Almost Home

Inspired by Sgt. First Class Nicole Amor, Minnesota mother of two, killed in Kuwait just days before returning home to her husband and children. Lines like "So close she could smell the flowers that her garden had grown" ground it in specifics. The r&b production gives it a distinct character. The mood: heartbreaking, tender, intimate.

[verse 1] Two more days, that's what she said Two more sunsets, then your mama's bed Drew a heart on every letter sent Counted hours like they're heaven-sent Her uniform was folded clean Ready for the life between The war outside and the world she made Lullabies and lemonade [chorus] She was almost home, almost home So close she could smell the flowers that her garden had grown Almost home, almost home But almost only counts when you're not left alone Oh, almost home [verse 2] Minnesota winter breaking into spring Kids were making welcome signs with everything Colored markers, glitter, tape and glue Mommy's coming, mommy's coming through But the call came in at half past four And daddy fell against the kitchen door The signs are sitting on the table still And the house is quiet on the hill [chorus] She was almost home, almost home So close she could smell the flowers that her garden had grown Almost home, almost home But almost only counts when you're not left alone Oh, almost home [bridge] Two small beds with two small prayers Asking God to bring her up the stairs And the flag they fold is red and white and blue But it don't tuck them in the way that mama used to do [chorus] She was almost home, almost home So close she could smell the flowers that her garden had grown Almost home, almost home But almost only counts when you're not left alone Oh, almost home [outro] Almost home, almost home