My four-year-old son Liam is largely to thank for this week’s song.  Having listened to Portland: The Album many times, now that we have returned Liam keeps saying, “Daddy, you should record a song that says ‘I’m back in Portland!’”  (As if, naturally, in answer to the song “Back To Portland.”)

So, this week’s song, “Back In Portland,” is just such a song.  It’s highly autobiographical, and a fun romp.  It’s only just over two minutes long, but I like to think those are two quality minutes.  Anyway, enjoy this, the inaugural song in One Year of Portland Songs...

Lyrics:

I’m back!

(You know I’m back)

I’m back, back in Portland, in my hometown,

The very best city for miles around.

I rolled into town on January Three,

And now I’m as happy as I can be.

(Because I’m back)

Back in Portland, in my hometown,

If you look at my face you won’t see a frown.

The east coast is okay, if you like that stuff,

But I’d decided that I’d had enough.

(And now I’m back)

Back in Portland, in my hometown,

The rain’s getting old, but it can’t get me down.

With Mount Hood in the east and the coast to the west

I’m swear that I’m in heaven and I am blessed!

Back in Portland, with my family and my friends,

Where the people are cool and the fun never ends.

Back in Portland where I should be,

The Willamette and Columbia singing to me.

(And now I’m back)

Back in Portland, in my hometown,

Where in winter we’re green, and not a shade of brown.

Spring starts in March, not the middle of May,

And we’ve got four seasons unlike L.A.

(So now I’m back)

Back in Portland, in my hometown,

If cities were royalty, it takes the crown.

My friends ask me why should Portland be cheered,

I say I don’t know, but let’s keep Portland weird!

(You know I’m back)

Back in Portland, in my hometown,

Out in Parkrose is where I am found.

Back in the town where I belong,

With nothing better to do than sing this song.

Back in Portland, City of the Rose,

How happy I am, nobody knows.

Back in Portland where I should be,

I bet I’ll be here for eternity.

(Back in Portland vamp to end...)