Songs about home have been explored for as long as one can remember. These songs have been made to suit different listeners by different music acts in different languages and in several genres, categories, expressions, and rhythms among others. The reason why people listen to songs about home may be different but entertainment and emotions may not be far from it. Although there are many songs about the subject, here, we’ll explore in no particular order some of the best songs about home putting into consideration the following criteria:
- How much focus do the songs have about home
- How popular the songs are
- Some of the awards the songs have generated
- How the songs have stood the test of time
- Critical acceptance and commercial performance
15 Most Interesting Songs About Home
15. Coming Home – Leon Bridges
- Release date: February 3, 2015
- Written by: Todd Bridges, Austin Michael, Jenkins, Chris Vivion, Joshua Block
- Performed by: Leon Bridges
- Genre: Soul, R & B, doo woop
- Producer: Niles City Sound
- Awards: Certified Gold by the United States (RIAA),
It was in 2015 that Leon Bridges released this song about home. The song remains one of his best and it was released as one of the songs in his album of the same title.
Lyrics of Coming Home by Leon Bridges
Baby, baby, baby
I’m coming home
To your tender sweet loving
You’re my one and only woman
The world leaves a bitter taste in my mouth, girl
You’re the only one that I want
I wanna be around…
14. Sweet Home Alabama – Lynryd Skynyrd
- Release date: January 24, 1974
- Written by: Ed King, Gary Rossington, Ronnie Van Zant
- Performed by: Lynryd Skynyrd
- Genre: country rock, southern rock, blues rock
- Producer: Al Kooper
- Certifications: Platinum (Denmark, IFPI Danmark, Italy, FIMI, United States, RIAA), 2x Platinum (United Kingdom, BPI), and Gold (United States, RIAA)
As a result of the success and acceptance of the song, it inspired the title of the film, Sweet Home Alabama. It also became the number 4 on the list of 50 greatest conservative rock songs (2006) by the National Review, and later became the CMT number 1 on the 20 Greatest Southern Rock Songs.
The song remains one of the most famous and most successful anthems about Alabama. Although Lynrd Skynyrd is a successful American rock band, the song which was recorded in 1973 and released in 1974 remains one of their greatest ever.
Lyrics of the song
…
Big wheels keep on turnin’
Carry me home to see my kin
Singin’ songs about the south-land
I miss Alabamy once again and I think it’s a sin, yes
Well I heard Mister Young sing about her
Well I heard ol’ Neil put her down
Well I hope Neil Young will remember
A southern man don’t need him around anyhow
Sweet home Alabama
Where the skies are so blue
Sweet home Alabama
Lord I’m comin’ home to you…
13. Almost Home – Mariah Carey
- Release date: February 19, 2013
- Written by: Mariah Carey, Simone Porter, Justin Gray, Lindsey Ray, Tor Erik Hermansen, Mikkel Eriksen
- Performed by: Mariah Carey
- Genre: Pop, electropop, R&B
- Producer: Mariah Carey, Stargate
In the first week of its release, the song sold 19,000 digital downloads and within the period of its release, it was able to peak at No. 10 in Lebanon making it the first of Mariah Carey’s songs to get to the top 10 in the country.
Although the song may not be the greatest from Carey, it received several reviews. It also won awards that include Georgia Film Critics Association for Best Original Song and World Music Awards for World’s Best Video both in 2013.
Lyrics of Almost Home – Mariah Carey
…You’re almost home
You’re almost home
You’re almost home
I’ve seen the light in the sky
In the skies are like fireflies
Burning bright, just to vanish in the dark
I’ve held hope in my two hands
That there would be another chance
To find the kingdom, I’m believing in my heart
‘Cause underneath the good there’s something greater than you know
When you’re almost there
And you’re almost home
Just open up your eyes and go, go
When you’re almost there
Almost home
Know you’re not alone
You’re almost home
12. Happy Home – Tupac Shakur
- Release date: 1998
- Written by: Tupac Shakur
- Performed by: Tupac Shakur
- Genre: hip/hop
- Producer: Johnny J.
Tupac Amaru Shakur is one of the greatest musicians ever. He died in 1996 at the age of 25 but his music was released afterwards and his legacy, especially in hip hop is still felt.
Among the songs of 2Pac that were released after his death include one of the best songs about home, Happy Home which was said to be dedicated to his sister. The song was later released again in 2001 on the End of Time album. The song has released positive reviews and has been covered by many artists over the course of time.
