Expert: Lou Simon - 7/14/2006

Question
I have this lyric fragment in my head, I recall the song sounded a lot like Marc "Walking in Memphis" Cohn's voice.  I just joined Rhapsody and listened to every Cohn song on there but I still can't find it...help!
The only line I can remember is "This is where I hang my hat..." and it was either an 80's or, less likely, a 90's tune.  Mid-tempo with a very nice groove.  

Answer
Hi Pea (Great name, by the way!)

Marvin Gaye wrote a song in the early 60's called "Wherever I Lay My Hat (That's My Home)" and it was on his second album "That Stubborn Kind Of Fellow", released in January of 1963. 20 years later, in the Autumn of 1983, British singer Paul Young recorded the song and had success with it in the UK. It was released in the USA and got some airplay towards the end of the year. In the spring of 1984, it showed up on his "No Parlez" album, a fine collection of songs which is still in print today, should you care to get that CD. In addition, Paul has a rather complete greatest hits CD which also features that song.
The Temptations also recorded it years ago but it's harder to find.

Here are the lyrics to see if that jogs your memory:

By the look in your eye I can tell you're gonna cry, is it over me?
If it is, save your tears, for I'm not worth it, you see?
For I'm the type of boy, who is always on the roam
Wherever I lay my hat that's my home
I'm telling you that's my home

You had a romance, did you break it by chance over me!
If it's so, I'd like for you to know, that I'm not worth it, you see?
For I'm the type of boy, who is always on the roam
Wherever I lay my hat that's my home, that's my home

Oh, you keep telling me, you keep telling me I'm your man
What do I have to do, make you understand?
For I'm the type of guy, who gives a girl the eye, everybody knows
But I love them and I leave them
Break their hearts and deceive them, everywhere I go
Don't you know that I'm the type of man, who is always on the roam?
Wherever I lay my hat that's my home
Wherever I lay my hat that's my home
Yeah, that's my home - I don't like it that way

There's some more but that should give you a feel for it.

I'm sure it's on Rhapsody or iTunes, as well.

The Marvin version is also in print since the "Stubborn" LP is in print on a 2-on-1 CD set coupling that album with the 1965 "How Sweet It Is" LP.

I hope that's the song you're thinking of.

Thanks for asking!

Lou