Every so often, various travel publications compile a list of the ultimate ‘road’ songs … and it’s high time the grey nomads got in on the action.
So, what is your favourite tune as you head out on the highways and byways of Australia? Which one song encapsulates that feeling of joy and freedom you get as you pull out of your driveway with nothing but the open road ahead of you?
There is no shortage of possibilities.
Always popular in these sorts of polls is the Willie Nelson classic On the Road Again.
Lines such as: “On the road again … just can’t wait to get on the road again…” and “Goin’ places that I’ve never been … seein’ things that I may never see again…” certainly resonate with most grey nomads.
Or what about Janis Joplin and her iconic Me and Bobby McGee?
“Freedom’s just another word for nothing left to lose,” she sings.
Hmmm!
Perhaps more likely choices would be The Long and Winding Road by the Beatles, or Roger Miller’s King of the Road.
But this is Australia and what could possibly me more fitting than Geoff Mack’s I’ve Been Everywhere Man … and its listing of 94 Aussie destinations.
“I’ve been everywhere, man, I’ve been everywhere, man. ‘Cross the deserts bare, man; I’ve breathed the mountain air, man. Of travel I’ve had my share, man. I’ve been everywhere.”
But, if we’re being picky, is the song ultimately about a hitch-hiker? Maybe there’s a Slim Dusty number out there somewhere that you think better captures the essence of the great Australian road trip.
And it may not be an Aussie who hits the spot. After all, it seems like the great Bob Dylan may have had long-term grey nomads in mind when he penned Like a Rolling Stone and included lines like: “How does it feel? To be without any home? Like a complete unknown?”
Over to you. What is your ultimate Big Lap tune? Which song sums it all up and gets your pulse racing? Comment below.
Take me home country road – John Denver.
Not strictly in keeping with the theme …But.
I once decided to play a relaxation tape driving from Maryborough Qld to Brisbane.
It was a 40 minute tape made for playing during a massage. BIG BIG No-No. Felt the eyes droop and realised I was getting too relaxed. Stopped tape and opened window for some fresh air and stopped for coffee ASAP.
You where right on the money with Willie Nelson. “On the road again” It brings tears to my eyes to see the wide open spaces while listening to Willie.
There’s a new version of the Willie Nelson classic, especially for the older GN: “On the commode again.”
Hanging Tree by Marty Robbins Don’t know why
On the road again by Willie Nelson does it for me. I start singing round the house when I think it’s time to hit the road again.
Old farts in caravan parks by John Williams
Whoops meant to say John Williamson(sorry) and by the way I mean no offence just having fun.
Dare we say “on the road again”, It is going to a pretty repeated song I think. But I just can’t wait
we have two, Willie Nelsons ”on the road again” and John Williamson’s ”old farts in caravan parks” as well as Lee Kernigans music great to drive to
Hi, Our song when we hit the road to tour Aus is “Take The Long Way Home” by Supertramp.
Definitely “Road to Nowhere” – Talking Heads – LOUD and with gusto
We’ve never heard of “Old farts in caravan parks” and I just had a look at iTunes under John Williamson and its not there – is there really such a song?
Cheryl said:
We’ve never heard of “Old farts in caravan parks” and I just had a look at iTunes under John Williamson and its not there – is there really such a song?
Sure is Cheryl, try searching on youtube
I don’t have a favourite song I just turn the radio onto cd and play country music all the time,best music to travel and sing along with…
Anything by Martha and the Van Dwellers …… or I can see for Miles by The Who
Get your motor runnin’ Head out on the highway Lookin’ for adventure and whatever comes our way Yeah darlin’ go make it happen take the world in a love embrace fire all of your guns at once and explode into space!
My favourite for getting on the road and high-tailing it outta there is Skyhooks “Why don’t you all get”. Played LOUD 🙂