Pixar’s Cars introduced the song “Our Town” in its end credits.
The song was written and performed by Randy Newman, who also composed the film’s score. “Our Town” reflects the film’s themes of memory, community, and the decline and renewal of small-town America. Its lyrics connect especially well with Radiator Springs, a once-busy Route 66 town that has been bypassed by newer roads.
The song appears after Lightning McQueen’s emotional transformation and the restoration of Radiator Springs. It helps extend the film’s ending beyond the racing plot by focusing on the town and its residents. Newman’s work on Cars earned the song an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song.
“Our Town” should not be confused with songs from the later Cars films. Cars 2 and Cars 3 have their own soundtracks and musical identities, although Randy Newman remained closely associated with the franchise’s music.