I share all the time how music influences and inspires my writing, and Home Run was no different. I only had a short amount of time to write the novel based on the screenplay, so I immediately began making a playlist for the main character named Cory Brand.
Cory is a major league baseball All Star who’s about to hit rock bottom. Not only does he have a drinking problem, but he’s got major anger issues. He carries the baggage of his past around with him and doesn’t even realize it.
I always create playlists for the stories I write. I usually have an instrumental playlist and another with songs that have lyrics. I play the latter in my car, allowing me to remember and focus on the story when I’m away from the office.
For fun, I thought I’d share Cory Brand’s playlist.
#1. “The Pretender” by Foo Fighters.
Dave Grohl’s angry lyrics and violent force served as a perfect backdrop for getting into the mind of Cory.
“The need you buried deep. The secrets that you keep are ever ready. Are you ready?”
#2. “We Will Rock You”/”We Are The Champions” by Queen.
Yeah, sure, this is a bit cliched, but it sure worked. How many times do you hear “We Will Rock You” during a baseball game? This was for Cory Brand the baseball player, the ultimate warrior.
#3. “The End” by Kings of Leon.
Another group that I could see Cory Brand listening to a lot. I love the lyric that says “This could be the end” over and over again.
#4. “Shadow of the Sun” by Audioslave.
This is a rocking and melancholy song that seemed perfect in categorizing Cory Brand.
“Nothing but a hole, to live without a soul, and nothing to be learned.”
#5. “Send Her My Love” by Journey.
Come on–who DOESN’T love Journey?
I actually hadn’t heard this song in years and I imagined Cory Brand listening to it while on the road. He’s thinking back to the love of his life, his sweet Emma he left back in their home town.
#6. “Use Somebody” by Kings of Leon.
Another rocking track. Didn’t have any of their stuff before this so I enjoyed listening to them.
#7. “Blow Up The Outside World” by Soundgarden.
The title alone sums up Cory. He blames everybody and everything and tries to drink away his sorrows. But it doesn’t work.
#8. “Let It Die” by Foo Fighters.
See a theme here? “Why’d you have to go and let it die?” Anger, resentment, regret, guilt, more anger. This is an angry playlist for an angry soul.
#9. “Another One Bites The Dust”
More Queen. Just because.
#10. “Be Somebody” by Kings of Leon.
I love the frantic nature of this song. “You can’t get enough. Now you can’t get enough.”
#11. “Baker Street” by Gerry Rafferty.
One of my all-time favorite songs, this song was perfect for Cory. So much potential, so full of regret. Running away, trying not to look back.
“And when you wake up, it’s a new morning.
The sun is shining, it’s a new morning.
And you’re going, you’re going home.”
#12. “Nothing Else Matters” by Metallica.
A dark, haunting song that could be Cory Brand at his lowest. And for his journey into recovery.
“I never opened myself this way. Life is ours, we live it our way.”
#13. “Pickup Truck” by Kings of Leon.
This has more hope in it. And it reminds me of Cory’s pickup truck. (Yeah, I know–it doesn’t always have to be very deep)
#14. “Walk” by Foo Fighters.
The last song and an upbeat one. And again, fitting for this character and for his journey as the movie ends.
“I’m learning to walk again.
I believe I’ve waited long enough.
Where do I begin?
I’m learning to talk again.
Can’t you see I’ve waited long enough.
Where do I begin?”
All these songs were in my head long before I ever saw the movie and heard its beautiful soundtrack. This just helped me think of Cory Brand’s dark journey into finding hope and redemption. Thought it’d be fun to share!
The movie opens April 19th and the book is available wherever books are sold!!