How I Got To Memphis: A Raw Slice of Country Soul That Still Hits Home
Man, there’s something about Bobby Bare’s How I Got To Memphis that just sticks to your ribs. Released back in 1970 on Mercury Records, this album isn’t flashy or overproduced—it’s stripped-down storytelling at its finest. Produced by Jerry Kennedy, it feels like sitting on a porch somewhere deep in the South, sipping sweet tea while life rolls by slow and steady.
The title track, “How I Got To Memphis,” is where the magic happens. Whether you listen to the mono or stereo version (yeah, they both made the cut), it grabs hold of you right away. The lyrics are simple but heavy—like carrying all your regrets in one hand and hope in the other. It tells the story of someone chasing love, running so hard they end up in Memphis with nothing but dusty shoes and a broken heart. You can almost smell the bus station coffee and feel the weight of those lonely nights. Honestly, every time I hear it, I think about my own screw-ups and second chances. It’s haunting, relatable, and kinda beautiful all at once.
Then there’s the way Bare delivers these lines—he doesn’t oversing; he lets the words do the work. His voice cracks just enough to remind you he’s human, not some polished Nashville robot. And the band? They don’t steal the spotlight—they just sit back and let the song breathe. It’s country music as it was meant to be: honest, raw, and real.
Now, flipping through the rest of the record, it’s clear why this thing has stayed with me for years. Sure, it’s short, but man, does it pack a punch. Listening to it feels like finding an old photograph tucked inside a book—you didn’t expect it, but suddenly you’re flooded with memories you didn’t even know you had.
Here’s the kicker though: after spinning this record, I always walk away feeling like maybe we’re all just trying to get to our own version of Memphis. Someplace messy, imperfect, but full of stories worth telling. Who knew two versions of the same song could say so much?
Oh, and fun fact—if you ever find yourself stuck in traffic, throw this on. Trust me, it’ll make the wait feel less pointless.
