In Pixar’s Cars, “Our Town” plays during the montage showing Radiator Springs in its former heyday.
The song accompanies a historical sequence explaining how Radiator Springs once prospered when Route 66 carried steady traffic through the town. The arrival of Interstate 40 bypasses the community, leaving its businesses and population in decline. The montage gives emotional context to the town before Lightning’s arrival.
“Our Town” was written and performed by Randy Newman for the film. Newman also composed the score and wrote other songs connected with Cars, including “Real Gone,” performed by Sheryl Crow.
The song is sometimes confused with “Life Is a Highway,” which is the best-known road-trip song associated with the film and is performed by Rascal Flatts. “Our Town” is the quieter, nostalgic number tied specifically to Radiator Springs’ history.