Listening to John Hiatt on Radio Paradise

John Hiatt — Memphis in the Meantime

Album: Bring The Family
Avg rating:

7.1

Your rating:

Total ratings: 1139

Released: 1987
Length: 3:53
Plays (last 30 days): 0

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I got something to say little girl
You might not like my style
But we've been hanging around this town
Just a little too long a while
You say you're gonna get your act together
Gonna take it out on the road
But if I dont get outta here pretty soon
My head's going to explode

Sure I like country music
I like mandolins
But right now I need a telecaster
Through a vibro-lux turned up to ten

Lets go to Memphis in the meantime baby
Memphis in the meantime girl

I need a little shot of that rhythm baby
Mixed up with these country blues
I wanna trade in these ol country boots
For some fine italian shoes

Forget the mousse and the hairspray sugar
We dont need none of that
Just a little dab'll do ya girl
Underneath a pork pie hat

Until hell freezes over
Maybe you can wait that long
But I dont think Ronnie Milsap's gonna ever
Record this song

Lets go to Memphis in the meantime baby
Memphis in the meantime girl

Lets go to Memphis in the meantime baby
Memphis in the meantime girl

Maybe there's nothin' happenin' there
Maybe there's somethin' in the air
Before our upper lips get stiff
Maybe we need us a big ol whiff

If we could just get off-a that beat little girl
Maybe we could find the groove
At least we can get a decent meal
Down at the Rendez-vous

'Cause one more heartfelt steel guitar chord
Girl, it's gonna do me in
I need to hear some trumpet and saxophone
You know sound as sweet as sin

And after we get good and greasy
Baby we can come back home
Put the cowhorns back on the cadillac
And change the message on the cord-a-phone

But...

Lets go to Memphis in the meantime baby
Memphis in the meantime girl

Comments (117)add comment

Well...what's good for Paul Simon is good for John H.

Keep going south of Memphis to Vicksburg, MS on the Mississippi River.

It's a strange place. But perhaps not for John.

But I don't recommend swimming in the river that far south. But farther up north is OK. Like Prairie Du Chien, WI. There's a hamburger place that sells steamed/grilled burger, only on weekends.

Posted 1 year ago by idiot_wind [ Reply ]

AhhtheMusic wrote:

Yee-Ha! I saw John Hiatt and Lyle Lovett this past weekend. Hiatt is completely amazing on the guitar, harmonica and he can WHISTLE an amazing melody, loudly. what a laid back fella. And Lyle. What a character. Funny, quick as a whip in a soft-spoken manner. And his voice. Just beautiful. They really compliment each other: John on the guitar, harmonica and whistle while Lyle sings. What a feel good get-together!

Wow! Sounds like it was great!

Posted 1 year ago by bimmerfan739 [ Reply ]

Despite the recent crime, we’re still rockin’ down here…

Posted 2 years ago by meatmike [ Reply ]

I love this song, and especially the band. Like a friend said, this is another fab four.

Posted 2 years ago by willjay [ Reply ]

Bill, thanks for the Memphis theme. It is a musically magical place.

Posted 2 years ago by meatmike [ Reply ]

Very Excellent!!

Posted 2 years ago by eileenomurphy [ Reply ]

Steely_D wrote:

Saw him live many times, and it was always more fun when he was solo and could goof around.

"I'm losing my hair up top...but I tell ya...I've got a nice crop of ass hair coming in. Maybe next time I should come on stage wearing a thong..."

That was the Toys for Tots show in SF about a decade ago.

If anybody can't appreciate this artist for some of his tunes, GOTTA appreciate him for his laid back sense of humor! That's too cool!

Posted 2 years ago by Signwrtr61 [ Reply ]

h8rhater wrote:

You are not an outlier. There are many who cry this same tired line.

PSD, folks! Maybe not this song or, the next but, the man has accolades that even his boots can't keep his feet dry from! This guy can't grow on ya....you simply can't appreciate quality music. IMO.

Posted 2 years ago by Signwrtr61 [ Reply ]

Hiatt has quite a few seamless albums. He puts on a great show as well.

