For Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce, who has played his entire career in Philadelphia since being drafted by the team in 2011, moving away from his hometown could present a significant adjustment.
As Kelce enters his 12th NFL season while living outside of his comfort zone, music may provide an effective way for him to cope with feelings of homesickness.
Certain songs have the power to transport listeners back to familiar places and people through vivid memories and emotions.
Here are a few musical suggestions that could help Kelce feel more connected to home during his time away.
One of the all-time classics for invoking nostalgia, “Free Fallin’” would be a perfect pick-me-up song for Kelce. Released in 1989, Tom Petty’s raspy vocals paired with the laidback guitar licks create an atmosphere of ease and familiarity. The lyrics paint a picture of driving around one’s hometown with the windows down, taking in familiar sights. This feeling of comfortable surroundings is exactly what Kelce may crave while living out of his element. Certain lines like “I’m a-free fallin’” and “I’m on the road again” could remind him that his time away is only temporary and that home is never too far. The mellow yet memorable melody would be easy for Kelce to sing along to, further enhancing its ability to lift his spirits and transport him mentally back to Philadelphia. At over six minutes long, this song provides a lengthy escape from present struggles.
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“Wagon Wheel” by Old Crow Medicine Show
For an upbeat pick-me-up, “Wagon Wheel” by Old Crow Medicine Show is hard to beat. Its bluegrass-inflected folk sound and sing-along lyrics make it perfect for blasting in the car or at a get-together to boost mood and energy. References to familiar places like “North Carolina” and “the Rocky Mountains” give the song a travel-themed theme of nostalgia that could resonate with Kelce’s current situation. Visualizing scenic American landscapes might help satisfy any wanderlust while also filling him with a sense of patriotism and connection to home. With an infectious banjo line and foot-stomping rhythm, it’s impossible not to feel uplifted listening to this bluegrass anthem. Singing or shouting along would give Kelce an engaging distraction from any loneliness. The lyrics’ message of looking back fondly on past travels could remind him that his NFL journey is an adventure to appreciate.
“Better Together” by Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real
For a more emotional pick, “Better Together” by Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real beautifully captures the importance of community. Its soulful melody and heartfelt lyrics celebrating friendship would undoubtedly stir up feelings of missing those close to Kelce back home. Lines like “You can’t be a friend/If you don’t stick it out ’til the end” and the chorus of “We’re better together” emphasize the power of human bonding. For someone in Kelce’s situation of living apart from his core support system, this song could serve as a poignant reminder of the people who have his back. Its message of unity may ease any worries or insecurities from being away. Simply listening to the vocals and guitar may fill Kelce with comforting memories of companionship from meaningful relationships. Like a warm hug, this tune could provide emotional consolation and bolster his resilience during challenging times adjusting to life away from Philadelphia.
Beyond these three selections, there are countless other songs that may effectively help Jason Kelce cope with homesickness depending on his personal tastes and memories. Music has a profound ability to trigger very specific recollections and feelings through melodies, lyrics, and associations. Many country songs heavily feature themes of hometown pride and nostalgia, while classic rock hits can transport listeners straight back to their younger years. For Kelce, who has spent his entire football career thus far playing in his hometown of Philadelphia, certain songs strongly tied to memories there could serve as an auditory balm. Taking time to actively listen to music that reminds him of people, places and experiences from home may provide comfort as he faces new challenges away from his roots. With the right tunes, Kelce can carry familiar feelings of ease, joy and belonging wherever his NFL journey may lead.
