Homecoming is a time for alumni to revisit the glory days of college, for current students to bask in school spirit and for everyone involved to remember just how special Ohio University and Athens both are. Athens is a second home to every OU student and alum, so it wouldn’t be right to ring in hOUmecoming without a few tunes that exude warm feelings of coming home. Here are seven songs to add to your Homecoming playlist:
“Home” by Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros
The sweet whistling featured in the opening of “Home” is the perfect soundtrack for your drive back to Athens. Whether you’re taking a quick hour drive or you’re trekking a long distance back to Athens for Homecoming, singing to this indie-folk tune while doing so is sure to put a smile on your face.
“Ohio” by Caamp
Formed in Athens, Caamp dedicated an entire song to its favorite state. The track reminisces about the memories made in Ohio, and it’s the perfect tune to play while you think back on or revisit your favorite memories over Homecoming.
“Home Sweet Home” by Motley Crue
Shaking things up a bit, Motley Crue’s “Home Sweet Home” is the most climactic song to have playing right as you roll into Athens. Between the glorious piano chords during the song’s opening and the anthemic chorus and guitar solo, one can’t help but sing along to this power ballad.
“Coming Home” by Leon Bridges
Fitted with doo-wop sounds and the soulful voice of Leon Bridges, “Coming Home” is the perfect tune to start off Homecoming. Take in the town, reconnect with old friends and revisit the places that make Athens so special.
“Take Me Home, Country Roads” by John Denver
Though it’s somewhat of a meme nowadays, “Take Me Home, Country Roads,” at its core, is a song about the beauty of Appalachia. Athens is breathtakingly beautiful so whether you’re visiting the town or you’re a current student, stop and take it in for a minute — Athens during fall is unlike any other place.
“Coming Home” by Diddy - Dirty Money and Skylar Grey
The second song titled “Coming Home” on this list, this 2010 track from Diddy - Dirty Money and Skylar Grey reminisces on good memories. Homecoming is a time to reconnect with old friends, remember the fun times you had and then make new memories for days to come. Tell the world you’re coming home, and queue up this rap track for Homecoming.
“Homegrown” by Zac Brown Band
Athen is a small town, and this track from Zac Brown Band dwells on the simplicity and joy of small town living. Escaping the noise and chaos of nearby major cities like Cincinnati, Columbus, Cleveland and Pittsburgh, coming to Athens is always a much-needed break. While Homecoming is a crazy event, come and enjoy the relaxing atmosphere that’s so special to Athens.
“Who Says You Can’t Go Home” by Bon Jovi and Jennifer Nettles
Who says you can’t go home? No one. Homecoming is the time to come back to your second home and rejoice in the memories. Yell “OU Oh Yeah” from the rooftops and join in on the school spirit, because it’s hOUmecoming, Bobcats.
“Homeward Bound” by Simon & Garfunkel
For some alums, waiting to come back to Athens can be daunting. Paul Simon wrote this track while waiting to come home from tour. Bask in the sweet tunes of Simon & Garfunkel and realize that Homecoming is here sooner rather than later.
