Most of us have good memories of our homes and look forward to returning when we’ve been away. With so many musicians having to travel for work, it’s no wonder that songs about coming home provide fertile musical material.
The songs I’ve included will hopefully remind you of those happy times. So, let’s waste no more time and take a look at the first song about coming home…
Contents
Top 112 Songs About Coming Home
1
Home By Daughtry
I’m not a fan of talent shows, and these days I never watch them. Consequently, what talent is currently coming out of these awful shows, I’ve no idea, and frankly don’t care.
However, a long time ago, I watched a few, and I have to say that Daughtry, along with Carrie Underwood and Kelly Clarkson, was one of the very few artists that impressed me. For those of you that can’t remember him let me bring you up to speed.
In 2006…
He appeared on American Idol series 5 and was eliminated after singing “Home.” This was penned as an original song. If you can’t remember which series it was, and why would you because they’re all crap, it’s the one in which the boring Taylor Hicks won.
“Home” was first revealed to the public on TV during the show in May of 2006. Subsequently, it appeared on the album Daughtry in November of 2006 and then was released as a single in 2007.
The single went triple-platinum in the US, and the album went to #1 and sold over seven million copies worldwide.
The commercial success…
And the critical acclaim is all more than warranted. Daughtry is a great Rock band, and their lead singer, Chris Daughtry, is a phenomenal vocalist with a powerful and emotive voice.
The song is autobiographical. The main topic revolves around a musician from a small town who makes it big in the industry. During the period of success and madness, he finds time to reflect on the joy and expectation of returning home to the simple pleasures and a quieter way of life.
2
Take Me Home, Country Roads by John Denver
John Denver was a well-known Folk and Country singer. He wrote and performed some fantastic songs in his career, but this is my favorite and also one of his best-known. It’s without question a very well known song about going back home.
“Take Me Home, Country Roads” was released as a single in 1971 and was taken for the album, Poems, Prayers, and Promises. The single went to #2 in the US and sold over a million copies. The album was also successful and sold more than a million records.
The song deals with the common feelings of homesickness…
Feelings that most of us feel or experience to some degree or another. John Denver originally wrote the song as a commentary on his homesickness for his home state. That was Massachusetts. But, he decided to substitute it for West Virginia in the song as he considered it sounded better from a musical perspective.
The people of West Virginia were very happy that he did so. And even today, they frequently use the song to promote their state. Furthermore, the tourist board and the University both have the right to use the song. Happily, they make good use of it.
It’s a great Folk song…
And, although John Denver is the natural singer for such a folksy number, I prefer Olivia Newton John’s 1973 cover. A little ironic, given that she was Australian and came from the other side of the world.
3
Sweet Home Alabama by Lynyrd Skynyrd
This is Southern Rock at its finest. “Sweet Home Alabama” is one of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s best-known, if not the best known, of all their songs. It’s their best-selling song, along with “Freebird,” and it is also one of their most iconic.
It was released in 1974 as a single from their second album, which was rather appropriately named Second Helping. The single sold well on its initial release and went platinum in the US.
However, following its use as the lead track for the 2002 movie, “Sweet Home Alabama,” it received renewed interest and has since been an even more regular inclusion on radio stations. As a result, it became one of the best songs about coming home.
The song has an interesting history…
It was written as the perfect reply to a song released in 1970, “Southern Man,” by Rock legend Neil Young. The song accused the Southern states of being solely responsible for all the atrocities concerning the slave trade.
I’m a big fan of Neil Young…
But, on this score, he was out of line. He needs to take a closer look at the history books because if he did, he’d understand that there were very few not involved in this abhorrent trade at the time. Therefore, to lay the blame solely at the door of the Southern states is ill-informed and frankly ridiculous.
I’m honestly not surprised at the disdain that Lynyrd Skynyrd felt toward Neil Young. It was there for all to see in the song as the band even name-checked Neil Young and made their feelings for him and his accusations very clear.
Putting the politics aside…
It’s an amazing Southern Rock piece of music. It also never fails to evoke images of a wonderful part of the world. And it remains a very popular song about coming home.
4
Our House by Madness
This is one of the first songs about coming home that came to mind when I compiled this list. However, many of you, and especially people from the US, likely know very little about this band. That’s because outside of the UK, this Ska/Pop band had little global exposure.
