Memphis
The Zombies featuring Colin Blunstone & Rod Argent Lyrics

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It's not the note so reminiscent
Of everything I've ever known
That makes me want to be with you

Beneath the shimmering waves of moonlight
That dance and tremble at our feet
I want you in my arms and in my soul
No matter what the future holds

You know tonight they kiss in Memphis
And trace the writing on the wall
Tonight my soul has wings
Drifting in an ancient sky
Deep within the Valley of the Kings

Tonight there's not a a trace of Elvis
To claim the magic southern sky
And how I want to be with you

And I can feel the breath of angels
A spirit that I can't deny
That reaches out across three thousand years
Dissolves my heart in joy and tears

You know tonight they kiss in Memphis
And trace the writing on the wall
Tonight my soul has wings
Drifting in an ancient sky
Deep within the Valley of the Kings

In my heart there's a song that's been waiting
It's been held like a coil on a spring
Let it run, let it fly
Changing my life with its freedom ring

You know tonight they kiss in Memphis
And trace the writing on the wall
Tonight my soul has wings
Drifting in an ancient sky

Seeing with an eagle's eye
Lost within the Valley of the Kings

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to The Zombies' song "Memphis" employ an intricate combination of vivid imagery and emotional appeals to create a deeply romantic and introspective experience for listeners. The song tells the story of two individuals who are deeply in love and desire nothing more than to be together, immersing themselves in the magical atmosphere of Memphis, Tennessee. Throughout the song, there are several references to the city of Memphis and its cultural significance, particularly in the realm of music and the arts.

The opening lines of the song, "It's not the note so reminiscent / Of everything I've ever known / That makes me want to be with you" suggest that the singer is drawn to his lover not because of the things that remind him of them, but rather for the emotional and spiritual connection that they share. As the song progresses, the singer describes his desire to be with his lover beneath the "shimmering waves of moonlight" and to experience the timeless magic of Memphis together.

The chorus of the song, "You know tonight they kiss in Memphis / And trace the writing on the wall / Tonight my soul has wings / Drifting in an ancient sky / Deep within the Valley of the Kings" further emphasizes the dreamy, otherworldly quality of the song, as the singer imagines himself and his lover lost in the mystical landscape of Memphis.

Overall, "Memphis" is a song that combines thought-provoking lyrics with lush instrumentation and complex harmonies, creating a romantic and introspective listening experience for the audience.

Line by Line Meaning

It's not the note so reminiscent
The familiarity of the note isn't what draws me to you

Of everything I've ever known
It's not because it reminds me of anything from my past

That makes me want to be with you
It's just that I want to be with you

Beneath the shimmering waves of moonlight
Under the moonlight

That dance and tremble at our feet
As it dances and trembles at our feet

I want you in my arms and in my soul
I want to hold you and feel you in my very being

No matter what the future holds
Regardless of what may happen in the future

You know tonight they kiss in Memphis
People in Memphis kiss tonight

And trace the writing on the wall
They also trace words on a wall

Tonight my soul has wings
My soul is lifted up tonight

Drifting in an ancient sky
It feels like I'm drifting in ancient skies