Memphis, Tennessee

Chuck Berry

About Memphis, Tennessee

"Memphis, Tennessee", sometimes shortened to "Memphis", is a song by Chuck Berry, first released in 1959. In the UK, the song charted at #6 in 1963; at the same time Decca Records issued a cover version in the UK by Dave Berry and the Cruisers, which also became a UK Top 20 hit single. Johnny Rivers' version of the song was a number two US hit in 1964. In the song the narrator is speaking to a long-distance operator, trying to find out the number of a girl named Marie, who lives in Memphis, Tennessee, "on the southside, high upon a ridge, just a half a mile from the Mississippi bridge. " The narrator offers little information to the operator at first, only that he misses Marie and that they were separated by Marie's mother. The final verse reveals that Marie is, in fact, the narrator's six-year-old daughter; her mother, presumably the narrator's ex-wife, left their home and took Marie with her. Chuck Berry later composed a sequel, "Little Marie", which appeared in 1964 as a single and on the album St. Louis to Liverpool. 


Year:
1982
2:12
35 
#1

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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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Chuck Berry

Charles Edward Anderson "Chuck" Berry (born October 18, 1926) is an American guitarist, singer and songwriter, and one of the pioneers of rock and roll music. With songs such as "Maybellene" (1955), "Roll Over Beethoven" (1956), "Rock and Roll Music" (1957) and "Johnny B. Goode" (1958), Chuck Berry refined and developed rhythm and blues into the major elements that made rock and roll distinctive, with lyrics focusing on teen life and consumerism and utilizing guitar solos and showmanship that would be a major influence on subsequent rock music. more »

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Written by: Chuck Berry

Lyrics © ENTERTAINMENT ONE U.S. LP

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.
Genre
The song contributes to the rock 'n' roll genre, showcasing Berry's signature blend of rhythm, blues, and country.
Background Tale
What 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.
Song Structure
The 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.
Chart Performance
Despite 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.
Cover Success
Johnny Rivers' cover of "Memphis, Tennessee" in 1964 was a significant success, reaching No. 2 on the US Billboard Hot 100 Chart.
Radio Ban
The 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.
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.
Misinterpreted Story
The 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.
Influence
While 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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