22 Songs about Memphis – Birthplace of Rock ‘n’ Roll

Memphis, Tennessee is a city steeped in music history, known as the birthplace of rock ‘n’ roll and the home of legendary musicians such as Elvis Presley, B.B. King, and Johnny Cash. Over the years, Memphis has inspired countless artists to create songs that capture the city’s unique culture and musical heritage. This collection of 22 songs about Memphis showcases a diverse range of musical styles, from rock ‘n’ roll to blues, country, and soul.

The selection begins with “Walking in Memphis” by Marc Cohn, a song that tells the story of a musician’s pilgrimage to the city and the profound impact it has on him. “Graceland” by Paul Simon is a nostalgic tribute to Elvis Presley’s home, while “Queen of Memphis” by Confederate Railroad celebrates the city’s vibrant nightlife and music scene. “Stuck Inside of Mobile with the Memphis Blues Again” by Bob Dylan is a poetic ode to the city’s rich musical history, while “Memphis Soul Stew” by King Curtis is a funky instrumental tribute to the city’s soul music.

The collection also includes songs by iconic artists such as Johnny Cash, B.B. King, and Jerry Lee Lewis, as well as lesser-known but equally talented musicians like John Hiatt and Uncle Kracker. Together, these 22 songs provide a vibrant and diverse portrait of Memphis and its enduring influence on the world of music.

1. Walking in Memphis – Marc Cohn

“Walking in Memphis” is a powerful and emotive song by Marc Cohn, released in 1991. It tells the story of a man who visits Memphis and feels a deep spiritual connection to the city, particularly to the city’s music scene and the memory of Elvis Presley. The song is characterized by Cohn’s soulful vocals, a simple yet stirring melody, and poignant lyrics that evoke a sense of nostalgia, longing, and wonder. The song’s chorus, “Walking in Memphis, walking with my feet ten feet off of Beale,” has become an iconic phrase in popular culture and continues to resonate with listeners today.

2. Back to Memphis – Chuck Berry

“Back to Memphis” is a bluesy and upbeat song by rock and roll legend Chuck Berry, released in 1964. It tells the story of a man who is eager to return to Memphis, a city he associates with good times, great music, and the love of his life. The song is characterized by Berry’s trademark guitar riffs, energetic vocals, and catchy lyrics that capture the joy and excitement of the narrator’s journey. “Back to Memphis” is a classic example of Berry’s unique style and his enduring influence on rock and roll music.

3. Graceland – Paul Simon

“Graceland” is a classic song by Paul Simon, released in 1986. It is a poignant and nostalgic tribute to Elvis Presley and his home, Graceland, which Simon visited in 1983. The song is characterized by its unique blend of African rhythms, American folk, and pop music, creating a distinctive sound that perfectly captures the spirit of Graceland and its legacy. The song’s lyrics evoke a sense of wonder and reverence for the King of Rock and Roll and his enduring impact on popular culture. “Graceland” remains one of Simon’s most iconic songs and a beloved classic in the world of music.

4. Queen of Memphis – Confederate Railroad

“Queen of Memphis” is an upbeat and catchy song by the country rock band Confederate Railroad, released in 1992. The song tells the story of a man who falls in love with the “Queen of Memphis,” a beautiful woman who captures his heart and his imagination. The song is characterized by its lively guitar riffs, energetic vocals, and playful lyrics that capture the spirit of Memphis and its vibrant music scene. “Queen of Memphis” is a classic example of the band’s unique style and their enduring influence on country rock music. The song remains a beloved favorite among fans of the genre.

5. Stuck Inside of Mobile with the Memphis Blues Again (Take 13, Alternate Take) – Bob Dylan

“Stuck Inside of Mobile with the Memphis Blues Again” is a classic song by Bob Dylan, released in 1966. This particular version, Take 13, is an alternate take of the song, featuring a slightly different arrangement and vocal performance from Dylan. The song’s lyrics are characterized by Dylan’s signature poetic style, full of vivid imagery and wordplay. The song’s theme of feeling lost and confused in a new place, in this case, Mobile, Alabama, resonates with listeners of all ages and backgrounds. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to Dylan’s status as one of the greatest songwriters of all time.

