The other day, while driving to Hatboro, a town near mine in the suburbs of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, I heard on the radio a song I adore. It has a simple title — Hackensack — and always has made me go weak in the knees. Powerfully gentle, Hackensack tugged at my heartstrings as I made my way along the road. I hadn’t heard the tune in years, in effect had forgotten about it. Now it is stuck in my head.
Hackensack is by Fountains Of Wayne, a pop-rock outfit whose career spanned the years 1995 through 2013. During that time the band had one big hit, Stacy’s Mom, which came out in 2003 on the album Welcome Interstate Managers. Hackensack also is on that album. Without further ado, let’s give a listen to the recording I’ve become reacquainted with and addicted to.
What’s Hackensack about? Well, I used to think of it as a bittersweet lyric — I guess I viewed the words as both wistful and vaguely hopeful — woven into a melody that is as delicious as a summer breeze. A guy, probably a 30-something, pines for a girl he went to school with years earlier in Hackensack, New Jersey, the town he has lived in his entire life. Despite his infatuation, in reality he never knew her all that well. She moved away long ago and has made it big as an actress. Tell me, is it possible not to sing along with these lines, though they might also cause a lump to form in your throat?
But I will wait for you/As long as I need to/And if you ever get back to Hackensack/I’ll be here for you.
As noted above, I can’t shake Hackensack. Nor do I want to. A day or two after visiting Hatboro, where I got my cardio in by walking vigorously around town, I did a bit of research into Fountains Of Wayne. I read that the band consisted of Chris Collingwood (lead vocals and rhythm guitar), Adam Schlesinger (electric bass), Jody Porter (lead guitar) and Brian Young (drums). They recorded five studio albums, Collingwood and Schlesinger writing all the songs. The only band member whose name rang a bell with me was Schlesinger, though years ago, in my music-junkie days, I probably knew all of them.
During the research I also learned something I was aware of when it happened but had forgotten. Namely, Adam Schlesinger, poor soul, succumbed to COVID in 2020. He was 52. And I also learned something I hadn‘t known before: Three weeks after his death, Fountains Of Wayne, long disbanded, came together (with Sharon Van Etten filling in on bass for the departed) to honor Schlesinger.
The song they played was Hackensack. I watched the video of their performance. It really got to me, the words taking on new meanings and hitting home. I realized that Hackensack is not bittersweet, which, as I’ve mentioned, is how I previously would have described it. No, it’s emphatically a sad song. Hackensack’s protagonist is lost and clueless. He isn’t exactly climbing the ladder of success. And, of course, he isn’t going to get the girl. Or any girl, most likely. Man, I can relate. I once was in similar straits, going nowhere fast during much of my 20s. It was only because of the grace of who-knows-what that my ship righted itself eventually, allowing me to establish a decent career and find someone — the absolutely correct lady, no less — to be with.
I see now that, at their root, Hackensack’s lyrics imply what we all know to be true. That is, life can be scarily unpredictable and fragile. It’s a crapshoot, really. Nothing is guaranteed, certainly not longevity. Adam Schlesinger’s death, I think, touched his former bandmates deeply. By regrouping briefly in 2020, they are saying, by way of the song they chose to play, that they miss him a lot. He won’t be returning to the town of Hackensack, or to anywhere else. But they wish he could and would.
Here is the video:
Yeah, Another Blogger 
Showing video unavailable but I will look it up. Thanks.
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I hope you can find it.
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Moving narrative and beautiful music! I had never heard this. Wonderful. Thank you.
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It’s a heck of a song.
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I think Billy Joel also mentions Hackensack in one of his songs. I’m just trying to remember which one it is…Movin’ Out?? Mel
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I’m not sure which one, but I think you’re right that he mentions that town.
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It must be a memorable or iconic place?
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I don’t think so, actually. The town of Hackensack is in northern New Jersey. I’m pretty sure there’s nothing particularly special about it.
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Thank you, Neil, for this moving and nostalgic post. Every word you wrote
rings true. Life is unpredictable and the best plans get lost, no matter
how much we want to realize them. Perhaps, because God laughs at hearing them.
Joanna
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Hi Joanna. All we can do is keep on trying to do our best.
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Yes, you are right, thank you!
Joanna
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I’ve never heard of them, until now. It’s certainly a song that provokes deep thinking. I enjoyed the second version.
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Hi. Fountains Of Wayne were pretty popular in the States, but I don’t know where else in the world they might have had a fan base.
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I think this my absolute favourite of your posts. It’s such a special thing when a song gets right under your skin and becomes much more than just an earworm, but an emotional touchstone—something that resonates so deeply it becomes an inescapable bedrock of your life.
It’s hauntingly beautiful song, but your heartfelt paean is equally affecting.
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Many thanks, George. After hearing Hackensack in my car, I HAD to write a story about it.
