My Gen X Playlist: Don’t Stop Believing – Journey

I’ve recently been watching Restoration Road With Clint Harp. It’s a restoration show where they transport 200 year old aging barns across the country. They strip the old and worn outer shell and what they ultimately are left with is the interior foundation that’s used for the restoration build. These barns are restored into amazing structures, a beautiful blend of the old with the new. The beauty in these restorations is not only in the final physical structure, but also in the idea of reviving the past, restoring the old, giving a second chance to a new life.

Many of these older barns are found in small town USA. Life far from the big cities seem to dance to a slower tune. There is a local history that is preserved from generation to generation. There also seems a way of small town life that feels warm and inviting. A slice of homemade pie at the local diner tastes the same as it did 100 years ago. Doctors making house calls to care for those in need. People smile and say hello as you walk through town. There is a sense of community. Maybe I’m over romanticizing this, but small touches like these make me want to experience living in a small town. Maybe one day I will.

To many, this sounds like I’m swimming against the current of people wanting to leave small town life for the city. And maybe I am a little bit backwards. Journey’s Don’t Stop Believing’s opening lines remind me of this.

Just a small-town girl
Livin’ in a lonely world
She took the midnight train goin’ anywhere

The line, “Strangers waiting, up and down the Boulevard” is a reference to Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood, where dreams are made. Keyboard player Jonathan Cain got the idea for the song when he went there to pursue his career.

Cain said: “The song began with the chorus. . . I was in Hollywood, struggling with my career, kind of lost. I was asking [my father], ‘Should I come back . . . and just give up on this dream?’ And he said, ‘No, son. Stay the course. We have a vision. It’s gonna happen. Don’t stop believin’.'”

– Songfacts

I like the thought of this – fathers believing in their sons. This is something found in both small towns and big cities, but sometimes it feels like it may be in short supply. Belief, encouragement and kind words. I wish there was a way we could easily cultivate, harvest and preserve them and then gently hand them off so they continue to find new life. I’d like to think that creating solid structures are not just for aging barns, but for people, too.  

–

For a complete playlist, please click here.

For the Spotify playlist, please click here.

Just a small-town girl
Livin' in a lonely world
She took the midnight train goin' anywhere

Just a city boy
Born and raised in South Detroit
He took the midnight train goin' anywhere

A singer in a smokey room
The smell of wine and cheap perfume
For a smile they can share the night
It goes on and on, and on, and on

Strangers waiting
Up and down the boulevard
Their shadows searching in the night

Streetlights people
Livin' just to find emotion
Hidin' somewhere in the night

Workin' hard to get my fill
Everybody wants a thrill
Payin' anything to roll the dice just one more time

Some will win, some will lose
Some were born to sing the blues
Oh, the movie never ends
It goes on and on, and on, and on

Strangers waiting
Up and down the boulevard
Their shadows searching in the night

Streetlights people
Livin' just to find emotion
Hidin' somewhere in the night

Don't stop believin'
Hold on to that feelin'
Streetlight people

Don't stop believin'
Hold on
Streetlight people

Don't stop believin'
Hold on to that feelin'
Streetlight people