6. Memphis Soul Stew – King Curtis

“Memphis Soul Stew” is a classic instrumental song by soul saxophonist King Curtis, released in 1967. The song is characterized by its lively and upbeat tempo, driving bassline, and soulful horn section. The song’s title perfectly captures the essence of the Memphis sound, a blend of R&B, soul, and blues that emerged from the city in the 1960s. “Memphis Soul Stew” remains a beloved classic among fans of the genre and a testament to King Curtis’s skill as a musician and bandleader. The song’s legacy continues to inspire new generations of musicians and fans alike.

7. Midnight Train to Memphis – Chris Stapleton

“Midnight Train to Memphis” is a gritty and bluesy song by country singer-songwriter Chris Stapleton, released in 2018. The song tells the story of a man who is trying to outrun his past and make his way back to Memphis, where he hopes to find redemption and a new beginning. The song is characterized by its raw and soulful vocals, driving guitar riffs, and haunting lyrics that capture the sense of urgency and longing in the narrator’s journey. “Midnight Train to Memphis” is a powerful and emotive song that showcases Stapleton’s talent as a songwriter and performer.

8. Honky Tonk Women – The Rolling Stones

“Honky Tonk Women” is a classic rock song by the Rolling Stones, released in 1969. The song is characterized by its infectious guitar riff, catchy lyrics, and upbeat tempo that perfectly captures the spirit of the honky-tonk dance halls that inspired the song. The song’s lyrics tell the story of a man who is drawn to the wild and carefree lifestyle of honky-tonk women, who embody the spirit of rock and roll. “Honky Tonk Women” remains a beloved classic among fans of the Rolling Stones and a testament to the band’s enduring influence on rock music.

9. Maybe It Was Memphis – Pam Tillis

“Maybe It Was Memphis” is a classic country song by Pam Tillis, released in 1991. The song is characterized by its heartfelt lyrics, catchy melody, and Tillis’s soulful vocals, which perfectly capture the emotion and nostalgia of the song. The song’s lyrics tell the story of a woman who is haunted by memories of a past love affair in Memphis, and the song’s chorus, “Maybe it was Memphis, maybe it was southern summer nights,” has become an iconic phrase in country music. “Maybe It Was Memphis” is a timeless classic that continues to resonate with fans of the genre.

10. That’s How I Got to Memphis – Tom T. Hall

“That’s How I Got to Memphis” is a classic country song by Tom T. Hall, released in 1970. The song is characterized by its simple yet powerful lyrics, haunting melody, and Hall’s distinctive voice. The song’s lyrics tell the story of a man who is searching for a lost love in Memphis and the journey he takes to get there. The song’s chorus, “If you love somebody enough, you’ll follow wherever they go,” has become an iconic phrase in country music. “That’s How I Got to Memphis” is a beloved classic that continues to inspire new generations of country musicians and fans.

11. Move to Memphis – A-ha

“Move to Memphis” is an upbeat and energetic song by Norwegian band A-ha, released in 1991. The song is characterized by its catchy synth-pop melody, driving drumbeat, and Morten Harket’s soaring vocals. The song’s lyrics tell the story of a man who is contemplating a move to Memphis, where he hopes to start a new life and leave his troubles behind. “Move to Memphis” is a fun and playful song that showcases A-ha’s talent for creating infectious pop music.

12. Memphis Soul Song – Uncle Kracker

“Memphis Soul Song” is a bluesy and soulful song by American singer-songwriter Uncle Kracker, released in 2001. The song is characterized by its smooth guitar riffs, funky bassline, and Kracker’s raspy vocals. The song’s lyrics pay homage to the rich musical heritage of Memphis and the soulful sounds that have come out of the city. “Memphis Soul Song” is a heartfelt tribute to the power of music and its ability to bring people together. The song has become a fan favorite and a staple of Kracker’s live shows.

13. Dixie Chicken – Little Feat

“Dixie Chicken” is a classic rock song by American band Little Feat, released in 1973. The song is characterized by its funky guitar riffs, infectious melody, and Lowell George’s soulful vocals. The song’s lyrics tell the story of a man who falls in love with a waitress named Dixie and the adventures they have together. “Dixie Chicken” is a fan favorite and a staple of Little Feat’s live shows. The song has become an iconic anthem of Southern rock and a beloved classic of the genre.

