Soundtrack

If I leave here tomorrow 
Would you still remember me?

For I must be traveling on now 
‘Cause there’s too many places I’ve got to see…

— Free Bird by Lynyrd Skynyrd

By weaving music into our travel narrative, we can emphasize the role of sound in experiencing different cultures and locations.

For example, the lyrics at the beginning of this post were especially poignant when visiting the band’s airplane crash site and memorial. The song “Free Bird” was a fitting tribute and enhanced our experience as we drove away and listened to a few other hits from the band. The goosebumps were visible on the arm as it steered the car.

Further down the road, I switched the soundtrack to “New Orleans and Dixieland Jazz Essentials” as we drove over Lake Pontchartrain and into N.O. The experience is enhanced with relative music.

Specific songs or genres can evoke memories, reflect the character of a place, and enhance the overall journey.

“El Camino Negro” or, “The Black Road” is a perfect soundtrack while driving through western Texas, New Mexico or the California desert.

And no road trip soundtrack would be complete if you don’t add Johnny Cash’s ultimate travel song “I’ve Been Everywhere”

I’ve been everywhere, man 
I’ve been everywhere, man 
Crossed the deserts bare, man 
I’ve breathed the mountain air, man 
Of travel I’ve had my share, man 
I’ve been everywhere

So let me encourage you fellow travelers to be open to discovering new music during your journey. Create a communal playlist where each traveler can contribute their favorite songs related to the locations you visit along the way, fostering a shared experience and making the road trip more memorable.