Song Stories
Every song has a story. Here are the ones we've collected from people we've met on our journeys. Each person shares a song that reminds them of growing up and the story behind it.
Stories Collection
"Going to California"
Originally from Illinois, Benjamin found himself watching the sunset dipping below the Lake Michigan horizon at 27 years old. Recently free from the grips of alcohol, he searched for a new horizon for himself.
"Night Moves / Respect"
Mike and Ann from Houston, Texas are on a 4-month road trip through the west coast in their mobile home. Their last trip was 6 months long and went all the way to Alaska!
"Stairway to Heaven"
71-year-old Gary reminisces about hearing "Stairway to Heaven" as a teenager on his friend Bob Yager's record player. He's been a fixture in Eureka his entire life.
"White Room"
Joe heard "White Room" by Cream constantly on the radio throughout his childhood, describing it as "a banger." As a drummer, he now appreciates the elaborate drumming sequences in the song.
"Verde River"
Originally from Prescott, Arizona, 39-year-old Lisa moved to the redwoods five years ago after serving in the military. She chose a song by a fellow Arizonan that reminds her of the landscapes that shaped her.
"Tea For the Tillerman"
At 67, James has had three careers: environmental chemist, fine wine dealer, and now a planning forester for the Yurok Tribe. Originally from St. Louis, his journey took him across the country before settling in California.
"Wind"
Originally from Chengdu, China, 29-year-old Chung is studying for his doctorate in classical piano at the University of Missouri–Kansas City. The Naruto theme song brings back memories of his childhood.
"505"
We met 18-year-old Angel during his first shift as a waiter at SeaQuake Brewing. He discovered "505" during quarantine in 8th grade, introduced to him by a girl named Presley who later rejected him.
"Three Little Birds / Sloop John B / Stayin' Alive"
We met this family during our coastal hike in Oregon. Each had their own song: Sara with Bob Marley's road trip anthem, Alan with the first song he learned on guitar, and 14-year-old Coco with the Bee Gees classic that soundtracked their family drives.
"Old Man / California"
Newly met potential neighbors Linnea and Tracy share songs from their pasts: Linnea's life of reinvention across California and Tracy's journey from Half Moon Bay to Hawaii, now possibly returning to Oregon.
"Yellow Brick Road"
Kiki runs her grandparents' roadside Dinosaur Park, a family legacy since the 1950s. She's lived on the Southern Oregon Coast her entire life and is now looking ahead to retirement and visiting her daughter in London.
"Boondocks"
32-year-old Ethan has spent most of his life in Bandon, Oregon, working at Wilson's Market for the past five years. His chosen song, "Boondocks," perfectly captures his small-town pride and the simple memories of his middle school days.
"Close to you"
24-year-old Ryan works as a sandboarding instructor after five years in Fire/EMS. His chosen song brings back the few precious memories he has with his father from when he was very young.
"Bridge over Troubled Water"
80-year-old Bill's life has taken him from the Peace Corps in Haiti and Bolivia to a career in masonry. His song choice connects to a poignant memory of a friend's death at high altitude in Bolivia.
"Thriller"
20-year-old Carlos has worked at his family's restaurant for five years. His song choice reminds him of watching the "zombie music video" with his uncle, who passed away a year ago.
"Our House"
Greta's family started their gluten-free bakery after her sister was diagnosed with celiac disease. Her childhood song reminds her of jumping on her parents' beds with her sister - the same sister who inspired the bakery's founding.
"The Lawrence Welk Show Closing Credits"
55-year-old Arielle connects to her German heritage through "The Lawrence Welk Show Closing Credits," which reminds her of her refugee father. After years of feeling disconnected, she's finally found her home in Oregon's forests.
"Always Be My Baby"
32-year-old A.D. has built his life around Portland's hospitality scene, but after his first real vacation to Chicago, he's ready for a change. His childhood song, first played by his aunt Elizabeth, connects him to his roots.
"Apologize"
23-year-old Tatum moved from San Diego to Portland seeking change. She thrives in the fast-paced restaurant world and connects deeply with people, guided by her mottos: "Go in with intention, not expectation" and "Find joy in the mundane."
"Yesterday Once More"
33-year-old Nina, originally from Southern Thailand, first heard her song in an English class. Now she and her sister run a gluten-free Thai restaurant in Portland, recreating the comfort food of their childhood while accommodating dietary restrictions.
"This is the Day"
33-year-old Zach turned his high school screen-printing hobby into a decade-long career in retail and fashion. His love for "This is the Day" began during a casual day in Newport Beach and remains his perfect summer soundtrack.
"Rocket"
42-year-old Deja founded Mutantis, a queer and trans-owned gluten-free vegan brewery, as a space for people to be themselves. Though the brewery is closing, she's transitioning to a new career as an electrologist to continue providing inclusive, affirming care.
"The Ballad of Davy Crockett"
54-year-old Lilith has lived in 33 different places, following her codebreaker father's IBM career. Her song connects her to Appalachian family roots, while her global experiences have shaped her spiritual views and definition of family.
"Landslide"
20-year-old Oliver works as a parking attendant at Multnomah Falls after returning to Portland from San Francisco. Their song, which they've known since childhood, resonates differently now as they navigate life changes and find stability with their partners.