The narrator of the song puts on his blue suede shoes and boards a plane to Memphis. He arrives in the "land of the Delta Blues" in the pouring rain. He mentions W.C. Handy, a famous blues musician, and expresses feeling down despite having a first-class ticket. He then talks about seeing the ghost of Elvis on Union Avenue and following him to the gates of Graceland. Security doesn't see Elvis, but the narrator spots a woman waiting for him in the jungle room. He mentions the catfish on the table and the gospel music in the air, highlighting the unique atmosphere of Memphis. The song continues with the narrator meeting a pianist named Muriel in Hollywood and participating in a performance. He is asked if he is a Christian, and he responds affirmatively. The song ends with the repeated chorus and the narrator boarding a plane back home.

Meaning of "Walking in Memphis" by Marc Cohn

"Walking in Memphis" by Marc Cohn is a song about the transformative power of music and the way it can provide solace and a sense of belonging. The narrator's journey to Memphis represents a pilgrimage of sorts, as he seeks to connect with the city's rich musical history and the spirit of his musical idols, such as W.C. Handy and Elvis Presley.

The pouring rain symbolizes the narrator's emotional state, as he feels "blue" despite his privileged position of having a first-class ticket. This suggests that material success isn't enough to bring happiness or contentment.

When the narrator sees the ghost of Elvis and watches him walk through the gates of Graceland, it represents the idea that the spirit of Elvis and his music still lives on in Memphis. It also implies that the narrator feels a deep connection to Elvis and his music, as if he is following in his footsteps.

The jungle room and the woman waiting for the King symbolize the allure and mystique of fame. The narrator recognizes the superficiality of the security personnel who don't see Elvis, but he sees beyond that and is drawn to the deeper meaning and significance of the music.

The references to catfish, gospel music, and Reverend Green illustrate the unique cultural and musical landscape of Memphis. The juxtaposition of the spiritual (gospel music and the Reverend) and the earthly (catfish) showcases the city's diverse influences and the power of music to connect people from different backgrounds.

The encounter with Muriel at the Hollywood and the question about his Christian faith highlight the transformative and unifying power of music. The narrator's response suggests that through music, he can experience a spiritual connection and find a sense of purpose and meaning.

Overall, the song conveys a longing for connection, both to the musical heritage of Memphis and to something deeper within oneself. It speaks to the universal desire to find meaning, belonging, and solace through music.