On February 3rd, 2004, U.S. singer-songwriter Kenny Chesney released his eighth studio album, When the Sun Goes Down, which included the track “Old Blue Chair.” It’s a song about reflecting on our own lives, and reliving our memories, while being in our favorite spot, which to Kenny Chesney, is his old blue chair, sitting in the sand.
Growing up, I listened to country music; it was what my parents played on the radio when we were in the car, and Kenny Chesney was no stranger to it. I remember my brother’s senior night in high school, when he and a few friends wore tight jeans, white T-shirts, and cowboy boots, lip-synching one of his songs, Young. That was my introduction to Kenny Chesney, and the rest is history.
I never found Old Blue Chair a song I enjoyed when it came out. It was too slow, and in my adolescent brain, I didn’t care about a song about a chair. But as I got older, I came to understand the meaning of this song and developed a whole new appreciation for it.
With the old blue chair as a symbol of reflection, memories, and many more, what is your “old blue chair”?
For me, it’s the walking trail that’s behind my apartment complex.
This mile-long (about 1.5+ km) trail has been my thinking spot for the last six years, since my wife and I moved here. It’s where I walk my dog, brainstorm my latest story or blog post (this one, for example), or to quote part of the song: Looked at my life where it’s going, where it’s gone. I’m out here two-to-three times a day with just me and my dog, I might as well keep myself busy.
I’ll be sad the day my wife and I move out of our apartment and away from the trail. Maybe our next place has one nearby, and I can wander around and continue my brainstorming and reflection. To answer the question I had asked myself about what I would miss about my current home when I move out, the answer would obviously be the trail. I’m no stranger to reminiscing, so I’m glad to have something to remember this home by when the time comes—a piece of me.
If you have something similar to an old blue chair or the walking trail, I’d love to hear about it!
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