COURSE: English 100: Introduction to College Composition
MEDIUM: Audio Essay
DESCRIPTION:
I delved deep into the bittersweet realm of nostalgia, using the iconic song “Glory Days” by Bruce Springsteen as a poignant backdrop. I explored my father’s enduring connection to the past, weaving together anecdotes that painted a picture of his love for bygone times. One anecdote was our trips to the same pizza place he frequented as a child, where he created countless shared memories. These outings served as a living testament to my dad’s enduring attachment to his youth. I also recounted his first Springsteen concert, where his face lit up with wonder, evoking emotions that harked back to his glory days. I sought to capture the beauty of my dad’s nostalgia, etched in the lyrics of “Glory Days” and the moments we shared.
ARTIST’S STATEMENT:
Writing an essay about my father’s nostalgia is an exploration of the emotional tapestry that weaves through his life. My father lost his own father two decades ago, leaving a void that nostalgia has lovingly filled. Like the song “Glory Days” by Bruce Springsteen, my father often looks back fondly on his youth, recounting stories of the “good old days.”
Nostalgia is the compass that guides my father’s journey through life. He may not have his father’s presence, but he carries the memories of their time together in his heart. He recalls their shared hobbies, adventures, and life lessons, passing them down to us like cherished heirlooms.
But it’s not just his father; nostalgia infuses every aspect of his existence. He weaves anecdotes from his past into his current life, connecting the dots between then and now. Trips to the pizza place, Sal’s, take him back to his teenage years, and a vintage rock band t-shirt transports him back to concerts with old friends.
Through my father, I’ve learned that nostalgia is not a mere indulgence in the past; it’s a means to infuse the present with meaning and gratitude. The melodies of “Glory Days” continue to play in the background, reminding us of the beauty in reminiscing about the people and moments that have shaped us.