For the love of rock
Vol III, Issue 14 – Coming home (15 July 2018)
www.intheloveofrock.com
Name of song– Coming home
Band – Cinderella
Album- Long Cold Winter
Writer– Tom Keifer
Release year– 1988
Similar Artists- Motley Crue, Poison, Warrant, Ratt, Van Halen
Peak chart positions
# 13 – Mainstream Rock Songs (1989)
# 20 – Billboard Hot 100 (1989)
Coming home
Reviewers- Bikash Shrestha/Nirab Kayastha
“Cinderella” is a prototype heavymetal/glam metal/hair metal band of the eighties. Formed by vocalist/guitarist Tom Keifer in Pennsylvania in 1983, it comprised of Eric Brittingham (Bass), Jeff LaBar (Guitars) and Fred Coury (Drums). They ruled the mid eighties’ metal scene and received heavy airplay of their music videos in MTV. Even with relatively few albums, they have left unforgettable mark in the rock world. After their last album “Still Climbing” in 1994, they finally broke in 2017. With numerous hit singles, they always dominated the eighties metal scene and rock fans shall always be grateful to them for their contribution.
They debuted in 1986 with triple platinum album “Night Songs,” containing their hit single “Nobody’s fool.” This was more heavy metal/glam metal album. After 2 years, they produced their second album “Long Cold Winter” which was more blues rock and hard rock oriented than the previous one and had more hit singles. Also certified triple platinum, this is considered one of their most successful albums.
“Coming home” is the third single from their album “Long Cold Winter.” It charted to No. 20 on Billboard in 1989 and is considered as one of their most memorable numbers. It is a simple ballad describing the love affair and the dilemma of a man who has to go on his own. Beautifully written and wonderfully composed, it is a heavy rock ballad which would melt any rocker’s heart and soul.
The song starts with a nice electric guitar plucking with a smooth acoustic rhythm and bass. Following this, Tom Keifer’s melodiously piercing voice pushes the song slowly to the next level. As Keifer takes the motion, Eric Brittingham’s heavy bass joins in. Soon, thundering drums by Fred Coury comes into play and with the second stanza, the song goes into heavy frenzy rock number with Keifer’s typical heavy metal sharp voice dominating the song. After the second stanza and main chorus, there is a soft piano and rhythm guitar break which is followed by Jeff LaBar’s short and sweet solo. After the solo, repeat stanza and main chorus comes up and finally, the song fades beautifully with the melodious rhythm, lead and Keifer’s repeated charismatically melodious main chorus. The end portion actually surpasses the entire song ever so smoothly. Truly a wonderful heavy rock ballad!!!
Although Cinderella has given us numerous hit singles, it is “Coming home” for which they shall always be remembered and of course, whenever we come home, we should be thankful to them for this song, forever!
Happy listening!!
Resources– Wikipedia.org, Allmusic.com
Coming home
I took a walk down a road
It’s the road I was meant to stay
I see the fire in your eyes
But a man’s got to make his way
So are you tough enough for my love?
Just close your eyes to the heaven above
I’m coming home, I’m coming home
I took a ride in a world
I’ll be spinnin’ for the rest of my life
I feel your heart beatin’ baby
Oooh sometimes it cuts like a knife
So are you tough enough for my love?
Just close your eyes to the heaven above
I’m coming home, I’m coming home,
I’m coming home
Where your love tonight, can shine on me
I’m coming home
Where your lovin’ arms, can set me free, ooh, hoo, hoo
I took a walk down a road
It’s the road I was meant to stay
I see the fire in your eyes
But a man’s got to make his way
So are you tough enough for my love?
Just close your eyes to the heaven above
I’m coming home, I’m coming home
I’m coming home, oh yeah
I’m on my way, oh yeah
I’m coming home, ooh, ohh
I’m coming home, here we go
Ooo yeah, ooo, I’m on my way
Come on baby, come on now
Let your love, shine on me
Sing along, I’m on my way
Come on baby, oooh, oooh, oooh, oooh
Shine on, shine on, shine on me
Come on baby, I’m on my way
Come on baby, let you love shine on me
Oh yeah, shine on me
Oh yeah, shine on, shine on me
I’m on my way, I’m on my way, I’m on my way
Lyrics link – http://www.metrolyrics.com/coming-home-lyrics-cinderella.html
Video link – https://youtu.be/5_DWOlO3Lcg