Here are some possible reasons:
* Homesickness: Sam McGee is a prospector, and he has spent a long time working in the harsh Yukon wilderness. The poem mentions that he is "sick" and "tired," and the cold and loneliness likely contribute to his longing for home.
* A desire for warmth and comfort: Sam yearns for the "warmth and light" of a "fire of coals" and the comfort of a "home" in the "South." This suggests he is physically and emotionally exhausted from the harsh conditions of the Yukon.
* Family and loved ones: Though not explicitly stated, it is implied that Sam has family or loved ones waiting for him back home. He mentions the "South" as a place he wants to "go" and a place where his "soul" could "rest." This indicates a desire to reunite with those he cares about.
Ultimately, the poem doesn't offer a definitive answer to why Sam wants to go home. However, the context and his statements throughout the poem suggest a combination of homesickness, a yearning for comfort, and a desire to reunite with loved ones.