It started when we were dancing.
It got heavy when we got to the bathroom.
We didn't go back to her place, we went to some place where she cat sits. (?)
She said, "I know I look tired, but every thing's fried here in Memphis."
Now they want to know exactly which bathroom.
Dude, does it make any difference? It can't be important.
Yeah, sure I'll tell my story again...

In bar light she looked alright.
In daylight she looked desperate.
That's alright, I was desperate too.
I'm getting pretty sick of this interview.

Subpoenaed in Texas.
Sequestered in Memphis.

I think she drove a new Mustang.
I guess it might be a rental.
I remember she had satellite radio.
I guess she seemed a bit nervous, do you think I'm that stupid?
Oh what the hell, I'll tell the story again.

In bar light she looked alright.
In daylight she looked desperate.
That's alright, I was desperate too.
I'm getting pretty sick of this interview.

Subpoenaed in Texas.
Sequestered in Memphis.

I went there on business.



Lyrics submitted by Alcoholandirony

Track duration: 03:33


Sequestered in Memphis song meanings
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13 Comments

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  • 0
    General Comment:Hey, the chorus isn't "Arrested in Texas, extradited to Memphis."
    You get subpoenad and sequestered when you're a WITNESS. He had a casual romp with a woman in whom the authorities have a keen interest. Also it's not an interview when you're the suspect, it's an interrogation. And his boredom and fatigue are part and parcel with his innocence. He's telling them it cant be important, it can't make any difference. It's the prerogative of a witness who's been subpoena'd and sequestered to ridicule the cops inquiries. It's a familiar comic tale of a guy who has a little fun only to find out it causes way more problems than pleasure. More funny if you think of the singer as married. He goes to Memphis on business, then has to explain to his wife in Texas why he's been subpoenad and flown back to Memphis to testify or whatever.
    Flag tpksummerson July 04, 2011   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:The song right after this ("One for the Cutters") seems to be a rather similar story (someone eventually being questioned for an apparent crime, DNA being tested, etc.), and the song after that also references DNA testing, that is, the song is called Navy Sheets, and the refrain is "Everyone's cumming on the navy sheets", referencing that maybe rape was involved? I think this might be something of a concept album or something, but I'd have to listen and pay attention to the lyrics more closely, I just imagine all the stories intertwining somewhat throughout.
    Flag toferdelachrison June 22, 2010   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:This song renews my faith in music. I live in the styx of Kentucky where they arrest you for looking cross-eyed. I'm completely and utterly serious when I say that in my past life (after first moving here in 92) was arrested in the following years no less than 20 times. And for the most minor of infractions. Oh the pain. Now I can laugh (almost). This song is entirely relatable. Good fun.
    Flag writingcandeeon February 16, 2010   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:It sounds to me like he is being questioned for a serious felony, like murder (or rape, but I think murder).

    He admits to having sex with her. (DNA evidence)
    The cops what to know "exactly what bathroom". (possible crime scene site)
    He has to keep repeating his story. (to see if he changes his story)
    He's getting pretty sick of this interview. (interrogations are long, drawn-out ordeals)
    He describes her car, a Mustang, might be a rental, satellite radio. (all details the cops would want to know, cross reference, and enter into evidence/use to eliminate the suspect.)

    He is innocent, the song is too cheery for him to have killed her....

    I just figured this out right now. I've always loved this song, but didn't understand. Kind of strange...
    Flag hottoddyon December 13, 2009   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:Catchy song, especially the chorus. Too bad its a shameless rip of "Upstairs/Downstairs" by The Ergs.
    Flag whocarestheysuckon January 16, 2009   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:elementar,

    In the case of this song, fried is referring to being burnt out or tired. The girl is just justifying why she looks so haggard.
    Flag clittleelttilcon December 31, 2008   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:People don't seem to agree why he had to go back to Memphis. Either ...

    - he got accused of assaulting her
    - she turned out to be a criminal
    - she got pregnant

    Probably one of the first two, because those explain why he gets interviewed.

    Also I don't understand this line:

    "I know I look tired, but everything's fried here in Memphis."

    Why would fried foods make someone look tired?
    Flag elementaron December 29, 2008   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:It is indeed "cat sits" FYI.
    Flag tjwellson December 23, 2008   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:Plain & simple... a one night stand that went wrong.
    Some whore who was ready & willing one night, & then regretted her actions the next day.... "cried wolf" after the fact, & the poor bastard was served papers & brought up on bogus charges.
    Flag Papa Conson August 15, 2008   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:alcoholandirony already said what it's about. The Hold Steady don't really have a need for a website like this in a sense. the songs are all somewhat explicit. whereas other lyricists like to throw in different lines that can be taken a number of ways, craig just describes a scene or situation. whereas most songwriters aim toward a traditionally pretentious version of poetry, craig, in a style similar bukowski melds poetry and prose accompanied by head bopping melodies. it's cinematic in it's scope and quick characterization. we know these people. they might be based on the guy next to you at the bar.
    Flag kh991269on July 19, 2008   Link

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