Posted 3 years ago by kevnaustin [ Reply ]

h8rhater wrote:

John Hiatt has sooo much great stuff that the percentage that Mr. Cooder is playing on is incredibly small. Including just this album, under his own name, and the Little Village album in a career spanning 24 albums.

Other notables who have played with him include: Paul Carrack, Nick Lowe, Jim Keltner, Sonny Landreth, Bernie Leadon, Gary Louris, Mark Olsen, Benmont Tench, Bonnie Raitt, Bobby Keys, Kenneth Blevins, Luther Dickenson, Cody Dickenson, David Hood.

Look after the king of R n R please

Posted 3 years ago by 69Grace_M [ Reply ]

an absolutely briljant album

Posted 3 years ago by Crow [ Reply ]

And after we get good and greasy
Baby we can come back home
Put the cowhorns back on the cadillac
And change the message on the cord-a-phone

Posted 4 years ago by nickferrante10 [ Reply ]

scottc wrote:

While Hiatt has lots of great stuff (often with Ry Cooder playing along), this CD is solid all the way through. Check out "Little Village" also.

Posted 4 years ago by h8rhater [ Reply ]

Love the beat on this. Very "toe-tapping" tune.

Posted 5 years ago by emcibulka [ Reply ]

AhhtheMusic wrote:

Several years ago I saw a show with 4 song writers, each in turn introducing and performing one of their songs. The lineup was Lovett, Hiatt, Guy Clark and Joe Ely.

Posted 5 years ago by Bat [ Reply ]

DocStrangelove wrote:

i know i am an outlier on this, but cannot stand his vocal style

You are not an outlier. There are many who cry this same tired line.

Posted 5 years ago by h8rhater [ Reply ]

Posted 5 years ago by AhhtheMusic [ Reply ]

Desert island record - hopefully there would be power for my turntable!

Posted 5 years ago by ace-marc [ Reply ]

jbuhl wrote:

I like Sonny the best when he plays in Hiatt's bands

Ry Cooder on this album.

Posted 6 years ago by Bat [ Reply ]

I like Sonny the best when he plays in Hiatt's bands

Posted 6 years ago by jbuhl [ Reply ]

mardisoninnc wrote:

Mine as well, skyguy.

skyguy wrote:

My favorite Hiatt album.

The pleasure is that he hasn't made a bad album. Bring the Family, Slow Turning and Stolen Moments are routinely considered hi sbest but I'm not sure I agree, Master of Disaster does it for me and the first I bought, Slug Line and Warming Up to The Ice Age and... It's easy to go on.

Posted 6 years ago by WeAdmire [ Reply ]

Posted 7 years ago by Steely_D [ Reply ]

karljonasson wrote:

The best band ever assembled. Period. There is nothing that deserves a 10 more than this.

Oh, I'll bet there is.

Posted 7 years ago by junebaby65 [ Reply ]

Mine as well, skyguy.

skyguy wrote:

My favorite Hiatt album.

Posted 7 years ago by mardisoninnc [ Reply ]

this song's got my work spirit ree-joovenated man!!! pure fun ( ding ding : )

Posted 7 years ago by hayduke2 [ Reply ]

My favorite Hiatt album.

Posted 8 years ago by skyguy [ Reply ]

Danimal174 wrote:

"...And what is the deal with people going to Memphis?"

(sorry, my impression of Seinfeld)

Posted 8 years ago by Jack_Jefferson [ Reply ]

Cynaera wrote:

Bumped from 9 to 10. Hiatt just makes me feel happy.

We miss you so much, Cynaera... I rated this song a 10 long ago... it makes me happy, too... Elvis Presley seduced my mother and he is my biological father... I was born in Memphis, Tennessee, a few blocks from Graceland... everybody in my mushrooming multitude of galactic presidential campaigns loves this song... we be dancing like groovy hippies... time flies when we're having fun...

Posted 8 years ago by Lazarus [ Reply ]

Uummm umm feelin' good n greasy now thank you!!! love this one moo-cho : )

Posted 8 years ago by hayduke2 [ Reply ]

oldfart48 wrote:

would love to hear some little village, or a lot of little village or ANY RY CODDER.

