PERU, INDIANA (THE PLACE COLE PORTER CAME FROM)

CHICORY ALBUM—TRACK SIX

A long time ago, when I was still living in Chicago, I used to take the train to Ruckersville, Virginia, where my parents lived.

It was a long train ride—about 24 hours—but there was something wonderful about it. Something very American, as the train rumbled eastward across the land. Stop by stop.

One of the first stops out of Chicago—around midnight—was the town of Peru, Indiana, along the Wabash River. And, as a sign notifies you pulling into the station, it’s the birthplace of Cole Porter.

It always seemed so strange to me that this small, very Midwestern town was also the home of the great Porter. Cole Porter, the epitome of sophisticated Manhattan in the glittering 1920s. Night life, champagne and cheek to check dancing.

This song is about finding home and settling down. With no desire to move on. With a woman who is content. Who even whistles a happy tune.

The train goes through town every night around midnight. He hears it making its stop but is resistant to its call. Instead, he rolls over in bed and spoons his girl.

Maybe I am on that train.

Here’s a link to the song. It is performed by one Happy Townes…aka AI. This is followed by a Spotify link to CHICORY, full album. If you have free Spotify it will automatically shuffle the songs—which sucks. If you have a Spotify paid subscription, it should play in proper order as is my intent. CHICORY is also available on Apple Music, iTunes, YouTube and elsewhere.

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