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Terrific post, incredible (and incredibly sad) song. True story: Years ago, before iPods were internet connected, I was driving my VW Passat on Route 80 with my kids. The iPod was plugged into the car’s stereo system, and when we drove through Hackensack, the song came on, like magic. We just went “whoaaaa” and sang along. One of those amazing moments in life.
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A cosmic coincidence, for sure.
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The best of songs reflect our lives.
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Hi Paddy. You’re right. Certain songs really connect with us.
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Thank you for the introduction, Neil. I hadn’t heard of them before, I don’t think. Great song, and I loved reading about your sense of connection to it. As to having to right your boat when you were younger, I believe that’s fairly common. Most of us don’t know how to think for ourselves until we get older or have enough experiences to learn how. Cheers.
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Howdy. Yeah, life is an ongoing learning process.
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Lovely piece, Neil. Amazing how certain songs connect with us and become huge. Possible irony in Sharon Van Etten being on the video. She was in a weird and wonderful series myself and my wife loved called the OA. And a singer songwriter too. Could be the girl who never went back to Hackensack…
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Hi. I didn’t know that she is an actress. I’ll have to look into the series you mention. Take care.
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Neil, a wonderful post introducing Hackensack and its history. It is fantastic to listen to songs that tugs at the heart strings and stays with one forever.
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Music can be truly powerful. I’m always amazed by that.
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First time hearing this song, it’s lovely as you mention. It’s interesting how songs “speak to us.” I’ve had that happen to in the past few years too. It’s a deep feeling. Thanks for sharing some history too.
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Hello there. Thanks for your input. “Deep feeling” is right on the money — some pieces of music can evoke deep feelings in us. Absolutely.
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I have never heard that song. It’s very easy on the ears. And yes, we don’t know what’s around that corner. But the best way to view that is to believe there’s a brilliant sun and rainbow waiting to shine down upon us, not dark clouds. Life’s way too short (and so very quick) and we need to embrace every moment, as best we can.
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You’re a positive thinker, which is the way to be.
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The videos were wonderful. I suspect that part of the song’s heart-wrenchiness is those unexpected minor chords. Also, the lyrics. And the way the melody goes up on “wait.” And I suspect that now I’m being too analytical, but I’m a songwriter, so I admire when all the little details come together to express something that tugs at you. (At first I thought you were talking about Billy Joel’s song, Moving Out!) Thanks for sharing one of your favorite songs. P.S. Also (and now I digress), thanks for sharing your favorite tv shows of late. I’m now immersed in one of them (The Diplomat).
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I appreciate your analysis of the song structure. You’ve pointed out some key elements!
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I hadn’t heard the song until today. Thanks. At first blush, the song has a 1970s vibe to it. The verses are well written and tug at the heartstrings.
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A great song. One of my favorites.
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Hi Neil:
As an indie songwriter and musician, I can say that (almost) every song is a labor of love and something like bearing a child. Our songs usually mean more to us than to anyone else, and the odds of others hearing them, let alone embracing them, may be slim.
The band’s tribute, and your sharing of it, fulfills the dream of the songs parents. To be heard, to relate. To leave something that carries on, even after we are gone.
Rest in peace, Adam Schlesinger, and thank you for the gift.
Slainte,
Paz
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Thanks, Paz. I always appreciate your thoughts and insights. You look deeply into things.
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This hits the spot, Neil. Like you, I’ve been there, managed to right the ship and by the grace of whatever, and all that,…
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We’re fortunate. Can you imagine how miserable it would have been to never obtain a stable and fulfilling life?
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True. You sometimes come across middle-aged guys who never got off first base. Still teenagers, basically. You feel for them.
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I had never heard this song before, nor has my husband. Perhaps this band were not as popular in Canada. Great song though 👌 Sad about the band member’s death.
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COVID was/is very bad news. More people have died from COVID in the USA than in any other country.
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Ah, so there’s life beyond the annoying Billy Joel reference and, as noted, mournful passage as well. Thanks for letting us in.
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I’m glad that Hackensack has re-entered my life.
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This piece brought tears to my eyes. Lovely writing, lovely music. And I think many of us can relate to the sentiment in the song, the feeling of going nowhere fast, the acute longing for someone, who, for whatever reason, slipped away. But as you note in your piece, it is possible to right the ship, to change course, to meet a kindred spirit, to live a creative, satisfying life. And, yes, very sad about Adam’s death.
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Fountains Of Wayne recorded dozens of songs. It’s telling that Hackensack is the one they chose to perform as the tribute to Adam Schlesinger.
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I think it is only when the boat is righted that one realises how bad things were before.
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I think you’re right.
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They were a great group. Check out ‘Traffic and Weather” and “Strapped for Cash”
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Will do. Thanks, Dave.
