The air smothered in smog

The birds don't sing like they used to.

Then again, it's not surprising,

must have the Memphis blues. 

The echoing screams in the streets

Children crying in the background

Then again, is that really news?

must have the Memphis blues. 

The woman still standing on the corner

with her cardboard sign in the pouring rain. 

No one stops for her, abandoning what's right

must have the Memphis blues. 

It's infecting and spreads endlessly

through this toxic, depressing air. 

But you won't do a thing, will you?

No, you won't. We all have the Memphis blues.