‘Show Me the Way’ is a song by the English rock musician Peter Frampton. Originally released in June 1975 as the lead single from his fourth studio album Frampton, it gained popularity after being recorded live and released in February 1976 as the lead single from his live album Frampton Comes Alive! In the US, the song reached number 6 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 10 on the UK Singles Chart, becoming his biggest US hit until ‘I'm in You’ in 1977.
In this song, Frampton is a drowning man looking for someone to throw him a life preserver. The lyrics are rather vague, but it's clear he is seeking guidance, asking another to "show him the way." The lyrics could relate to a specific person or to a higher power; Frampton kept it universal on purpose, but he did have a specific inspiration in mind. "I just met somebody that gave me such confidence," he told Melody Maker in 1976. "My life is completely changed. All the lyrics in that song are about me and her."
Cash Box said of the studio single that "Peter turns in a dynamic performance both instrumentally and vocally" and that "his highly emotive vocals are matched by some of his usually dexterous guitar playing". Record World said that "Frampton's voice and guitar are crisp and the song is a scintillating treat for the ears." Like ‘Do You Feel Like We Do,’ another single from the Frampton Comes Alive! album, the song prominently features a talk box effects pedal.
The original studio version of this song was released on the 1975 album Frampton, Peter's fourth. At the time, he had a modest following and was building a reputation as a stellar live performer. What he didn't have was a hit. Frampton's label, A&M, had him compile a live album for his next release. He put one together with six songs - none of which were ‘Show Me The Way’ - and played it for his label boss, Jerry Moss, who asked, "Where's the rest of it?" With the go-ahead to make it a double album, Frampton included ‘Show Me The Way.’ Frampton Comes Alive was released in January 1976; by April, it sold a million copies in America. ‘Show Me The Way’ got the best listener response and the most airplay, so it was issued as the first single, climbing to #6 in May and giving Frampton his first hit. Frampton Comes Alive was the best-selling album of 1976 and eventually sold over 8 million copies.
Label – A&M
Songwriter – Peter Frampton
Producer – Peter Frampton
SONG LYRICS
I wonder how you're feelingThere'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
But all I really want to know
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