Memphis Streets
Neil Diamond Lyrics


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I'm headed for Memphis, ridin' a '59 Ford
Good paying job, girl
Bein' alone makes it hard
Find myself taking rides

Through the Memphis streets
Look out and watch the view
Girl, you know I don't see a thing
Can't get my mind off of you

Na na na na na na na na na na na na
Work on the day shift
Come back to my three dollar room
I'm a ten dollar dreamer

And I'm going to make it come true
But now I'm taking rides
Through the Memphis streets
Look out and watch the view

Girl, you know I don't see a thing
Can't get my mind off of you
Na na na na na na na na na na na na
Find myself taking rides

Through the Memphis streets
Look out and watch the view
Girl, you know I don't see a thing
Can't get my mind off of you.

Na na na na na na na na na na na na
Taking rides through the Memphis streets
Look out and watch the view
Girl, you know I don't see a thing





Can't get my mind off of you.

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Neil Diamond's "Memphis Streets" detail a man who is making a journey to Memphis to pursue job opportunities but is struggling with loneliness as he experiences the city. The first verse describes the man driving a "59 Ford" to Memphis, excited about his "good paying job," but admitting that "being alone makes it hard." He goes on to say that he finds himself taking rides through the streets of Memphis, watching the view, but unable to get his mind off of his past lover. The chorus repeats these lyrics, emphasizing the man's preoccupation with his ex.


In the second verse, the man describes his life in Memphis. He works the day shift and returns to his "three dollar room." He is a "ten dollar dreamer," implying that he has hopes for a better future but is currently struggling. Again, he finds himself taking rides through the streets of Memphis to distract himself from his thoughts.


Diamond's lyrics capture the emotions of a man who is struggling with loneliness and the memories of a past relationship. The song paints a picture of a city with streets and views that the man may find beautiful, but he is unable to appreciate them fully due to his emotional state.


Line by Line Meaning

I'm headed for Memphis, ridin' a '59 Ford
I'm on my way to Memphis in an old Ford from 1959.


Good paying job, girl
I have a job that pays well, my dear.


Bein' alone makes it hard
Being alone is difficult for me.


Find myself taking rides Through the Memphis streets Look out and watch the view Girl, you know I don't see a thing Can't get my mind off of you
I drive around Memphis, but can't appreciate the view because I can't stop thinking about you.


Na na na na na na na na na na na na
Instrumental interlude


Work on the day shift Come back to my three dollar room I'm a ten dollar dreamer And I'm going to make it come true
I work during the day, but my dreams are bigger than what my cheap motel room suggests. I believe I can make my dreams come true.


Taking rides through the Memphis streets Look out and watch the view Girl, you know I don't see a thing Can't get my mind off of you.
I keep driving through Memphis, unable to appreciate the sights because you're always on my mind.


Na na na na na na na na na na na na
Instrumental interlude


Find myself taking rides Through the Memphis streets Look out and watch the view Girl, you know I don't see a thing Can't get my mind off of you.
Once again, I drive aimlessly through Memphis, unable to appreciate the scenery because of how much I'm thinking of you.


Na na na na na na na na na na na na
Instrumental outro.




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: NEIL DIAMOND

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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