Homeboy (Eric Church song)
Encyclopedia
"Homeboy" is the title of a song co-written by Eric Church
and Casey Beathard
, and recorded by Church. It was released in March 2011 as the ninth single of his career, and the first from his third studio album, Chief.
, who came up with the song's idea after hearing his son say "come on, homeboy" to a friend. He made the song available as a free digital download
from his website between February 20 and 24, 2011, although it was not available from retailers until March 8.
or Charlie Daniels
. Stephen M. Deusner of The 9513 gave the song a "thumbs down", calling it "actively, even aggressively bad to the point of insulting, both culturally and musically." He thought that the song stereotyped the urban lifestyle, and thought that the production "topples over into self-parody".
and premiered in May 2011. It was filmed at the former Tennessee State Prison
in Nashville, Tennessee
, where Church also filmed the video for "Lightning", an album track from his first album. In the video, the brother character is shown being pursued by police officers, jailed, and then leaving jail while realizing the effects of his decisions.
Eric Church
Kenneth Eric Church is an American country music singer and songwriter. Signed to Capitol Records in 2006, Church released his debut album Sinners Like Me that year...
and Casey Beathard
Casey Beathard
Casey Beathard is an American country music songwriter. The son of former NFL general manager Bobby Beathard, he has co-written singles for several country music recording artists, including Top Ten singles for Gary Allan, Billy Ray Cyrus, Trace Adkins, and Kenny Chesney...
, and recorded by Church. It was released in March 2011 as the ninth single of his career, and the first from his third studio album, Chief.
Content
In "Homeboy", the narrator addresses a delinquent brother who has taken to a destructive urban lifestyle. The lyrics play on the word "homeboy", turning it into a plea for his brother to "come on home, boy." Church wrote the song with Casey BeathardCasey Beathard
Casey Beathard is an American country music songwriter. The son of former NFL general manager Bobby Beathard, he has co-written singles for several country music recording artists, including Top Ten singles for Gary Allan, Billy Ray Cyrus, Trace Adkins, and Kenny Chesney...
, who came up with the song's idea after hearing his son say "come on, homeboy" to a friend. He made the song available as a free digital download
Music download
A music download is the transferral of music from an Internet-facing computer or website to a user's local computer. This term encompasses both legal downloads and downloads of copyright material without permission or payment...
from his website between February 20 and 24, 2011, although it was not available from retailers until March 8.
Critical reception
Matt Bjorke of Roughstock rated the single four stars out of five, calling it "relatable on many levels" and praising the "interesting musical accompaniment". He thought that the "loud guitars are sure to turn off some people", but thought that the song would appeal to fans of Hank Williams, Jr.Hank Williams, Jr.
Randall Hank Williams , better known as Hank Williams, Jr. and Bocephus, is an American country singer-songwriter and musician. His musical style is often considered a blend of Southern rock, blues, and traditional country...
or Charlie Daniels
Charlie Daniels
Charles Edward "Charlie" Daniels is an American musician known for his contributions to country and southern rock music. He is known primarily for his number one country hit "The Devil Went Down to Georgia", and multiple other songs he has performed and written. Daniels has been active as a singer...
. Stephen M. Deusner of The 9513 gave the song a "thumbs down", calling it "actively, even aggressively bad to the point of insulting, both culturally and musically." He thought that the song stereotyped the urban lifestyle, and thought that the production "topples over into self-parody".
Music video
The music video was directed by Peter ZavadilPeter Zavadil
Peter Zavadil is a music video director who works primarily in the field of country music. He has directed many music videos since the late 1990s.-Music videos directed:109 music videos are currently listed here.-References:...
and premiered in May 2011. It was filmed at the former Tennessee State Prison
Tennessee State Prison
Tennessee State Prison is a former correctional facility located near downtown Nashville, Tennessee. Opened in 1898, the prison has been closed since 1992. It has been the location for the films Nashville, Marie, Ernest Goes to Jail, Against the Wall, The Green Mile, The Last Castle and Pillar's...
in Nashville, Tennessee
Nashville, Tennessee
Nashville is the capital of the U.S. state of Tennessee and the county seat of Davidson County. It is located on the Cumberland River in Davidson County, in the north-central part of the state. The city is a center for the health care, publishing, banking and transportation industries, and is home...
, where Church also filmed the video for "Lightning", an album track from his first album. In the video, the brother character is shown being pursued by police officers, jailed, and then leaving jail while realizing the effects of his decisions.
Chart performance
| Chart (2011) | Peak position |
|---|