Sweet Home Chicago
Parker Junior Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Come on, baby don't you wanna go?
Back to the same old place, sweet home Chicago
One and one is two, two and two is four
Way I love the little girl, you'll never know
Come on, baby don't you wanna go?
Back to the same old place, sweet home Chicago
Four and two is six, six and two is eight
Cryin' hey, baby don't you wanna go?
Back to the same old place, sweet home Chicago
Come on baby, don't you wanna go?
Come on baby don't you wanna go?
Back to the same old place, sweet home Chicago
In "Sweet Home Chicago," Parker Junior invites his lover to join him on a journey back to a familiar place in the Windy City. He repeats the refrain "Come on, baby don't you wanna go?" and "Back to the same old place, sweet home Chicago." The tone is flirtatious and playful, with Junior showing off his cleverness by sneaking in some basic math equations (1+1=2, 2+2=4, 4+2=6 and so on), as well as some expressive language. He expresses his love for the girl but suggests that she can never fully know how much he loves her, leaving the listener to wonder if this is because his devotion is so intense that words cannot capture it, or if she is simply unaware of his feelings.
Overall, the song captures the nostalgia that comes with going back to a familiar place - the comfort, familiarity, and memories that bring deep joy. At the same time, it feels like an invitation to take risks and plunge into the unknown, since the lover is asked to "come on" and venture out, whether or not she fully understands the depth of Junior's passion. In "Sweet Home Chicago," Junior has created a charming and catchy ode to both the thrill and the security of home.
Line by Line Meaning
Come on, baby don't you wanna go?
Persuade the listener to accompany the singer
Come on, baby don't you wanna go?
Encouraging the listener to make a decision
Back to the same old place, sweet home Chicago
Returning to a familiar and beloved place
One and one is two, two and two is four
Basic math calculations that are easy to comprehend
Way I love the little girl, you'll never know
Deep and passionate feelings for someone special
Come on, baby don't you wanna go?
Repeat of the first line, urging the listener to join the singer
Back to the same old place, sweet home Chicago
Reiteration of the desired destination
Four and two is six, six and two is eight
More simple mathematical calculations
Look here baby don't you make me late
Cautioning the listener not to delay or hinder progress
Cryin' hey, baby don't you wanna go?
Crying out in desperation for the listener to join the artist
Back to the same old place, sweet home Chicago
Final reminder of the desired destination
Come on baby, don't you wanna go?
Final plea for the listener to come along
Come on baby don't you wanna go?
Final repetition of the invitation to join the singer
Back to the same old place, sweet home Chicago
Final reiteration of the destination
Lyrics © THE BICYCLE MUSIC COMPANY
Written by: HERMAN PARKER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Robert Neeley
🎼This is my uncle The Great Herman Parker, May your soul Rest In Power and May your music and sounds live in the ears and minds of those forever!! ONE LOVE 🖤with a nephew hugg because you are in my blood always and forever🎼
hubert sumlin
that's amazing, hope you teach the young ones about him. y'all should be very proud.
eugene spudich
best version of this song ever. no one can top this by little junior parker
Steve Richter
Best recorded version ever? Certainly sets a high bar for authenticity, at least to these ears...
Bob A
This was always the definitive version of Sweet Home Chicago, as far as I am concerned. It was THE hit version of the 50's, and still my favorite version of all time.
sciexp_Oscar
I like the Robert Johnson one too... That's the first one I heard, and I love it as well...
obvnafeip
Good music for endless decades!!!
I Collect Stuff - Vinyl Community
What an version !
John Jackson
Thnks beautiful what a Band &what an Artist,got to be in the Top 3 versions of this song.....
Al Blake
I've heard so many attempts at this song....none come close to Jr.'s and Co. !!!!