Djo’s track End of Beginning subtly took over TikTok feeds in early February, resonating deeply with many, especially those with a connection to the Windy City. While it might not have been a global viral sensation, for many algorithms tuned to Chicago nostalgia, the song became inescapable, soundtracking countless videos showcasing the city’s familiar sights and feelings. This surge in user-generated content highlights the song’s poignant message: the enduring impact of Chicago on one’s identity, perfectly encapsulated in the recurring line, “And when I’m back in Chicago, I feel it.” This simple phrase, “Back In Chicago Song,” became an anthem for a shared sentiment of longing and belonging.
The song, performed by Djo, the musical project helmed by Stranger Things star Joe Keery, who himself is an alumnus of Chicago’s DePaul University, speaks to something profound about the city. Keery’s Chicago roots lend authenticity to the track, which isn’t just a catchy tune, but an emotional touchstone for anyone who’s ever felt the pull of Chicago.
The TikTok trend saw users layering the song’s chorus over visuals of downtown Chicago, creating mini-odes to the city. These weren’t just random cityscapes; they were personal memories, iconic landmarks, and everyday moments that collectively painted a picture of Chicago as more than just a location – it’s a feeling, a formative experience.
For someone like myself, who grew up in Wilmette, a suburb nestled on the shores of Lake Michigan just north of Chicago, these videos resonated deeply. Despite living outside the city limits, Chicago was always present. From childhood excursions downtown to cheer on the Cubs, to exploring neighborhood shops, the city was an integral part of growing up. The lyrics, “And when I’m back in Chicago, I feel it,” weren’t just words; they were a visceral echo of a deeply ingrained feeling of returning to a core part of oneself.
My connection to Chicago goes beyond just growing up nearby. In my senior year of high school, I immersed myself in the city’s rich history through a dedicated course. Chicago’s story is one of resilience and reinvention. Consider the Great Chicago Fire – a devastating event, yet just over two decades later, the city hosted the monumental 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition, drawing over 27 million visitors in six months. This feat underscores Chicago’s indomitable spirit and its position as a cultural and economic powerhouse. Each of Chicago’s diverse neighborhoods contributes to this vibrant tapestry, weaving unique stories and experiences into the city’s fabric.
This deep-seated appreciation for Chicago’s history and culture coincided with my college application process. Paradoxically, despite my love for Chicago, I chose to attend college in Maine, seeking distance and a fresh start away from my familiar surroundings. While I cherish my experiences at Bates College and am grateful for the new perspectives it has offered, there are moments when homesickness creeps in. The simple comforts of driving down Sheridan Road, browsing the aisles of Jewel-Osco, or indulging in local culinary staples like Italian beef and cheese curds are distinctly Chicagoan and missed when away. Portland, Maine, with its own charms, offers Shaw’s and Aroma Joe’s, but they aren’t the same as the specific comforts of home. There’s a longing for the familiar, a wish to simply click one’s heels and be transported back.
One of the subtle challenges of being away from home, especially a place as distinct as Chicago, is the shared understanding. While Bates is a wonderfully diverse community, filled with people from across the globe, explaining the nuances of Chicago life can sometimes feel like translating a different language. Inside jokes about Illinois politics or enthusiastic nods to local restaurant mentions often fall flat. This isn’t a criticism, but an observation about the unique imprint our hometowns leave on us.
Being part of the small percentage of Midwesterners at Bates, approximately 7%, has its own unique charm. It provides an opportunity to share the richness of Chicago with others, to introduce them to a city that holds such a significant place in my heart. Our origins profoundly shape who we are, and sometimes, the greatest comfort is being in a space where explanation isn’t always necessary. Ironically, during the summers, this feeling shifts towards Bates. The longing for the college environment and friends becomes just as strong as the pull of Chicago during the school year.
Djo’s song bridge poignantly repeats, “You take the man out of the city, not the city out the man.” This lyric perfectly captures the enduring essence of Chicago within me. My identity is inextricably linked to the city. It took leaving to fully appreciate the depth of this connection. Growing up, I was perhaps too focused on escaping the perceived pressures of my high school environment, overlooking the inherent beauty and richness of where I was from. Now, I recognize the charm of snow-lit houses, the beauty of tree-lined streets in summer, and the invigorating coolness of Lake Michigan.
The appreciation extends to the people – my childhood friends, my family, the ingrained Midwestern kindness. There’s an undeniable magic to driving down Lake Shore Drive on a sunny summer day, a quintessential Chicago experience. Leaving home made me realize I had, perhaps unknowingly, “paved my paradise and put up a parking lot,” echoing Joni Mitchell’s famous lyrics. The comfort of home was something I hadn’t fully appreciated until I sought something new.
“When I’m back in Chicago, I feel it.” Returning home from college shifts perspective. Time at home is no longer taken for granted. Driving into the city to reconnect with friends or simply to admire the skyline becomes a priority. Visits to favorite Chicago institutions like Portillo’s, Culver’s, and Walker Brothers are essential. Trips to the lakefront and even a drive-by of the iconic Home Alone house are part of the ritual. Simple moments like playing cards with family and catching up with friends are cherished. These are the experiences yearned for while away.
“Another version of me, I was in it.” Home evokes different facets of ourselves. While core identity remains, subtle shifts occur. Behavior, speech, even style of dress can vary between college life in Lewiston and home life in Chicago. Neither version is superior, simply different facets of a multifaceted self.
“I wave goodbye to the end of beginning.” Home is intrinsically linked to childhood and formative years. Leaving for college marked the end of a significant chapter, a poignant goodbye to a past self. There’s a bittersweet nostalgia in leaving Chicago, a recognition of the specialness of growing up in Wilmette and the surrounding areas. Memories of downtown excursions to my dad’s office, strolls along the Riverwalk and Michigan Avenue, and museum visits are deeply ingrained.
Chicago is an experience that must be lived to be truly understood. It defies comparison to other major cities like New York or Los Angeles, and it doesn’t aspire to be them. Chicago possesses its own unique identity, reflected in the unpretentious nature of its people and their unhurried pace, infused with Midwestern politeness.
Chicago transcends being just a city; it’s an immersive experience. The lyrics “back in chicago song” resonate because they tap into this deeply personal and shared understanding of Chicago’s enduring impact. To have experienced Chicago is a privilege, and as the song suggests, you can take me out of Chicago, but you can’t take Chicago out of me.
Alt text: The iconic Chicago skyline illuminated at night, showcasing its impressive architecture and urban beauty, a visual representation of the feeling evoked by the “back in chicago song”.
Alt text: Serene view of Lake Michigan from Gillson Park in Wilmette, Illinois, capturing the peaceful suburban environment near Chicago mentioned in the context of the “back in chicago song”.
