The Chicago-born singer-songwriter, was discovered by Kris Kristofferson. He collaborated with close friend John Prine throughout his career. His superb guitar ability (honed at Chicago's Old Town School of Folk Music) and creative songwriting ability led him to success in the 1970s folk scene. Often funny, sometimes heartbreaking, always unpredictable, Steve Goodman was the consummate performer whether in a small Chicago venue, Austin City Limits, or opening for Steve Martin (and often stealing the show!). Steve is probably best known for his song "City of New Orleans", which was later covered by Arlo Guthrie among others. He has also been covered by Jimmy Buffett and many others. Steve was the ultimate suffering Chicago Cub fan, writing the songs "Go, Cubs, Go" and the unfortunately very true "A Dying Cub Fans Last Request".
Steve's life was cut short in 1984 by leukemia, but fortunately an extensive catalog remains, including the recently released, "Live at the Earl" as well as the DVD "Steve Goodman Live at Austin City Limits and More."
Take Me Out to the Ballgame
Steve Goodman Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
To the ball game
Take me out
To the crowd
Buy me some peanuts
And Crackerjacks
I don't care if
I never never get back
Let me root, root root
For the home team
If they don't win
It's a shame
For it's one, two,
Three strikes you're out
At the old ball game!
One of the most iconic and beloved songs in American culture, "Take Me Out to the Ball Game" was written by Jack Norworth in 1908, with music composed by Albert Von Tilzer. The song has since become the unofficial anthem of baseball and is played at almost every professional baseball game in America. Steve Goodman recorded the most famous version of the song, and it has become the version most people know and love today.
The lyrics capture the excitement and energy of a day at the ballpark, from the thrill of being among the crowd to the indulgence of delicious ballpark food. The opening lines invite the listener to join in on the fun, to experience the sights and sounds of the stadium. The chorus is a rallying cry for the home team, urging them on to victory despite any setbacks they may face. The final line is a bittersweet reminder that the fun must eventually come to an end, but it also leaves the listener with an anticipation of returning to the ballpark again.
Overall, "Take Me Out to the Ball Game" is a celebration of America's favorite pastime, and an expression of the joy and camaraderie that can be found at a baseball game. It's a timeless classic that has captured the hearts of generations of fans, and remains an enduring symbol of the great American sport of baseball.
Line by Line Meaning
Take me out
Escort me to the ball field
To the ball game
To the baseball match
Take me out
Escort me again
To the crowd
Around the group of spectators
Buy me some peanuts
Acquire some roasted peanuts
And Crackerjacks
And caramelized popcorn or peanuts
I don't care if
It doesn't matter to me even if
I never never get back
I never come back at all
Let me root, root root
Please let me cheer vigorously
For the home team
For the baseball team representing this city
If they don't win
In case they lose
It's a shame
It's an unfortunate incident
For it's one, two,
As the referee makes one, two strikes
Three strikes you're out
As you are disqualified on the third strike
At the old ball game!
In this ancient sport of baseball!
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Integrity Music
Written by: JACK NORWORTH, ALBERT VON TILZER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind