Take Me Back - #24 Blaugust 2026
This may be the most personal post I make for Blaugust.
First off, I can admit if you asked me in person if I liked this song I'd probably deny it. Country and mushy love songs are not part of my normal rotation especially put together. But the truth is I have a ton of nostalgia around this song.
I did not really have friends growing up. I was always described as shy (and I somewhat was), but I also was bullied a decent amount. At best I had 'school friends', but it was rare I ever went out to a birthday party or activity with other kids my age. My family didn't do a ton of activities on the regular either. We rarely went out to eat or to the movies in part due to the cost.
On the brighter side, I have a cousin who is about 4 months older than me. And we got along great. Two peas in a pod. He is family, but also the closest thing to a best friend I had at the time. I would sleep over at his house at least a couple times a year and I always had a great time. Pokemon cards, playing in the park, hanging with his friends, video games, movies, and more. This song. This song was always playing when I was over there year after year. Every time I hear the song it takes me back. It brought me so much joy in a kind of gloomy time in my life.
I mostly see my cousin at family events now. He's got two small children and a busy schedule. Even now you could ask anyone in my extended family and they could tell you that cousin is my favorite. And those times growing up were my favorite too.