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This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at McGill chapter.

It’s about that time of year where college students who can’t go home for Thanksgiving start to feel a bit homesick. I know from personal experience that no matter how happy you might be where you are at university, it can be easy to miss your family and hometown even just a little. I’ve compiled a list of 5 of the best songs you can put on repeat for when you’re feeling homesick and need some tunes of comfort:

 

1. “To Build a Home” by The Cinematic Orchestra

“Tables and chairs worn by all of the dust. This is a place where I don’t feel alone. This is a place where I feel at home.”

A beautiful and emotional piece, this song will remind you of what home means and how where you feel most comfortable can be imperfect yet still home.

 

2.  “Wherever I Live” by Alessia Cara

“Just me, myself, and nothing. But I taught me how to love it. Home is wherever I live.”

This song is about the idea that “home” can be made wherever you want it to be depending on how you see things. Home can be wherever you are.

3. “Solsbury Hill” by Peter Gabriel

“My heart going boom boom boom. “Son,” he said. “Grab your things, I’ve come to take you home.”

A masterpiece which some say inspired Ed Sheeran’s “Castle on the Hill,” this classic song captures the artist’s spiritual experience atop Little Solsbury Hill in Somerset, England and brings the listener a heart-warming sense of nostalgia.

 

4. “People Help the People” by Birdy

“And if you’re homesick, give me your hand and I’ll hold it. People help the people.”

Birdy’s piano melody creates a simultaneously beautiful, melancholic, and comforting atmosphere as she offers her hand to those who are homesick. Feeling lonely doesn’t mean that you are alone.

 

5. “We’re Going Home” by Vance Joy

“If we make it or we don’t, we won’t be alone. When I see your light shine, I know I’m home.”

Every song of Vance Joy’s is sure to bring you a strong sense of calmness, comfort, and nostalgia, but this song in particular will remind you that you have a place to return to. No matter how long it’s been, home will always be there waiting for you.

Sources:

https://genius.com/The-cinematic-orchestra-to-build-a-home-lyrics

https://genius.com/Alessia-cara-wherever-i-live-lyrics

https://genius.com/Peter-gabriel-solsbury-hill-lyrics

https://genius.com/16421493 

https://genius.com/Vance-joy-were-going-home-lyrics 

 

 

Maddy Evans

McGill '22

Maddy is a freshman at McGill University, where she is pursuing a major in Political Science and a double minor in Spanish and Arabic. Originally from Connecticut, you can find Maddy traveling around the world with her camera and journal in hand. When in Montreal, she will most definitely be studying in a coffee shop, wandering through an art museum, or exploring the city!