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Introduction
Tom T. Hall’s “That’s How I Got to Memphis” is one of those songs that reaches straight into the heart, gently unearthing feelings of longing, nostalgia, and the power of love. Written with Hall’s signature storytelling finesse, this song tells the tale of a journey—both literal and emotional—as a man finds himself in Memphis, chasing the trail of someone he deeply loves. Though the lyrics are simple, they carry a raw honesty, as if Hall himself is confiding in you, his closest friend, about a love he’s unwilling to let go of.
In “That’s How I Got to Memphis,” Hall manages to capture the universal experience of looking for answers in the places that hold our memories. Memphis isn’t just a city in this song; it’s a symbol of hope, regret, and everything left unsaid. The protagonist doesn’t know if he’ll find who he’s looking for, but he’s driven by the need to try, a sentiment anyone who’s ever chased after love can relate to. It’s the kind of song that you listen to when you’re feeling introspective, maybe with a drink in hand and a mind full of memories.
The song has been covered by many artists, a testament to its resonance and timelessness, but it’s Hall’s version that truly cuts to the core. With each line, he invites you into his world, sharing a story that feels deeply personal, yet universally human. In the end, “That’s How I Got to Memphis” isn’t just about getting to a place; it’s about the emotional journey we take when love pulls us down a road we can’t resist.
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Lyrics
If you love somebody enough
You’ll follow wherever they go
That’s how I got to Memphis
That’s how I got to Memphis
If you love somebody enough
You’ll go where your heart wants to go
That’s how I got to Memphis
That’s how I got to Memphis
I know if you’d seen her you’d tell me ’cause you are my friend
I’ve got to find her and find out the trouble she’s in
If you tell me that she’s not here
I’ll follow the trail of her tears
That’s how I got to Memphis
That’s how I got to Memphis
She would get mad and she used to say
That she’d come back to Memphis someday
That’s how I got to Memphis
That’s how I got to Memphis
I haven’t eaten a bite
Or slept for three days and nights
That’s how I got to Memphis
That’s how I got to Memphis
I’ve got to find her and tell her that I love her so
I’ll never rest ’til I find out why she had to go
Thank you for your precious time
Forgive me if I start to cryin’
That’s how I got to Memphis (x8)