“A.M. Radio” by The Lumineers

By Alyssa Brunner

  In my mind, I’m driving down a backroad during sunset in Bozeman, Montana. It’s mid July. My two best friends are sitting beside and behind me. The windows are down, hair is blowing left, right and all over the place but we don’t care. We just finished floating down the Madison River, and we are sunburnt to the max. The kind that hurts to move. The sky begins to paint itself a beautiful orange and pink, and the drums between the pre-chorus and chorus begin. There’s a pause, then The Lumineers are suddenly streaming through my ears. Goosebumps. The hairs on the back of my neck raise every time. I’ve listened to it hundreds of times, yet it’s always the same emotional experience as if it’s the first time. 

“Day and night, my love you said the blood was on my hands.”

“Boom, boom!” (drums)

“Long as you run, I couldn’t give you up.” 

  “A.M. Radio” is a song from The Lumineers, stemming from their fourth album BRIGHTSIDE. I get the chills each time I listen to it. The beat of the drums before the chorus, the melody change, pure bliss. When I hear this song I’m reminded of the past in a nostalgic sense. On the other hand, I’m reminded of the present moment of not being able to let go of things you might wish to. I find myself tearing up often when I listen to it. It serves as a reminder that can run as far as you want, but you know the aspirations deep inside of you are never leaving. It’s a reminder that we are living for the hope of it all. 

  In my opinion, this song is the ultimate anthem for following your dreams and true calling. No matter how much you try to cover things up and pursue other passions, one is always going to call you back. For Wesley Schultz and Jeremiah Fraites, (founding members) that was music. This is a song for all the dreamers who feel their calling deeply. They might not be confident in the passion at first, but it’s always there. No matter the triumphs, hardships and dedication, it’s always going to be a part of you. Whether that’s songwriting, dancing, painting, rapping, playing piano, etc. there is this spark inside of every one of us. Listen to this song to feel inspired. No matter how far or long you go, it’s waiting for you.

“Forever run, I couldn’t give you up.” 

  This three minute, fifty-seven second track is a dedication to your dreams. You know they are there. The worst thing a person can do is dull themselves and ignore those passions. Chase that dream!

“If the photograph doesn’t bring you back, If the final chapter isn’t ever after.”