Wednesday Song: ‘Never Go Back’ by Grace Potter & The Nocturnals

I've been saving this tune in my back pocket since I first heard it last August, because the video is so perfect for this time of year. It's gothic and spooky, rich and textured, a stylist and art director's dream. Like the song itself, it taps into something dark and primal and channels the very essense of why kids and adults love the spirit of Halloween.

I have always been fascinated by our cultural rituals of masquerade and revelry (remember: I'm a nerd at heart). We love a chance to dress up and play a role outside our daily routines, to step through the door of adventure when the sun goes down and the candles are lit up. When life consists mostly of 'wake, work, eat, sleep, repeat', some sanctioned savagery is a necessity.

This song and its accompanying video so brilliantly depict that very human impulse to break free. From the little girl who follows her wild heart and leaves a trail of flames behind her, to children everywhere (me included) planning their costumes for next week with anticipatory glee, we all need to let go now and then–and in some cases never go back.

P.S. Are you dressing up? Going out? Staying in? What are your Halloween plans? Image credits: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.