Finally Home

Last updated
"Finally Home"
Finally home.jpg
Single by MercyMe
from the album All That Is Within Me
ReleasedDecember 26, 2008
Recorded2007, Cider Mountain Studio (Athol, Idaho)
Genre Contemporary Christian music
Length3:30
Label INO
Songwriter(s) Millard, Graul, Scheuchzer
Producer(s) Brown Bannister
MercyMe singles chronology
"You Reign"
(2008)		"Finally Home"
(2008)		"All of Creation"
(2010)

"Finally Home" is a song by contemporary Christian music band MercyMe. Co-written by Bart Millard, Barry Graul, and Mike Scheuchzer, the song has lyrical themes revolving around heaven, with the music written around an acoustic guitar riff. It also contains musical influences from country and pop music, and features harmony vocals from Millard.

Contents

"Finally Home" was released as the third single from MercyMe's 2007 album All That Is Within Me and peaked at No. 1 on Billboard magazine's Soft AC/INSPO and Christian AC charts, No. 3 on the Hot Christian Songs chart, and No. 16 on the Hot Adult Contemporary Tracks chart. The song ranked at No. 9 on Billboard's 2009 year-end Hot Christian AC chart, and No. 12 on the year-end Hot Christian Songs chart.

Background

"Finally Home" was written after lead singer Bart Millard heard guitarists Mike Scheuchzer and Barry Graul improvising with an acoustic guitar riff. [1] According to Millard, he "wrote the first line and just started bawling. Then we played it for our producer, and he started bawling". [1] Millard was not sure the song would fit on the record, but Brown Bannister (the group's producer) told him "You just made a grown man cry. It's going on the record". [1]

Composition

"Finally Home" is a Contemporary Christian song with influences from country [2] and pop, [3] and has a length of three minutes and 30 seconds. [4]

The song is set in the key of E major and has a moderate tempo of 64 beats per minute, [5] and with a vocal range spanning from B3–A5. [5] "Finally Home" is similar to MercyMe's previous songs "I Can Only Imagine" and "Homesick" in theme, [3] [6] with the lyrics revolving around heaven. [3] [4] [6] The instrumentation of the song is based around an acoustic guitar riff, [6] and features harmony vocals from lead singer Bart Millard. [2]

Reception

Critical reception

"Finally Home" received generally positive to mixed critical reception. Jared Johnson of Allmusic opined in his review of All That Is Within Me that "The album's crowning moment is "Finally Home," a mesmerizing acoustic journey that takes listeners to a place where they are reunited with loved ones". [4] Russ Breimeier of The Fish commented that "With "Finally Home," we get another heaven song from the same guys responsible for "I Can Only Imagine," "Homesick," and others. The flowing acoustic pop style sets it apart from others, but seriously, can we expect a heaven medley from MercyMe in concert someday?" [3]

Chuck Taylor of Billboard commented that "Finally Home"... is a midtempo guitar-driven ode to meeting the maker. Christian AC has already offered its approval and though thematically it's genre-specific, lead singer Bart Millard's beautiful harmonies accompanying a singalong chorus and country radio's wholesome persona open the doors to acceptance there. Overall, a fine contender to further this established band's brand". [2] Lauren Summerford of Jesus Freak Hideout was more apathetic about the song, commenting that "The acoustic guitar based "Finally Home" fills the void of the "ballad about getting to heaven" spot we've come to expect from MercyMe". [6]

Chart performance

"Finally Home" debuted at No. 21 on the Hot Christian Songs chart for the chart week of January 17, 2009. [7] The song moved to No. 19 in its second chart week, [8] and to No. 16 in its third week. [9] "Finally Home" jumped to No. 8 in its sixth chart week, [10] and advanced to No. 5 in its thirteenth chart week, a spot it held for two weeks. [11] After advancing and spending a further three weeks at No. 4, [12] "Finally Home" reached its peak of No. 3 for the chart week of May 16, 2009, [13] a position it held for two weeks. [12] The song spent a further eight weeks on the chart [12] before dropping out after the chart week of July 18, 2009. [12] [14] "Finally Home" also peaked at No. 1 on the Christian AC and Soft AC/INSPO charts. [15]

On the Adult Contemporary chart, "Finally Home" debuted at No. 27 for the chart week of April 4, 2009, [12] [16] a spot it held for two weeks. [12] The song advanced to No. 27 in its third chart week, [12] [17] and reached its peak position of No. 16 on its tenth chart week. [12] [18] The song spent ten more weeks on the chart before dropping out, [12] spending twenty weeks on the chart in total. [12] [19]

Music video

A music video was released for "Finally Home". [20] The video features the band performing the song live, with heavy uses of special effects in between and during shots.