Me too!

Posted 9 years ago by wgsu_1978 [ Reply ]

shakin' it baby..

Posted 9 years ago by moodfood [ Reply ]

John Hyatt at his best! Wow, just noticed this is 27 years old.....I heard him do this live on the album release tour.

Posted 10 years ago by ScottN [ Reply ]

Baby_M wrote:

Put the cow horns back on the Cadillac and change the message on the Code-a-Phone

Always loved that line.

"One more heart-felt steel guitar chord, girl, is gonna do me in."

Posted 10 years ago by h8rhater [ Reply ]

Baby_M wrote:

Put the cow horns back on the Cadillac and change the message on the Code-a-Phone

Always loved that line.

It's...

"One more heart-felt steel guitar chord, girl, is gonna do me in."

... for me.

Posted 10 years ago by h8rhater [ Reply ]

would love to hear some little village, or a lot of little village or ANY RY CODDER.

Posted 11 years ago by oldfart48 [ Reply ]

This is a much more 'swing-y' version than the one I'm most familiar with.... Maybe I know a live version?

And holy crap, this is Little Village Beta version! You really do learn something new every day!!

Posted 11 years ago by subgyro [ Reply ]

Great song...for a hot version of this one with a (too short) jam at the end, check out Sam Bush's live version on the album Peaks of Telluride.

Posted 11 years ago by steuss [ Reply ]

This was a hidden jewel for me.

Posted 11 years ago by msymmes [ Reply ]

${#Dancingbanana_2}$

Posted 12 years ago by caregiver [ Reply ]

The best band ever assembled. Period. There is nothing that deserves a 10 more than this.

Posted 12 years ago by karljonasson [ Reply ]

John Hiatt Kicks

!!!!

Posted 12 years ago by cmarcan [ Reply ]

Put the cow horns back on the Cadillac and change the message on the Code-a-Phone

Always loved that line.

Posted 12 years ago by Baby_M [ Reply ]

I love this ol' kid. His music defines greatness. I finally checked out "Treme" on HBO last season, and there was John Hiatt playing live on the show. I was an immediate fan. Good times!

Posted 12 years ago by toterola [ Reply ]

... nothing like a little John Hiatt this time in the morning - an easy 8

Posted 12 years ago by drivingunit103 [ Reply ]

Just caught him live last night in Indy. Awesome! He doesn't get nearly the props he deserves.

Posted 12 years ago by cementfloor [ Reply ]

I saw the band 'Sons of the Desert' do a showcase gig many years ago in Nashville. Great band! Many music row suits were there to see about signing etc...So...the band proceeded to open with this song and killed it! It was so awesome!...nothing more glorious than flipping the bird to 16th avenue machine. I think that band went on to do mainly studio work for other artists, but for one night anyway, I was their biggest fan.

Posted 13 years ago by fiddler [ Reply ]

Makes me feel good every time I hear it... a storyteller

Posted 13 years ago by Quasicoonass [ Reply ]

I've always liked this song because it articulates my own musical taste, plus it's probably the best four-man band ever (Hiatt, Ry Cooder, Nick Lowe & Jim Keltner). It's truly rock and roll with a brain.

Posted 13 years ago by willjay [ Reply ]

Saw him at Ravinia some years back....wonderful show.....8

Posted 13 years ago by Jazbo [ Reply ]

St Louis show is June 21. Forget the mousse and the hairspray, sugar, we don't need none of that.
Loud and Proud!

Posted 13 years ago by amoreena [ Reply ]

Cooder's slide is just nasty....

Posted 13 years ago by WonderLizard [ Reply ]

DanO-1 wrote:

I get to see Hiatt w/Los Lobos August 12. Sounds as sweet as sin.

*jealous*

Posted 13 years ago by SuzG [ Reply ]

Totally agree.

Posted 14 years ago by Cynaera [ Reply ]

Anyone else see him at Cheekwood last Thursday?

Fantastic show! (Memm.........phissss.........a how how how)

Posted 14 years ago by ebat [ Reply ]

Cynaera wrote:

Bumped from 9 to 10. Hiatt just makes me feel happy.

