People all over the world have different relationships with their hometowns. Some aim to leave their hometowns behind to find their place in this big, vast world; others never leave their hometowns and are more than happy to live their entire lives in the same locality.
However, the feelings that are almost always present in songs about hometowns are the pride, fondness, and love for the place the singers came from. Sure, every place has its quirks, but your hometown remains to be a big part of who you are. Here are the 10 Best Songs About Hometowns.
Hometown Glory by Adele
Hometown Glory is a song about Adele’s hometown in London. She grew up in a simple flat in West Norwood with her mom and a flatmate. She remains very fond of this place and declares that this is the best house she has ever lived in.
Hometown Glory is a testament to how she feels about her home. This is the very first song Adele has ever written and is part of her first album, 19. Hometown Glory describes her home with its familiar pavements and fresh memories. She also tells us about the city. Despite the differences, she is proud of both. As the song says, the wonders of her world are from her hometown.
2 Take Me Home, Country Roads by John Denver
Take Me Home, Country Roads is probably the ultimate Hometown song. John Denver describes his home, West Virginia almost as beautiful as heaven itself. Its serene and wise mountains in the background, old trees and the Shenandoah River, beckoning and calling to him to come home.
His hometown holds his memories, his secrets, and his life. The only regret he has is why he didn’t go home earlier. There is no place where he belongs except for his hometown. This is a song he would sing on the road as he drives to his one and only home.
Sweet Home Alabama by Lynyrd
This is another country song that has almost become the unofficial theme song of the state of Alabama. This is such a catchy song of a catchy phrase always used when referring to Alabama. Lynyrd Skynyrd has deep love for their hometown and does not tolerate anyone who speaks ill of their beloved home.
The song has messages in response to another song about Alabama which was written by Neil Young. It seemed that both bands were throwing shade at each other but several interviews reveal that there was no animosity between them and sometimes words come really easily when composing a song.
For what it’s worth, this hometown song is relatable to many. People deeply love their hometowns. A movie with the same title was also made showcasing Alabama and its character. That’s another endearing story to tell.
Paradise City by Guns N’ Roses
Guns N’ Roses are iconic rock idols who composed such powerful and popular songs. Paradise City is one of these songs with heart-wrenching lyrics that are delivered in intense and memorable tunes.
This song tells a story about someone’s life in the city and his life back home. The stark contrast between the verses and the chorus cannot be overlooked. The harshness of life in the city compared to the comforts of Paradise City is an experience so many people have personally lived.
According to one of his interviews, Axl Rose, the band’s lead vocalist, said that Paradise City can literally be anywhere. Everyone can have his/her own version of where this place actually is, a place one calls home.
Empire State of Mind by JAY-Z ft Alicia Keys
New York City is one of the most sought-after destinations of dream chasers. Anyone who wants to be anyone has dreamed about pursuing a career and a dream in this famed city. There was never a lack of representation of NYC in stories, books, or movies. Frank SInatra’s famous line “If I can make it there, I can make it anywhere” still rings true as the best of the best thrive in this city. A lot of Hometown Songs are usually sung about homes in the suburbs or in the country.
However, JAY-Z was born and raised in this electric, influential, powerhouse of a city and he did not fail to compose an ode for his beloved NYC.
California Girls by Katy Perry ft. Snoop Dogg
West Coast represent! Katy Perry and Snoop Dogg performed this fun and captivating song in response to JAY-Z’s Empire State of Mind. Katy Perry said in an interview that she wanted to sing about her hometown too.
This song appeals to listeners and showcases how vibrant and full-of-life California truly is. What’s interesting is both Katy Perry and Snoop Dogg were born and raised in this exciting city, California. Talk about hometown pride!
Almost Home by Mariah Carey
Mariah Carey sang Almost Home back in 2013 as the main track in the movie “Oz, The Great and Powerful” by Disney. The message of the song is hopeful and empowering. What we do not often realize is that each of us is on a journey in our lifetimes. Exactly like main characters in any story, our personal journey takes on its own twists and turns, complete with both triumphs and setbacks.
Almost Home is a song that we can listen to whenever we feel defeated. Defeat can very well likely be temporary and we can always come home to heal our wounds, regain our strength, and once again continue our journey.
When you feel like you’re almost empty and running-on-fumes, remember to keep moving because sometimes you just don’t know it, but you’re “Almost Home.”
Coming Home by Diddy
Hometowns are places where one was born and raised in. Hometowns can be places where one would love to go home to or one could not wait to escape from. With humans being very dynamic and complicated, one’s home can very well be anywhere you belong, where you feel safe, a place of your choosing, or even your actual self. Diddy’s “Coming Home” is an expression of his life and struggles.
He dedicates this song to anyone who feels lost or is struggling. He shares that sometimes, one really gets lost in life’s misfortunes. Everyone has a different problem to face but you have to find your way back to yourself. You have to come home.
Quiet Town by The Killers
This song is the saddest in this list. The Killers’ lead singer and keyboardist, Brandon Flowers wrote a tragedy that he personally witnessed in his hometown in Nephi, Utah. A young couple in their senior year was hit by the Union Pacific Train and met their untimely death. Brandon laments this unfortunate fate that has befallen two students that he knew from his school.
He also mentioned the Opioid abuse that has caused serious troubles in their town. He only has good things to say about the people from his Hometown. It is a hardworking, tight-knit, helpful, trustworthy community who believes in Jesus. Tragedies truly happen once in a while, and even in this quiet town, everyone sometimes has to cry.
Homecoming by Kanye West
It’s Kanye West’s turn to give homage to his hometown, Chicago, Illinois. He fondly calls Chicago “Windy” and talks about “her” in this entire song. He shares how beautiful, strong, and feisty this city is. She even seems to discipline youngsters when they go out of line.
Kanye gives credit to Windy for his upbringing and successes. This song has some bittersweet elements as he expresses his deep regret for ever leaving her to pursue his dreams. He hears her talk to him, questioning his decision to leave because Kanye could have done a lot of good for the youth in “Chi-Town” had he stayed home. He feels like he can never truly come back because he had left her for so long.
To somehow make up for this abandonment, Kanye always references and gives merit to his beloved home. This song ends with a hopeful wish that he and Chicago may somehow start again.
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