Charts

Weekly charts

Chart (2009)Peak
Position
U.S. Billboard Christian AC [15] 1
U.S. Billboard Soft AC/INSPO [15] 1
U.S. Billboard Hot Christian Songs [12] 3
U.S. Billboard Hot Adult Contemporary Tracks [12] 16

Year-end charts

Chart (2009)Position
U.S. Billboard Hot Christian AC [21] 9
U.S. Billboard Hot Christian Songs [22] 12

Decade-end charts

Chart (2000s)Position
U.S. Billboard Hot Christian AC [23] 72

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">I Can Only Imagine (MercyMe song)</span> 2001 single by MercyMe

"I Can Only Imagine" is a song by Christian rock band MercyMe. Written and composed by lead singer Bart Millard, it was originally recorded for the band's 1999 independent album The Worship Project before being included on their 2001 major-label debut album Almost There. The song was the last to be written for The Worship Project; in writing it, Millard drew upon his thoughts about his father's death. Lyrically, it imagines what it would be like to be in front of God in heaven; it opens with just a piano before building to include guitar and drums.

<i>Undone</i> (MercyMe album) 2004 studio album by MercyMe

Undone is the third studio album by Christian rock band MercyMe. It was produced by Pete Kipley and released on April 20, 2004 on INO Records. Following the success of MercyMe's previous studio efforts and their surprise crossover hit "I Can Only Imagine”, they were given significantly more resources to develop the album with. The band also brought in a sixth member, guitarist Barry Graul. Unlike the band's previous songwriting style, which was to write the lyrics first, they wrote the music for the songs on Undone before writing the lyrics. Musically, the album is a progression from the band's previous albums, adopting a guitar-driven pop rock and adult contemporary sound, while the lyrics are personal and convey Christian themes.

"Homesick" is a song by Christian rock band MercyMe. Written by Bart Millard, the song is an expression of grief and longing that was written after the band experienced the deaths of nine people they were connected to in a short period of time. "Homesick" was included on MercyMe's third studio album Undone and was released as the second single from that album.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">So Long Self</span> 2006 single by MercyMe

"So Long Self" is a song written and performed by Christian rock band MercyMe. "So Long Self" is musically a song with a lyrical theme revolving around a figurative breakup with one's self. "So Long Self" was released as the lead single from the band's 2006 album Coming Up to Breathe.

<i>All That Is Within Me</i> 2007 studio album by MercyMe

All That Is Within Me is the fifth studio album by American Christian rock band MercyMe. Produced by Brown Bannister, it was released on November 20, 2007 through INO Records. The album, intended by the band to be a worship album split between covers and original songs, was recorded following the band's tour with Audio Adrenaline in promotion of their previous studio album Coming Up to Breathe (2006). Although the band intended to write material for a new album during the tour, they had only written one song by the time they entered their recording studio, Cider Mountain Studio in Athol, Idaho. The band wrote so many songs at the studio that they decided not to include any cover songs; all of the songs on the album but were written or co-written by the band. The album was described as being a rock and worship album, being aimed directly at a Christian audience.

<i>Coming Up to Breathe</i> 2006 studio album by MercyMe

Coming Up to Breathe is the fourth studio album by Christian rock band MercyMe. Released on April 25, 2006, by INO Records, the album was intended by MercyMe to be edgier than their previous albums. Coming Up to Breathe sold 58,000 copies its first week, MercyMe's biggest sales week at the time. It debuted and peaked at number one on the Billboard Christian Albums chart, number five on the Rock Albums chart, and number thirteen on the Billboard 200. It also appeared on the Alternative Albums chart in 2007, peaking at number thirteen. Coming Up to Breathe was certified Gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) in 2007, signifying shipments of over 500,000 copies.

<i>Spoken For</i> 2002 studio album by MercyMe

Spoken For is the second studio album by Christian rock band MercyMe. Produce by Pete Kipley, the album was released on October 1, 2002, by INO Records. The album's production, which followed the success of "I Can Only Imagine" on Christian radio, was described by lead singer Bart Millard as "nerve-racking"; the album musically represents a shift in the band's musical style, with critics variously identifying it as roots rock, pop rock, or adult contemporary. Lyrically, the album focuses on worship and the concept of Christians as being "spoken for" by God.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Here with Me (MercyMe song)</span> 2004 single by MercyMe

"Here with Me" is a song by Christian rock band MercyMe. Written and composed by the band, as well as Peter Kipely, Dan Muckala, and Brad Russell, "Here with Me" is a ballad with a musical style influenced by worship, pop, and rock music; the overall sound has been compared to that of alternative rock band Coldplay. "Here with Me" lyrically discusses the omnipresence of God.