Posted 14 years ago by von_Hayek [ Reply ]

Bumped from 9 to 10. Hiatt just makes me feel happy.

Posted 14 years ago by Cynaera [ Reply ]

Said Rick to Mandy after leaving Wilmington, "Let's go to Memphis in the meantime, baby..."

Posted 14 years ago by WonderLizard [ Reply ]

mjaded wrote:

I've got to agree with you on his vocals. Also that thing about cutting on guys that smash guitars I've never been able to get past. You just can't cut down Pete Townsend, it ain't right.

He was actually busting on Nirvana's early 90's attempts to copy Mr. Townsend (the most comical of which resulted in bassist Krist Novoselic knocking himself silly with his own falling instrument at the 92 MTV music awards)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NBxuQ1X9Yvw

Posted 14 years ago by h8rhater [ Reply ]

I am not sure if this is my favorite John Hiatt album or Slow Turning. Sonny Landruth on the guitar might make me lean toward Slow Turning...

Posted 14 years ago by Valley_Boy [ Reply ]

bobcat1963 wrote:

the best song of the cooporation with Ry Cooder, Keltner & Lowe!
Love the rhyme, the rhythm & the slide...

Agreed. Little Village is good fun but this song somehow seems less produced.

Posted 14 years ago by justin_cook [ Reply ]

I get to see Hiatt w/Los Lobos August 12. Sounds as sweet as sin.

Posted 14 years ago by DanO-1 [ Reply ]

${#Dancingbanana_2}$ And after we get good and greasy, baby, we can go on home
Put the cow horns back on the Cadillac and change the message on the code-a-phone......

I couldn't love this song more if I was twins.

Posted 14 years ago by Cynaera [ Reply ]

This is a "pull off the highway when you first hear it" song. A friend of mine did that, in Memphis, when it was first aired. We were at a Halloween barn party (in Aiken SC), he and his pickup band were playing on the back of a hay trailer and I asked for "anything by John Hiatt." He played this one and told the story.

Posted 15 years ago by Geecheeboy [ Reply ]

Jack_Jefferson wrote:

Is that John Hiatt or Jerry Seinfeld on the CD cover?

"...And what is the deal with people going to Memphis?"

(sorry, my impression of Seinfeld)

Posted 15 years ago by Danimal174 [ Reply ]

Is that John Hiatt or Jerry Seinfeld on the CD cover?

Posted 15 years ago by Jack_Jefferson [ Reply ]

the best song of the cooporation with Ry Cooder, Keltner & Lowe!
Love the rhyme, the rhythm & the slide...

Posted 15 years ago by bobcat1963 [ Reply ]

Saw John with Lyle Lovett in Toronto a few weeks back. An amazing show, and he did a great version of this one.

Posted 16 years ago by rtb [ Reply ]

Frater_Kork wrote:

Could have sworn this was from the Cowboy Bebop Movie Soundtrack, then I realised that Yoko Kanno probably paraphrased this entire song. Brilliant source =).

I think its time to blow this scene, Get everybody and the stuff together... ok, 3,2,1, lets jam!

Posted 16 years ago by robco1 [ Reply ]

Posted 16 years ago by felam [ Reply ]

I'm packing my car right now!

Posted 16 years ago by Flashdog [ Reply ]

John Hiatt is a God.

Posted 16 years ago by Honeyman [ Reply ]

Good and Greasy, Heard this and immediately wanted to do a Road Trip South!

Posted 17 years ago by YA_MAN [ Reply ]

Could have sworn this was from the Cowboy Bebop Movie Soundtrack, then I realised that Yoko Kanno probably paraphrased this entire song. Brilliant source =).

Posted 17 years ago by Frater_Kork [ Reply ]

buck-arkansas wrote:

this album is a classic. the tunes are awesome, and the lyrics inspired. by the way, ry cooder is playing the guitar.

A telecaster through a vibrolux

Posted 17 years ago by bokey [ Reply ]

mjaded wrote:

I've got to agree with you on his vocals. Also that thing about cutting on guys that smash guitars I've never been able to get past. You just can't cut down Pete Townsend, it ain't right.

