Introduction:
“Home” by Alan Jackson is a deeply personal and heartfelt song from his 1990 debut album, Here in the Real World. Written by Jackson, it is a tribute to his parents and the simple, humble life they built in rural Georgia. The song narrates the story of how his parents, despite financial hardships, constructed their first home out of a tool shed provided by his grandfather. This depiction of resourcefulness, love, and faith highlights the enduring values of family and perseverance.
The song is especially meaningful as it reflects Jackson’s own upbringing. Raised alongside four sisters, his childhood was marked by the strength of his mother, who relied heavily on her faith, and the hard work of his father, a mechanic who labored tirelessly to support the family. These themes of sacrifice and gratitude resonate throughout the song, painting a vivid picture of a life defined by modesty and unity.
Though not released as a single from the album, “Home” remains one of Jackson’s most beloved tracks, cherished by fans for its authenticity and emotional resonance. Its neo-traditional country arrangement, featuring acoustic guitar and steel guitar accents, perfectly complements the song’s nostalgic tone. Jackson has often cited “Home” as one of his favorite self-written works, performing it in various live settings, including notable award shows.
This song captures the essence of Jackson’s music—a blend of storytelling, sincerity, and respect for traditional country roots—earning its place as a classic in his discography and a testament to his family legacy. It continues to evoke emotions for listeners and serves as a reminder of the importance of family and home.
Video:
Lyrics:
“Home”
Over 40 years ago
Her maiden name was Musik
Until she met that Jackson boyThey married young like folks did then
Not a penny to their name
They believed the one you vowed to love
Should always stay the same
And on the land his daddy gave him
A foundation underway
For a love to last forever
Or until their dying day
They built a bond that’s strong enough
To stand the test a time
And a place for us to turn to
When our lives were in bind
And they made their house from a tool shed
Grandaddy rolled out on two logs
And they built walls all around it
And they made that house a home
And they taught us ’bout good living
And taught us right from wrong
Lord, there’ll never be another place
In this world that I’ll call home
My mama raised five children
Four girls, and there was me
She found her strength in faith of God
And a love of family
She never had a social life
Home was all she knew
Except the time she took a job
To pay a bill or two
And my daddy skinned his knuckles
On the cars that he repaired
He never earned much money
But he gave us all he had
He never made the front page
But he did the best he could
Folks drove the cars from miles around
And let ’em look underneath the hood
And they made their house from a tool shed
Grandaddy rolled out on two logs
And they built walls all around it
And they made that house a home
And they taught us ’bout good living
And taught us right from wrong
Lord, there’ll never be another place
In this world that I’ll call home
There’ll never be another place
In this world that I’ll call home