Memphis Pearl

Back in Memphis she was a pearl



She was everyone's favorite girl



Now her eyes have a vacant stare



What she wouldn't give to be livin' back there



She married a man when she left home



She wanted someone she could call her own



He was good to her when he wasn't drunk



He'd hold her and tell her how pretty she looked



Back in Memphis where she grew up



The life she knew was just not enough



Back in Memphis when she was a girl



She thought one day she'd own the world



She'd look at the TV and magazines



And she'd believe all the pictures she'd seen



She'd be wearin' silk and perfume so sweet



But those things don't mean much out here on the street



Back in Memphis she had fun



Goin' around, tellin' everyone



She was gonna buy dresses that zip up the side



And wear red lipstick, have a nice car to drive



She bounces her baby on her knee



Sayin' maybe today we'll get lucky, you'll see



I promise it won't always be like this



Come here, sugar, give mamma a kiss



Back in Memphis another time



Didn't look like things would turn out fine



Back in Memphis when she was a girl



She thought one day she'd own the world



Back in Memphis she was a pearl