Known famously as the “Mother Road”, Route 66 – the legendary highway that runs from Chicago, Illinois, to Santa Monica, California – turns 100 this year. And the first single off of JW Francis’s upcoming new album Route 66 – “Scootin’ Boogie” is a perfect visual, sonic, and lyrical tribute to this road and the fact of taking journeys through life.
First and foremost, the track captures the dichotomy of fear and excitement that exists at the beginning of life-changing trips. It playfully tells the story of every and any journey that we take, and the constraints that accompany them– emotional, financial, or physical.
The guitar and the drums are bright and nostalgic, with a little distortion in the guitar giving the vibe of being on a road trip in the 80s. We see landscapes and times change, but the hope for discovery stays and the journey goes on.
Even as the lyrics go “Days and nights I wandered, still I found no treasure”, the music video tells a different story, as you are met with people who have more wealth to share in the form of experiences and company than any precious treasure. And that’s how you know that the spiritual fulfillment from this time will outlive any material deprivations that may arise; and even if your pockets are empty by the end, your soul will be full.
So if you are looking for a song to turn to as you start a new journey, “Scootin’ Boogie” will serve you the energy that is just right!
Written by Riya