If you haven’t heard of them, I think you’re in for a treat…
That’s because they wrote excellent and fun songs which were incredibly catchy too. Their music videos were very funny and also well worth watching.
“Our House” was released in 1982. Unlike any of their other singles, this one made it into the US Top 10. It peaked at #7 and sold 600,000 copies. It got to #5 in the UK and became the band’s most successful global hit.
Also, it received widespread critical acclaim, which culminated in them picking up an Ivor Novello Award in 1993 in the Best Pop Song category. It was released off the album, The Rise & Fall, which made it to the Top 10 in the UK.
So, what’s it about?
The song is about the chaotic life of a child growing up in a large working-class family. It depicts a hard but fun and loving environment surrounded by family and friends. The lyrics are full of happy, nostalgic references that indicate the singer had an amazing childhood.
The video that goes with the song is Madness at its best.
5
Mama, I’m Coming Home by Ozzy Osbourne
This is not the kind of song you’d typically associate with the Prince of Darkness, Ozzy Osbourne. Let’s face it; he’s better known for screeching out menacing lyrics and biting the heads off bats. What he’s much less known for is singing this kind of touching and sentimental power ballad.
Despite his reputation for Heavy Metal songs, the 1992 release of “Mama, I’m Coming Home” became his biggest single on the US Billboard charts. It peaked at #28. It’s a fact that I still find hard to believe.
However, a quick check of the stats shows that even his most iconic songs, like “Crazy Train” and “Mr. Crowley,” didn’t break into the Top 100. I’m speechless.
Back to the song…
The song was written by Ozzy, with the help of Lemmy, from Motorhead, and his long-time guitarist, Zakk Wylde. Now there is a trio of talent if ever there was one. Lemmy contributed to the lyrics, while Zakk Wylde stuck with the music.
The song was written as a tribute to Ozzy’s wife, Sharon. The word “Mama” is particularly important because this is what Ozzy calls his wife. The song throws praise on her selflessness in raising their kids and keeping the family together when he was away from home.
It’s a beautiful coming home song that became popular with serving members of the military during the first Gulf war. Subsequently, it has also become popular with returning soldiers and their families from various conflicts around the world.
6
My Hometown by Bruce Springsteen
Bruce Springsteen is often seen as a voice for the working man and the blue-collar worker. His songs have a way of connecting people with working life and everyday subjects. “My Home Town” is a song that perfectly exhibits these qualities through its wonderful writing.
It was released in 1985 from his best-selling album, Born in the U.S.A. The single got to #6 on the Billboard 100 charts and sold over a million copies. The album went to #1 everywhere they had turntables and sold a staggering 30 million records.
I love “My Hometown” for its straightforward simplicity…
It’s a very honest appraisal of life in a working city. The song covers unemployment, crime, racial tensions, and financial hardships. However, despite all these issues, there’s still a feeling of pride and nostalgia for the city and community.
All in all, it’s a song that paints a realistic picture of working-class America in the 70s and 80s. “My Hometown,” more than any of his other songs, cemented Bruce Springsteen as a man of the people.
7
Take Me Home by Phil Collins
When this song was released, Phil Collins had long since left Genesis and was already working on his fourth solo studio album. “Take Me Home” was released in 1985 and came out as a single from another solo album, No Jacket Required.
“Take Me Home” was less successful than some of the other songs that came off the same album, which included “One More Night” and “Sussudio.” Frankly, I’m not surprised. Although it’s not a bad song, it just doesn’t seem to go anywhere and doesn’t have the same impact as most of his other songs.
Luckily, due to his past success with Genesis and since No Jacket Required sold 25 million copies globally, he didn’t have to sweat unduly about one mediocre single.
So, what’s the song about?
It’s an interesting song that has several possible meanings. This is very typical of Phil Collins’s clever writing, which often includes a lot of ambiguity.
The first and most common interpretation is that the song concerns a mental patient who has been incarcerated for a long period. He is finally released from the hospital, and he’s asking to return home after all the lost years.
Alternatively, it could be more autobiographical and be about his return home after a long tour. In some ways, this might be the better explanation, as the accompanying music video seems to hint at this.
