Backstory:
Homely Obligation was formed in the heart of Akron, Ohio, originally as a trio of high school buddies who shared a passion for music and a desire to express their unique experiences. The band members, Ben Hanley (lead vocalist and guitarist), Tony Glass (bassist), and Jeff Carter (drummer), were never the “cool kids” in school. Instead, they found solace in creating music that resonated with them and, eventually, their growing fan base. Once neighbors in a quiet suburban neighborhood, the boys often spent their evenings after school working on their music in Hanley’s garage, manually adjusting their sound until it fit their vision. Their shared commitment and passion for music saw them move from their garage to local bars and clubs, and later, to concert stages nationwide.
The band’s journey wasn’t without its share of struggles. Balancing a regular 9-to-5 job along with their musical aspirations was a taxing endeavor. The band’s name – Homely Obligation – drew inspiration from this constant struggle between their regular lives and their musical dreams, their “homely obligations” versus their collective desire to create music that mattered.
Genre:
Alternative Rock
Title:
“Fenced Freedom”
Full Song Lyrics:
[Verse 1]
(Am) Look outside the window, see the (D) world pass us by,
(G) We’re stuck in a rhythm, we’re (C) living a lie.
(Am) Dreams of the skyline, (D) but we’re stuck in this town,
(G) We yearn for the open, but we’re (C) homeward bound.
[Chorus]
(F) Fenced freedom, (C) chained desire,
(G) Living for tomorrow, (Am) caught in the mire.
(F) Fenced freedom, (C) we’re dreaming awake,
(G) Waiting for the moment, (Am) we’ll get our break.
[Verse 2]
(Am) We live for the paycheck, (D) as the days turn to years,
(G) Our dreams are fading, replaced (C) by fears.
(Am) The music is our lifeline, our (D) beacon in the night,
(G) It’s our homely obligation, (C) to keep up the fight.
[Chorus]
(F) Fenced freedom, (C) chained desire,
(G) Living on a prayer, (Am) walking on a wire.
(F) Fenced freedom, (C) we’re dreaming awake,
(G) Waiting for the moment, (Am) we’ll get our break.
Favorite Fan:
Sarah Thompson, known to the band as ‘Sarah T,’ has been a dedicated follower from their early garage days. Sarah’s testimonial: “Homely Obligation represents every person who’s ever felt stuck in a routine but carries a burning passion within. They’re not just a band; they’re a voice for the unheard. Their music speaks to me on a deeply personal level. Whether I’m having a great day or a tough one, their lyrics always resonate with me. They are not just my favorite band, they’re my daily inspiration.”