Going to Memphis
Journey to Redemption: Johnny Cash's Struggle in 'Going to Memphis'
Lyrics
Bring a drink of water Leroy bring a drink of water (no)
Requesting Leroy for water, implying a need for relief or assistance.
If I could get to mercy man he's give me some I know
Expresses a desire for help from someone ('mercy man') who could offer aid or support.
I got a gal in Vickburg Bertha is her name
Mentions a woman named Bertha in Vicksburg, possibly a significant person in the narrator's life.
Wish I's tied to Bertha instead of this ball and chain
Expresses a wish to be committed to Bertha rather than being burdened with a 'ball and chain,' metaphorical for a troublesome situation or relationship.
I'm goin' to Memphis (that's right Lord) yeah (uh huh)
Reiterates the intention of heading to Memphis, confirming the decision.
But dues took all my money wouldn't let me see the cards
Financial dues prevented access to playing cards, indicating financial limitations or debts.
I owen the boss about a hundred years for sleepin' in his backyard
The narrator owes a considerable debt for trespassing or using a space without permission.
I'm goin' to Memphis (yeah Memphis) yeah I'm goin' to Memphis (now)
Reaffirms the determination to go to Memphis.
Like a bitter weed I'm a bad seed but when that levee's through and I am too
Describes oneself negatively ('bad seed'), implying trouble, but anticipates a change after overcoming difficulties ('when that levee's through').
Let the honky tonk roll on come mornin' I'll be gone
Expresses a readiness to move on from the current situation ('honky tonk roll on') after morning.
I'm goin' to Memphis yeah Memphis
Reiterates the plan to head to Memphis.
I never been to Chicago but it must be a mighty fine place (that's right)
Acknowledges not having been to Chicago but assumes it to be a good place.
I couldn't get past Tennessee with Mississippi all over my face (uh huh)
Encountered obstacles ('couldn't get past Tennessee') possibly due to problems ('Mississippi all over my face').
I'm goin' to Memphis (that's right Lord Memphis)
Confirms the destination, Memphis.
Well the freezin' ground at night is my own foldin' bed
Describes sleeping conditions as uncomfortable ('freezin' ground').
Polk salad is my bread and meat and it will be till I'm dead
Indicates a reliance on 'polk salad' as sustenance, suggesting a meager existence.
Well I brought me a little water in a Mr Prince Albert can
Shows an attempt to gather water in a makeshift container ('Prince Albert can').
But the bossman caught me drinkin' it and I believe he broke my hand (hm hm)
Conveys punishment (possibly physical) for taking water without permission.
They all call me crazy for sassin' Mr Scott
Labels the narrator as 'crazy' for challenging authority ('sassing' Mr. Scott).
My brother was killed for a deed I did but I disremember what (yeah)
Admits involvement in a past event ('deed') leading to the death of the narrator's brother.
Well another boy is down the shovel burned him out
Describes another person's demise due to work conditions ('shovel burned him out').
Let me stand on his body to see what the shoutin's about
Expresses a desire to witness or understand the commotion ('shouting') possibly linked to the preceding event.
I'm goin' to Memphis yeah I'm goin' to Memphis hmm
Reiterates the intention to go to Memphis.
Like a bitter weed
Compares oneself to a 'bitter weed,' possibly reflecting feelings of negativity or adversity.
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