"Bring the Rain" is a song by American Christian rock band MercyMe from their 2006 album Coming Up to Breathe. It was released on March 24, 2007, as the third radio single. The song became the band's sixth Hot Christian Songs No. 1, staying there for one week. It lasted 32 weeks on the overall chart. The song is played in an A major key at 158 beats per minute.

"Word of God Speak" is a song by Christian rock band MercyMe. Written by Bart Millard and Pete Kipley, "Word of God Speak" uses sparse instrumentation, featuring only piano and strings to accompany Millard's vocals. The lyrics to "Word of God Speak" reflect on the idea that it is impossible to speak of an infinite God with a limited vocabulary.

<i>The Generous Mr. Lovewell</i> 2010 studio album by MercyMe

The Generous Mr. Lovewell is the sixth studio album by Christian rock band MercyMe. Released in May 2010, the album is a concept record revolving around a fictional, allegorical character, 'Mr. Lovewell', and the overall theme of love. Produced by Brown Bannister and Dan Muckala, the album met with positive critical and commercial reception. The album sold over 88,000 copies its first week and debuted at number three on the Billboard 200 and at number one on the Christian Albums chart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">MercyMe discography</span>

The discography of MercyMe, an American Christian rock band, includes 11 studio albums, two compilation albums, two video albums, and 28 singles. MercyMe, formed in 1994, released six independent albums from 1995–2000 before signing with INO Records and releasing their major label debut album, Almost There (2001). Almost There peaked at No. 37 on the Billboard 200 and No. 1 on the Billboard Christian Albums chart. The band released Spoken For, their second studio album, in 2002; it peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard Christian Albums chart and No. 41 on the Billboard 200. Its second single, "Word of God Speak", spent a record 23 weeks atop the Billboard Christian Songs chart. The album has been certified Gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), and has sold over 550,000 copies. In 2003, mainstream radio interest in "I Can Only Imagine", the band's second single from Almost There, caused sales of the album to surge. "I Can Only Imagine" would peak at No. 5 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart and No. 71 on the Billboard Hot 100. Almost There was eventually certified triple Platinum by the RIAA, signifying shipments of over 3,000,000 copies, and has sold over 2.2 million copies in the United States.

"Move" is a song by Christian rock band MercyMe. Written by MercyMe and Dan Muckala, "Move" is a dance-rock song with a sound similar to that of pop rock band Maroon 5. The theme of the song's lyrics is perseverance through adversity. Released on May 23, 2011 as the third single from MercyMe's 2010 album The Generous Mr. Lovewell, "Move" was received with positive critical reviews, especially for the arrangement of the song. "Move" attained success as a single, peaking atop Billboard magazine's Christian Songs, Hot Christian AC, and Christian AC Indicator charts, as well as at No. 6 on the Billboard Christian CHR chart and No. 20 on the Billboard Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles chart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">All of Creation (song)</span> 2010 single by MercyMe

"All of Creation" is a song by Christian rock band MercyMe. The song, written by MercyMe, Brown Bannister, and Dan Muckala, lyrically revolves around the themes of love, life, and belief, as well as the foundation of Christian faith. The song was intended to refer to the birth, death, and resurrection of Jesus in each verse and has been described as 'pop' and 'worship'.

"Beautiful" is a song by contemporary Christian music band MercyMe. Written and composed by MercyMe, Dan Muckala, and Brown Bannister, the song was written for the daughters of the band's members. The song's lyrics revolve around self-worth and the love of God. "Beautiful" was released on September 17, 2010, as the second single from MercyMe's 2010 album The Generous Mr. Lovewell.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hold Fast (song)</span> 2006 single by MercyMe

Hold Fast is a song written and recorded Christian rock band MercyMe. It was released as the second single from their 2006 album Coming Up to Breathe.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">You Reign</span> 2008 single by MercyMe

"You Reign" is a song written and performed by Christian rock band MercyMe. The song was co-written by Bart Millard, Barry Graul, and Steven Curtis Chapman, and was released as the second single from their fifth studio album, All That Is Within Me.

