About the song
Pam Tillis’s “Maybe It Was Memphis” is a captivating piece of country music that highlights her exceptional talent and emotional depth as an artist. Released in 1991, this song marked a significant milestone in Tillis’s career, showcasing her ability to blend poignant storytelling with a memorable melody.
The song was written by the renowned songwriting team of Mary Ann Kennedy, Pam Tillis herself, and the accomplished songwriter Bill Lloyd. It was featured on Tillis’s third studio album, Put Yourself in My Place. This album played a crucial role in establishing Tillis as a prominent figure in country music, with “Maybe It Was Memphis” standing out as one of its most compelling tracks.
“Maybe It Was Memphis” is celebrated for its evocative lyrics and Tillis’s emotive performance. The song tells a story of nostalgia and longing, capturing the essence of a relationship that might have been lost but is remembered with a mix of regret and affection. Tillis’s delivery is both heartfelt and nuanced, making the song resonate deeply with listeners.
On the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, “Maybe It Was Memphis” achieved impressive success, reaching as high as number 8. Its success was a testament to Tillis’s ability to connect with audiences through her music. The song’s blend of heartfelt lyrics and Tillis’s distinctive voice made it a standout hit, contributing to the album’s overall success.
For those who appreciate country music with emotional depth and a touch of reflection, “Maybe It Was Memphis” remains a classic example of Pam Tillis’s artistry. Its enduring appeal lies in its ability to evoke powerful feelings and memories, solidifying Tillis’s place in the annals of country music history.
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Lyrics
Lookin’ at you through a misty moonlight
Katy did sing like a symphony
Porch swing swayin’ like a Tennessee lullaby
Melody blowin’ through the willow tree
What was I supposed to do
Standin’ there lookin’ at you?
A lonely boy far from home
Maybe it was Memphis
Maybe it was southern summer nights
Maybe it was you, maybe it was me
But it sure felt right
Read about you in a Faulkner novel
Met you once in a William’s play
Heard about you in a country love song
Summer night’s beauty took my breath away
What was I supposed to do
Standin’ there lookin’ at you?
A lonely boy far from home
Maybe it was Memphis
Maybe it was southern summer nights
Maybe it was you, maybe it was me
But it sure felt right
Every night now since I’ve been back home
Lie awake drifting in the memory
I think about you on your momma’s front porch swing
Talking that way, so soft to me
What was I supposed to do
Standin’ there lookin’ at you?
A lonely boy far from home
Maybe it was Memphis
Maybe it was southern summer nights
Maybe it was you, maybe it was me
But it sure felt right
Maybe it was Memphis
Maybe it was southern summer nights
Maybe it was you, maybe it was me
But it sure felt right
Maybe it was Memphis
Maybe it was southern summer nights
Maybe it was you, maybe it was me
But it sure felt right
Maybe it was Memphis