How Not to Ruin a Song

When you find out one of your favorite songs is in an ad, especially something like a real estate ad, it's natural to feel wary. Nothing hurts quite like watching the heartless machine of consumerism steamroll your more treasured musical memories.

So it was with understandable trepidation that I heard Simon & Garfunkel's "Homeward Bound," one of the most relatable and lovely songs about travel, was being used in a Coldwell Banker spot. It's the first time, to anyone's knowledge, the 1966 song has been used in marketing.

Luckily, Coldwell Banker and agency Siltanen & Partners did right by the song.

The spot, which the real estate company says is its biggest production ever, features a myriad of travelers wishing and working their ways home. It's a feeling we can all relate to, especially if you were stuck somewhere in recent weeks.

Do you have a favorite song that's been worked (surprisingly) elegantly into an ad? Or maybe one that's been straight-up ruined by selling out for advertising? Drop me a note at the email below or share it with me at @Griner on Twitter.

David Griner
Creative and Innovation Editor, Adweek
David.Griner@Adweek.com

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