Which character sings “Our Town” over the end credits of Pixar’s Cars?

James Taylor sings “Our Town” over the end credits of Pixar’s Cars. The song was written by Randy Newman specifically for the film and reflects the changing fortunes of Radiator Springs.

“Our Town” is a reflective closing song rather than a racing anthem. Its lyrics focus on memory, community and the passage of time, themes that match the town’s decline after Route 66 was bypassed and its renewed hope after Lightning’s visit.

The song earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song at the 79th Academy Awards. It was one of several major honors connected to Cars, which also received a nomination for Best Animated Feature.

Randy Newman composed the film’s score and wrote several songs for the soundtrack. Because Newman is strongly associated with Pixar music, listeners sometimes assume he performed every featured song, but James Taylor is the vocalist on “Our Town.”