Kokomo
My Introduction for 'Planet Earth'
Growing up in Ridgefield, CT many people have a much different interpretation of going to the "beach". People enjoy getaways on the Connecticut Coast, Cape Cod, Jersey Shore or even the Hamptons. For me and my family "the beach" was always Port Austin, Michigan. Having a family cottage in Michigan, my family never thought twice about where to go on vacation. I've been going to Port Austin with family and friends for over 20 years. I chose to share the song "Kokomo" by The Beach Boys because it reminds me so much of my own private oasis we have in Michigan
"Off the Florida Keys There's a place called Kokomo That's where you wanna go To get away from it all Bodies in the sand Tropical drink melting in your hand We'll be falling in love To the rhythm of a steel drum band Down in Kokomo"
For me the scale of Port Austin which this song represents is local. For many Port Austin is a space. Just a beach town on the thumb of Michigan, but for me it is a special place. Port Austin is where my family has a reunion every year and this song helps remind me of the good memories that trip brings every year. In the song the Beach Boys are talking about a made up place, a private oasis where people can go to find happiness. Port Austin, Michigan is me and my families "Kokomo". Looking at this song on a global scale, everybody can find their "Kokomo" in different places. Although for me and my family it is Port Austin, Michigan, people can find a special oasis all over the world and this song can remind them of that place.
"There is no doubt that music – in both its production and consumption – can be an important influence in shaping the typically hybrid identities of people and places, of engendering a sense of place and deep attachment to place." (Hudson) I agree with Hudson in saying the consumption of this song helps engender a sense of place into Port Austin. This song reminds me of all the great memories and special views my lake house has, making it a place for me rather than a space.
Works Cited:
Hudson, R. (2006). Regions and place: music, identity and place. Progress in Human Geography, 30(5): 626-634.
Lyrics and Video: