The Prettiest Waitress in Memphis
Chasing Smiles in Memphis: A Tale of Love, Pecan Pies, and Goodbyes
Lyrics
Well, there is only one reason I stop in this place
The speaker visits this place for a specific reason.
Let me stress that it ain't the cuisine
The quality of food isn't the reason for the visit.
The eggs are all runny, the hash-browns smell funny and the coffee taste like gasoline
Describes the unappealing quality of the food.
But there goes the one thing that I've been looking forward to for the last 600 miles
The speaker's anticipation for something specific in the place after a long journey.
In a slow motion pan, eight beers in each hand
Depicts a mesmerizing sight of the waitress carrying multiple beers.
What's here of heaven in her smile
The beauty of the waitress is heavenly.
She's the prettiest waitress in Memphis and I think she's flirting with me
The waitress is incredibly beautiful, and the speaker perceives flirtation.
Readin' them specials extra special, slipped her finger into my sweet tea
Suggests a flirty action by the waitress (dipping finger in the sweet tea).
O' but a small stack of singles from a hard double-shift will do terrible things to a smile
Money earned from hard work has affected her smile negatively.
And the prettiest waitress in Memphis knows she's only that way for a while
The beauty is fleeting; she won't be this way forever.
Well somehow she remembered my name though it's been several months since I passed through this way
The waitress remembers the speaker despite the time gap.
She said she's lived here all her twenty three years I said I'd be here for a day
Contrasts their differing lengths of stay in Memphis.
Ordered the pecan pie and in the wink of eye I got a slice as big as my head
Received a large portion of pecan pie quickly.
And her name and her number on a sweet-n-low package is the best poem that I've ever read
Her contact details left for the speaker in a creative manner.
She is the prettiest waitress in Memphis and I know she's flirting with me
Reiterates her beauty and perceived flirtation by the speaker.
Readin' them specials extra special, slipped her finger into my sweet tea
Repeats a flirty action by the waitress.
O' but a small stack of singles from a hard double-shift will do terrible things to a smile
Explains how financial struggle affects her smile despite her beauty.
And the prettiest waitress in Memphis knows she's only that way for a while
Reflects on the temporary nature of her beauty.
Well the prettiest waitress in Memphis, she spilled her heart all over me
Metaphorical spillage of emotions or secrets by the waitress to the speaker.
And the way she was right as I held her that night 'n she said
The waitress admits an inevitable change in her life.
"This'll all change eventually."
Expresses a belief that circumstances will change.
Cause she ain't the prettiest waitress in Memphis no more
Reveals a shift in her status, she's no longer a waitress.
But it's not what you're thinking you see
Clarifies a misconception about the change in her job.
The prettiest waitress in Memphis just quit
Announces her resignation from the waitress job.
And she's leavin' Memphis with me
States the waitress is leaving Memphis with the speaker.
Now, the prettiest ex-waitress in all of Memphis is leaving Memphis with me
Confirms the waitress is no longer employed as a waitress in Memphis and is leaving the city with the speaker.
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