I’m not sure that I will ever really find “home,” inasmuch as something that major that can actually exist for me (outside my parents’ house, which will always be Home), but there are times — like when we gear up for the ridiculousness that is Elvis Week and the denouement known as the candlelight vigil, or when I see a couple getting hitched in front of Sun Studio as I make that left turn on Union to head to work, or when I pick through spicy fried chicken and white bread with greasy fingers at Gus’ World Famous Fried Chicken while Isaac Hayes music blares on the jukebox — when I think that I might be as close as I’ll ever get to a place where I feel spiritually and creatively sated.
I’m pretty sure I’ve gushed about this feeling to various people at various times — I always find myself trying to convince my Nashville/New York/everywhere else friends that Memphis is truly the fucking place to be — but I’m serious. Memphis has a lot of problems, but I’ve grown to love it in spite of itself. And because of itself. It’s a magical place. Surreal and unbelievable and infuriating and unique and typical. All at once. And then, somehow, more.
I am lucky that I have met so many unbelievably amazing people in this big city/small town, or else I’d likely not feel the same. I’m not the world’s biggest schmoozer, and I tend to keep to myself, so when I actually do encounter people I can honestly adore, I am gobsmacked by the very idea, and it makes me feel like, yes, I am exactly where I need to be right now.
Watching the sun set over the Mississippi and clinking shot glasses full of tequila with friends doesn’t hurt, of course.
But, Memphis? You’ve been pretty good to me, despite my misgivings. Let’s keep it going.
Word. You know how I feel about Memphis. Like a dirty secret affair I want to legitamize and let the the world know about.
Someday, Memphis.
thanks for this one. I feel much the same way. Memphis for me is a lot like my family. It’s lovely, rough, wise, mean, occasionally racist and usually dangerous. I love it. It’s become my adopted home. My wife and I moved here for no other reason than that we loved it. We didn’t even have jobs. Memphis wrapped us up and made us its own.
My daughter was born on Union ave and seems to have BBQ ribs in her blood. I am lucky enough to have spent time in some far flung corners of the world, but I have a hard time thinking about coming home to anywhere else.
I remember feeling that way about Memphis almost exactly. I did for a long time. It was wonderful when it felt that way.
My wish for you is that it will always be that way for you as long as you’re here, or at least close.
It will always be the city of my birth and hold many very special memories, but as soured as I am on it now there’s no turning back. Which isn’t much fun when you’re still stuck here.
I hope it never, ever gets that way for you and that you keep enjoying it and being thrilled by it just as you are now.
S, I’m so glad you love it here too. Join me, join me!
K, That’s very cool. It says a lot about a city when it can reel people in like that.
L, I really hope it stays this way for me too. But I know all things change and evolve, and some day it may all change. I started out not caring for Memphis at all. It could all come full circle. You just never know.
I lived in Memphis for 17 years. I’ve been gone for three. Today, a guy who looked just like Elvis (late 70s edition) came to pick up a sofa at my house. After he left, I started crying.
I got here twenty years ago, intending to head on to Seattle. But I also had a lot of problems back then and this is the place that helped me deal with most of them. I hope to grow very, very old and die here. Yeah, it’s messed up and self-defeating most of the time, but so what? Still an awesome place. Like you said, a lot of magic here.
Memphis is the only other place in the world I’ve been where I received both the figurative and literal welcome, “Child, get in this house! What kept you? Want somethin’ to eat? We’re so glad you’re here!”
Every time I come to Memphis, I feel like I’ve been hugged — awkwardly, a little sweatily, but lovingly — by one of my favorite aunts. Who then punches up the best jukebox ever and commences to dancing with a big glass of sweet tea in her hand and kissing on everybody who passes by, especially the fellas.
It’s a good place. And I’m so glad you love it too. May it always be a comfort, a haven, an inspiration, a muse and a sanctuary to you, madam.
I, too, am in love with this place called Memphis.