"Miracle of the Moment" is a song recorded by contemporary Christian singer and songwriter Steven Curtis Chapman. Written and produced by Chapman and Matt Bronleewe, it was released as the lead single from Chapman's 2007 studio album This Moment. Lyrically, the song challenges the listener to let go of their past regrets and live in the moment.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Hurt & the Healer (song)</span> 2012 single by MercyMe

"The Hurt & the Healer" is a song by Christian rock band MercyMe. Written by Bart Millard, Robby Shaffer, Jim Bryson, Mike Schuechzer, Nathan Cochran, and Barry Graul, it was released as the lead single from the band's upcoming album of the same title. The idea for the song came after the death of Millard's firefighter cousin, who died while fighting a fire, and the song's early completion resulted in the album being pushed back so that the band could make sure the rest of the album "held its own".

<i>Welcome to the New</i> 2014 studio album by MercyMe

Welcome to the New is the eighth studio album from contemporary Christian music band MercyMe, which was released on April 8, 2014 by Fair Trade Services and Columbia Records, and the producers are David Garcia and Ben Glover.

References

Notes
    Footnotes
    1. 1 2 3 "MercyMe". Christianity Today . Crosswalk.com. 24 November 2009. Archived from the original on 3 April 2012. Retrieved 27 September 2011.
    2. 1 2 3 Taylor, Chuck (14 March 2009). "Finally Home - Billboard.biz". Billboard.biz . Prometheus Global Media. Archived from the original on 15 January 2013. Retrieved 27 September 2011.
    3. 1 2 3 4 "All That Is Within Me, Christian Music Review". The Fish. Salem Web Network. Archived from the original on 15 May 2012. Retrieved 27 September 2011.
    4. 1 2 3 "All That Is Within Me - MercyMe (Review)". Allmusic . Rovi Corporation . Retrieved 27 September 2011.
    5. 1 2 "MercyMe - Finally Home Sheet Music". Musicnotes.com. Retrieved 17 August 2011.
    6. 1 2 3 4 Lauren, Summerford (18 November 2007). "MercyMe, "All That Is Within Me" Review". Jesus Freak Hideout. Archived from the original on 9 September 2011. Retrieved 27 September 2011.
    7. ↑ "Christian Songs Archive (17 January 2009)". Billboard . Prometheus Global Media . Retrieved 27 September 2011.
    8. ↑ "Christian Songs Archive (24 January 2009)". Billboard . Prometheus Global Media . Retrieved 27 September 2011.
    9. ↑ "Christian Songs Archive (31 January 2009)". Billboard . Prometheus Global Media . Retrieved 27 September 2011.
    10. ↑ "Christian Songs Archive (21 February 2009)". Billboard . Prometheus Global Media . Retrieved 27 September 2011.
    11. ↑ "Christian Songs Archive (11 April 2009)". Billboard . Prometheus Global Media . Retrieved 27 September 2011.
    12. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 "Finally Home - Billboard". Billboard . Prometheus Global Media . Retrieved 27 September 2011.
    13. ↑ "Christian Songs Archive (16 May 2009)". Billboard . Prometheus Global Media . Retrieved 27 September 2011.
    14. ↑ "Billboard.biz Archive - Christian Songs". Billboard.biz . Prometheus Global Media. Archived from the original on August 5, 2011. Retrieved 27 September 2011.
    15. 1 2 3 ""10" - Mercyme". The Media Collective. 7 April 2009. Archived from the original on 8 April 2011. Retrieved 21 August 2011.
    16. ↑ "Adult Contemporary Archive (4 April 2009)". Billboard . Prometheus Global Media . Retrieved 27 September 2011.
    17. ↑ "Adult Contemporary Archive (18 April 2009)". Billboard . Prometheus Global Media . Retrieved 27 September 2011.
    18. ↑ "Adult Contemporary Archive (6 June 2009)". Billboard . Prometheus Global Media . Retrieved 27 September 2011.
    19. ↑ "Billboard.biz Archive - Adult Contemporary". Billboard.biz . Prometheus Global Media. Archived from the original on August 5, 2011. Retrieved 27 September 2011.
    20. ↑ "MercyMe - Finally Home". YouTube . 27 September 2010. Retrieved 14 October 2023.
    21. ↑ "Year-end Hot Christian AC chart (2009)". Billboard.biz . Prometheus Global Media. Archived from the original on 21 August 2011. Retrieved 28 September 2011.
    22. ↑ "Year-end Christian Songs chart (2009)". Billboard.biz . Prometheus Global Media. Archived from the original on 21 August 2011. Retrieved 28 September 2011.
    23. ↑ "Decade-end Hot Christian AC chart (2000s)". Billboard.biz . Prometheus Global Media. Archived from the original on 17 August 2011. Retrieved 28 September 2011.
    This page is based on this Wikipedia article
    Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
    Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.