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Wonderful song I missed out on my entire life. Within 30 seconds, I knew it would be One of Those–“We sat together in Period One”–hooboy, that speaks volumes.
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The lyrics in Hackensack really grab us and won’t let go.
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You’re right – the song isn’t bittersweet, it’s sad. Glad that your life turned around so that you didn’t become the character in the song! I think everyone goes through a lost phase for a while.
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It can be hard to get your bearings in life. Some people never do.
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Great song and video! Happy you finally met Sandy!😁
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I hate to think what my life would be like if I’d never met her.
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You are a real mensch! She is lucky to have you ❤
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I’m familiar with Stacy’s Mom, of course (the song!), but not Hackensack…..and as you say, it’s a lovely, sad song.
Your telling reminded me of a favourite of mine, of the same ilk, by Gordon Lightfoot—
Did she mention my name just in passing
And looking at the rain, do you remember if she dropped a name or two
Won’t you say hello from someone, there’ll be no need to explain
And by the way, did she mention my name
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Hi. Gordon Lightfoot is missed. I never saw him in concert. Did you?
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Once, in a coffee-shop in Yorkville, a hippie haven in Toronto in the 60s, before he was ultra-famous. I wasn’t even of legal drinking age, but the coffee was good.
So was Gord.
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Neil, I’m not familiar with the song or the band. On listening, I found it very sad, more so, on learning that one of the group’s songwriters had passed away with Covid.
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So very many people have died from COVID. Millions.
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Oddly enough Katy Perry played this on “MTV Unplugged” too! I always loved the “I saw you talkin’ / to Christopher Walken” bit.
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I know what you mean — that’s a great line.
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That’s a wonderful song, Neil. Such a smooth voice and a nostalgic feel. That’s so sad to hear about Adam Schlesinger’s death. The tribute version was lovely.
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Hi. The tribute was very poignant.
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Neil, your musical recommendations never fail to deliver. And your tender melding of the song and Adam Schlesinger’s sad story is lovely. Your last three lines are perfect.
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Thanks very much, Paula.
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The group and song are not familiar to me. I agree that it is a haunting and rather melancholy. Young dreams can be sad. Good for the band to come together when a member died of COVID.
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Hi. Prior to that, they hadn’t performed together in 10 or so years.
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I wasn’t familiar with the song, but it’s a lovely tribute to their band member – and great lyrics.
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Right, the lyrics are so confessional and personal. They tell a sad story.
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Here’s another example of both a song and a group I’ve not been aware of; I’m indebted to you for broadening my horizons, and especially for introducing me to such a poignant song. I suspect we all have ‘those songs’ that capture us at a moment of time, and never let go. For me, it was Simon and Garfunkel’s “Hazy Shade of Winter.” When I hear it, I’m back in Iowa, in a second floor apartment whose details are as clear as in a photograph, and the emotions I felt then come flooding back now. That song still can bring tears to my eyes for no explicable reason, just as “Hackensack” did. It may be that both make real the transitory nature of life, and our inability to change past paths that brought us to the present.
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I love the insights you bring to just about every subject. And speaking of Simon and Garfunkel: Are you a fan of their songs America and The Boxer? I love them.
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I do enjoy them, although they’re so firmly embedded in another lifetime — I bought those albums in the ’60s when they were released! — that they’re not my first choice for listening. Today, I’m more inclined to choose Paul Simon’s solo work, particularly some cuts from his Graceland album, and “Peace Like a River,” which is more cutting edge than most people realize. These lyrics, particularly, always take me back to the time I spent in Liberia between a coup and civil war:
“You can beat us with wires,
You can beat us with chains,
You can run out your rules,
But you know you can’t outrun the history train.”
But my favorites are from the 1987 African concert. I was in West Africa at the time, though I knew nothing of the concert. Now, when I need a pick-me-up and some good memories, this is my choice.
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What a touching post Neil… I love your description of the song and your post mortem on it recently, that it is a sad song about someone stuck in a rut. I think we all can relate! And so sad about the singer’s death… I think the covid years amplified that fragility too… anyway I dug the song on youtube and can see why its a popular song!
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Hi. The pandemic was horrible and also was pretty surreal. And it definitely showed how fragile the human condition can be.
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I don’t think there’s anything better than driving along and a favorite song comes on–especially an old one. It fills the soul.
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You’re not kidding. Music can affect us so deeply.
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I can add a little to a loud “ME TOO!” regarding Cindy Knoke’s comment.
The video is impressive and grabbed me, even tho I am generally not into rock at all. The moving lyrics are sung clearly and nicely complemented by the guitars and drums. The camera work is straightforward and informative, showing when there are 2 singers rather than just 1.
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Hello there. It’s a great song, and I’m glad the band’s performance of it resonated with you.
