Welcome to our list of the 19 best songs about Memphis!
From its rich history as the birthplace of rock and roll to its vibrant present as a cultural hub, Memphis has inspired countless musicians to pay tribute to the city in their music.
From blues and soul to rock and hip hop, these songs span a variety of genres and showcase the diverse sounds that have emerged from the city on the Mississippi.
So come along as we take a musical journey through the streets of Memphis and discover some of the greatest songs ever written about this iconic city.
By the way, if you’re searching for songs about memphis, you may also like some of our other playlists, like songs by justin bieber, songs about dallas, songs about farm life, songs about mountains, and songs about tennessee.Walking In Memphis – Marc Cohn
Walking In Memphis is one of the most iconic songs in modern music, having earned numerous awards and critical acclaim since its release in 1991.
This catchy and melodic ballad tells the story of a young man’s journey through the streets of Memphis, exploring the city’s rich history and taking in some of its most famous landmarks along the way.
The song draws on traditional blues and soul styles to create a sound that is heartwarming, vibrant, and evocative of both the city that it describes and the feeling of traveling into an unknown place.
Whether you’re walking down Broadway or standing outside Graceland, Walking In Memphis is guaranteed to bring you back time and time again to this great American metropolis.
Memphis – Ag Club
Memphis is a song by the notable band Ag Club, and it has become one of the band’s most popular tracks.
With its powerful lyrics and infectious melody, Memphis quickly rose to the top of the charts when it was first released.
Featuring shimmering guitars, deep synth lines, and driving percussion, the track is carefully crafted to draw listeners in and keep them hooked from start to finish.
Additionally, Memphis was praised for its message of universal struggle and perseverance in the face of adversity.
Overall, this epic track continues to resonate with fans years after its initial release, making it a true musical classic.
Memphis Bells – The Prodigy
Memphis Bells is an iconic song from electronic music group The Prodigy.
Originally released in 1994, this hard-hitting track has become one of the band’s signature tunes and remains a staple of their live performances to this day.
With its driving beat, captivating melodies, and piercing lyrics, Memphis Bells is a true club classic that still resonates with fans decades after its release.
Whether you’re a seasoned Prodigy fan or just getting into their music, this song is sure to get your feet moving and your blood pumping.
So if you haven’t yet heard Memphis Bells, then be sure to check it out today!
Memphis & 53rd – Minus the Bear
Memphis & 53rd is a driving, upbeat indie rock song by the band Minus the Bear.
The lyrics revolve around themes of restless youth and wanderlust, paired alongside catchy riffs and a propulsive beat that keeps listeners on their toes.
The song is reminiscent of the classic sounds of bands such as Joy Division, but with a modern twist that gives it a distinctively contemporary feel.
Whether you’re in the mood for dancing or just want something to get your blood pumping, Memphis & 53rd won’t disappoint.
So if you’re looking for an energetic and fun tune that will keep you coming back for more, be sure to check out this irresistible track by Minus the Bear.
Memphis Pearl – Lucinda Williams
Lucinda Williams’ song “Memphis Pearl” is a tribute to her late father, poet Miller Williams.
The song is a personal account of Lucinda’s memories of her father and their unique relationship.
Set to a slow, mournful melody, the lyrics paint a picture of a man who was both deeply loved and deeply flawed.
Miller Williams was an alcoholic who often neglected his family, but he was also a gifted poet and a passionate advocate for social justice.
Lucinda captures both the pain and the beauty of her father’s life in this haunting song.
Memphis Pearl is a moving testament to the power of love and forgiveness, and an unforgettable tribute to one of America’s great poets.
Beale Street Blues – Louis Armstrong
“Beale Street Blues” is a jazz song written by W. C. Handy and performed by Louis Armstrong.
This version was recorded in 1954, but as the song was written in 1917, many versions came before it.
The song is named after Beale Street in Memphis, Tennessee, a famous hub for blues and jazz music.
Louis Armstrong, also known as Satchmo or Pops, was an influential jazz musician and singer known for his virtuosity on the trumpet and his distinctive gravelly voice.
He was a pioneer of the jazz movement and played a crucial role in shaping the genre.
“Beale Street Blues” is a classic example of Armstrong’s unique style and features his signature trumpet playing.
The song has a lively, upbeat tempo and tells the story of a man’s love for the vibrant music and culture of Beale Street.
It is considered a tribute to the rich musical history of Memphis and has become an iconic piece of the city’s cultural identity.
Letter to Memphis – Pixies
The song “Letter to Memphis” by Pixies is a must-listen for anyone who appreciates the intricate guitar work and powerful vocals that characterize the alternative rock band.