8
Green Green Grass of Home by Tom Jones
Tom Jones has now been singing and performing for over three hundred years. “Green Green Grass of Home” was first released in 1966. That is incredible because he still performs and sings the song to this very day.
I was lucky enough to see him twenty years ago. And I can tell you from my own experience that he sounds every bit as good live as he does on record. His voice is just so powerful; it’s incredible. He’s also a great showman and performer.
When Tom Jones first sang this “Green Green Grass of Home,” he was just 26 years of age. However, it wasn’t the first performance of the song as it was released a year earlier and sung by the Country group Porter Wagoner.
The original song saw very limited success…
On the other hand, the Tom Jones cover got to the top of the UK charts and became an international hit. It went on to sell over a million copies and has since become a firm fan favorite and, consequently, one of the first songs to be included on his live setlist.
It’s one of the saddest songs about returning home I can think of. It depicts a man returning to his home and family on a train. When he gets to the station, he is met by his parents and love interest. Subsequently, he strolls around town, hand in hand, with his beloved Mary.
Then it all goes wrong…
He suddenly wakes up to the realization that he’s in prison, but then things get worse still. Not only is he in prison, but he’s also awaiting execution. The next morning is the scheduled day, and as he walks to his death, he imagines returning to the “Green Green Grass of Home.”
9
Feels Like Home by Chantal Kreviazuk
10
Home Sweet Home by Mötley Crüe
11
Home by Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros
12
Homeward Bound by Simon & Garfunkel
13
Coming Home by Diddy – Dirty Money ft. Skylar Grey
14
I’m Coming Home by J. Cole ft. Skylar Grey
15
Long Way Home by Tom Waits
16
I’m Going Home by Ten Years After
17
Homecoming by Kanye West ft. Chris Martin
18
Home by Ingrid Michaelson
19
Coming Home by P. Diddy ft. Faith Evans
20
I Can’t Wait to Get Home to You by Vandross Luther
21
Heading Home Like a Bird by Alexis Harte
22
The Road That Leads Me Home by The Paper Kites
23
Flying Back to My Home by The New World Orchestra
24
Back to My Sweet Home by The Upbeats
25
Dreaming of Going Back Home by Shawn Mullins
26
I’m Finally Coming Back Home by The Little Willies
27
Finding My Way Back Home by Lee Ann Womack
28
Longing to Be Back Home Again by Matraca Berg
29
The Journey That Brings Me Home by Kim Richey
30
Wandering Back to My Home by John Bramwell
31
The Path That Leads Me Back Home by David Crosby
32
Reaching for the Comfort of Home by Ben Rector
33
Going the Distance to Get Back Home by Sherwood
34
Hitchhiking My Way Back Home by Ray LaMontagne
35
The Longing to Be Homeward Bound by John Gorka
36
The Struggle to Find My Way Home by Duncan Sheik
37
Sailing Back to My Home by Jake Shimabukuro
38
Chasing My Dreams to Return Home by Serena Ryder
39
The Desire to Return to My Beloved Home by Josh Kelley
40
The Journey to Find My Way Back Home by The String Cheese Incident
41
Escaping the Unknown to Find My Home by Paul Thorn
42
Searching for a Place Called Home by Joshua Radin
43
The Quest to Return to My Home by Shovels & Rope
44
Striving to Find My Way Home by The Paper Kites
45
The Pilgrimage to My Homeland by Iron & Wine
More 57 Songs About Coming Home
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- Riding the Wind Back to My Home by The Hollies
- The Journey to Reclaim My Home by Amos Lee
- The Roadmap to Return Home by Tom Rosenthal
- Following the Stars to Find My Way Home by The Paper Kites
- The Quest for My True Home by The Tallest Man on Earth
- Roaming the World to Get Back Home by Xavier Rudd
- The Traveler’s Song of Coming Home by Martha Tilston
- The Adventure to Return to My Hearth by Darlingside
- The Odyssey to Reunite with My Home by Elephant Revival
- Searching for My Heart’s True Home by Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors
- The Journey of a Wanderer Returning Home by David Wilcox
