Meaning of 'Walking in Memphis'

by Marc Cohn

Interpretation

The lyrics of the song 'Walking in Memphis' by Marc Cohn tell the story of a man who travels to Memphis and has a profound spiritual experience there. The singer describes how he puts on his blue suede shoes and boards a plane to fly to Memphis, known as the birthplace of Delta Blues.

When he arrives in Memphis, it is raining heavily, but that doesn't stop him from exploring the city. He feels lonely and sad despite having a first-class ticket. He hopes for a special experience, maybe even an encounter with the spirit of the late Elvis Presley.

He mentions seeing the spirit of Elvis on Union Avenue and following him to the gates of Graceland. He watches as Elvis' spirit goes through the gates unnoticed by the security guards. It becomes clear that Elvis' spirit still has a strong presence in Memphis.

The lyrics also mention the cultural significance of Memphis, such as enjoying catfish (a type of fish) and the presence of gospel music in the air. Reverend Green, a religious leader, is described as a friendly figure who welcomes people, even when they have lost all hope.

Finally, the singer meets a woman named Muriel, who plays piano at the Hollywood Klavier every Friday. She asks him to sing with her and asks if he is a Christian child. He responds that he is tonight, suggesting that he has experienced a spiritual awakening through his experiences in Memphis.

The lyrics end with the singer mentioning again how he lands in Memphis with his blue suede shoes while it is raining heavily. This could indicate that he is ready to continue his spiritual journey in Memphis.

Overall, the lyrics of the song 'Walking in Memphis' are about the search for spiritual fulfillment and the hope of finding a deeper connection to the music and history of the city of Memphis. It also touches on the significance of Memphis as a place of blues and cultural heritage.