14. Big Train – John Fogerty

“Big Train” is a high-energy rock song by American musician John Fogerty, released in 1997. The song is characterized by its driving guitar riffs, powerful vocals, and energetic drumbeat. The song’s lyrics tell the story of a man who is determined to catch the “big train” and leave his troubles behind. “Big Train” is a fun and catchy song that showcases Fogerty’s talent for creating memorable rock anthems. The song has become a fan favorite and a staple of Fogerty’s live shows.

15. Letter to Memphis – Pixies

“Letter to Memphis” is a haunting and atmospheric song by American alternative rock band Pixies, released in 1991. The song is characterized by its moody guitar riffs, ethereal vocals, and dreamlike atmosphere. The song’s lyrics tell the story of a man who is separated from his lover and writes a letter to her in Memphis, hoping that she will return to him. “Letter to Memphis” is a beautiful and poignant song that showcases the band’s talent for creating haunting and atmospheric music.

16. Big River – Johnny Cash

“Big River” is a classic country song by American singer-songwriter Johnny Cash, released in 1958. The song is characterized by its twangy guitar riffs, Cash’s distinctive vocals, and its catchy chorus. The song’s lyrics tell the story of a man who is traveling down the Mississippi River in search of his lover, who has left him for another man. “Big River” is a beloved classic of the country music genre and has become one of Cash’s most famous and enduring songs. The song is a testament to Cash’s talent for storytelling and his ability to capture the spirit of the American South in his music.

17. The Memphis Train – Rufus Thomas

“The Memphis Train” is a classic soul song by American singer and comedian Rufus Thomas, released in 1968. The song is characterized by its funky guitar riffs, horn section, and Thomas’s energetic vocals. The song’s lyrics tell the story of a train ride to Memphis, where the people on board dance and sing their way to their destination. “The Memphis Train” is a fun and upbeat song that showcases Thomas’s talent for creating catchy soul anthems.

18. Alex Chilton – The Replacements

“The Memphis Train” is a classic soul song by American singer and comedian Rufus Thomas, released in 1968. The song is characterized by its funky guitar riffs, horn section, and Thomas’s energetic vocals. The song’s lyrics tell the story of a train ride to Memphis, where the people on board dance and sing their way to their destination. “The Memphis Train” is a fun and upbeat song that showcases Thomas’s talent for creating catchy soul anthems.

19. Memphis in June – Hoagy Carmichael

“Memphis in June” is a jazz standard written by American composer Hoagy Carmichael in 1945. The song is characterized by its lush, romantic melody and lyrics that describe the beauty of Memphis in the summertime. The song has been covered by numerous artists, including Nina Simone and Ray Charles, and has become a beloved classic of the jazz repertoire. “Memphis in June” showcases Carmichael’s talent for creating timeless melodies that capture the essence of a place and a moment in time.

20. I’ve Been to Memphis – Lyle Lovett

“I’ve Been to Memphis” is a country-blues song by American singer-songwriter Lyle Lovett, released in 1992. The song is characterized by its acoustic guitar riffs, bluesy harmonica, and Lovett’s distinctive drawl. The song’s lyrics tell the story of a man who has traveled to Memphis in search of a lost love. “I’ve Been to Memphis” showcases Lovett’s talent for creating evocative and emotionally resonant songs that blend country, blues, and folk influences. The song has become a fan favorite and a classic of the Americana genre.

21. Memphis in the Meantime – John Hiatt

“Memphis in the Meantime” is a song by American singer-songwriter John Hiatt, released in 1987. The song is characterized by its catchy guitar riffs, upbeat tempo, and Hiatt’s soulful vocals. The lyrics describe a man’s desire to escape the problems of the world and find solace in the vibrant and lively city of Memphis. “Memphis in the Meantime” showcases Hiatt’s ability to blend rock, country, and blues influences into a unique and memorable sound.

22. Memphis Beat – Jerry Lee Lewis

“Memphis Beat” is a song by American rock and roll legend Jerry Lee Lewis, released in 1966. The song is characterized by its driving beat, honky-tonk piano, and Lewis’s electrifying vocals. The lyrics describe the city of Memphis as a place where music and good times never stop. “Memphis Beat” showcases Lewis’s talent for creating high-energy rock and roll songs that capture the spirit of the city where he got his start in the music business. The song has become a classic of the rockabilly genre and a testament to the enduring legacy of Memphis music.