Billy Ray Cyrus' 2007 CD, Home At Last. Photo courtesy of Walt Disney Records.
August 1, 2007 — Billy Ray Cyrus' new album, Home At Last, is a revealing look into who this singer, songwriter, actor and family man really is. Read as Billy Ray tells you the story behind each song.
Home At Last
"Ready, Set, Don't Go"
This is a song that I wrote the day the family moved for California. I had to stay back in Nashville and take care of some loose ends and watching the family drive down the driveway, pulling that u-haul. I thought I was ready for it 'til I actually saw them driving away. It was just that moment of 'ready, set, don't go, it's too late.'
"The Beginning"
"The Beginning" is a great song about the evolution of a family, beginning with the relationship of the mom and dad. It's exactly the teaching I went through with Miley. I heard the song and just thought 'Wow this is our story.' I felt like it was written for us as a family and for Miley especially, the blue eyes and curls and just how quick your kids grow up.
"The Buffalo"
"The Buffalo" is an inspiration song. It's about believing in your dreams and never giving up. I love the song 'cause, growing up I always listened to a lot of Bruce Springsteen, a lot of rock and roll. This is a great rock and roll song with a very inspirational message.
"Flying By"
This is a song that is so articulate about how you need to appreciate every second of life because it just goes by so fast. My dad had told me over and over. Even as a little boy I can hear my dad saying, 'Enjoy every second of life son, because it goes by really fast.' That's what flying by is all about.
"Brown Eyed Girl"
"Brown Eyed Girl" is just one of those real fun songs I've always loved singing. I love playing it, especially in front of a big audience where everybody sings along. There's such a great energy when everybody knows the words — and a song makes everybody feel good. "Brown Eyed Girl" is just that kind of song.
"Don't Give Up On Me"
The title is self explanatory. It's, 'Though I'm just a man, I'm doing the best I can and don't give up on me.'
"You've Got a Friend"
I've been a James Taylor fan for years and years. There's a special treat on "You've Got a Friend." Emily Osment, who plays Lily on "Hannah Montana," is singing with me on the song. Our show ["Hannah Montana"] is art imitating life, imitating art. This just seemed like a great situation where Billy Ray Cyrus could invite Emily Osment to come in and sing. Or it's Robby Ray and Lily, however you want to look at it.
"You Can't Lose Me"
This is a song written by Diane Warren, who's written some of the biggest pop records of our lifetime. When I heard this song I felt like 'Wow, this is definitely classic Diane Warren at it's best.' You may hear another familiar voice on that track. While I was doing my vocals, Miley came to the studio with me. She loves singing so much and she always loved that song, so she jumped in the vocal booth and before I knew it, she had thrown down three or four harmonies herself.
"I Can't Live Without Your Love"
This is a song about not wanting to spend another day or another second without the love of someone in your family.
"My Everything"
I was just thinking about my family. I wrote 'Ready, Set, Don't Go' and 'You Are My Everything' in the same week. I usually write when I'm dealing with something that's on my mind or in my heart pretty heavy. There's a line in that song that's one of my favorite lines I've ever written — 'If someone would ask me, son what is your dream, I'd show them your picture and the smile that it brings.' To me, that's me showing somebody a picture of Miley or little Noah.
"Put a Little Love in Your Heart"
I always loved this song as a kid, and I think it's even more relevant now in today's world. Certainly we need to spend a whole lot more time loving each other than all the hate that's in the world right now. It's a good time for everyone to sing 'Put a Little Love in Your Heart.' I wish the world would have the one day where everybody would just love each other instead of hate.
"Over the Rainbow"
"Over the Rainbow" has always been one of my all time favorite songs. Again, it was one of the first songs that was brought up in the original meeting. I wasn't sure about recording it until I heard a version by Eva Cassidy. Eva Cassidy is a great, great blues singer that inspired me. Our version of "Over the Rainbow" is a tribute to Eva Cassidy.