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 pastI 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 moreI hung out on the east side, I heard my reputation was in doubt
It was startin' 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 quitI can't go back to Memphis
I can't go back to Memphis
(I played out every game)
Can't go back to Memphis
I 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 moreI 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 survivin' in the streets
I fought the gangs, I fought the law but they both had me beatI 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 moreI can't go back to Memphis
I can't go back to MemphisGet outta town