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This is a thoughtful and moving reflection of how deeply you were touched by that music, Neil. The band, song, and its wistful content were all new to me as well. Thank you for sharing a part of your soul.
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Evening, Tanja. It’s funny how we feel compelled to write certain stories. This was one of them for me.
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Inspiration comes from many sources!
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Hey there, Neil. Nice essay and nice tune. Makes me wonder if anyone from my past thinks about me like I do a friend or two. Thanks again. Have a great day. Jerry
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I know what you mean. I occasionally think about a few friends I had when I was very, very young.
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I love these personal connections to things. Great stuff Neil. Never heard the song. I can see why you were moved. CB is tearing up.
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CB, I’m going to bring you a box of tissues. I’ll be there in about 12 hours!
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As you know I love to delve into the back story to a song and artist but didn’t know about these guys. A sad tale.
As for the place Hackensack, I always think of Billy Joel’s song Moving Out when I hear of it as it is referenced there to great effect.
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Hi. It amazes me that Billy Joel sells out huge venues, considering that he hasn’t released any pop/rock music in 30 years.
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Sometimes songs just touch us in a special way, don’t they? Especially when we can relate to the message. And now that you heard them sing Hackensack to their late bandmate, I’m guessing this song will be even more poignant. Life really is fragile and unpredictable, and we’re all just doing the best we can…Thanks for sharing this, Neil!
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There’s just something about this song. Like I said in the story, I can’t get it out of my head.
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Now that I’ve been introduced to it, I can see why!
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Awesome selection, Neil. After I pushed play I intended to read your post along with the song, but I just sat there and consumed the music instead. Love the bass guitar mimicking the refrain. Reminded me a little of Gilbert O’ Sullivan (“Alone Again”, “Clair”). Maybe the same era.
I think each of us guys knew “that girl” in high school, even if we never knew what became of her. The mention of Christopher Walken suggests the song is about a real actress (you agree?), but I prefer to think of her as nameless and attending every high school in America.
BTW, I recognized “Stacey’s Mom”, but for the life of me can’t understand why “Hackensack” wasn’t the bigger hit.
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Hi. One thing I like about the lyrics is that they seem almost offhand. Because of that, they paint a very true picture. By the way, I tend to think the girl in the song isn’t based on a real actress. I’m glad you have fallen for this song. And thanks for your insights. Appreciated.
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I actually remember Stacy’s Mom. It was a song that I heard over and over on the radio when it came out and I never got tired of it. This was my first time listening to Hackensack. They lyrics sound meaningful, and the band still sounds good together. Life really is unpredictable and fragile, so make the most of each moment.
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Well said: “Life really is unpredictable and fragile, so make the most of each moment.”
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This line, Neil >> “… life can be scarily unpredictable and fragile.”
How right you are.
If we’d forgotten we were mortal, Covid definitely reminded us of it. Thanks for the video. The song’s wistful lyrics really resonate with me today. eden
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“If we’d forgotten we were mortal, Covid definitely reminded us of it.” — absolutely. The first year or more of the pandemic was a disorienting and dangerous time.
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You hit a nerve, and a tear duct, and many truths here with this post. I never heard the song (and I grew up in NJ, near Philly no less, and went to grad school in norther NJ!). I love the song now (I will play it many times), but if I heard it in my 20s, I probably wouldn’t because it’s sad and lonely. And when in our 20s, we steered away from sad and lonely if at all possible. Now, in hindsight, which you give us so wisely, the song tells truths of how fragile and awkward and uncertain life, and its blessings, can be.
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Hi Pam. Thanks very much for your observations. Yeah, the way we look at things changes, at least somewhat, as we get older. It’s part of the “maturation” process, I guess.
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I have never heard of this song, very beautiful yet sad! I’m glad you found your happiness as you got older.
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Hi Diane. Yeah, I hit a pretty big rough spot back then, but things got much better after that.
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A very compelling post, Neil. Isn’t it great how music can just touch us sometimes? I love that. – Marty
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Hey, Marty. I know what you mean. Music can have amazing powers.
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I hadn’t heard Hackensack before. It is a sad song and yet quite touching and beautiful. I find myself lingering in those soft lyrics. I think I’ll go back and listen to the whole album. Thank you so much, Neil.
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Hi, and thanks for adding your thoughts. I should listen to the entire album too. Maybe there are other songs on it that are on a par with Hackensack.
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I’ll have to give this a listen. I’ve only ever heard their Stacy’s Mom song, but good to know they had some other decent music as well.
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Hey there. I think you’ll like Hackensack
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Once again, you’ve introduced me to memorable music– a beautiful essay. Love the reference to my dear friend as the “absolutely correct lady.” Sometimes this scarily unpredictable life shows some mercy and gets things just right.
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Hi. This description is quite perfect: “Sometimes this scarily unpredictable life shows some mercy and gets things just right.”
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