memphis in the rain
Justin Townes-Earle Lyrics
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Pitch black skies there ain't a star in sight
But I'm looking for a change
I'm passing through Memphis in the rain
Whitewashed buildings and old overgrown yards
I've got one hand on the wheel, I've got one on my heart
Looking for a girl without a name
I'm passing through Memphis in the rain
Gotta keep that hammer to the floor baby
Until I'm clear out of Arkansas mama
'Cause I know what they can do to me
Lord and I won't let them make a fool out of me
Things are starting to get strange
Passing through Memphis in the rain
Sometimes a man's just gotta know when to go
He's gotta earn himself a keepin'
He's gotta know when he's been beat
So I called a cousin down in Houston
He said 'come on down boy, we've got work for you to be doing'
I'm looking for a change
Passing through Memphis in the rain
Yeah things are startin' to get strange
I'm passing through Memphis in the rain
Oh yeah
In Justin Townes Earle's song "Memphis in the Rain," the singer is passing through Memphis, Tennessee on a cold, dark night. He's looking for a change and hoping to find a girl without a name. The setting is described as one of whitewashed buildings and old, overgrown yards, creating a sense of nostalgia and longing. The singer is trying to keep moving, resisting the stagnation and potential danger of staying in one place too long.
The lyrics suggest that the singer is a bit of a wanderer who has seen his fair share of trouble. He knows when it's time to move on and find something new. He's not afraid to take risks, which is why he keeps that "hammer to the floor baby" until he's out of Arkansas. The repetition of "passing through Memphis in the rain" creates a sense of transience and impermanence.
The song is a poignant commentary on the human experience of longing for change and adventure, even in the midst of uncertainty and danger. Rather than being afraid of the unknown, the singer embraces it and keeps moving forward, accepting the risks that come with the journey.
Line by Line Meaning
Stand down the blacktop at a cold dark night, boy
I'm standing on a deserted blacktop on a cold, dark night.
Pitch black skies there ain't a star in sight
The skies are completely dark with no stars visible.
But I'm looking for a change
I'm in search of a new beginning.
I'm passing through Memphis in the rain
I'm just traveling through Memphis in the rain.
Whitewashed buildings and old overgrown yards
There are buildings that have been painted white and yards that have become overgrown.
I've got one hand on the wheel, I've got one on my heart
I'm driving while contemplating something deeply.
Looking for a girl without a name
I'm searching for a mysterious girl without a name.
But no matter what I do, Lord, I can't stop
I'm determined to keep going forward no matter what.
Gotta keep that hammer to the floor baby
I need to keep moving fast and hard.
Until I'm clear out of Arkansas mama
I won't stop until I leave Arkansas behind me.
'Cause I know what they can do to me
I'm aware of the dangers and consequences in this place.
Lord and I won't let them make a fool out of me
I won't let anyone take advantage of me.
Things are starting to get strange
Things are becoming odd and unfamiliar.
Passing through Memphis in the rain
I'm still moving through Memphis in the rain.
Sometimes a man's just gotta know when to go
Sometimes it's best for a man to know when to leave a situation.
He's gotta earn himself a keepin'
He must be self-sufficient.
He's gotta know when he's been beat
He must know when to surrender and accept defeat.
So I called a cousin down in Houston
I reached out to a relative living in Houston.
He said 'come on down boy, we've got work for you to be doing'
My cousin offered me a job in Houston.
I'm looking for a change
I'm still searching for something new.
Yeah things are startin' to get strange
Things are still feeling weird and unusual.
I'm passing through Memphis in the rain
I'm still passing through Memphis in the rain.
Oh yeah
Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: JUSTIN TOWNES EARLE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Lucio Avellaneda
Stand down the blacktop at a cold dark night, boy
Pitch black skies there ain't a star in sight
But I'm looking for a change
I'm passing through Memphis in the rain
Whitewashed buildings and old overgrown yards
I've got one hand on the wheel, I've got one on my heart
Looking for a girl without a name
I'm passing through Memphis in the rain
But no matter what I do, Lord, I can't stop
Gotta keep that hammer to the floor baby
Until I'm clear out of Arkansas mama
'Cause I know what they can do to me
Lord and I won't let them make a fool out of me
Things are starting to get strange
Passing through Memphis in the rain
Sometimes a man's just gotta know when to go
He's gotta earn himself a keepin'
He's gotta know when he's been beat
So I called a cousin down in Houston
He said 'come on down boy, we've got work for you to be doing'
I'm looking for a change
Passing through Memphis in the rain
Yeah things are startin' to get strange
I'm passing through Memphis in the rain
Oh yeah
Jonathan Aldecoa
The man was a musical genius. No doubt about it. A very blessed soul. Rest In Peace my brother. I love your music.
thewrongstuff1
Keep walking through Memphis in the rain, brother. Rest easy and thanks for the amazing music.
frarfarf
JTE has to be one the best in business for having a solo live version and an album version of his songs - most artists live are just playing the record version and it's more or less the same. With JTE it's a completely different feel, when he is solo he plays this awesome, percussive thumb-the-bass-flick-the-high-notes style, and on the record there's a whole bunch of instrumentation instead.. both versions are awesome in different ways and he does it with every one of his songs.. it's kinda like he has this whole catalogue of music twice over. Legend.
Tom Anderson
I love that percussive strum thing he does. Those techniques are used by many, but his is distinctive. Very nice.
Damo The man
Damn JTE you got an Irish fan choked up here, can't imagine what your family,lil daughter and your lady. Or all your family. You were a rare artist who valued truth in his artistry, sad you couldn't make the whole walk bud..and if it works like this i hope you've found some peace. All Y'all fans, lets keep his music alive : )
1709Steve
Love this guy. he plays that bass line, in all his songs, with his thumb on the top string. Very nice!!
Whathuhwhowhere
Man when he sings and just looks like hes having the greatest time, it makes me want to be best friends with him and just go walking around the world playing roots music to everyone
Anda Olsen
I have so much joy from listening to his music
Larry Davis
Great song, Justin.
Nick Anderson
Wow what a talent