About the song
Chuck Berry, the legendary architect of rock and roll, crafted a timeless tale of longing and heartbreak with his 1959 song, “Memphis, Tennessee.” This soulful ballad, often simply referred to as “Memphis,” is a captivating narrative of a father’s yearning for his young daughter, Marie, who resides in the titular city.
The song begins with a simple premise: a man, separated from his beloved Marie, seeks to reconnect through a long-distance phone call. With a touch of poetic imagery, he describes her home as “on the southside, high upon a ridge, just a half a mile from the Mississippi bridge.” The narrator’s longing is palpable, as he yearns to hear her voice and feel her presence once more.
Initially, the listener might be misled into believing that Marie is a romantic interest. However, a poignant twist unfolds in the final verse, revealing that she is, in fact, the narrator’s six-year-old daughter. The revelation is both heartbreaking and insightful, as it highlights the deep emotional bond between father and child. The narrator’s pain is intensified by the realization that their separation was caused by a disagreement between his ex-wife and him, not by any wrongdoing on his part.
“Memphis, Tennessee” is more than just a catchy tune; it’s a poignant exploration of love, loss, and the enduring power of family ties. Berry’s masterful storytelling, combined with his infectious rhythm and blues style, has made this song a beloved classic that continues to resonate with audiences of all ages.
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Lyrics
Long distance information, give me Memphis Tennessee
Help me find a party that tried to get in touch with me
She did not leave a number but I know who placed the call
‘Cause my uncle took a message and he wrote it on the wall
Help me, information, get in touch with my Marie
She’s the only one who’d call me here from Memphis Tennessee
Her home is on the south side, high upon a ridge
Just a half a mile from the Mississippi bridge
Last time I saw Marie she was wavin’ me goodbye
With “hurry-home” drops on her cheek that trickled from her eye
We were pulled apart because her mom did not agree
She tore apart our happy home in Memphis Tennessee
Help me, information, more than that I cannot add
Only that I miss her and all the fun we had
Marie is only six years old, information please
You got to put me through to her in Memphis Tennessee