Meaning of "My Head's in Mississippi" by ZZ Top

The song "My Head's in Mississippi" explores the idea of being emotionally and mentally absorbed in a place that holds significance to the narrator. While physically being in Texas, the narrator's thoughts and feelings are primarily focused on Mississippi. This could represent the strong pull of the blues, which is often associated with Mississippi as the birthplace of this genre of music. The line "The blues has got a hold of me" suggests that the narrator is deeply affected by the melancholy and soulful nature of the blues. This emotional connection to Mississippi is further emphasized with their recollection of a night in Memphis, which is known for its rich musical heritage. The narrator juxtaposes this fond memory with the confusing and disorienting image of stumbling through an "invisible" 7-Eleven parking lot, highlighting the contrast between the blissful state of being lost in music and the disconcerting feeling of being lost in reality. The mention of the cowgirl floating across the ceiling and mumbling about voodoo healing adds a surreal and mysterious element to the song. This imagery could symbolize the narrator's desire for a spiritual or transcendent experience, seeking solace and understanding through music and the supernatural. The final lines, "Where's my head baby? Somewhere in Mississippi," suggest a sense of longing and yearning for a connection to this place and its music. Overall, "My Head's in Mississippi" reflects the power of music to transport and emotionally consume the listener, while also exploring the themes of escape, nostalgia, and the quest for something deeper.