Wanderlust Anthems: 15 Songs That Echo The Longing To Travel
Every once in a while, we sit in our homes, plug in our headphones and travel the world on a playlist. While some of us take a leap to the airport (or train/bus station), some of us like to sip chai on the terrace. Who can define what travel means to us individually when there are so many ways of doing it?
No matter how you choose to experience new things, music will always be a constant. So if you need a playlist to make your heart dream of wandering the world, we’ve curated a list of 15 songs to do that for you.
"On the Road Again" - Willie Nelson:
Willie Nelson's classic anthem embodies the joy of hitting the open road, capturing the essence of the nomadic spirit with its upbeat melody and lyrics that celebrate the thrill of constant movement and discovery.
"Wanderlust" - Paul McCartney:
McCartney's "Wanderlust" evokes a sense of longing for distant places, with its dreamy melody and lyrics that reflect the yearning for adventure and the exploration of new frontiers, making it a perfect ode to wanderlust.
“Yun Hi Chala Chal” - Hariharan, Kailash Kher, and Udit Narayan:
This score continues to make every Indian’s heart wander and crave the open roads. The magical lyrics that romanticise the unknown, Mohan Bhargav’s caravan and the scenic landscapes of rural India give hope and courage to seek new things (& adventures).
"Ramblin' Man" - The Allman Brothers Band:
The Allman Brothers Band's southern rock classic, "Ramblin' Man," tells the tale of a free-spirited traveller, capturing the essence of life on the road with its soulful melody and reflective lyrics that resonate with wanderers.
“Hum Jo Chalne Lage” - Shaan and Ustad Sultan Khan
When life starts feeling like a dead-end, this song tells you to pack up and leave to go somewhere unknown where the journey starts feeling better than the destination itself. This soothing composition will make your heart dance and twirl (and possibly travel by bus).
"Gypsy" - Fleetwood Mac:
Stevie Nicks' haunting vocals and the ethereal sound of Fleetwood Mac characterise "Gypsy," a song that explores the transient nature of life and the desire to roam freely. Its dreamy atmosphere perfectly captures the wanderlust spirit.
"I've Been Everywhere" - Johnny Cash:
In his iconic style, Johnny Cash lists a plethora of places in "I've Been Everywhere," illustrating the breadth of his travels. This lively and rhythmic song is a journey in itself, echoing the sentiment of a well-travelled soul.
"Born to Run" - Bruce Springsteen:
An anthem of escape and liberation, "Born to Run" by Bruce Springsteen is a rock classic that resonates with the desire to break free from the constraints of everyday life. Its driving beat and powerful lyrics fuel the longing for adventure.
"Leaving on a Jet Plane" - John Denver:
John Denver's heartfelt ballad captures the bittersweet emotions of departing for new horizons. With its poignant lyrics and Denver's emotive delivery, this song is a timeless expression of the anticipation and melancholy of leaving.
"Come Away with Me" - Norah Jones:
Norah Jones' soulful voice in "Come Away with Me" creates a soothing invitation to escape. The song's gentle melody and romantic lyrics convey a sense of wanderlust intertwined with the yearning for shared experiences in distant places.
“Phir Se Udd Chala” - Mohit Chauhan
“He’s flown away again, left the world behind him and submitted himself to you”. This wistful and moving composition takes you through the mountains of Jammu and Kashmir on a rebellious adventure. It will make you dream of snow and bike rides.
"Homeward Bound" - Simon & Garfunkel:
Simon & Garfunkel's "Homeward Bound" reflects on the transient nature of a musician's life on the road. Its melancholic beauty captures the essence of a constant journey, the longing for home, and the emotional toll of travel.
"Life is a Highway" - Tom Cochrane:
An anthemic celebration of life's journey, "Life is a Highway" by Tom Cochrane is a high-energy track that encourages embracing the twists and turns of the road. Its driving rhythm mirrors the unstoppable momentum of wanderlust.
"Where the Streets Have No Name" - U2:
U2's epic "Where the Streets Have No Name" captures the yearning for a utopian place beyond boundaries. The soaring guitar riffs and Bono's passionate vocals create a sonic landscape that resonates with the spirit of exploration.
"Country Roads" - John Denver:
John Denver's "Country Roads" is an enduring ode to the charm of rural landscapes. Its nostalgic lyrics and uplifting melody paint a vivid picture of the yearning to return to a place that feels like home, no matter where life takes you.
"The Long and Winding Road" - The Beatles:
In this Beatles classic, "The Long and Winding Road," Paul McCartney's emotive vocals and the soulful melody convey the symbolic journey of life. The song resonates with the universal human experience of seeking purpose and direction.
Each of these songs encapsulates the spirit of adventure, the longing for new experiences, and the thrill of the journey. Which one was your favourite?
