About The Song
“Homeland” is a country music song recorded by American singer Kenny Rogers and released in 2000 as a single from his studio album There You Go Again. The song was issued through Dreamcatcher Records, a label owned by Rogers, during a period when he was focused on maintaining creative independence while continuing to release new material for country music audiences.
The song was written by songwriters Roger Brown and Allen Shamblin. Allen Shamblin, in particular, is known for his emotionally grounded and reflective songwriting, contributing to well-known country songs that emphasize storytelling and personal perspective. Their collaboration on “Homeland” resulted in a composition that reflects themes of belonging, memory, and personal identity, which align closely with traditional country music values.
There You Go Again, the album featuring “Homeland,” was released in 2000 and represents one of Kenny Rogers’ later studio projects. It followed the album She Rides Wild Horses and continued Rogers’ association with Dreamcatcher Records. The album includes a mix of contemporary country tracks and reflective narrative songs, emphasizing Rogers’ preference for lyrical substance over commercial trends. Alongside “Homeland,” the album features tracks such as “There You Go Again,” “He Will, She Knows,” and “Beautiful (All That You Could Be).”
Lyrically, “Homeland” centers on themes of home, roots, and emotional connection to place. The song reflects on how the idea of homeland extends beyond geography to encompass personal history, family, and shared experiences. Rather than focusing on overt patriotism, the lyrics present a quieter, introspective view of belonging, shaped by memory and personal reflection. This approach allows the song to resonate on an individual level rather than as a broad anthem.
Musically, the song follows a traditional country arrangement, using restrained instrumentation that supports the reflective tone of the lyrics. Acoustic elements and a steady tempo allow Kenny Rogers’ vocal performance to remain at the forefront. His delivery is calm and deliberate, reinforcing the song’s themes without exaggeration. The production style is consistent with mainstream country recordings of the late 1990s and early 2000s, favoring clarity and balance over complex arrangements.
“Homeland” achieved moderate success on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart, where it reached number 30. While the song did not become a major commercial hit, its chart performance demonstrated Rogers’ continued ability to place singles on country radio well into the later stages of his career. The release came at a time when country music was increasingly shaped by younger artists, making sustained chart presence more challenging for veteran performers.
Within the broader scope of Kenny Rogers’ career, “Homeland” represents his later focus on meaningful storytelling rather than crossover success. By this point, Rogers had already secured his place in music history with decades of chart-topping hits and international recognition. Songs like “Homeland” illustrate his shift toward reflective material that aligns with mature audiences and long-time fans, reinforcing his reputation as a storyteller rather than a trend-driven artist.
Overall, “Homeland” stands as a thoughtful entry in Kenny Rogers’ extensive discography. As part of the There You Go Again album, it reflects his continued dedication to country music traditions and lyrical depth. Though modest in commercial impact, the song contributes to an understanding of Rogers’ artistic priorities in the later years of his career and highlights his enduring connection to themes of identity, memory, and belonging.
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Lyric
There’s a piece of prairie with a white picket gate
The geographic center of the Lower 48
How long it’s been in our family is anybody’s guess
We were riding these plains before the pony express
There’s a sycamore tree all splintered and brown
Well, it used to touch the sky ’til the twister came around
It’s got this one green branch pointing in the air
Yeah, it’s still hanging on, just like the people around here
You can hold back the rain, bring on the wind
Knock us right down, we’ll get up again
We’ve dug in deep, made our stand
This is our homeland
I can feel their spirit deep in my bones
Up on the hill we carved in it stone
Been a long line before us, and little ones to come
Yeah, it’s a family thing that we’re carrying on
You can hold back the rain, bring on the wind
Knock us right down, we’ll get up again
We’ve dug in deep, made our stand
This is our homeland
We’ve dug in deep, we’ve made our stand
This is our home
This is our homeland
This is our home
This is our homeland
This is our homeland
This is our homeland
This is our homeland