I have these songs that for some reason strike a pretty vivid memory of a particular time and place. In Kenny Chesney’s song “I Go Back,” he sings about the different memories of places and stages of his life triggered by certain songs — Jack and Diane, Rock ‘n Me, and Only the Good Die Young.
I thought I’d make a short list to see if there were any common factors involved in making an “I Go Back” song. What’s weird is that it doesn’t seem to be the song that matters, these aren’t necessarily my favorites, and while some are first-listens, others had been heard probably hundreds of times before.
SONG LOCATION NOTES
Weezer - Undone (Sweater Song) Camp Parsons It wasn't even playing, people were just singing it.
AFI - Girls Not Grey SR 900, just outside Renton heading back to Issaquah Not sure what the situation was... maybe I'd just booked a paint job.
Nickelback - This is How You Remind Me Just across the Columbia from Hood River. On the way to climb Mt. Adams.
Steely Dan - Bad Sneakers The cabin Must be the line about "laughing at the frozen rain."
Kid Rock & Cheryl Crow - Picture Running around Green Lake Way too slow to be a good running song. I was almost done with the loop.
m.o.e. - Happy Hour Hero Reston VA, turning onto SR 7100 On the way to work, definitely not happy hour.
Tim McGraw - Where the Green Grass Grows Chantilly VA On the way to work, almost to the office.
Mark Willis - 19 Something Ford dealer parking lot in Roanoke VA After a long drive, before my first solo dealer visit.
Phil Vassar - In a Real Love I-40 Eastbound, exit 100 (Morganton NC) About to get off and visit Martin Family Ford.
Kenny Chesney - You Save Me Parking lot of Fairfield Inn in Hickory NC At the end of a long day.
Citizen Kane - Hurricane Waters Sweetwater Brewery happy hour Atlanta GA This was approx. 1 year after Katrina. Someone stopped it midway through.
It seems like near the end of a long drive is a good time to create these auditory memories. I think it has to do with the feeling of finally being able to relax, and maybe that makes you really listen to music. Any other theories? Would be interesting to see other people’s “I Go Back” song lists.
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