“Don’t Come Home For Thanksgiving” by Herine reflects on a relationship and understands that it’s not always best to celebrate with the people you love when that love is uncertain. The speaker of the song is coming to terms with the change in her relationship with her romantic partner, saying “I know we don’t talk like we used to and maybe it’s too much to talk through.” It’s a difficult truth to come to terms with when a love becomes too complex, but when it gets to the point that the holidays seem easier apart, other aspects of the relationship and what is too much to sacrifice for come to light. Taking in perspectives from other people in the speaker’s life, the lyrics say “I’d do anything to make you listen to your overdramatic older sister.” Understanding the whole picture of a relationship, especially around the holidays, means valuing the people around you. When it seems no one can help the communication between two people, no matter how strong the emotional connection may be between them, there comes a time that separation is for the best. This heartfelt, emotional track looks at the intensely complex situation of love and change in a relationship, letting listeners know that moving on isn’t always easy.
Soulful vocals and emotional piano reign in the romantic intensity of this pop track. With a flood of contradicting feelings shining through the lyrics, Herine’s high and expressive vocals capture the heart-wrenching meaning of the track. Throughout the verse, the singing feels like a conversation with breathy and deliberate voicing, building into a more tuneful and melodic sound in the pre-chorus before coming in full force in the chorus showing off her powerful range. Melismatically working through the word “home”, the vocals take on a flood of hesitance and contemplation felt by the song’s battle between the head and heart. Vocalizing and a piano melody close the track with a reflective sense of finality. Simple in its composition with piano and vocals, but powerful in its message, this somber pop song will play at your heartstrings.
Herine is a Nashville-based musician with an intriguing indie pop sound. On top of her talents as a vocalist and lyricist, Herine is a multi-instrumentalist and talented performer.
With performances on several occasions at the Sundance Film Festival in 2024, shows supported by Known Show at Nashville's Flamingo, and a song earning the top 50 spot on Mediabase's Activator chart, her music has caught the attention of live listeners and acclaimed platforms. She has written music for artists like Loote, Kyle Reynolds, and Michael McQuaid, and collaborated with artists like Drew Scheuler and Keaches. Check out the links below to explore her music.
Written By Hanna Kowal
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