Home Is Such a Lonely Place

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"Home Is Such a Lonely Place"
Single by Blink-182
from the album California
ReleasedApril 18, 2017 (2017-04-18)
RecordedJanuary–March 2016
StudioFoxy Studios (Woodland Hills, California)
Genre
Folk
Length3:21
LabelBMG
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)John Feldmann
Blink-182 singles chronology
"She's Out of Her Mind"
(2016) 		"Home Is Such a Lonely Place"
(2017) 		"Blame It on My Youth"
(2019)

"Home Is Such a Lonely Place" is a ballad recorded by American rock band Blink-182 for the group's seventh studio album, California (2016). The song was released as the third and final single from California on April 18, 2017, and the band's last to be released through BMG. Lyrically, the song revolves around the idea of letting go of loved ones. Bassist Mark Hoppus and producer John Feldmann first began developing the song while discussing their families, and how tough it might be when their children grow up and leave home. The song was written by Hoppus, Feldmann, drummer Travis Barker, guitarist Matt Skiba, and songwriter David Hodges.

The song has peaked at number 32 on Billboard's Alternative Songs chart. Its music video shows the band members relaxing with family and friends before heading out on tour.

Despite the fact that it was released as a single, the song was not performed live by the band on California's supporting tour. However, the band eventually played it on their Kings of the Weekend residency shows in Las Vegas.

Background[edit]

Producer John Feldmann recalled that they "needed" a ballad—"whatever that means for Blink"—for California. The concept behind the song, according to bassist Mark Hoppus, is "letting go of people hugely important in your life."[1] He and Feldmann met for coffee one morning before getting into the studio, and the subject of their children came up. They discussed how their lives were built around family, and how difficult it might be for them when their children eventually grow up and leave home.[2] Hoppus wrote the song about his son, Jack, who at the time was 13.[3]

Hoppus was fond of the song's title, calling it his favorite lyric on the album at the time of its release: "I really like that lyric, because when you think about home it's supposed to be safe and comforting and fulfilling, but sometimes it can also be the worst place in the world."[4] He described the song's tone as "kinda in the same mindset" as past Blink singles, such as "I Miss You".[5]

"Home Is Such a Lonely Place" was sent to alternative radio April 18, 2017.[6]

Composition[edit]

"Home Is Such a Lonely Place"
This sample illustrates the finger-picked guitar line, as well as the drum roll.
Problems playing this file? See media help.

"Home Is Such a Lonely Place" was written by Hoppus, Feldmann, drummer Travis Barker, guitarist Matt Skiba, and songwriter David Hodges, best known for his work with rock band Evanescence. Feldmann produced the song, and Zakk Cervini served as recording engineer.[7] The song was mixed by Neal Avron.[8] A ballad,[9] the song is largely based around a finger-picked, arpeggiated guitar line, strings,[10] and a snare drum roll.[1] Hoppus sings the verses, with guitarist Matt Skiba singing the chorus and providing background vocals and harmonies. A main lyric in the song is "I hold on tight / But not enough to hold you back."[11]

The song has been described as a folk song, in the same vein as "Boxing Day" from the band's Dogs Eating Dogs extended play.[12]

Music video[edit]

The song's music video was directed by Jason Goldwatch, and released on June 6, 2017. The clip takes the form of home movies, shot on 8mm film, of the trio and their family and friends as they prepare to head out on tour. The description for the video states it was among the most easy music videos to film, as well as most honest and personal.[13]

Personnel[edit]

Bassist Mark Hoppus, seen here in 2016, wrote the song about his son.

Credits adapted from the album's liner notes.[7]

Blink-182

Production

Charts[edit]

Chart (2016–17) Peak
position
US Hot Rock & Alternative Songs (Billboard)[14] 29
US Alternative Airplay (Billboard)[15] 32

Release history[edit]

Country Date Format Label
United States April 18, 2017 Alternative radio[16] BMG

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b James Hickie (June 4, 2016). "Behind Enema Lines". Kerrang!. No. 1622. pp. 16–21.
  2. ^ Pinfield, Matt (Interviewer); Hoppus, Mark (Interviewee) (June 2, 2016). Mark Hoppus Talks Fatherhood, Alkaline Trio, and the all-new Blink-182 (Podcast). 2Hours with Matt Pinfield. audioBoom. Archived from the original (mp3) on June 3, 2016. Retrieved March 8, 2017.
  3. ^ Maria Sherman (June 30, 2016). "Blink-182's 'California' Through Producer John Feldmann's Eyes: Track-By-Track". Fuse. Retrieved March 8, 2017.
  4. ^ Mark Hoppus, Matt Skiba (July 14, 2016). Blink 182: 'California' – Track by Track. NME. Retrieved March 8, 2017.
  5. ^ "Blink-182 search for 'back in the day' sound on first album without Tom DeLonge". Australian Broadcasting Corporation. May 9, 2016. Retrieved March 8, 2017.
  6. ^ "Future Releases on Alternative Radio Stations". All Access Music Group. Archived from the original on March 10, 2017. Retrieved March 10, 2017.
  7. ^ a b California (liner notes). Blink-182. US: BMG Rights Management. 2016. 538212682.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  8. ^ Paul Tingen (October 1, 2016). "Inside Track: Secrets Of The Mix Engineers: John Feldmann & Zakk Cervini". Sound on Sound: 78–89.
  9. ^ Anderson, Stacey (July 6, 2016). "Blink-182 California". Pitchfork. Retrieved January 26, 2023.
  10. ^ Appleford, Steve (April 29, 2016). "Blink-182 Celebrate Rebirth at Goofy L.A. Karaoke Bash". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on April 29, 2016. Retrieved March 8, 2017.
  11. ^ "The Pursuit of Happiness". Rock Sound (215): 56–65. August 1, 2016.
  12. ^ Wong, Mark. "Album Review: Blink 182 – California". Rockhaq. Retrieved December 17, 2022. On tracks like this Blink 182 show they are becoming more confident with the folk genre, and back in 2012 they wrote a Christmas song named Boxing Day in this style, which shows their progression.
  13. ^ Abby Hassler (June 6, 2017). "Blink-182 Goof Off in 'Home is Such a Lonely Place' Video". Radio.com. Archived from the original on June 8, 2017. Retrieved June 6, 2017.
  14. ^ "Blink-182 Chart History (Hot Rock & Alternative Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved March 10, 2017.
  15. ^ "Blink-182 Chart History (Alternative Airplay)". Billboard. Retrieved June 13, 2017.
  16. ^ "Future Releases on Alternative Radio Stations". All Access Music Group. Archived from the original on March 8, 2017. Retrieved March 8, 2017.
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