MOLINE, Ill. — The song about life 'Back In Moline' is now raising money for a clothing drive at the very high school featured in the tune.
Tim Rodems and Jake Wilson have been close friends since seventh grade at John Deere Middle School in Moline. For more than a quarter of a century, the two have been writing funny songs for their "Moline Men" friend group.
This summer, the two had the idea to write a song all about living in Moline. It's a country-pop melody and the lyrics are dotted with local references, including Meyer's Tree Farm, Whitey's Ice Cream and Quad City pizza.
"QC pizza, Saturday night eats, meet up for bowling after the Maroons get beat. Pick up games on dusty old courts, hanging by the muddy river, no second thoughts," read the lyrics.
Rodems posted the song to his Facebook, where it quickly started racking up plays. At the time of this publication, it has nearly 140,000 views and more than 1,600 shares. Hundreds of comments started pouring in, congratulating the duo and debating what life growing up as a Maroon was like. Rodems says the success was shocking.
"We didn't expect much - just something we had fun doing. But it has really taken off," Rodems said.
Within a week, Rodems and Wilson decided to put their viral moment to good use.
In 2024, the Share Joys fundraiser is celebrating 75 years of raising money throughout the Moline-Coal Valley School District. The funds are used to clothe students who need assistance. Since 1949, it has raised more than $1.5 million, with a recent average of about $50,000 annually. Each year the drive helps between 300-385 students in need.
This year, the fundraiser is hoping to bring in $75,000, in honor of its 75th year. You can make a direct donation here.
Both Rodems and Wilson were involved in Share Joys while attending Moline High School. Following the warm reception of their song, the two have been making and selling "Back In Moline" t-shirts. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Share Joys. You can order one here.
The songwriters say they used A.I. to enhance the song's vocals and instrumentation. Some of the pictures seen in the music video were also edited with A.I. Rodems says all of the lyrics are original.
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