Randy Newman wrote and performed “Our Town” for the end credits of Pixar's Cars.
The song reflects the film's themes of memory, changing communities, and the loss of attention paid to old roads. Its lyrics suit Radiator Springs, a once-busy Route 66 town whose fortunes declined after the highway was bypassed by newer transportation routes.
Newman composed the score for Cars as well as several songs used in the film. “Our Town” earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song at the 79th Academy Awards. The soundtrack also includes performances by artists such as Sheryl Crow, Brad Paisley, and James Taylor.
James Taylor is a common mix-up because he performs “Our Town” in the film itself? He does not: Newman is the credited writer and performer of the end-credits song. Taylor performs “Our Town” in another context? The correct Cars credit remains Randy Newman.