Travel songs are those that are specifically inspired by the idea of traveling, exploring new places, and embarking on adventures. Here are ten great travel songs:
1: “On the Road Again” by Willie Nelson
“On the Road Again” is a classic country song by Willie Nelson that was released in 1980. The song is a tribute to the touring lifestyle of musicians and the joy of traveling. The lyrics describe the excitement of being back on the road, meeting new people, and exploring new places.
The song’s memorable opening line, “On the road again, I just can’t wait to get on the road again,” is instantly recognizable and has become a popular catchphrase for travelers and adventure-seekers. The upbeat tempo and cheerful melody capture the sense of freedom and adventure that comes with hitting the open road.
The song has been covered by many artists over the years, and it remains one of Willie Nelson’s most beloved and enduring hits. “On the Road Again” is a timeless anthem of the travel experience and a celebration of the joy and wonder of the journey.
2: “I’ve Been Everywhere” by Johnny Cash
“I’ve Been Everywhere” is a song originally written by Australian country singer Geoff Mack in 1959. It became a hit for Johnny Cash in 1996 when he recorded his own version of the song. The lyrics of the song are a series of place names, and each verse of the song features a different list of locations that the singer has visited.
The song’s catchy chorus, “I’ve been everywhere, man,” is a tribute to the singer’s travels and adventures. The fast-paced rhythm and upbeat melody capture the excitement of constantly moving and exploring new places. Johnny Cash’s version of the song is particularly memorable for its energetic performance and the way he delivers each place name with precision and enthusiasm.
“I’ve Been Everywhere” has become a classic road trip song and a favorite of travelers and adventurers. The song’s long list of place names has been updated and adapted over the years to reflect new locations, but the spirit of the song remains the same – a celebration of the joy and wonder of travel.
3: “Leaving on a Jet Plane” by John Denver
“Leaving on a Jet Plane” is a song written by John Denver in 1966, and it became a hit when it was recorded by Peter, Paul, and Mary in 1969. The song expresses the bittersweet feeling of leaving loved ones behind to embark on a journey, and it has become a classic travel song.
The song’s opening line, “All my bags are packed, I’m ready to go,” has become an iconic phrase for travelers around the world. The simple melody and heartfelt lyrics capture the mixture of excitement and sadness that often accompanies travel.
John Denver’s original version of the song is a slower and more stripped-down rendition, with just Denver’s voice and guitar. It emphasizes the emotional weight of the lyrics and the sense of longing that comes with leaving someone behind. However, it was Peter, Paul, and Mary’s more upbeat and pop-oriented version that became a commercial success.
“Leaving on a Jet Plane” has been covered by numerous artists over the years, and it remains a beloved classic. Its timeless message and simple melody continue to resonate with travelers of all ages and backgrounds.
4: “Life is a Highway” by Tom Cochrane
“Life is a Highway” is a song by Canadian singer Tom Cochrane, originally released in 1991. The song became an international hit and has since become a classic travel anthem.
The song’s driving beat and catchy chorus make it a perfect fit for road trips and adventures. The lyrics express the idea that life is a journey and that each moment is a chance to explore, learn, and grow. The chorus, which repeats the phrase “Life is a highway, I want to ride it all night long,” captures the sense of freedom and possibility that comes with traveling.
“Life is a Highway” has been covered by many artists over the years, including Rascal Flatts, who had a major hit with their country-tinged version in 2006. The song has also been featured in several films and TV shows, cementing its status as a cultural touchstone.
The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to the universal appeal of travel and the power of music to capture the spirit of adventure. Whether you’re hitting the road for a long journey or just taking a short trip, “Life is a Highway” is a song that will inspire you to embrace the journey and enjoy every moment.
5: “Route 66” by Bobby Troup
“Route 66” is a classic song written by Bobby Troup in 1946. The song celebrates the famous highway that stretches from Chicago to Santa Monica, California and became an iconic symbol of the American road trip.
The lyrics of the song describe the various landmarks and attractions along the route, including cities like St. Louis and Oklahoma City, and natural wonders like the Grand Canyon. The song’s driving rhythm and catchy melody capture the excitement and adventure of traveling the open road.
“Route 66” has been covered by numerous artists over the years, including Nat King Cole, Chuck Berry, and John Mayer. It has become a staple of road trip playlists and a beloved classic. The song has also been featured in films and TV shows, cementing its status as a cultural touchstone.
The enduring appeal of “Route 66” lies in its celebration of the freedom and adventure that comes with hitting the open road. The song captures the excitement and wonder of exploring new places and experiencing new things, and it remains a beloved anthem of the American travel experience.
