphis and live here with your Mama
My mother wants me to return to Memphis and live with her


You can walk down Beale Street, honey, wearing your pajamas
You can feel comfortable in Memphis, and walk around Beale Street even in your pajamas


You know home folks here, we let do just what you want to
In Memphis, you have the freedom to do what you want as long as it's amongst home folks


And I born you and raised you right here on the corner
I gave birth to you and raised you here on this corner in Memphis


I'm going to leave here in the morning and walk down to the station
I am leaving this place tomorrow morning and heading towards the station


I've got just enough money to pay my transportation
I have enough money only to pay for my transportation


I'm going back to Memphis, back home with my Mama
I am returning to Memphis and heading back to my mother


If I have to ride that bus barefooted in pajamas
I don't mind riding the bus wearing my pajamas and without shoes


Back home in Memphis, no moaning and groaning
In Memphis, I won't have to complain or cry anymore


I know everything will be all right in the morning
I believe that things will be alright in the morning once I reach Memphis




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Comments from YouTube:

Mari Radnai

Nice song, thanks!

NANA LAKOS

I'm in love with this voice! !!!!

Flor Pinheiro

Durmo e acordo ouvindo essas músicas. Amo essa voz.

Ayla Köknar Kinalikaya

i love Eric..

Verdandistorm

First realy beautiful day. Going outside and listen to eric burdon and the war. One of the best feelings ever :)

Mary Hopes

So Very Lovely dear Eric!

Sandra Blum

Beautiful<3

Jason Everson

Brilliant song.

Javier Fueyo

También pienso que es un GIGANTE.... APASALOBIEN.

Ayla Köknar Kinalikaya

i like so much this song..i love Eric..

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