Story Behind the Song
Not being very fond of Memphis it was an interesting city to tackle in the Volunteer State line-up. Decidedly blues, the first version was played on electric guitar and sung in a delta blues falsetto. Although highly laughable, the first version was too much to bear and so it was replaced with real vocals and minimal guitar. Now it stands as a song based on the blues instead of a song giving the blues the finger.
Lyrics
Waitin'by the Mississippi, yeah
waiting for you
Waitin' by the Mississippi, yeah
I'm waiting for you
Don't think you're gonna show up
maybe because I never asked you to.
Mama, I told you that I loved you
it didn't do no good
Mama, I told you that I loved you
it didn't do no good
but I knew what it would do
baby, yes I knew what it would
Took a train down to Memphis
or maybe it was a Greyhound
took a train down to Memphis
or maybe I rode a Greyhound
I been here three days drunker than a rodeo clown
Dr. King was shot here, the King lived here too
Dr. King was shot here another King's palace is too
why I decided to come here... Lord, I know not what I do
Early is something you get up for,
late-something you stayed up to see
Early is something you get up for,
late-something you stayed up to see
I been up so damn late waitin' for you
to come back to me
People Over-dosed in Memphis, Tennessee
People live in Days Inns in Memphis, Tennessee
The Pyramid is far from ancient
The Pyramid is far from Egypt
but some unspeakable force brought me
to Memphis, Tennessee
Memphis, TN
|