The Proclaimers’ song, “I’m Gonna Be (500  Miles) has been in my head as of late, not because of its frequency on radio stations or on playlists, but how the meaning of the song to me came and affected me moreso of late. 

It’s easy to be with someone when things are going well, but it’s always telling who is around when times are less ideal. As I sat in a car driving three hours to try to be there for a friend, I was reminded of the song in how myself and others travelled the distance without question, travelling to and from in a day, just to try and provide what comfort we could in person rather than texted words or phone conversation. Length of the friendship had no role to play in whether we chose to go. Our friend was easily someone we would do whatever we could for however long we were able.

Back in high school, the song “I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)” was a staple to my music back then. In many of the yearbook entries that year, quoted song lyrics were part of how I expressed sentiment. And while many of those persons I quoted lyrics about are not in my life, the song reminds me of the less complicated times and friendships of them that worked in high school if not anywhere else.

Whenever I hear the song, it brings back fond memories. A musical time capsule as well as a reminder to me to be there in the present for people I care about. A good song doing good things, I think.