“Scroll down to the end of the article to listen to music.”
Introduction
Imagine a place that’s not permanent, a stop along the way—a temporary home. This concept resonates deeply with many, echoing the transient nature of our journeys. “Temporary Home,” a poignant song by Carrie Underwood, captures this sentiment beautifully. Released in 2009 as part of her third studio album, “Play On,” this song has touched the hearts of listeners worldwide, reminding us of the temporary phases we go through in life and the hope that lies ahead.
About The Composition
- Title: Temporary Home
- Composer: Carrie Underwood, Luke Laird, and Zac Maloy
- Premiere Date: October 20, 2009
- Album/Opus/Collection: Play On
- Genre: Country
Background
“Temporary Home” was inspired by the book “The Purpose Driven Life” by Rick Warren, which encourages readers to view their lives as part of a larger, spiritual journey. Underwood and her co-writers, Luke Laird and Zac Maloy, crafted a song that encapsulates this philosophy, reflecting on the temporary nature of our earthly existence. The song debuted to critical acclaim and quickly became a fan favorite, praised for its heartfelt lyrics and emotional delivery.
Musical Style
The song is a quintessential country ballad, characterized by its gentle guitar strums and Underwood’s soulful vocals. The arrangement is simple yet powerful, allowing the lyrics to take center stage. The verses are structured to tell individual stories of people in temporary living situations—a child in foster care, a single mother, and an elderly man nearing the end of his life—culminating in a chorus that ties their experiences together with a message of hope and perseverance.
Lyrics
The lyrics of “Temporary Home” delve into themes of impermanence and faith. Each verse tells a different story, painting a vivid picture of the character’s struggles and transient living situations. The chorus serves as a comforting reminder that these situations are temporary and that there’s a greater plan at work. The recurring line, “This is our temporary home,” reinforces the idea that our current circumstances are not our final destination.
Performance History
“Temporary Home” has been performed numerous times by Carrie Underwood, each rendition met with emotional responses from audiences. Notable performances include her 2009 appearance on “American Idol” and the 2010 Country Music Association Awards. The song has also been a staple in her concert tours, often accompanied by visual backdrops that emphasize its moving message.
Cultural Impact
The song has resonated with a broad audience, transcending the country genre to touch listeners from all walks of life. Its themes of temporary hardship and ultimate hope have made it a popular choice for various media, including television shows and tribute events. “Temporary Home” has also been used in charity campaigns and awareness programs, highlighting issues such as foster care and homelessness.
Legacy
“Temporary Home” continues to be one of Carrie Underwood’s most beloved songs, with its message remaining relevant and poignant. It has inspired many to reflect on their own lives and the transient nature of their struggles. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to its powerful message and Underwood’s emotive performance.
Conclusion
“Temporary Home” is more than just a song; it’s a reminder of the fleeting nature of life’s challenges and the hope that lies beyond them. Carrie Underwood’s heartfelt delivery and the song’s poignant lyrics make it a timeless piece that continues to resonate with audiences. If you haven’t yet experienced the emotional depth of “Temporary Home,” I highly recommend listening to Carrie Underwood’s performances, especially the live versions that capture the raw emotion of the song.
Video
Lyrics
Little boy, six years old
A little too used to bein’ alone
Another new mom and dad, another school
Another house that’ll never be home
When people ask him how he likes this place
He looks up and says with a smile upon his face
“This is my temporary home
It’s not where I belong
Windows in rooms that I’m passin’ through
This is just a stop, on the way to where I’m going
I’m not afraid because I know this is my
Temporary home”
Young mom on her own
She needs a little help got nowhere to go
She’s lookin’ for a job, lookin’ for a way out
‘Cause a half-way house will never be a home
At night she whispers to her baby girl
Someday we’ll find a place here in this world
“This is our temporary home
It’s not where we belong
Windows in rooms that we’re passin’ through
This is just a stop, on the way to where we’re going
I’m not afraid because I know this is our
Temporary home”
Old man, hospital bed
The room is filled with people he loves
And he whispers don’t cry for me
I’ll see you all someday
He looks up and says “I can see God’s face”
“This is my temporary Home
It’s not where I belong
Windows in rooms that I’m passin’ through
This was just a stop, on the way to where I’m going
I’m not afraid because I know this was
My temporary home”
This is our temporary home