Homecoming
Kanye West · Graduation [2007]
And you say chi city chi city chi city
I'm coming home again
Do you think about me now and then
Do you think about me now and then
Cause I'm coming home again
Coming home again
I met this girl when I was three years old
And what I love most she had so much soul
She said Excuse me little homie I know you don't know me
But my name is Windy and I like to blow trees and
From that point I never blow her off
Niggers come from out of town I like to show her off
They like to act tough she like to toe em off
And make em straighten up their hat cuz she know they soft
And when I grew up she showed me how to go downtown
And in the nighttime her face lit up so astounding
I told her in my heart is where she'll always be
She never mess with entertainers cuz they always leave
She said it felt like they walked and drove on me
Knew I was gang affiliated got on tv and told on me
I guess that's why last winter she got so cold on me
She said, 'Ye, keep makin keep makin that platinum and gold for me
I'm coming home again
Do you think about me now and then
Do you think about me now and then
Cause I'm coming home again
Coming home again
Do you think about me now and then
Do you think about me now and then
Oh
Now I'm coming home again
Maybe we can start again
But if you really cared for her
Then you wouldn't of never
Hit the airport to follow your dreams
Sometimes I still talk to her
But when I talk to her, it always seems like she talkin about me
She said you left your kids, and they just like you
They wanna rap and make soul beats just like you
But they just not you and I just got through
Talkin bout what niggahs tryin to do just not new
Now everybody got the game figured out all wrong
I guess you never know what you got till it's gone
I guess that's why I'm here and I can't come back home
And guess when I heard that when I was back home
Every interview I'm representing you making you proud
Reach for the stars so if you fall you land on a cloud
Jumpin in da crowd spark your lighters wave em around
If you don't know by now I'm talkin bout Chi-town
I'm coming home again
Do you think about me now and then
Do you think about me now and then
Cause I'm coming home again
Coming home again
Baby do you remember when
Fireworks at Lake Michigan
Oh
Now I'm coming home again
Coming home again
Baby do you remember when
Fireworks at Lake Michigan
Oh
Now I'm coming home again
Maybe we can start again
Loy oy oy oh
Loy oy oy oh
Comin home again
Loy oy oy oh
Loy oy oy oh
Comin home again
Maybe we can start again
Homecoming
Kanye West's 'Homecoming' stands as a pivotal track on the 2007 album *Graduation*, marking a significant evolution in his sonic palette and lyrical themes. Released during a period of intense personal reflection and artistic reinvention, the song blends hip-hop with orchestral arrangements to explore the complexities of returning to one's roots. The recording features a distinctive production style that became a hallmark of the era, characterized by layered vocals and a melancholic yet driving rhythm. As a centerpiece of the *Graduation* catalogue, the track contributed to the album's critical acclaim and commercial success, solidifying West's reputation as a visionary producer and songwriter. Its enduring presence in his discography highlights the song's emotional resonance and its role in shaping the sound of late 2000s hip-hop.