Walking in Memphis
Jon Robyns & Sharon-Rose Lyrics
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And I boarded the plane
Touched down in the land of the Delta Blues
In the middle of the pouring rain
W.C. Handy, won't you look down over me
Yeah, I got a first class ticket
But I'm as blue as a boy can be
Walking with my feet ten feet off of Beale
Walking in Memphis
But do I really feel the way I feel?
Saw the ghost of Elvis
On Union Avenue
Followed him up to the gates of Graceland
Then I watched him walk right through
Now security they did not see him
They just hovered 'round his tomb
But there's a pretty little thing
Waiting for the King
Down in the Jungle Room
When I was walking in Memphis
I was walking with my feet ten feet off of Beale
Walking in Memphis
But do I really feel the way I feel?
They've got catfish on the table
They've got gospel in the air
And Reverend Green be glad to see you
When you haven't got a prayer
But, boy, you've got a prayer in Memphis
Now Muriel plays piano
Every Friday at the Hollywood
And they brought me down to see her
And they asked me if I would
Do a little number
And I sang with all my might
She said
""Tell me are you a Christian child?""
And I said ""Ma'am, I am tonight""
Walking in Memphis
(Walking in Memphis)
Was walking with my feet ten feet off of Beale
Walking in Memphis
(Walking in Memphis)
But do I really feel the way I feel?
Walking in Memphis
(Walking in Memphis)
I was walking with my feet ten feet off of Beale
Walking in Memphis
(Walking in Memphis)
But do I really feel the way I feel?
Walking in Memphis
(Walking in Memphis)
I was walking with my feet ten feet off of Beale
Walking in Memphis
(Walking in Memphis)
But do I really feel the way I feel?
Put on my blue suede shoes
And I boarded the plane
Touched down in the land of the Delta Blues
In the middle of the pouring rain
Touched down in the land of the Delta Blues
In the middle of the pouring rain.
The song "Walking in Memphis" by Jon Robyns and Sharon-Rose tells the story of a person visiting Memphis, Tennessee, a city known for its rich musical history and as the birthplace of the blues. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the experience and emotions the singer goes through during their time in Memphis.
The opening lines, "Put on my blue suede shoes, and I boarded the plane," suggest that the singer is embarking on a journey, both physically and musically, to immerse themselves in the Delta Blues culture. The rain symbolizes a sense of melancholy or longing, as the singer expresses feeling "blue as a boy can be," despite having a first-class ticket.
The reference to W.C. Handy, a legendary African-American composer and musician known as the "Father of the Blues," indicates the respect and admiration the singer has for the Delta Blues tradition. They appear to be seeking guidance and inspiration from Handy, hoping for his blessing and guidance.
The mention of Elvis Presley's ghost on Union Avenue and the visit to Graceland showcase the deep connection between Memphis and the iconic singer. The fact that security doesn't see Elvis symbolizes the spiritual and supernatural quality of his presence. The "pretty little thing waiting for the King" in the Jungle Room refers to the anticipation and adoration Elvis continues to receive from fans even after his death.
The following verse emphasizes the vibrant cultural atmosphere of Memphis, with catfish on the table and gospel music filling the air. Reverend Green represents a spiritual figure who welcomes visitors, offering them hope and solace when they feel lost or hopeless. The line "Boy, you've got a prayer in Memphis" signifies that even in the most challenging times, there is always room for healing and renewal in the city.
The mention of Muriel, who plays piano at the Hollywood, suggests a personal connection to the singer. She asks the singer if they are a Christian and, in their response, "Ma'am, I am tonight," they imply that their time in Memphis has brought about a transformative experience, heightening their spiritual connection and faith.
Overall, the song captures the essence of Memphis as a place filled with music, history, and a sense of spirituality. Through walking the streets of Memphis, the singer experiences both joy and introspection, ultimately finding solace, inspiration, and a renewed sense of self.
Line by Line Meaning
Put on my blue suede shoes
I adorned myself with my stylish blue suede shoes
And I boarded the plane
I step on the aircraft
Touched down in the land of the Delta Blues
Arrived in a place known for its Delta Blues music
In the middle of the pouring rain
In a time when rain was heavily falling
W.C. Handy, won't you look down over me
W.C. Handy, can you please watch over me
Yeah, I got a first class ticket
Indeed, I possess a ticket for first class accommodation
But I'm as blue as a boy can be
But I feel incredibly sad
Then I'm walking in Memphis
Afterward, I am strolling through Memphis
Walking with my feet ten feet off of Beale
Taking steps, feeling elated and detached from reality
But do I really feel the way I feel?
Though, I question the authenticity of my emotions
Saw the ghost of Elvis
Observed the apparition of the legendary Elvis Presley
On Union Avenue
Along Union Avenue
Followed him up to the gates of Graceland
Tracked his steps until we reached the entrance of Graceland
Then I watched him walk right through
Then I witnessed his effortless passage past the gate
Now security they did not see him
Surveillance personnel were unable to perceive him
They just hovered 'round his tomb
Instead, they lingered around his grave
But there's a pretty little thing
Yet, there is an attractive person
Waiting for the King
Anticipating the arrival of the King
Down in the Jungle Room
In the Jungle Room
When I was walking in Memphis
During my stroll in Memphis
I was walking with my feet ten feet off of Beale
I was walking with an elevated sense of happiness and detachment from reality
They've got catfish on the table
They have catfish as a dish on the table
They've got gospel in the air
Gospel music fills the atmosphere
And Reverend Green be glad to see you
Reverend Green will be pleased to meet you
When you haven't got a prayer
Especially when you feel hopeless
But, boy, you've got a prayer in Memphis
However, young man, you still have a reason to hope in Memphis
Now Muriel plays piano
Presently, Muriel performs on the piano
Every Friday at the Hollywood
Each Friday at the Hollywood establishment
And they brought me down to see her
They invited me to come and watch her
And they asked me if I would
Then they inquired if I would
Do a little number
Perform a brief musical piece
And I sang with all my might
And I sang passionately
She said
She uttered
"Tell me are you a Christian child?"
"Inform me, are you a devoted Christian?"
And I said "Ma'am, I am tonight"
I replied, "Madam, tonight I am."
I was walking with my feet ten feet off of Beale
I was walking with an elevated sense of happiness and detachment from reality
But do I really feel the way I feel?
But, I ponder whether these emotions are truly genuine
I was walking with my feet ten feet off of Beale
I was walking with an elevated sense of happiness and detachment from reality
But do I really feel the way I feel?
But, I question the authenticity of my emotions
I was walking with my feet ten feet off of Beale
I was walking with an elevated sense of happiness and detachment from reality
But do I really feel the way I feel?
But, I ponder whether these emotions are truly genuine
Put on my blue suede shoes
I adorned myself with my stylish blue suede shoes
And I boarded the plane
I step on the aircraft
Touched down in the land of the Delta Blues
Arrived in a place known for its Delta Blues music
In the middle of the pouring rain
In a time when rain was heavily falling
Touched down in the land of the Delta Blues
Arrived in a place known for its Delta Blues music
In the middle of the pouring rain
In a time when rain was heavily falling
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Marc Cohn
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind