The Story Behind 2012’s Unlikely Hit Song – ‘Home’ by Phillip Phillips

Here’s the story behind one of our favorite songs of 2012

In an era where the pop music charts are dominated by thumping 808 drums, European Dub Step-esque Synths and topics more fit for late night TV – an unexpected little folk song latched onto the American consciousness to become one of the biggest songs of 2012.

From the moment Phillip Phillips performed “Home” on the American Idol stage, the tune all about “making this place your home” flew to number 6 on the Billboard charts, went triple platinum and was even featured as the theme song of the Summer Olympic games in London.

Although Phillips is a noted talented songwriter, he was given “Home” to perform on the American Idol finale as his coronation single by Interscope Records head honcho Jimmy Iovine. The song was co-written by Drew Pearson who had intended for the song to be recorded by English singer and friend Greg Holden. As fate would have it, Drew sent the song in for last minute consideration for the Idol finale and the executives at the label fell in love with it immediately. The rest is history.

When Pearson and his writing partner Greg Holden submitted “Home” for consideration, they specifically wanted Phillips to sing it because they felt that “the sentiment lined up nicely with his experience.” Pearson is referring to the “homecoming” episode where emotions were high when the cameras went to Phillips’ tight knit community who showed so much love and support for the young aspiring singer. Pearson told the Hollywood Reporter that “you could see that it’s a small town and everybody knows everybody. It ended up being perfect for him.”

After rehearsing for hours upon hours, the song grew on Phillip Phillips and he was even famously brought to tears while singing it after he had been announced as winner of the 11th season of American Idol.

It’s hard to pin point exactly what makes a song great. The best way to describe “Home’s” success is that it just makes you feel good. It makes you feel good because at the core of it, we all on some deep level believe in the power of ‘home’. And the emotional tone of the singer’s voice when he says “I’m going to make this place your home” brings back all the warm and happy memories we’ve had and look forward to having at home, with loved ones.

 

Settle down, it’ll all be clear
Don’t pay no mind to the demons
They fill you with fear
The trouble it might drag you down
If you get lost, you can always be found

Just know you’re not alone
Cause I’m gonna make this place your home

And if you haven’t heard yet, we thought that “Home” would be the perfect backdrop to our new 2013 Advertising campaign. Check it out here!

Senior Manager, Content & Multimedia at Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. In his role he manages content strategy and execution across several platforms. He’s held other roles within the Marketing Department ranging from Previews & Product Development to the day to day management of the coldwellbanker.com redesign. Besides being a marketer, Gustavo is a filmmaker, musician and writer.

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10 Comments

  1. The Story Behind 2012′s Unlikely Hit Song – ‘Home’ by Phillip Phillips | kimreynoldsrealestate
    February 5, 2013

    […] Although Phillips is a noted talented songwriter, he was given “Home” to perform on the American Idol finale as his coronation single by Interscope Records head honcho Jimmy Iovine. The song was co-written by Drew Pearson who had intended for the song to be recorded by English singer and friend Greg Holden. As fate would have it, Drew sent the song in for last minute consideration for the Idol finale and the executives at the label fell in love with it immediately. The rest is history…read more at http://blog.coldwellbanker.com/the-story-behind-2012s-unlikely-hit-song-home-by-phillip-phillips/. […]

    Reply
  2. thessa
    March 9, 2013

    i just love Phillip Phillips <3

    Reply
  3. Catching Up Over Cookies - Nourish and Flourish
    July 15, 2013

    […] source […]

    Reply
  4. Carson
    August 12, 2013

    very original song choice…

    Reply
  5. Michaela
    September 14, 2015

    Philip Philips is bae. I LOVE HIM!!! <33 <3 <3

    Reply
    • Lindsay Listanski
      September 24, 2015

      Solid choice for a Bae! Thanks for stopping by!

      Reply
  6. Colleen Wadman
    November 8, 2015

    I played the song HOME with a video at my sons funeral in 2013. When I hear this song, it makes me think about going home to be with God. Wes and I would listen to this song on the radio so it seemed appropriate for his tribute song as he entered into heaven. Many people at the funeral associate this song to my son. People have told me that for some odd reason they may be thinking of Wes and then even almost 3 years later the song “Home” will come on the radio almost like he is saying “Hey guys I am here”. The song always makes me cry but in a way it is a feel good cry. Probably my favorite all time song.

    Reply
    • Lindsay Listanski
      November 9, 2015

      Thank you for sharing such a touching story with us Colleen. I am so sorry to hear about the passing on your son but am glad you find comfort in this song. Perhaps you stumbling on this post was a hello from beyond. Wishing you the best.

      Reply
    • Melva
      November 26, 2015

      Sending love and hugs to you and Wes.!”Just know you are not alone, cuz I am going to make this place my home…….”

      Reply
  7. Cindy
    August 26, 2017

    This song sung by Phillip Phillips give me goosebumps and makes me cry every single time I hear it. I could listen to it forever.
    It is possibly the best song that I have ever heard in my 65 years.

    Thank you so much for writing it and to Phillip for singing it.

    Reply

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