6: “Vacation” by The Go-Go’s
“Vacation” is a popular song by the all-female rock band, The Go-Go’s, released in 1982. The song celebrates the excitement of going on vacation and leaving behind the stress and routine of everyday life.
The song’s catchy chorus, “Vacation, all I ever wanted, vacation, had to get away,” is a memorable and iconic hook that captures the sense of liberation and adventure that comes with travel. The upbeat tempo and driving beat make it a perfect fit for road trips and beach vacations.
“Vacation” was a commercial success and has become one of The Go-Go’s most well-known and enduring hits. The song’s music video, which features the band members frolicking on a beach and playing in the surf, has also become a classic of the MTV era.
The song’s enduring popularity lies in its celebration of the joy and freedom of travel. It reminds us that sometimes, the best way to escape the stresses of everyday life is to simply pack our bags and hit the road.
7: “The Passenger” by Iggy Pop
“The Passenger” is a song by American rock icon Iggy Pop, released in 1977. The song celebrates the excitement and adventure of traveling and explores the sense of freedom and anonymity that can come with being a passenger on a train, bus, or airplane.
The song’s driving rhythm and Iggy Pop’s distinctive vocals make it a classic of the punk and new wave era. The lyrics describe the thrill of moving through the world and seeing new places and experiences, with lines like “I am the passenger and I ride and I ride” and “We’ll see the cities and the stars and everything in between.”
“The Passenger” has been covered by many artists over the years, and it has become a beloved classic. The song’s message of adventure and exploration resonates with travelers of all ages and backgrounds.
The enduring appeal of “The Passenger” lies in its celebration of the sense of freedom and possibility that comes with travel. The song captures the thrill of being a passenger, the excitement of moving through new places and experiences, and the sense of anonymity that can come with being on the road.
8: “Come Fly with Me” by Frank Sinatra
“Come Fly with Me” is a classic song by legendary crooner Frank Sinatra, released in 1958. The song celebrates the glamour and excitement of air travel and invites listeners to join in on an adventure around the world.
The song’s lush orchestration and Sinatra’s smooth vocals make it a timeless classic. The lyrics describe the thrill of taking off into the sky and the sense of adventure and possibility that comes with traveling to new places.
“Come Fly with Me” has become a beloved standard and has been covered by many artists over the years. The song has also been featured in films and TV shows, cementing its status as a cultural touchstone.
The enduring appeal of “Come Fly with Me” lies in its celebration of the romance and adventure of air travel. The song captures the sense of glamour and excitement that was once associated with flying, before air travel became routine and mundane. “Come Fly with Me” remains a beloved anthem of the golden age of air travel and a testament to the power of music to capture the spirit of adventure.
9: “Africa” by Toto
“Africa” is a song by American rock band Toto, released in 1982. The song is a tribute to the continent of Africa, celebrating its natural beauty, mystery, and allure.
The song’s signature keyboard riff and soaring vocals make it an enduring classic. The lyrics describe the beauty of Africa, with lines like “I bless the rains down in Africa, gonna take some time to do the things we never had” and “Hurry boy, she’s waiting there for you.”
“Africa” has become one of Toto’s most well-known and beloved songs. It has been covered by numerous artists over the years, and it has been featured in films, TV shows, and commercials.
The enduring appeal of “Africa” lies in its celebration of the natural beauty and mystery of the continent. The song captures the sense of wonder and fascination that Africa has inspired in travelers and explorers for centuries. “Africa” remains a beloved anthem of adventure and a testament to the power of music to transport us to far-off places.
10: “Don’t Stop Believin'” by Journey
“Don’t Stop Believin'” is a song by American rock band Journey, released in 1981. The song celebrates the idea of chasing your dreams and never giving up on what you believe in, and has become an anthem of hope and perseverance.
The song’s upbeat melody and memorable lyrics make it an enduring classic. The chorus, with its iconic refrain of “Don’t stop believin’, hold on to that feelin'”, has become one of the most recognizable in popular music.
“Don’t Stop Believin'” has been covered by numerous artists over the years, and it has been featured in films, TV shows, and commercials. It has also become a beloved sports anthem, played at stadiums and arenas around the world.
The enduring appeal of “Don’t Stop Believin'” lies in its celebration of the power of determination and optimism. The song encourages listeners to pursue their dreams and never give up, no matter how difficult the journey may be. It has become a symbol of hope and resilience, inspiring generations of listeners to believe in themselves and their ability to achieve their goals.
These songs celebrate the thrill of hitting the road, taking off into the sky, or simply setting out on an adventure to explore new horizons. They capture the sense of freedom and possibility that travel can inspire and transport listeners to new and exciting destinations.