The summer of 1973 marks a turning point in David’s childhood, as music becomes both a refuge and a source of connection. In Cohoes, the soundtrack of classic rock—Lynyrd Skynyrd, Aerosmith, Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd, Steve Miller Band, and more—fills the air in West End Park and at home, providing emotional scaffolding during a time of family transition and sibling departures. As older siblings move out and roles shift, David finds comfort and hope in the power of music, which helps soften the rough edges of growing up and expands his sense of possibility. The chapter explores how music weaves together memories, relationships, and the changing landscape of childhood, offering solace and a sense of belonging even as the world grows larger and more complex.