- Roaming the Earth in Search of Home by Trevor Hall
- The Pursuit of Finding My Way Home by Wake Owl
- The Pilgrim’s Path Back to My Home by The Barr Brothers
- Wandering the World to Return Home by Rising Appalachia
- The Longing for the Comfort of Homecoming by Jon Foreman
- The Return to My Beloved Homestead by Tim O’Brien
- The Homecoming Trail by The Dunwells
- The Journey of Hope to My Homecoming by Brandi Carlile
- Embarking on the Homeward Voyage by The Oh Hellos
- The Road to My Familiar Hearth by Glen Hansard
- Seeking My Way Back Home by The Wild Reeds
- The Return to My Sanctuary by Iron & Wine
- The Pilgrimage to My Beloved Homestead by The Milk Carton Kids
- Tracing My Steps to My Homecoming by John Fullbright
- The Quest for My Heart’s True Abode by Sarah Jarosz
- The Sojourn to Reclaim My Home by The Lumineers
- Homeward Bound and Longing by Over the Rhine
- The Homecoming Trail of My Soul by Drew Kennedy
- The Journey Back to My Loving Home by Peter Bradley Adams
- The Trek to Find My Way Home by The Once
- The Quest for My Hearth’s Warm Embrace by Joshua Hyslop
- The Pilgrimage to My Long-Awaited Home by Ben Howard
- The Roadmap to My Heart’s True Home by Darlingside
- The Search for My Safe Haven by Carrie Elkin
- The Adventure of Returning Home by Andrew Bird
- The Pursuit of My True Homecoming by Brett Dennen
- The Homecoming Voyage of My Soul by Leif Vollebekk
- The Journey of Rediscovering My Home by The Deep Dark Woods
- The Path of Return to My Beloved Hearth by Gregory Alan Isakov
- The Quest for My Heart’s True Sanctuary by Noah Gundersen
- The Pilgrim’s Road to My Homecoming by The Lone Bellow
- The Search for My Truest Homecoming by The Strumbellas
- The Homeward Journey to My Soul’s Refuge by The Paper Kites
- The Road to My Heart’s True Residence by The Barr Brothers
- The Quest for My True Homecoming Bliss by Rend Collective
- The Pursuit of My Heart’s Abode by Foy Vance
- The Expedition to Find My Way Home by River Whyless
- The Trek Back to My Beloved Haven by Joe Pug
- The Journey of Reuniting with My Home by Penny and Sparrow
- The Roadmap to My Heart’s Safe Harbor by The Tallest Man on Earth
- The Pilgrimage to My Soul’s True Sanctuary by The Staves
- The Quest for My Homeward Redemption by Josh Garrels
- The Search for My Heart’s True Refuge by Sufjan Stevens
- The Adventure of Returning to My Roots by The Oh My Goodness
- The Sojourn to My Long-Awaited Homecoming by Matt Corby
- The Journey of Reclaiming My Heart’s True Home by Old Sea Brigade
- The Pursuit of My Soul’s Longing for Home by Mighty Oaks
- The Road to My Heart’s Warm Embrace by The Weather Station
- The Trek to My Beloved Hearth by The Secret Sisters
- The Quest for My True Homecoming Joy by The Last Bison
- The Search for My Heart’s Truest Sanctuary by Brooke Fraser
- The Journey of Rediscovering My Soul’s Abode by The Once Weres
- The Path of Return to My Heart’s True Home by Ciaran Lavery
- The Pilgrim’s Road to My Beloved Sanctuary by Sarah Harmer
- The Homecoming Voyage of My Soul’s Longing by Caamp
- The Adventure of Finding My Way Back Home by David Crosby
- The Pursuit of My True Homecoming Bliss by The Family Crest
Looking for More Great Songs About Home and Family?
If so, take a look at our detailed articles on the Top Songs About Home, the Best Songs About Brothers, the Best Songs About Daughters, the Best Songs About Grandparents, and the Best Songs About Sons for more incredible songs.
Of course, you need to listen to them. So, check out our in-depth reviews of the Best Sound Quality Earbuds, the Best Headphones for Music, the Best Bass Earbuds, the Most Comfortable Headphones, and the Best True Wireless Earbuds you can buy in 2023.
Songs About Coming Home – Final Thoughts
So, there you have it. I hope at least one or two of the songs about coming back home were ones you already know.
I’ve tried to include a few of the more popular options, but apologies if one of your favorites didn’t make the list. Hopefully, there are still enough to get you started to build your own playlist.
Until next time, happy listening.
