Show Me the Way to Go Home
Emerson Lake & Palmer Lyrics


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Show me the way to go home
I'm tired and I want to go to bed
I had a little drink about an hour ago
And it’s gone right to my head
Everywhere I roam
Over land or sea or foam
You can always hear me singing this song
Said show me the way to go home.

Show me the way to go home
I'm tired and I want to go to bed
I had a little drink about an hour ago
And it’s gone right to my head
Everywhere that I roam
Over land or sea or foam
You can always hear me singing this song
Show me the way to go home.

Show me, show me
Show me the road that leads home
Show me, show me
Show me the way to go home.
Everywhere that I roam
Over land or sea or foam




You can always hear me singing this song
Said show me, show me the way, to go home.

Overall Meaning

Emerson Lake & Palmer's "Show Me The Way To Go Home" is a cover of a classic song that has been reimagined numerous times throughout the years. The song talks about a man who is tired and wants to go home after drinking some alcohol that has gone right to his head. He sings the song with the hope of finding his way home, no matter where he roams, whether it be on land, sea, or foam. The song is repetitive but catchy, which is why it has become a popular tune, being played at various events and even in movies.


The lyrics are simple, but they offer a window to the life of a man who is just trying to find his way home after indulging in some drinks. The song captures the feeling of exhaustion and desperation, as the singer repeats the chorus several times. The way the chorus repeats itself, it is like a mantra for the man, who wants nothing more than to find his way home.


Overall, the lyrics of "Show Me The Way To Go Home" may seem straightforward, but they convey a sentiment that is relatable to many. The song captures the feeling of wanting to find your way home after being out and about for a long time. It also captures the feeling of drunkenness and the challenge of finding one’s way when one's mind is not entirely clear.


Line by Line Meaning

Show me the way to go home
The singer is lost and wants someone to guide them to their destination.


I'm tired and I want to go to bed
The singer is weary and in need of rest, possibly due to a long journey or a hard day's work.


I had a little drink about an hour ago
The singer has had some alcohol and it has affected them more quickly than expected, possibly due to being tired.


And it’s gone right to my head
The alcohol has made the artist feel dizzy and disoriented.


Everywhere that I roam
The artist has been traveling to various places but hasn't found their way home yet.


Over land or sea or foam
The singer has been journeying across different types of terrain or bodies of water.


You can always hear me singing this song
The singer keeps repeating their plea for someone to show them the way home, and it's become a sort of mantra for them.


Said show me, show me the way, to go home.
The artist is emphasizing their request and expressing their frustration at not being able to find their way home.




Contributed by Charlie O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Comments from YouTube:

BrazilianTVHD

RIP Emerson, Lake and Quint.

William Boylan

I've heard several versions of this song going back to 1925. ELP certainly performs the best one. They really give it a jazzy, bluesy flavor.

William Boylan

I have heard several versions of this song going back to 1925. ELP performs the best one.

This is a superb integration of ELP's classic style with blues.

MSM M.

Una de las mejores voces del rock. Mr. Lake

brother thor

My dad used to sing this song at neighborhood block parties at the end of the evening and it was a little sad to realize that the entertainment was over and it was time to go home. Rest in peace Greg Lake and Keith Emerson.

Shirley Cranstoun

Love this rendition

Lori Rothenbush

This was a very good year for Emerson Lake and Palmer. They had it altogether since '74 and heading for recognition since. Love this band and no one compares for listening pleasure and their many songs down the pike...thank you.

john singer

Greg Lake did a lovely vocal on this tune - with a great piano solo by Emerson.

Lori Rothenbush

I wish Keith had played more of the 'same' over his years at his keyboards. Love him.......rest in peace Dear Keith and Greg. xoxoxoxo

Mick Boyd

I want this played at my funeral Max volume !

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