This song tells the story of a parting lover trying desperately to hold on to her relationship, even as she knows it is falling apart.
The lyrics are raw and honest, painting a vivid picture of loss and longing in just a few lines.
The music complements this emotional narrative perfectly, with echoing guitar riffs and thundering drums that provide an epic backdrop for the lyrics.
For anyone interested in indie rock or just looking for an engaging and heartbreaking tune, “Letter to Memphis” by Pixies is definitely worth a listen.
Memphis Soul Stew – King Curtis
Memphis Soul Stew is a classic song by King Curtis that has been capturing the hearts and minds of music fans for decades.
This infectious tune starts with an instantly memorable groove, catchy vocals, and killer horn riffs.
The overall sound is both smooth and soulful, with strong elements of the blues, jazz, gospel, and R&B that make it such a fun, authentic track.
If you want to listen to some real Memphis soul at its best, then look no further than this timeless hit by King Curtis.
Whether you’re a longtime fan or just new to this classic recording, you won’t be able to resist its sultry charms.
So put on your dancing shoes and get ready to groove along with Memphis Soul Stew!
Sequestered In Memphis – The Hold Steady
Sequestered in Memphis is a song from The Hold Steady’s critically acclaimed album, Stay Positive.
The track tells the story of a group of friends who have come together for a wedding in Memphis, Tennessee.
While the lyrics are playful and fun, they also carry a deeper meaning about some of the struggles that we all face as we grow older.
The catchy and energetic tune draws on several different musical styles, including indie rock and country, to create a unique and memorable sound.
Overall, Sequestered in Memphis is an excellent example of the creativity, talent, and passion that has made The Hold Steady one of the most beloved rock bands of our time.
I Should See Memphis – Fleet Foxes
The song “I Should See Memphis” by Fleet Foxes is a moving, heartfelt expression of the longing for faraway places.
Structured as a series of vivid images, it draws the listener in with its vivid imagery and emotive lyrics.
The narrator longs to see a “city built of tin,” yet completely surrounded by water, and to walk along the streets alongside someone who he or she loves.
This song encapsulates the all-encompassing sense of homesickness that so many people experience in their lives, whether for distant lands or for forgotten places from childhood.
Ultimately, it reminds us of the importance of appreciating those we love and cherishing our time together, even as we dream about what might be.
Graceland – Paul Simon
The song Graceland by Paul Simon is widely regarded as one of the greatest musical compositions of all time.
It combines elements of rock, world music, and pop, and it features stunning vocals from both Simon himself and South African singer Ladysmith Black Mambazo.
What really makes this song stand out, though, is its complex lyrics.
The lyrics touch on themes such as self-discovery, cultural unity, and hope for the future.
In addition to being extremely enjoyable to listen to, the song Graceland is also a powerful commentary on our changing world, and it continues to inspire people to this day.
Whether you are a seasoned musician or just a casual listener, there’s no denying that this iconic piece deserves a place among the greats.
Memphis Skyline – Rufus Wainwright
Memphis Skyline is an evocative song about the beautiful and vibrant city of Memphis, Tennessee.
Written and performed by prominent singer-songwriter Rufus Wainwright, this haunting ballad takes listeners on a musical tour of all the places that make this city truly special.
From the picturesque banks of the Mississippi River to the legendary Peabody Hotel and Beale Street, Memphis Skyline paints a vivid picture of this iconic destination.
With its blend of lush melodies, bittersweet lyrics, and melodramatic orchestration, this track perfectly captures the rich history, culture, and spirit of Memphis.
Memphis In The Meantime – John Hiatt
Memphis in the Meantime is an iconic rock song by John Hiatt, and it paints a vivid portrait of life in the titular city.
The song paints a picture of both the good and the bad aspects of Memphis, highlighting the sweltering heat, crumbling buildings, and entrenched poverty that characterize the city.
But at the same time, it also celebrates its vibrant music scene, its vibrant nightlife, and its thriving artistic community.
By combining elements of nostalgia, celebration, and lamentation, Hiatt manages to capture the essence of one of America’s most fascinating cities.
Whether you’re a longtime resident or a tourist passing through on your way to Graceland, Memphis in the Meantime is sure to resonate with anyone who has ever set foot on Beale Street.
Memphis Sophisticate – Duster
Memphis Sophisticate is a sultry, soulful song that seamlessly blends vintage R&B with modern indie pop.
The distinctive vocals of the singer and songwriter combine fluidly with the intricate instrumentation to create a sound that is distinctly modern yet unmistakably nostalgic.
