For reasons I cannot explain
There’s some part of me wants to see
Graceland~ Paul Simon
The only time we were in Memphis, we did not go to Graceland, which I thought was just wrong. Now once again, we have headed south to escape the midwest winter gloom on a meandering drive destined for Florida. Dearest surprised me with an overnight stay at the newly-christened Guest House at Graceland, just outside Memphis and right next door to the home of the King of Rock. And. Roll.
Under Priscilla Presley’s watchful and discerning eye, the hotel, which opened in October 2016, is inspired by Graceland, including it’s flamboyant decor with jewel tone colors and a fair amount of gilding, a 464-seat movie theater featuring Elvis movies every night, a replica of the home’s entrance foyer with gleaming white staircase and sparkling chandelier, and 450 rooms including twenty Elvis-themed suites that echo the singer’s taste. There is a gift shop with a photo gallery, replicas of some of Elvis’ jewelry along with rhinestone-encrusted sunglasses, handpainted guitars, souvenir hats and t-shirts, and several restaurants that serve comfort food that Elvis would approve of, including peanut butter and banana sandwiches. And with his music subtly, but perpetually, broadcast throughout the public areas, it’s as if Elvis has never really left the building.
Yet, there was a serious failure to factor in that we would be arriving in the evening, with a nine-hour drive looming ahead the next day, leaving no time to tour the iconic white-columned mansion just next door. I peered through the tall iron fence separating the hotel from the estate, but could not even catch a glimpse of it. So close.
Richard Thompson wrote a poignant and haunting song about an Irish housewife’s crazy obsession with her love for the King. And, while I’m not that fanatic, I will admit that Graceland has now achieved an oddly high status on my bucket list, if only because of its persistent elusiveness.
Oh she dressed in the dark
And she whispered amen
She was pretty in pink
Like a young girl againTwenty years married
And she never thought twice
She sneaked out the door
And walked into the nightAnd silver wings carried her
Over the sea
From the west coast of Ireland
To West TennesseeTo be with her sweetheart,
Oh she left everything
From Galway to Graceland to be with the kingShe was humming Suspicion,
That’s the song she liked best
She had Elvis I Love You
Tattooed on her breastWhen they landed in Memphis,
Well, her heart beat so fast
She’d dreamed for so long,
Now she’d see him at lastShe was down by his graveside
Day after day
Come closing time they
Would pull her awayAh to be with her sweetheart,
Oh she’d left everything
From Galway to Graceland to be with the kingAh, they came in their thousands
From the whole human race
To pay their respects
At his last resting placeBut blindly she knelt there
And she told him her dreams
And she thought that he answered
Or that’s how it seemsThen they dragged her away
It was handcuffs this time
She said “my good man are you out of your mind?”
Don’t you know that we’re married?See, I’m wearing his ring.
From Galway to Graceland to be with the king.
I come From Galway to Graceland to be with the king.~ Richard Thompson
Love traveling along with you from a distance! Thanks again for sharing your travel experience!
Kristi, another great post!
Richard Thompson’s song is one of my all time favorites – and one I often sing at the end of a solo gig. The group Plainsong did an amazing version of it also.
What a great closer song! I’d love to hear you sing it sometime.
Your write up makes me want to go see Graceland. I have never thought about going there, but you have put it on my bucket list!!!
Maybe a Memphis road trip sometime???
Christi: You and Dean are welcome to stay at our casa in North Palm Beach if you get that far. We are about 3 miles east of I 95 on PGA Boulevard. Just take the PGA exit and go east until you pass US 1. Bingo. You are there! Nice view of Lake Worth. Clean sheets, good breakfast. And the best part is you are only 4 hours from Key West! Any farther and you wouldn’t be in Florida anymore.