Halfway to Memphis
Sammy Hagar Lyrics


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Halfway to Memphis, drivin in the rain
Self confidence slippin, still runnin away
From the face in the mirror, the lines on the face
From NYC to the San Francisco Bay

From the ghost in the closet, the monkey on your back
From the one that really knows you, been there watchin' your back
But the fire in your belly still burns

Just be yourself
You're like no one else
There's nobody like you
You can't find it on the shelf
Just let the world know
That you're ready for show
Count 3 and let go
Before you turn around and go home

Down by the lilikoi
Near the old stone wall
There time stands still
Yet the water still falls
There nothing much changes
But the seasons still change
Just wishin and hopin
To break even again

You take these things with you
You take em to the heart
But take nothing for granted
Well there's a good place to start
Until you feel the light circle again

Just be yourself
You're like no one else
There's nobody like you
You can't find it on the shelf
Just let the world know
That you're ready for show
Count 3 and let go
Before you turn around and go home

There ain't no sanctuary
Young Jeff Buckley blood
You're halfway to Memphis
In the Mississippi mud

Yeah, yeah, yeah
Yeah, yeah, yeah

Be yourself
You're like no one else
There's nobody like you
You can't find it on the shelf
Just let the world know
That you're ready for show
Count 3 and let go
Before you turn around and go home





Turn yourself around and get back home
Just turn around and go home

Overall Meaning

The song "Halfway to Memphis" by Sammy Hagar is a deeply introspective and reflective piece that discusses the struggles of self-confidence and the desire to escape from the parts of oneself that we don't like. Through the lyrics, Hagar emphasizes the constant struggle between self-doubt and self-acceptance, and the desire to be true to oneself.


In the first verse, Hagar talks about driving through the rain in search of something, but feeling like he's running away from himself. He mentions the lines on his face and the face in the mirror, which are symbolic of the parts of himself he doesn't like. The second verse focuses on the people and memories that haunt him, but he still has a fire burning inside of him that he wants to let out.


The chorus emphasizes the importance of being yourself and not conforming to others' expectations. Hagar encourages listeners to embrace their unique qualities and to let the world know who they are. The bridge uses nature imagery to symbolize the passage of time and the inevitability of change. Hagar emphasizes the importance of not taking anything for granted and always striving to see the light at the end of the tunnel.


The final verse brings us back to the present, with Hagar acknowledging that there is no sanctuary from these struggles. He mentions Jeff Buckley, a musician who died tragically young, as a symbol of the fleeting nature of life. He reminds us that we're all just halfway to Memphis, struggling to figure out who we are and what we want out of life.


Overall, "Halfway to Memphis" is a powerful song that urges listeners to be themselves and not to give up on their dreams. It's a reminder that even when things are tough, there's always a light at the end of the tunnel.



Line by Line Meaning

Halfway to Memphis, drivin in the rain
Driving through stormy weather, heading towards Memphis


Self confidence slippin, still runnin away
Lacking confidence and trying to escape from reality


From the face in the mirror, the lines on the face
Feeling insecure about one's appearance


From NYC to the San Francisco Bay
Traveling from New York City to San Francisco Bay


From the ghost in the closet, the monkey on your back
Haunted by past mistakes and regrets


From the one that really knows you, been there watchin' your back
Aware of someone who has been keeping a close watch on you


But the fire in your belly still burns
Despite everything, still possessing a strong drive and passion


Just be yourself
Honesty and authenticity is the key to success


You're like no one else
Unique and special in your own way


There's nobody like you
Uniqueness cannot be replicated or found on a shelf


You can't find it on the shelf
Individuality and authenticity cannot be bought or sold


Just let the world know
Be confident and let the world see who you truly are


That you're ready for show
Prepare to showcase your talents and abilities to the world


Count 3 and let go
Take a deep breath, relax, and let go of your fears and worries


Before you turn around and go home
Take a chance on yourself before giving up and returning home


Down by the lilikoi
Located by the lilikoi


Near the old stone wall
Close to an old stone wall


There time stands still
In that place, time seems to stop or slow down


Yet the water still falls
Despite time standing still, water still flows


There nothing much changes
The scenery or environment may remain the same


But the seasons still change
The passage of time and seasons remain constant


Just wishin and hopin
Hoping for a change, but unsure of how to make it happen


To break even again
To regain what was lost and restore balance


You take these things with you
Memories and past experiences stay with you


You take em to the heart
The things you experienced have left a lasting impact on your heart


But take nothing for granted
Nothing should be taken for granted and everything should be appreciated


Well there's a good place to start
Beginning with gratitude is a good foundation for moving forward


Until you feel the light circle again
Waiting until you feel renewed and refreshed before moving forward


There ain't no sanctuary
There is no safe haven or escape from reality


Young Jeff Buckley blood
Referring to the late musician Jeff Buckley


You're halfway to Memphis
You're halfway towards reaching your goal


In the Mississippi mud
In a difficult and challenging situation


Turn yourself around and get back home
If things are not working out, it may be time to return home and try again later


Just turn around and go home
Tip to turn around and go back home




Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: SAMMY HAGAR

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@user-xq5ih5oz2u

If there’s an afterlife, I hope I am surrounded by dogs and cats and rock music and musicians like Sammy and Vic ❤️ Still missing Prince, Chris Cornell, EVH, etc., but, I am so grateful to witness this kind of bond. Thanks for sharing ❤️🎶🤘

@KaneBrownmusicincc

Hello Dear, it’s nice meeting you on here

@justincarter9622

Great musicians and amazing human beings! More musicians need to be like these two.

@michelled.blauert7691

One of the finest songs that speaks the whole TRUTH ! Love you ALL

@judygoodman4641

I love this song!! Sammy and Vic❤️💕🎶🎵🎼

@shariy.5828

I have to say it again, I’ve been a fan for forever , but truly , this is one of my favorite songs. Y’all melt my heart ❤️ looking forward for next release! 🥰

@teritravelgal3854

Beautifully done!

@KaneBrownmusicincc

Hello Dear, it’s nice meeting you on here

@cheryltomlin2328

Sammy is the best of everyone else awesome singer-songwriter and and singer ❤

@Mr05301970

One of the best tunes I've ever heard in my life.

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