Bluegrass Heartbreak on Wheels: Headin’ Home Finds ‘Home’ in a ‘Rusty Old Camper’
By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine
Artist Context: The Lindblom Family Powerhouse
Headin’ Home is a dynamic six-member family bluegrass band hailing from Bloomingdale, Georgia. The group is anchored by parents Jon (upright bass, vocals) and Marina Lindblom (fiddle), both classically trained musicians from the Eastman School of Music. They are joined by their four adult children—Luke (dobro), Libby (guitar, primary songwriter for this track), Lucy (mandolin, lead vocal), and Timothy (banjo)—creating an ensemble defined by tight, immaculate family harmonies and instrumental virtuosity. Having rapidly ascended the bluegrass ranks, winning prestigious awards like the official Georgia State Bluegrass Band Competition, Headin’ Home’s music is characterized by its uplifting, positive, and faith-based message, delivered with both traditional respect and modern energy.
Single Review: Rusty Old Camper
“Rusty Old Camper,” penned by the band’s daughter Libby Lindblom, is more than just a song; it’s the Lindblom family’s autobiography distilled into three minutes of authentic bluegrass storytelling. In a genre frequently defined by nostalgic themes of mountain cabins and front porches, this track brilliantly shifts the focus to the reality of the touring musician’s life: the mobile sanctuary of the camper.
The song’s core thesis is established immediately in the opening lines: “Well you learn a lot of things when you’re living on the road / You learn it’s not the walls but it’s the hearts that make a home.” This simple, profound message resonates deeply, particularly with the bluegrass and RV-traveling community. It transforms the physical constraints of a too-small, dilapidated vehicle into a symbol of resilience, connection, and joy.
Musically, “Rusty Old Camper” is pure, celebratory bluegrass. The track is built on a vibrant, rolling rhythm that captures the feeling of movement—the “rhythm of the tires.” Lucy Lindblom’s lead vocal delivery is bright and clear, carrying the sentimental lyricism with conviction, while the rest of the siblings and parents weave together a rich tapestry of harmony. Timothy’s banjo work and Luke’s dobro provide the necessary texture, ensuring the track feels both classic and contemporary.
The chorus—”In that rusty old camper we made memories / Roasting s’mores and making music ’round the fire”—is an infectious, singalong hook that cements the track’s status as a future live show favorite. While the song is deeply personal to the Lindblom family, it successfully touches on the universal truth that the most cherished memories are made in humble, shared spaces. It is a heartfelt, fun, and highly relatable anthem for anyone who has found their truest home on the open road.
Verdict
“Rusty Old Camper” is a standout single that showcases Headin’ Home’s songwriting intelligence and their polished, collaborative sound. It’s an ode to the simple joys of family, travel, and music, proving that sometimes, the most perfect home is the one that’s “much too small” but filled with love.