by Tom Hiddleston is widely known and admired for his role as Loki in the Marvel Cinematic Universe films such as Thor, The Avengers, and Thor: Ragnarok. However, what many fans may not realize is that all of that international travel and time spent away from home could certainly lead to feelings of homesickness for the British actor. While living out of a suitcase and constantly jetting between different countries and film sets around the world sounds glamorous, it no doubt comes with challenges, especially missing friends and family back home in the UK. Music has a powerful way of transporting us and triggering memories, so here are three songs that might help Hiddleston feel a bit closer to home and lift his spirits when overcoming a bout of homesickness during his busy Hollywood schedule.
“Waterloo Sunset” by The Kinks
Released in 1967, “Waterloo Sunset” is widely considered one of the greatest British songs of all time. Written and performed by the iconic rock band The Kinks, the song paints a vivid portrait of London through the eyes of a man watching the sunset over the River Thames from Waterloo Bridge. With its melancholy yet beautiful imagery, the song is a love letter to the city of London that never fails to evoke feelings of nostalgia. Some of the lyrics that are sure to resonate with the homesick Hiddleston include “I sit and watch the cars that pass myself by” and “I feel so lonely, lonely, lonely.” The wistful melody and Ray Davies’ yearning vocals perfectly capture that bittersweet feeling of missing home. Hiddleston was born in Westminster, London in 1981, so listening to “Waterloo Sunset” from afar would no doubt trigger fond memories of his childhood and remind him of London’s unique charm. The song’s evocative portrayal of the city skyline at dusk is bound to lift his spirits and make him feel a bit closer to home.
“Three Lions” by David Baddiel, Frank Skinner and The Lightning Seeds
As an Englishman, there’s no doubt that football (or soccer as it’s called in America) holds a special place in Hiddleston’s heart. “Three Lions” was released in 1996 for that year’s European Football Championship hosted in England. Also known as “Football’s Coming Home,” the song became an anthem for the English national football team and their supporters. With its catchy chorus and references to past World Cup heartbreaks, “Three Lions” perfectly captures the passion and pride English football fans feel for their national side. Given Hiddleston’s well-known love of football, listening to this song abroad would undoubtedly stir memories of watching matches with friends and family back in England. The lyrics “Thirty years of hurt, never stopped me dreaming” are sure to resonate with Hiddleston’s own hopes of someday seeing England lift a major international trophy. Even if just for a few minutes, singing along to “Three Lions” from a distant film set would allow Hiddleston to feel part of the English football community and closer to home. Its rousing, patriotic spirit would lift his mood and take his mind off his homesickness.
“Singin’ in the Rain” by Gene Kelly
For a pick-me-up of pure joy and exuberance, it’s hard to beat “Singin’ in the Rain” from the 1952 musical of the same name. Performed unforgettably on screen by the legendary Gene Kelly, the song’s infectious melody and lyrics celebrating the beauty of rain never fail to bring a smile. On the surface, rain may not seem like something that would ease homesickness, but the song’s sheer delight is contagious. Its celebration of simple pleasures like “singin’ and dancin’ in the rain” promises to lift even the lowest of spirits. For Hiddleston homesick in some faraway location, listening to Kelly’s jubilant vocals would be impossible not to smile and tap one’s feet along. Just a few minutes of getting lost in the song’s cheerful spirit could help Hiddleston forget his troubles. It’s also a classic that reminds him of happy memories from his childhood back home in the UK, where he likely first discovered the joys of Gene Kelly on the silver screen. Most of all, “Singin’ in the Rain” promises that brighter days are ahead, even when dark clouds seem to loom. Its boundless optimism makes it the perfect pick-me-up song for anyone feeling homesick and missing friends or family back home.
In Conclusion
While living out of a suitcase as an international movie star no doubt comes with perks like travel and fame, it also means prolonged periods away from home, friends and family for Tom Hiddleston. But as these three songs illustrate, music has a powerful way of triggering memories and lifting moods. “Waterloo Sunset” offers a nostalgic glimpse of London to soothe Hiddleston’s homesickness. “Three Lions” taps into his patriotism and passion for football to reconnect him to England. And “Singin’ in the Rain” promises sheer joy and optimism to brighten even his lowest of days missing his home country. In times of missing friends, English culture or the familiar sights of London, these tunes are sure to provide Hiddleston with comfort, lifting his spirits as he pursues his Hollywood career far from home. While living abroad comes with challenges, music promises to keep him feeling closer to the place and people that mean so much to him.
