I'm Going To Memphis
Johnny Cash · Unearthed [2003]
Bring a drink of water, no
If I could get to the mercy man
He'd give me some I know
I got a gal in Vicksburg
Bertha is her name
Wish I's tied to Bertha
Instead of this ball and chain
I'm goin' to Memphis, that's right Lord, yeah
A dude took all my money
Wouldn't let me see the cards
I owe the boss about a hundred years
For sleepin' in his backyard
I'm goin' to Memphis, yeah Memphis
Yeah I'm goin' to Memphis
Like a bitter weed, I'm a bad seed
But when that levee's through and I am too
Let the honky tonk roll on
Come mornin' I'll be gone
I'm goin' to Memphis, yeah Memphis
I never been to Chicago
But it must be a mighty fine place, that's right
I couldn't get past Tennessee
With Mississippi all over my face
I'm goin' to Memphis, that's right Lord, Memphis
Well, the freezin' ground at night
Is my own foldin' bed
Pork salad is my bread and meat
And it will be till I'm dead
Well, I brought me a little water
In a Mr. Prince Albert can
But the boss man caught me drinkin' it
And I believe, he broke my hand
They all call me crazy for sassin' Mr. Scott
My brother was killed for a deed I did
But I dis remember what, yeah
Well another boy is down
The shovel burned him out
Let me stand on his body
To see what the shoutin's about
I'm goin' to Memphis, yeah I'm goin' to Memphis
Like a bitter weed, I'm a bad seed
But when that levee's through and I am too
Let the honky tonk roll on
Come mornin' I'll be gone
I'm goin' to Memphis, yeah Memphis
I'm Going To Memphis
Johnny Cash's "I'm Going To Memphis" captures the raw energy of his later career, appearing on the posthumous compilation Unearthed. The track reflects Cash's enduring connection to the city that shaped his musical identity, where he recorded extensively at Sun Studio and later at RCA Studio B. This recording showcases his signature baritone and the driving rhythm that defined his country and rockabilly roots. As part of a vast discography spanning decades, the song highlights Cash's ability to convey deep emotion through straightforward storytelling. It stands as a testament to his influence on American music, bridging the gap between traditional country sounds and the broader rock landscape. The performance remains a compelling example of his artistic evolution and lasting legacy within the genre.