The song was one of Frampton's earliest to feature the talk box effect, which would become one of his signature sounds.
According to the Show Me The Way Songfacts, Frampton's talkbox was a device hooked up to his guitar that allowed him to create amplified, distorted vocal sounds with his mouth. The talkbox effect was a huge hit. Many musicians responded by buying one or trying to make their own. More than a few young people lost some tooth cavities when they created faulty talkboxes and sent electric current into their mouths.
Show Me The Way
Peter Frampton Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
There's ringing in my ears
And no one to relate to except the sea
Who can I believe in?
I'm kneeling on the floor
There has to be a force
Who do I phone?
The stars are out and shining
Oh won't you show me the way
I want you show me the way
Well, I can see no reason,
You living on your nerves
When someone drops a cup and I submerge
I'm swimming in a circle,
I feel I'm going down
There has to be a fool
To play my part
Someone thought of healing,
But all I really want to know
Oh won't you show me the way
I want you show me the way
I want you day after day
I wonder if I'm dreaming
I feel so unashamed
I can't believe this is happening to me
I watch you when you're sleeping
And then I want to take your love
Oh won't you show me the way
Oh won't you show me the way
I want you day after day
I want you day after day
Oh won't you show me the way
I want you day after day
The lyrics to Peter Frampton's "Show Me The Way" express a sense of confusion and desperation. The singer is searching for guidance and a source of truth in an uncertain world. He is overwhelmed by the constant noise and chaos around him, and yearns for someone who can lead him out of his confusion. He feels lost and alone, with no one to turn to except the sea. The imagery of the sea, with its vastness and elemental power, reinforces this sense of isolation and vulnerability.
The singer's sense of helplessness is also evident in the repeated refrain, "Oh won't you show me the way." He is pleading with an unseen force - perhaps God, or simply a benevolent stranger - to provide him with direction and purpose. The repetition of this phrase creates a sense of urgency, as though the singer is on the verge of giving up hope. The final verse introduces a note of hopefulness and possibility, as the singer expresses his desire to connect with another person and to experience the joy of love.
Overall, "Show Me The Way" is a powerful expression of the human desire for guidance and meaning in a confusing world. It captures the feeling of being adrift and alone, and the longing for a source of truth and inspiration. The song's simple yet evocative lyrics, combined with Peter Frampton's iconic guitar work, have made it a timeless classic.
Line by Line Meaning
I wonder how you're feeling
I am curious about your feelings
There's ringing in my ears
I am hearing a ringing sound in my ears
And no one to relate to except the sea
I feel isolated and the only comfort I find is in the sound of the sea
Who can I believe in?
I am unsure about who to trust
I'm kneeling on the floor
I am on my knees, feeling powerless
There has to be a force
I believe there is a higher power at work
Who do I phone?
I don't know who to turn to for guidance
The stars are out and shining
The night sky is beautiful and peaceful
But all I really want to know
Despite the beauty of the night sky, I am still searching for answers
Oh won't you show me the way
I am pleading for guidance
I want you show me the way
I desire to find direction and purpose
Well, I can see no reason
I am struggling to understand
You living on your nerves
You seem very anxious
When someone drops a cup and I submerge
I feel overwhelmed by even the slightest disturbance
I'm swimming in a circle
I feel as though I am going in circles and not making progress
I feel I'm going down
I feel like I am losing control
There has to be a fool
I think there must be someone who is willing to take risks
To play my part
To fulfill my role in life
Someone thought of healing
There are people who want to help and heal others
But all I really want to know
Despite those who want to help, I am still searching for answers
I wonder if I'm dreaming
I question if this is really happening
I feel so unashamed
I feel unashamed of my vulnerability
I can't believe this is happening to me
I am confused and overwhelmed by my current situation
I watch you when you're sleeping
I find comfort in watching you sleep
And then I want to take your love
I desire to connect with you and share love
I want you day after day
I want a consistent and stable relationship
Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing, Kanjian Music, BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: PETER KENNETH FRAMPTON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Beverly Esparaguera
on Apple Of Your Eye
Good Day Heritage Singers!!!
I am an avid of your singing group. I always listen to your songs because i feel more happy everytime i play your music everyday. I want to ask a lyrics of your song "The Apple of your Eye". I really love this music. Looking forward to receive a response from you, Thanks a lot. More Power and God Bless. Kindly send the lyrics to bhevscasida@gmail.com