I think he was talking about Country Music's antichrist and death knell to what could have been left of anything good in Nashville: Garth Brooks. Can't ever fault Pete for smashing Gibson SGs... Maybe Les Pauls and Rickenbackers, though.

Posted 17 years ago by fretman [ Reply ]

Telecaster through a Vibrolux turned up to 10... Not bad. Where's Steve Cropper when you need him?

Posted 17 years ago by fretman [ Reply ]

I actually like the vocals but I do enjoy the unusual. A 7 for now.

Posted 17 years ago by LizDeines [ Reply ]

I heard that intro and loved the sound right away. I went online to see who it was and to my disappointment I found it was John Hiatt. No offense intended for those who are fans, but for me, it just can't stand his voice and 'method' of signing. I was hoping it might be an instrumental. The fact that I didn't change the station does say something. Next time I see Dwight Yoakam I'll suggest he does a cover of it.

Posted 17 years ago by MojoJojo [ Reply ]

ploafmaster wrote:

This is a song with a jolly groove, and cool music, spoiled down to a 4 by unpalatable vocals.

I've got to agree with you on his vocals. Also that thing about cutting on guys that smash guitars I've never been able to get past. You just can't cut down Pete Townsend, it ain't right.

Posted 17 years ago by mjaded [ Reply ]

Spliff wrote:

Blues City Cafe has better ribs than The Rendezvous but doesn't fit in the lyrics.

I second that!

Posted 17 years ago by oufason [ Reply ]

You don't hear too many songs that mention mousse.

Posted 17 years ago by ArbiterOfGoodTaste [ Reply ]

scottc wrote:

While Hiatt has lots of great stuff (often with Ry Cooder playing along), this CD is solid all the way through. Check out "Little Village" also.

will do! good stuff here!

Posted 17 years ago by freeone1 [ Reply ]

While Hiatt has lots of great stuff (often with Ry Cooder playing along), this CD is solid all the way through. Check out "Little Village" also.

Posted 17 years ago by scottc [ Reply ]

This is a song with a jolly groove, and cool music, spoiled down to a 4 by unpalatable vocals.

Posted 18 years ago by ploafmaster [ Reply ]

The vibe on this song just hits me right. Thanks Bill for turning me onto yet another amazing artist.

Posted 18 years ago by reindeer [ Reply ]

What a hero!

This reminds me that I should play his music more often.

Posted 18 years ago by MM13 [ Reply ]

His Austin City Limits concert on dvd is really good. Two band members from Cracker.

Posted 18 years ago by earthbased [ Reply ]

More Hiatt please, RP!

Posted 18 years ago by 2Ears1Mouth [ Reply ]

Posted 18 years ago by ruthless [ Reply ]

If I weren't already a huge Hiatt fan, this track could suck me in! I don't remember hearing this one before. In fact, Bill hasn't been playing much Hiatt lately at all.

Posted 18 years ago by laozilover [ Reply ]

this album is a classic. the tunes are awesome, and the lyrics inspired. by the way, ry cooder is playing the guitar.

Posted 18 years ago by buck-arkansas [ Reply ]

jbtidwell wrote:

Chris Smither wrote this song, and his version on "Happier Blue" smokes this one -IMHO https://www.smither.com/index.html

John Hiatt most definitely wrote this song. https://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&token=&sql=17:975933 John Hiatt is one of the most widely covered songwriters working today.

Posted 19 years ago by Roto [ Reply ]

I've gotta rate this one high since I live in M-town...

Posted 19 years ago by southern_duality [ Reply ]

Chris Smither wrote this song, and his version on "Happier Blue" smokes this one -IMHO https://www.smither.com/index.html

Posted 19 years ago by jbtidwell [ Reply ]

Excellent album as well. His best, IMHO.

Posted 19 years ago by Gregorama [ Reply ]

Tomorrow is the kick-off for Memphis In Mud. Be there or be square.

Posted 19 years ago by Spliff [ Reply ]

This tune Stax up pretty well... Vibro-Lux should go to "12", which is better than Spinal Tap. Or at least "more". But "twelve" doesn't fit the foot of the lyrics. More power to Mr. Hiatt- his song-craft is tops.

