Low down dealin' in Memphis a card game in a back room

I was lookin' at my last dollar hopin' lady luck would come by soon

They raised the betting limit the cards were flying fast

I bet away my future I'd already lost my past



I can't go back to Memphis

I can't go back to Memphis - I played out every game

Can't go back to Memphis

Can't go back to Memphis - Everybody knows my name

Too many people wanna even out the score

And I can't go back to Memphis no more



I hung out on the east side I heard my reputation was in doubt

It was starting to look like a bad ride

It looked like time for gettin' out

I sent the man a message said I was gonna split

He sent a message back that said I don't let nobody quit



I can't go back to Memphis

I can't go back to Memphis - I played out every game

Can't go back to Memphis

Can't go back to Memphis - Everybody knows my name

Too many people wanna even out the score

And I can't go back to Memphis no more



I tried my best to beat the system but the system put me back in my place

They maintained a delicate balance where no one got in nobody's face

I tried to make a dollar just surviving in the streets

I fought the gangs, I fought the law but they both had me beat



I can't go back to Memphis

I can't go back to Memphis - I played out every game

I can't go back to Memphis

Can't go back to Memphis - Everybody knows my name

Too many people wanna even out the score

And I can't go back to Memphis no more



I can't go back to Memphis

I can't go back to Memphis



Get outta town