"Almost Home" was written in March of 2002. Maddox had the song structure determined, but never attempted the song. It features Dysan on guitar. The demo dissatisfied Maddox, so a second layer of vocals was added. It reads like a hollow anthem, as Maddox chants "nananana" twice in a monotone voice.
The song chronicles the story of two people that are not the best of friends, and nothing alike, that begin to bond. But by the time they realize this, it's clear that their time together will end abruptly, and soon distance will separate them. Despite this, they decide to enjoy the moment, because the previously unfamiliar surroundings had suddently become a place they could call home.
"I absolutely hated the demo of this song. It sounded like a boring reading of a sad story. I don't think of the song as a sad one, though. It's about two people that understand that their friendship is ending, and not beginning. One is stable and clear-headed, and the other is bordering on insanity. Each makes a half-hearted attempt to claim they'll keep in touch, but they both know they won't. Even so, they know that the moment is a special one, and to savor it. I got the idea for the song, from a personal experience obviously, but also a bit from Dylan's 'Tangled Up In Blue.' I always found that song interesting because I have a hard time letting go of people. 'Almost Home' is a song about letting go."-NNMaddox
Sometimes I’m weak and sometimes you’re strong/Sometimes I’m right, and sometimes you’re wrong/Maybe i’ll write you, maybe I’ll phone/But at this moment, we’re almost home
On 55th street, how you were so sweet/I was a stranger on 54th/Like a vacation/with no destination/You had me searching through my head for something more/You had no plans/you had no schemes/Had no direction/No hopes or dreams/I know the reason you hate yourself/you base your existence on someone else
sometimes i’m right here, sometimes i’m gone/sometimes an outcast, sometimes I belong/but just remember, you’re not alone/just look around you, you’re almost home
I once was hateful/but now i’m grateful/and I know you’ve had your share of highs and lows/and things are different/but now we’re distant well I guess it’s just the way this story goes
sometimes you’re weak, sometimes I’m strong/sometimes you’re right, sometimes i’m wrong/i’m well protected, you’re on your own/but dont you worry, we’re almost home