Posted 19 years ago by fretman [ Reply ]

This entire record is wonderful. Joyous, confessional, funny. :!:

Posted 19 years ago by Daveinbawlmer [ Reply ]

I disagree -- Neeley's hands down!

Posted 20 years ago by Kagin [ Reply ]

Gotta pop this in the CD player every time I drive to Memphis (once a month). You are right, Blues City Cafe does have great food! I have heard him play this in Nashville a couple times and instead of Ronnie Milsap he has inserted whichever country musician Music Row is currently promoting- very funny.

Posted 20 years ago by laladex [ Reply ]

Blues City Cafe has better ribs than The Rendezvous but doesn't fit in the lyrics.

Posted 20 years ago by Spliff [ Reply ]

Roto wrote:

"Sure I like country music I like mandolins But right now I need a telecaster Through a vibro-lux turned up to ten" This song perfectly summarizes my taste in country music

Ditto, dude. But where is the telecaster and the vibrolux on this song? Sure could use a power chord riff right now. ZZZZzzzzzz

Posted 20 years ago by ChardRemains [ Reply ]

The first time I heard of John Hiatt was when Jimmy Buffett covered his "Tiki Bar" song, I found out who John was, and have loved his music since.

Posted 20 years ago by deacon_blue2001 [ Reply ]

Roto wrote:

"Sure I like country music I like mandolins But right now I need a telecaster Through a vibro-lux turned up to ten" This song perfectly summarizes my taste in country music

Yeah, that was my exact thought! - "Cause one more heartfelt steel guitar chord Girl, it's gonna do me in I need to hear some trumpet and saxophone You know sound as sweet as sin " Perfect!

Posted 20 years ago by Cavedragon [ Reply ]

I really really like this guy...he's true, greedy and has a FU attitude. which is appealing in this case. 8)

Posted 20 years ago by t66tah [ Reply ]

probably my favorite hiatt tune.

Posted 20 years ago by lily34 [ Reply ]

Pure magic. John with Ry Cooder, Nick Lowe and Jim Keltner. One of my top 10 albums.

Posted 20 years ago by jeremyleo [ Reply ]

What I want to know is how Bill G knew I was cookin' BBQ??

Posted 20 years ago by drH [ Reply ]

This just sounds like Memphis, crusing through Beale street listening to the live music from the bars move through the crowds of people.

Posted 20 years ago by JamieR [ Reply ]

Oh yeah, baby, trading in these country boots for some fine EYE-talian shoes. See him do this live and you'll never forget it.

Posted 21 years ago by natsthename [ Reply ]

Spliff wrote:

Just went down to Memphis in my 1969 Olds convertible and had this on the CD. Great crusing song.

How cool!! I just sold my 70 convertible cutlass last year. I'm a Hiatt fan, and never miss his shows when he tours nearby. Never took the car to Memphis, but cruised in it blasting Hiatt too many times to recall.

Posted 21 years ago by paulmall [ Reply ]

I am a Hiatt fan, and this is one of my very favorites! Hiatt does sly yet simple lyrics so WELL. Love the basic groove this song has, too.

Posted 21 years ago by MoSo [ Reply ]

Just went down to Memphis in my 1969 Olds convertible and had this on the CD. Great cruising song.

Posted 21 years ago by Spliff [ Reply ]

Saw Hiatt with the Goners at the Hard Rock couple o months back. Just about the most honest set ever written. And damn it looked like fun to play. Sonny \"Landreth\" ? is as wicked as anyone playing slide right now. What a sound.

Posted 21 years ago by halcatus [ Reply ]

Smokin ! Most powerful and infectious John Hiatt cut I\'ve heard so far on RP.

Posted 21 years ago by philarktos [ Reply ]

"Sure I like country music I like mandolins But right now I need a telecaster Through a vibro-lux turned up to ten" This song perfectly summarizes my taste in country music

Posted 21 years ago by Roto [ Reply ]

Oh, yes, play this song loud with all your windows open while driving down the road in your home town and the girls will all turn their heads.

Posted 21 years ago by RParadise [ Reply ]