Portland
Andrea von Kampen Lyrics


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This place looks nothing like where I come from
The trees they turn later, the sky comes undone
We drove all night through Couer d'Alene, and I woke with the sun
Onwards to Portland, Oregon (hmm)

I just want to leave to say that I did
Nothing against all the green fields of my childhood
But I'm drivin' through all the same places that I used to
I'm gone to Portland, Oregon (hmm)

If am lost, I am lost on purpose
Please God don't find me
If I am running, I am running away all on my own
I get lost, I get lost, I get lost

Nobody cares if the foundation's cracked
As long as it looks good when somebody asks
Yet I've got a man who loves me despite what I lack
We're goin' to Portland, Oregon if anyone asks

If am lost, I am lost on purpose
Please God don't find me




If I am running, I am running away all on my own
I get lost, I get lost, I get lost

Overall Meaning

Andrea von Kampen's song "Portland" seems to be about the longing for a change of pace and scenery, from where the singer grew up to the city of Portland, Oregon. In the opening lines, the singer observes the stark differences between their hometown and the new place they are visiting, including the later turning of the trees and untethering of the sky. They traveled through Coeur d'Alene, Idaho overnight and woke up to a new adventure, with Portland as their destination.


The second stanza continues the theme of the singer's desire for change. They want to leave the monotonous routine of their childhood, driving through the same places, to explore new horizons. The lyrics express the singer's need to escape and be lost so that they may find themselves, without anyone else's interference. They are intentionally lost and running away on their own terms, asking for God to not intervene.


The final stanza adds depth to the song by revealing something personal about the singer's life. Despite a foundation that may be cracked or flawed, they have someone who loves them in spite of their faults. They choose to go to Portland if anyone would inquire, but ultimately, they're not concerned if anyone cares. The lyrics reveal that the singer is in search of something they cannot articulate, but they hope that Portland, Oregon is the answer they seek.


Line by Line Meaning

This place looks nothing like where I come from
The appearance of the place is different from the singer's hometown.


The trees they turn later, the sky comes undone
Nature operates differently here; the trees change colors later, and the sky appears differently.


We drove all night through Couer d'Alene, and I woke with the sun
The journey was long, and they had to travel through Couer d'Alene overnight, leading to waking up with the sunrise.


Onwards to Portland, Oregon (hmm)
Continuing the journey to Portland, Oregon.


I just want to leave to say that I did
The singer desires to leave for the sake of having done so.


Nothing against all the green fields of my childhood
Leaving has nothing to do with the green fields of the singer's childhood.


But I'm drivin' through all the same places that I used to
The singer is passing through locations they used to frequent.


I'm gone to Portland, Oregon (hmm)
The journey is destined to end in Portland, Oregon.


If am lost, I am lost on purpose
The singer is deliberately misplacing themselves.


Please God don't find me
The singer hopes to remain lost without divine intervention.


If I am running, I am running away all on my own
Any attempts to flee are solely self-imposed.


I get lost, I get lost, I get lost
There is a repeated temptation to wander and get lost.


Nobody cares if the foundation's cracked
No one is concerned with the underlying issues and problems.


As long as it looks good when somebody asks
All that matters is presenting a good facade when asked.


Yet I've got a man who loves me despite what I lack
Despite having flaws, the singer's partner loves them.


We're goin' to Portland, Oregon if anyone asks
Going to Portland is the response to any inquiries.




Writer(s): andrea von kampen

Contributed by Cooper W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

Blueskysoblue *

This place looks nothing like where I come fromĀ 
The trees they turn later, the sky comes undoneĀ 
We drove all night through Couer d'Alene, and I woke with the sunĀ 
Onwards to Portland, Oregon (hmmm)Ā 

I just want to leave to say that I didĀ 
Nothing against all the green fields of my childhoodĀ 
But I'm drivin' through all the same places that I used toĀ 
I'm gone to Portland, OregonĀ (hmmm)Ā 

(chorus)Ā 
If am lost, I am lost on purposeĀ 
Please God don't find meĀ 
If I am running, I am running away all on my ownĀ 
I get lost, I get lost, I get lostĀ 

Nobody cares if the foundation's crackedĀ 
As long as it looks good when somebody asksĀ 
Yet I've got a man who loves me despite what I lackĀ 
We're goin' to Portland, Oregon if anyone asksĀ 

thanks for the song, really enjoy it šŸ



All comments from YouTube:

Ron TazMan

I live in Portland, Oregon how in the world has it not become a hit here? Never heard of it and such an amazing voice.

Anntastic

Cuz the devil is of this world...but God wins in the end!!

Alexander Jeffery

Filming this was definitely one of the highlights of my year. So much fun! Thank you, Andrea, for trusting me with your beautiful song.

Kara Shadwick

Gorgeous video and song. It deserves more views!

Brendan

Curious whether those woodland path shots were filmed in Forest Park! It looks like some of the overhead footage is from the Gorge, in particular the Eagle Creek area?

Mark H.

@Kara Shadwick You said it Kara! Absolutely beautiful in every way.

Madison

I can't stop listening to this song. I found you through a folk playlist made by Spotify and you have quickly become one of my new favorite artists. Your voice is unbelievably beautiful. Your songs make me feel at peace. Can't wait to see what you make next!

The Music of Dave Carroll

A song about Home.. could be any where in the world.. memories. Beautifully written and sang... thanks

Hunter Masi

Portland and Seattle are my two favorite cities in America. This is a great song and the beauty in the video is something else! šŸ‘Œ

AceofJades

Your voice is amazing how are you not the most famous singer in the world.

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