A Coming-of-Age Story: ‘Where Corn Don’t Grow’

The relatable song reminds listeners that it’s okay to come home after you’ve spread your wings.
A Coming-of-Age Story: ‘Where Corn Don’t Grow’
A detail from "Scene From the Life of the Prodigal Son," 17th century, by Peeter van Bredael. After leaving town for greener pastures, songwriter Mark Alan Springer turned the lessons he learned into a hit country song. Public Domain
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During my last year of high school, my classmates often talked about how much they couldn’t wait to graduate and move out of town. My big move happened a lot younger than 18, so I was more than happy to stay planted in sunny Florida. As anticipated, many of my friends left for college. What I didn’t expect was how many would come back. Some returned after a year. For others, it took a bit longer.

Moving back to one’s hometown, whether it’s due to another state not working out or some other context, is often viewed as a failure—a defeat. However, when friends returned to the Sunshine State to go to a local university or spend a year in the workforce before continuing their education, I viewed it as a victory—a hard-won lesson.

Rebecca Day
Rebecca Day
Author
Rebecca Day is a freelance writer and independent musician. For more information on her music and writing, visit her Substack, Classically Cultured, at classicallycultured.substack.com