Memphis, Tennessee
Chuck Berry, Little Richard
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Long distance information, give me Memphis Tennessee Help me find the party trying to get in touch with me She could not leave her number, but I know who placed the call 'Cause my uncle took the message and he wrote it on the wall Help me, information, get in touch with my Marie She's the only one who'd phone me here from Memphis Tennessee Her home is on the south side, high up on a ridge Just a half a mile from the Mississippi Bridge Help me, information, more than that I cannot add Only that I miss her and all the fun we had But we were pulled apart because her mom did not agree And tore apart our happy home in Memphis Tennessee Last time I saw Marie she's waving me good-bye With hurry home drops on her cheek that trickled from her eye Marie is only six years old, information please Try to put me through to her in Memphis Tennessee
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Written by: PAT MC LAUGHLIN
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
10 facts about this song
Song Origin"Memphis, Tennessee" came from the talented mind of Chuck Berry, who wrote and released the song in 1959.
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GenreThe song contributes to the rock 'n' roll genre, showcasing Berry's signature blend of rhythm, blues, and country.
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Background TaleWhat makes "Memphis, Tennessee" stand out is its touching story of the longing of a six-year-old boy trying to connect with his mother in Memphis after his parents' breakup.
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Song StructureThe song does not contain a chorus and instead relies on a storytelling structure, unfolding through multiple verses—a characteristic unique to Chuck Berry's style.
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Chart PerformanceDespite being a beloved track, "Memphis, Tennessee" did not chart upon its initial release. It wasn't until cover versions of the song were released that it earned recognition on the Billboard charts.
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Cover SuccessJohnny Rivers' cover of "Memphis, Tennessee" in 1964 was a significant success, reaching No. 2 on the US Billboard Hot 100 Chart.
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Radio BanThe song was initially banned from several radio stations as they believed it to be a tribute to a telephone operator—during a time when the profession was seen as disreputable for women.
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Global Reach"Memphis, Tennessee" has been covered by a multitude of artists of various nationalities, given its universal theme of longing and separation, including The Beatles, who covered the song during an audition for Decca Records.
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Misinterpreted StoryThe audience initially misinterpreted the song's narrative, assuming it was about a romantic relationship. In reality, it was a story about a desperate child missing his mother.
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InfluenceWhile not a chart-topper in its own right, "Memphis, Tennessee" continues to show influence in popular music, reflecting in the numerous artists who have covered or sampled the song over the years.
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Citation
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"Memphis, Tennessee Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 30 May 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/34041602/Chuck+Berry/Memphis%2C+Tennessee>.
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