Justin Timberlake is an American singer, songwriter, and actor. He became famous in the late 1990s as a lead singer in the boy band NSYNC, which became one of the best-selling boy bands ever.

He is known for his numerous achievements, including ten Grammy Awards and four Emmy Awards, with over 117 million records sold worldwide.

He remains one of the most powerful pop stars, known for hits like SexyBack and Can’t Stop the Feeling!, and has been named one of the greatest pop stars of the 21st century by Billboard.

About the Song

Memphis is a song that showcases the sacrifices made for success, where fame is prioritized over personal relationships, and happiness often comes at the cost of fame and loneliness.

It shows his storytelling skills and focuses on his creativity in search of new themes through music. The song has received negative reviews for its tone and performance, with critics finding it charmless and tone-deaf.

Memphis Lyrics by Justin Timberlake

Verse 1

“You gon’ be a star,” they said
They said, “You gon’ take us far,” they said
They said, “Everywhere you go, they gon’ know your name
Who cares if you get lonely long as you’re famous?”
“Don’t you want money and the cars?”, they said
“Expensive liquor and cigars?”, they said
“I mean, what’s better than havin’ everything that you dreamed of?
Long as they need you, you don’t need love”

Chorus

Just be great
Put on for your city, for your state
And whatever you do, just make us proud
Ain’t gon’ be no cryin’ from the clouds
Yeah, they say, “Just be great
Who cares if there’s too much on your plate?
Don’t make no mistakes and hide your pain, no rain
Whatever you do, just make us proud
And ain’t gon’ be no cryin’ from the clouds”

Post-Chorus

Ain’t gon’ be no cryin’ from the clouds

Verse 2

“You gon’, you gon’ be a star,” they said
They said, “Don’t waste your tomorrow,” they said
They said, “You’re the one that’s chosen to make it out
Gotta seize the moment, don’t let us down”
“Just gotta play your part,” they said
“And history, you’ll be a part of it
I mean, what’s better than havin’ everything that you dreamed of?
Long as they need you, you don’t need love“

Chorus

Just be great (Just be great)
Put on for your city, for your state (State)
And whatever you do, just make us proud (Proud)
Ain’t gon’ be no cryin’ from the clouds (Clouds)
Yeah, they say, “Just be great” (Just be great)
“Who cares if there’s too much on your plate?” (Your plate now)
“Don’t make no mistakes and hide your pain, no rain
Whatever you do, just make us proud
And ain’t gon’ be no cryin’ from the clouds”

Post-Chorus

(Ooh) Ain’t gon’ be no cryin’ from the clouds
(Ooh) Ain’t gon’ be no—

Verse 3: Justin Timberlake

I was way too far out in the world, but I still put on for my city
I was handin’ out too much milk money, too much kitten, and ass, and titties
I lost my voice like a pastor, faster than a Harlem shimmy
But I guess that’s what you get for tryin’ to make heartbreak pretty
Uh, they say, “Life’s a bitch” (They say, “Life’s a bitch”)
“And then you die” (And then you die)
So please, if you’re pennin’ my eulogy, just say I tried
And that’s word to Phineas, Jess and Si
And if I don’t wake up in Heaven, then it was one hell of a ride
Yeah, yeah
If I don’t wake up in Heaven, it was one hell of a ride
A hell of a ride

Outro: Danja

Uh, Momma said money can’t buy me happiness
So I copped a G5, tried to fly myself up next to it
I fucked up some commas just to dot-dot-dot, where’s the rest of it?
This what clean look like when clean took life and made a mess of it
Had to realize I’m just blessed to it
You can’t take it all with you, but you can remember the best of it
I pray for peace within myself and no more regrets with it
‘Cause when I looked at my soul in the Mississippi, it reflected it
And if you know me, you’re right next to it
I’m everything you thought I was
I’m everything I thought I was
It was everything I thought it was
It was everything I thought it was

Similar Songs Like Memphis

Here are some major songs similar to Memphis by Justin Timberlake:

• Drink You Away: This song combines elements of Memphis soul, country, and blues, mirroring themes of heartbreak and love.
• Suit & Tie: While not directly similar, it plays a blend of pop and soul, showcasing Timberlake’s imagination in genres.
• Pusher Lover Girl: The song has a theme of love and addiction, which is similar to Drink You Away, though it leans more towards R&B and pop.
• Say Something: From his album Man of the Woods, this song is a blend of pop-rock with elements of Nashville and features a soulful collaboration with Chris Stapleton. 

Similar Artists Like Justin Timberlake

Artists creating similar magic like Justin Timberlake do in their songs are given below:

• Usher
  Genre: R&B/Pop
  Top Album: Confessions

• Bruno Mars
  Genre: Pop/R&B
  Top Album: 24K Magic

• Chris Brown
  Genre: R&B/Pop
  Top Album: Exclusive

• The Weeknd
  Genre: R&B/Pop
  Top Album: Beauty Behind the Madness

Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Theme of Memphis by Justin Timberlake?

The song Memphis by Justin Timberlake delivers themes of fame, pressure, and the loss of humanity, set against the backdrop of his hometown, Memphis.

Did Memphis by Justin Timberlake Receive Any Nominations?

No, there are no nominations for a song titled Memphis by Justin Timberlake.

What Album is Memphis by Justin Timberlake Featured On?

Memphis is featured on Justin Timberlake’s album Everything I Thought It Was.