Whether you’re listening on a pair of high-end headphones or cranking it up in your car, Memphis Sophisticate will take you on a journey back in time, through the streets of the eponymous city, filled with the booty shaking fun and nostalgia.
If you’re looking for music with old-school flair and new-school charm, look no further than Memphis Sophisticate.
Get ready to hit the dance floor!
Memphis, Tennessee – Chuck Berry
Memphis, Tennessee is a classic rock and roll song by Chuck Berry.
This upbeat tune tells the story of a traveling musician who stops in Memphis, perhaps on his way to St. Louis, another famous city along the Mississippi River, while contemplating his next move in life.
Featuring catchy guitar riffs and a fast-paced beat, this energetic tune immediately draws listeners into its world, painting a vivid and vibrant image of Memphis’s music scene and the people who populate it.
Whether you’re a fan of classic rock or just appreciate grooving to great melodies, Memphis, Tennessee is sure to have you singing and tapping along in no time!
So if you’re looking for some foot-stomping fun, be sure to check out this iconic song from Chuck Berry today.
Memphis Sun – Rival Sons
Memphis Sun is a song by the band Rival Sons, and it captures the mood and sound of that iconic city.
Featuring bluesy guitars and soulful vocals, this track transports listeners straight to the heart of Memphis, evoking images of empty streets, boarded-up storefronts, and faded neon signs in dingy bars.
With its promises of heat and revelry, Memphis Sun perfectly embodies all the energy and danger that permeate this legendary American city.
Whether you’re a fan of rock or blues music, or simply enjoy exploring different cities through sound, this song will take you on an unforgettable journey to the city of Memphis sun.
Move to Memphis – a-ha
The song “Move to Memphis” by the Norwegian band a-ha is a classic slice of 1980s pop music.
Drawing heavily on synthpop and new wave influences, the song tells the story of two young lovers who are torn apart by their families’ disapproval.
Despite this obstacle, they are determined to be together and leave home in search of a better life in the city of Memphis.
Driven by its addictive beat and enthusiastic vocals, “Move to Memphis” is a fun and uplifting tune that still resonates with listeners today.
Whether you loved it in the 80s or are just discovering it now, this song is sure to leave you moving to Memphis!
Memphis to LA – Chris Travis
Memphis to LA by Chris Travis, is a driving and bluesy hip-hop track that perfectly captures the feeling of taking a long road trip across the South.
With its rapping verses and crooning chorus, the song conjures up images of endless highways stretching out in front of you as you make your way towards the West Coast.
It’s full of catchy beats and slick rhymes, making it both an irresistible earworm and a perfect accompaniment to any car journey.
Whether you’re traveling solo or on a road trip with friends, Memphis to LA is sure to transport you straight into the fast lane.
So turn up the volume and hit that gas pedal, this track is one ride that you won’t want to miss.
North Memphis – Project Pat
North Memphis is a song by Project Pat that gives an insider’s perspective on life in one of the poorest parts of the city.
Drawing upon his personal experience growing up in this gritty neighborhood, Project Pat paints a vivid picture of the challenges faced by residents living in this area.
He describes the struggles with drugs, crime, and poverty that many people here face, as well as their tenacious spirit and desire to persevere in spite of adversity.
Through his lyrics, Project Pat paints a complex portrait of life in North Memphis – a place where people come together to share their hopes and dreams despite their many hardships.
Memphis – (feat. Big Sean) Justin Bieber
Memphis by Justin Bieber featuring Big Sean, is one of the artist’s most popular hits to date.
The song combines elements of pop, hip-hop, and R&B, making for an undeniably catchy combination.
With its infectious beats and upbeat tempo, Memphis is sure to get anyone dancing along in no time.
But beyond being simply a fun song to listen to, Memphis also offers some important insights into the life and experiences of Justin Bieber himself.
Throughout his lyrics, Bieber alludes to themes such as fame and success, love and heartbreak, and personal struggles and triumphs.
Overall, this hit single perfectly captures the energy and feeling that has made Justin Bieber one of the biggest artists in the world today.
Midnight Train To Memphis – Chris Stapleton
Midnight Train to Memphis is a playful, down-home country song written and performed by Chris Stapleton.
The song tells the story of a traveling musician making his way through small towns on the way to Memphis.
Throughout the lyrics, we hear snippets of voices and announcements from passing trains, along with evocative images of rural scenes and neon lights that set the scene for his journey.
Through its spare instrumentation and powerful vocals, Midnight Train to Memphis paints a vivid picture of what it’s like to be on the road in pursuit of your dreams.
Whether you’re a seasoned country music fan or someone who has never heard this genre before, this song is sure to capture your imagination and keep you listening all night long.
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