Composed primarily of transplants to the Seattle area, The Head and the Heart write and play songs that speak to the newness of a fresh start, of the ghosts left behind, of moving forward, all brimming with a soulfulness and hope for a better life than the one we've all been sold.
Stylistically, think a folksy Beatles or The Avett Brothers with a little extra oomph. Catchy piano melodies stand side by side with a tight trio of harmonies, and solid minimalist drums, groovin' bass, and plenty of hand percussion and foot stomps make the live show inspiring and really goddamn fun.
After the band self-released its eponymous debut album in June 2010, the emblematic Seattle label Sub Pop re-released the album. For the Sub Pop version, the song “Sounds like Hallelujah” has been re-recorded, live favorite “Rivers and Roads” has been added, and the album has been re-mastered.
The band's second album "Let's Be Still" was released on October 15, 2013.
The band released their third studio album, "Signs of Light", in September 2016.
The band's fourth album, "Living Mirage", was released in May 2019.
Band member Josiah Johnson released his debut solo album, "Every Feeling On a Loop", in September 2020.
Homecoming Heroes
The Head and the Heart Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
People want a story
Want an end with glory
And a wave of their flag
Well as far as I can tell
The homecoming heroes
Get put in the headlines
And I won't stand for anything more
Tried our hand even though we were poor
We've put in the time
Casting our lines off shore
Yes some things I dread
I duck into alleys
I avoid the rallies
It's a choice of my own
And I won't stand for anything more
Tried our hand even though we were poor
We've put in the time
Casting our lines off shore
And I'm sorry but I find no glory in that
I just want you off my back
And there's not a word in my head floating around
You won't pick your part and put down
And I won't stand for anything more
Tried our hand even though we were poor
We've put in the time
Casting our lines off shore
We've put in the time
Casting our lines
And I'm sorry but I find no glory in that
I just want you off my back
And there's not a word in my head floating around
You won't pick your part and put down
So get out of my head
Get out of my head
Get out of my head
The Head and the Heart's song "Homecoming Heroes" is a take on the traditional narrative of heroes and villains. In the first verse, the lyrics address the pressure that people feel to have a triumphant and inspiring story to tell, complete with a flag-waving finale. However, the singer points out that in reality, even the heroes who come home to fanfare and praise are quickly forgotten and pushed aside. Despite this pressure, the singer refuses to conform to the typical hero narrative and wants to escape the constant scrutiny and expectation.
The chorus repeats the sentiment of not wanting to conform and pushing against the societal pressure to put on a show of heroism. The second verse expands on the singer's desire to avoid the spotlight, choosing to dodge things like rallies and instead make their own choices. The repetition of the chorus towards the end of the song reinforces the idea that the singer won't be swayed by outside influences and just wants to be left to their own devices.
Overall, "Homecoming Heroes" presents a refreshingly honest perspective on the pressure to perform and conform to societal standards of success.
Line by Line Meaning
So now I know
Having gained certain valuable information about something
People want a story
Stories are something that people find fascinating and revealing
Want an end with glory
People want a victorious conclusion to any story
And a wave of their flag
People tend to associate winning with pride, patriotism and their flag
Well as far as I can tell
As much is observable or understandable
The homecoming heroes
People who are labeled as heroes when they arrive back to their homeland
Get put in the headlines
They are celebrated and recognized for their triumphant return in the news media
And back off they go
Soon enough, the affection and praise they received inevitably dims and they return to their ordinary lives
And I won't stand for anything more
I refuse to accept things as they are and I'm willing to put up a fight for change
Tried our hand even though we were poor
We worked hard and put forth great effort, even with limited resources
We've put in the time
We've invested many hours and committed ourselves to this task
Casting our lines off shore
Extending ourselves and taking risks in order to achieve something greater
Yes some things I dread
There are certain things that make me very fearful
I duck into alleys
I try to avoid places where I might be exposed or targeted
I avoid the rallies
I steer clear from large public events and huge gatherings
It's a choice of my own
I have deliberately opted to stay away from those environments
And I'm sorry but I find no glory in that
I have no positive association with that kind of attention or acclaim
I just want you off my back
I want to be free of your constant criticisms and expectations
And there's not a word in my head floating around
I can't find the right words that will express myself fully or accurately
You won't pick your part and put down
You insist on playing a role and criticizing me
So get out of my head
I want you to leave my thoughts
Get out of my head
I need to be free from any intrusive thoughts or distractions
Get out of my head
I want to be able to think clearly and independently
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: CHARITY ROSE THIENLEN, CHRIS ZASCHE, JONATHAN RUSSELL, JOSIAH JOHNSON, KENNY HENSLEY, TYLER WILLIAMS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Thais
lyrics
So now I know
People want a story
Want an end with glory
And a wave of their flag
Well as far as I can tell
The homecoming heroes
Get put in the headlines
And back off they go
And I won’t stand for anything more
Tried our hand even though we were poor
We’ve put in the time
Casting our lines off shore
Yes some things I dread
I duck into alleys
I avoid the rallies
It’s a choice of my own
And I won’t stand for anything more
Tried our hand even though we were poor
We’ve put in the time
Casting our lines off shore
And I’m sorry but I find no glory in that
I just want you off my back
And there’s not a word in my head floating around
You won’t pick your part and put down
And I won’t stand for anything more
Tried our hand even though we were poor
We’ve put in the time
Casting our lines off shore
We’ve put in the time
Casting our lines
And I’m sorry but I find no glory in that
I just want you off my back
And there’s not a word in my head floating around
You won’t pick your part and put down
So get out of my head
Get out of my head
Get out of my head
Thais
lyrics
So now I know
People want a story
Want an end with glory
And a wave of their flag
Well as far as I can tell
The homecoming heroes
Get put in the headlines
And back off they go
And I won’t stand for anything more
Tried our hand even though we were poor
We’ve put in the time
Casting our lines off shore
Yes some things I dread
I duck into alleys
I avoid the rallies
It’s a choice of my own
And I won’t stand for anything more
Tried our hand even though we were poor
We’ve put in the time
Casting our lines off shore
And I’m sorry but I find no glory in that
I just want you off my back
And there’s not a word in my head floating around
You won’t pick your part and put down
And I won’t stand for anything more
Tried our hand even though we were poor
We’ve put in the time
Casting our lines off shore
We’ve put in the time
Casting our lines
And I’m sorry but I find no glory in that
I just want you off my back
And there’s not a word in my head floating around
You won’t pick your part and put down
So get out of my head
Get out of my head
Get out of my head
Elliott P.
Beautiful song! I love every one of them! I was hooked ever since I heard Down in The Valley!
Eliška
I can't even explain how much I love this song! :)
Sarah Havens
Amazing group, been in love since I first heard Rivers and Roads...I love you guys so much
Izaac the Berean
Probably my favorite song ever. For now. So beautiful.
Logan B.
Just found this song. Love it
QuinnFord
Amazing, one of my most favorite songs ever.
Tiami Sanchez
This song makes me want to cry because it's so beautiful
Alissa McCord
Beautiful!! You guys are great!
Branimir Grgas
amazing band ! love this song !