Lyrics of the song
...Maybe in time I’ll be a better man
Watchin’ the older couples, handle it like veterans
Show me the meaning of forever and together we rise
If it would help our child grow, then together we’d die
Why, question my love, it’s so easy to see
Without my family all I’m left with is a shadow of me
After all the arguments and the nights alone
Now it’s time to live the good life, inside a happy home
Happy home
(Turn this house into a happy home)
Happy home
(Finally got to live the good life, inside a happy home)
…
11. Coming Home – Diddy – Dirty Money Ft. Skylar Grey
- Release date: November 21, 2010
- Written by: Shawn Carter, Jermaine Cole, Alexander Grant, Holly Haferman
- Performed by: Diddy-Dirty Money Ft. Skylar
- Genre: pop-rap, Conscious hip hop, R&B
- Producer: Alex da Kid, Jay-Z
- Certification: Platinum (3x platinum, Australia (ARIA); 2x Platinum (United States (RIAA), Switzerland (IFPI Switzerland), Germany (BVMI), Gold (New Zealand (RMNZ), United Kingdom (BPI))
The autobiographical lyrics is one of the major reasons the song earned many positive reviews right from the time it was released. The song is easily relatable to society and Diddy has owned up to his fear of commitment as well as bad parenting.
Coming Home is one song that has stood the test of time and has been described as the first pop song to become a major hit at the time of its release. Additionally, it has made its way to topping different in more than 10 countries and has sold millions of copies.
I’m coming home
I’m coming home
Tell the world I’m coming home
Let the rain wash away all the pain of yesterday
I know my kingdom awaits and they’ve forgiven my mistakes
I’m coming home, I’m coming home
Tell the world that I’m coming
I’m back where I belong, yeah I never felt so strong (yeah)
(I’m back baby)
I feel like there’s nothing that I can’t try
And if you with me put your hands high…
10. Home – Michael Bublé
- Release date: January 24, 2005
- Written by: Michael Bublé, Alan Chang, Amy Foster-Gillies,
- Performed by: Michael Bublé
- Genre:
- Producer: Bob Rock
- Certification: Platinum (United States RIAA)
Michael Bublé’s Home is one of the Best songs about home. It is a ballad that tells the story of a man who was separated from his lover but wishes to return home to meet with her.
The song became such a huge success that in 2007, Westlife released another version of it. It was followed by a 2008 release by Blake Shelton Version as well as many other covers.
Its success saw it to leading in many charts in more than 10 countries and peaking 1 on the US Adult Contemporary (Billboard and Canada AC Top 30 (Radio & Records).
Lyris of Home
Another summer day
Has come and gone away
In Paris and Rome
But I wanna go home, mmm
May be surrounded by
A million people I
Still feel all alone
Just wanna go home
Oh, I miss you, you know…
9. The House That Built Me – Miranda Lambart
- Release date: March 8, 2010
- Written by: Tom Douglas, Allen Shamblin
- Performed by: Miranda
- Genre: Country
- Producer: Frank Lidell, Mike Wrucke
- Certification: 2x Platinum (United States (RIAA))
This song about home was recorded in 2009 but it was not until 2010 that it was released. It is one of the fastest rising singles of the American country music act.
The song surrounds itself with the content of home in a story told by the narrator about returning home as an adult and asking the new owner if she could come into the house that raised her. Its lyrical content has been praised time and again and overall, it made it to different charts peaking 2 on Canada Country (Billboard) and peaking 1 on the US Hot Country Songs (Billboard).
Apart from its sales of millions of records, the song also attracted Miranda a number of awards that include 3 Grammy Awards nominations in 2011 and a win in the category of Best Female Country Vocal Performance. This would be the first time Lambert would win a Grammy. The song also won Song of the Year and Music Video of the Year at the 44th CMA Awards; and Song of the Year, Single of the Year and Video of the Year awards at the 46th ACM Awards.
