The Cinematic Orchestra is a British group formed by Jason Swinscoe in 1999. Their music effortlessly combines jazz, classical, and electronic sounds in a calm, slow-building style. They are known for their use of live instruments and layered arrangements.
The group first gained notice through their work with the Ninja Tune label. Their soundtrack for the documentary Man with a Movie Camera helped bring their music to a wider audience. It showed how their sound fits both film and personal listening.
Over the years, they have built a steady fan base by releasing carefully crafted albums. Their music often focuses on mood, space, and slow emotion rather than quick changes or loud energy.
About the Song
To Build a Home is about longing for a place of comfort, belonging, and love. The song uses the idea of building a home as a metaphor for creating meaningful relationships and finding emotional security.
It also highlights the sadness of losing that sense of home, reminding us that nothing in life is permanent. The music and lyrics together create a bittersweet feeling of hope, nostalgia, and acceptance of change
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Released | May 7, 2007 |
| Album | Ma Fleur (2007) |
| Writers | Phil France, Jason Swinscoe & Patrick Watson |
| Producers | Patrick Watson, Phil France & Jason Swinscoe |
Full Lyrics of To Build a Home
Verse 1
There is a house built out of stone
Wooden floors, walls, and window sills
Tables and chairs worn by all of the dust
This is a place where I don’t feel alone
This is a place where I feel at home
Chorus
And I built a home
For you, for me
Until it disappeared
From me, from you
And now, it’s time to leave
And turn to dust
Verse 2
Out in the garden where we planted the seeds
There is a tree as old as me
Branches were sewn by the color of green
Ground had arose and passed its knees
Verse 3
By the cracks of his skin I climbed to the top
I climbed the tree to see the world
When the gusts came around to blow me down
Held on as tightly as you held onto me
Held on as tightly as you held onto me
Chorus
And I built a home
For you, for me
Until it disappeared
From me, from you
And now, it’s time to leave
And time to die
Similar Songs Like to Build a Home Lyrics
These songs are from the same album and share a quiet, emotional tone.
- That Home: A soft track that repeats a short phrase over a slow piano line. It carries the same sense of return and emotional weight as “to build a home.”
- Breathe: This song uses space and gentle strings to create a calm setting. The focus is on the feeling of stillness, with soft vocals and quiet build-up.
- Time and Space: Featuring vocals by Lou Rhodes, this piece gives a sense of distant and thoughtfulness. It grows slowly and keeps a soft touch throughout.
Similar Artists Like The Cinematic Orchestra
Below is the list of artists who share a slow, thoughtful style that blends electronic and live music.
- Bonobo
Genre: Downtempo / Trip-Hop
Top Album: Black Sands - Nils Frahm
Genre: Modern Classical / Ambient
Top Album: Felt - Ólafur Arnalds
Genre: Neo-Classical / Instrumental
Top Album: Re:member - Max Richter
Genre: Classical / Film Score
Top Album: Sleep - Explosions in the Sky
Genre: Post-Rock
Top Album: The Earth Is Not a Cold Dead Place
Frequently Asked Questions
Is “To Build a Home” Based on a True Story?
The lyrics are open to interpretation, focusing on building a shared space and the pain of losing it.
Was the Song “To Build a Home” Used in Films or Shows?
Yes, it has featured in emotional scenes in shows like Grey’s Anatomy and This Is Us.
Who is the Singer on the Track “To Build a Home”?
Patrick Watson, a Canadian artist known for his soft, emotional voice, provides the vocals.
What Instruments are in “To Build a Home”?
The song primarily features piano, strings, and subtle electronic elements, with a focus on the voice and a slow pacing.
