The Meaning Behind The Song: The Sins Of Memphisto by John Prine

Publish date: 2024-05-04

Introduction

I first heard the song “The Sins Of Memphisto” by John Prine on a lazy Sunday afternoon. I remember stumbling upon this song at a friend’s house, and as soon as it started playing, I was captivated by its catchy melody and intriguing lyrics. It is a song that has stayed with me ever since, and while its meaning may not be crystal clear, it has sparked my curiosity and imagination.

Table of Contents

The Lyrics

The lyrics of “The Sins Of Memphisto” paint a picture of different characters and situations, seemingly unrelated, but somehow connected through the theme of sin and redemption. The song begins with references to St. Mary and the Count of Monte Cristo, suggesting a religious and literary background. It then introduces Sally, who used to play with hula hoops, but now seeks solace in therapy groups. The image of grandpa staring at a rake, questioning the choices he made in his marriage, adds a touch of melancholy.

The song continues with a boy sleeping by the railroad tracks, awaiting the train’s whistle to transport him into his dreams. It signifies the desire for escapism and a longing for something better. Throughout the song, there is a sense of searching for meaning and trying to find one’s place in the world.

The Sinful Allusions

John Prine weaves in various allusions to pop culture and historical figures. Adam and Eve, Lucy and Ricky Ricardo, Esmeralda, and the Hunchback of Notre Dame make appearances in the lyrics. These references may seem random at first, but they contribute to the song’s overall theme of sin and explore the complexities of human relationships.

The line “They paused as they posed for a Polaroid photo, she whispered in his ear, ‘Exactly-Odo Quasimodo'” suggests a hidden love affair and a sense of shame associated with it. It’s as if the characters are bound by their sins, unable to escape from their own mistakes.

The Song’s Title and Inspiration

According to an interview with John Prine, the song was a last-minute addition to his album “The Missing Years.” He mentioned that the songwriter and producer, Howie Epstein, insisted on having one more song. Prine initially thought he had nothing left to give, but he locked himself away for a week, determined to create one more piece.

Prine admits that he thought the word “Memphisto” was a real word, possibly connected to the city of Memphis in Egypt. However, he realized that he had confused it with Mephistopheles, the devil. This mix-up sparked his inspiration for the song, allowing him to incorporate the blues, the devil, and Memphis, creating a captivating narrative.

Personal Interpretation

As a listener, I find that “The Sins Of Memphisto” speaks to the human condition – the longing for meaning, the struggle with our own mistakes and sins, and the constant search for redemption. The song reminds us that, despite life’s challenges, we all share a common thread in our flawed existence.

Listening to this song provokes contemplation and introspection. It compels us to examine our own actions and the consequences they may have on our lives. It challenges us to confront the sins we carry and ultimately find a way to reconcile with them.

In conclusion, “The Sins Of Memphisto” by John Prine may be cryptic and open to interpretation, but its powerful lyrics and evocative imagery make it a song worth exploring. It resonates with our shared human experiences, inviting us to reflect on our own journey through sin, redemption, and the quest for meaning.

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Album title: The Missing Years (1991)

From Pulse Magazine, Feb 1992:
“One of the best if cryptically silly songs is “The Sins Of Memphisto,” which nonsensically conjures a slew of baby-boomer icons from hula hoops to Lucy and Ricky Ricardo. “This song goes to the heart of the record,” says Prine. “I had 12 songs done, and I was proud of ‘em. But then Howie sits down and says we need another song. I said, ‘Are you crazy? I don’t have another song in me–you can do an autopsy and you won’t find anything.’
“So I locked myself away for a week, until I came from as far left as I could. Actually, I thought ‘Memphisto’ was a real word. I thought it was the city in Egypt that Memphis was named after. But it turns out that city was called Memphis. I decided I was confusing it with Mephistopheles, the devil. So I thought, ‘OK, it kinda makes sense–Memphis, the blues and the devil and all.”

Credits:
Assistant Mixing Engineer – Mike Poole
Mastering Engineer – Denny Purcell
Recording Engineer – Joe Romersa
Backing Vocals – Liz Byrnes

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