Lyrics of The House That Built Me
I know they say you can’t go home again
I just had to come back one last time
Ma’am, I know you don’t know me from Adam
But these hand prints on the front steps are mine
Up those stairs in that little back bedroom
Is where I did my homework and I learned to play guitar
And I bet you didn’t know under that live oak
My favorite dog is buried in the yard…
8. Take Me Home, Country Roads – John Denver
- Release date: April 12, 1971
- Written by: John Denver, Bill Danoff, Taffy Nivert
- Performed by: John Denver
- Genre: Country
- Producer: Milton Okun, Susan Ruskin
- Certification: Gold Italy (FIMI), Platinum (UK (BPI) and US (RIAA))
Although Denver in the song needed to be back home in West Virginia, the song soon found its way to remind people from different places about home. The song landed itself as the theme song of West Virginia University. It also has been sung in many events that include sports and the funeral of West Virginian Senator Robert Byrd in 2010 and has been made an official state song in the 2000s, decades after its release and many years after the death of Denver.
One of the best songs about home, Take Me Home continues to attract fame in the present time and has sold millions of copies, was certified gold and platinum, and many versions of the song have been created over and time again.
Lyrics of West Virginia
…Country roads, take me home
To the place I belong
West Virginia, mountain mama
Take me home, country roads
All my memories gather ’round her
Miner’s lady, stranger to blue water
…
7. Who Says You Can’t Go Home – Bon Jovi
- Release date: March 27, 2006
- Written by: Jon Bon Jovi, Richie Sambora
- Performed by: Bon Jovi, (Jennifer Nesttles)
- Genre:
- Producer: John Shanks
- Certification:
This is one of the best songs about home. Its original was released in 2006 by the 1983 American formed rock band, Bon Jovi. Its sequel was released later where the band featured Jennifer Nettles.
The song’s content shows the reflection of Bon Jovi’s roots and passion for his home in New Jersey. Generally, the lyrical content, rhythm, and flow amid many other features of the song have won the song positive reviews and good commercial success. It has also won awards such as Best Collaborative Video at the CMT Music Awards (2006) and Grammy Awards for Best Country Collaboration with Vocals (2007).
….Who says you can’t go home?
There’s only one place they call me one of their own
Just a hometown boy born a rolling stone
Who says you can’t go home?
Who says you can’t go back?
I been all around the world, and as a matter of fact
There’s only one place left I want to go
Who says you can’t go home?
It’s alright, it’s alright, it’s alright, it’s alright, it’s alright…
6. Home Sweet Home – Mötley Crüe
- Release date: September 30, 1985
- Written by: Nikki Sixx, Tommy Lee
- Performed by: Mötley Crüe
- Genre: Glam Metal
- Producer: Tom Werman
- Certification:
The tales of home and of love are central to this song that was first released in the 1980s with many covers appearing every now and then. Some of which include Chester Bennington of Linkin Park, Rob Corddry in the film Hot Tub Time Machine, and Todrick Hall, a former contestant of the American Idol. Also, in 2009, Carrie Underwood covered the song in a performance at season 8 of American Idol.
The song was a commercial success and its reviews were mostly positive. Its release was accompanied by a presence on 1985 UK Singles (OCC), US Billboard Hot 100 and US Mainstream Rock (Billboard) among others.
Lyrics of Mötley Crüe’s Home Sweet Home
Home sweet home
Tonight, tonight I’m on my way
I’m on my way
Home sweet home
You know that I’ve seen
Too many romantic dreams
Up in lights, falling off the silver screen
My heart’s like an open book
For the whole world to read
Sometime nothing keeps me together at the seams…
5. Home Town Glory – Adele
- Release date: 22 October 2007
- Written by: Adele Adkins
- Performed by: Adele
- Genre:
- Producer: Jim Abbis
- Certification: Platinum (Canada (Canada Music), United Kingdom (BPI))
This song about home has been able to draw to itself several spots on charts as well as a 2010 nomination for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance at the Grammy Awards.
Hometown Glory is Adele’s debut single and one of her earliest and acclaimed works. She wrote the song when she was reportedly about 16 -18 after her mother persuaded her to leave home in West Norwood to Londo for school. Since its release, it has served as a means of entertainment as well as a great song about home.
Lyrics of the song
…’Round my hometown
Memories are fresh
‘Round my hometown
Ooh the people I’ve met
Are the wonders of my world
Are the wonders of my world
Are the wonders of this world
Are the wonders of now…
4. Homecoming – Ye, Chris Martin
- Release date: February 18, 2008
- Written by: Kanye West, Chris Martin, Warryn Campbell
- Performed by: Kanye West, Chris Martin
- Genre: hip-hop
- Producer: Kanye West, Warryn “Baby Dubb” Cambell
- Certification: Gold (Australia (ARIA), Germany (BVM), United Kingdom (BPI)); 2x Platinum (United States (RIAA))
Famous and Kanye West, Ye in 2008 as a secular rapper released Homecoming ft. English singer, Chris Martin. The hip hop song is included in the Graduation album of Ye (2007) as a tribute to his hometown in Chicago, Illinois. However, the song fast gains fame in other parts of the world.
Its release landed the song many reviews. While he was generally praised for the infusion of great lyrics with interesting rhythm and beats, he has also been called out for not originally being from Chicago. Whatever, the case, the song sure has a way of bringing the memories of home to different people in different ways.
The song has received several accolades that include nominations for Best Hip-Hop Video at the 2008 MTV Video Music Awards. It has also charted on different charts and has also peaked number 1 severally.
Lyrics of Homecoming
…I’m coming home again
Do you think about me now and then?
Do you think about me now and then?
‘Cause I’m coming home again
Maybe you, do you remember when?
Fireworks at Lake Michigan
Oh, now I’m coming home again
Maybe you, do you remember when?
Fireworks at Lake Michigan
Oh, now I’m coming home again
Maybe we can start again
3. Stressed Out – Twenty One Pilots
- Release date: November 10, 2015
- Written by: Tyler Joseph
- Performed by: Twenty Pilots
- Genre: alternative hip hop, rap rock, psychedelic pop
- Producer: Mike Elizondo
- Certification: more than 17 certifications that include platinum, diamond and gold
Although the American music duo did not directly call home as in the many songs on the list of the best songs about home, it has, however, journeys its listeners through transitioning from a stage of growth to another which gives a nostalgic feeling of some sort.
The success of this song is immense as it turned to become the first song but a rock artist to reach a billion streams on Spotify with a current standing of more than 2 billion views on YouTube. In addition, it became an interestingly commercial successful song with several certifications.
As regards accolades, the song comfortably took several No. 1 spot on different charts of different countries among other peaks. The song also won a Grammy award for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance and a nomination for Record of the Year (2017).
Lyrics of Stressed Out by Twenty One Pilots
…Wish we could turn back time
To the good old days
When our momma sang us to sleep
But now we’re stressed out
Wish we could turn back time
To the good old days
When our momma sang us to sleep
But now we’re stressed out…
See Also: Songs About Forgiveness- 15 Best Songs To Help You Forgive And Move On
2. Goin’ Home – The Rolling Stone
- Release date: April 15, 1966
- Written by: Mick Jagger, Keith Richards
- Performed by: The Rolling Stone
- Genre: Blues-rock
- Producer: Andrew Loog Oldham
- Certification:
This song was recorded by the English rock band, Rolling Stone as one the longest recording in popular music with 11 minutes 35 seconds. The song attracted critical reviews and contributed to their becoming one the greatest rock bands ever and has won 3 Grammy awards and 12 nominations.
Lyrics
Spendin’ too much time away
I can’t stand another day
Maybe you think I’ve seen the world
But I’d rather see my girl
I’m goin’ home, I’m goin’ home
I’m goin’ home, I’m goin’ home
I’m goin’ home, bome, bome, bome bome bome…
1. Temporary Home – Carrie Underwood
- Release date: October 20, 2009
- Written by: Luke Laird, Zac Maloy, Carrie Underwood
- Performed by: Carrie Underwood
- Genre: Country, Christian
- Producer: Mark Bright
- Certification: Platinum (United States (RIAA))
Carrie Underwood has several songs but in her song about home, Temporary Home, she told a story of a home that is beyond the one that a 6-year-old had. It gained many positive reviews and according to one, she never sounded more powerful.
The song gained a Grammy Award nomination for Best Female Country Vocal Performance (2010). It also won the award of Inspirational Music Video of the Year at the Inspirational Country Music Awards (2010), CMT Music Awards for CMT Performance of the Year, and BMI Awards for Songwriter of the Year (2011).
In addition, Temporary Home peaked 1 at the US Hot Country Songs (Billboard), 2 on the Canada Country (Billboard), and 41 on the US Billboard Hot 100 among other charts.
…This is my temporary home
It’s not where I belong
Windows in rooms that I’m passin’ through
This is just a stop, on the way to where I’m going
I’m not afraid because I know this is my
Temporary home.”
Young mom on her own
She needs a little help got nowhere to go
She’s lookin’ for a job, lookin’ for a way out
‘Cause a half-way house will never be a home
At night she whispers to her baby girl
Someday we’ll find a place here in this world…
