Music And Travel Vol. II: Musings Of A Writer Who Travels Through Songs

As I started writing about music and travel, I knew Vol. I would not be enough, so here is the next volume: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lZQ69w8NmxI

Bob Dylan – When I Paint My Masterpiece

Written by Dylan, this song was first recorded by ‘The Band’. The versatile singer subsequently recorded the song back-to-back with ‘Tomorrow is a Long Time’. Dylan gives you a tour of majestic Rome with a tinge of Brussels and Venice mixed between the lines. The slow rhythm of the track shall get you humming it in no time, just like other Dylan songs. Interesting Fact (IF): Dylan’s version of the song was used over the closing credits in the 2013 film, ‘Tim's Vermeer.’ The film was about inventor Tim Jenison's efforts to duplicate the painting techniques of Johannes Vermeer. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KSmh6FO3T74

John Denver – Take Me Home, Country Roads

If you are thinking what happened to ‘Leaving on a Jet Plane’, well I already have two love/travel songs in the list. Denver’s depiction of going home along West Virginia, Blue Ridge Mountains and Shenandoah River gives you a perfect reason to travel the country roads. IF: The song was written by Danoff and Nivert, with Denver pitching in changes after he heard it. Originally, Danoff and Nivert had planned to sell the song to popular country singer Johnny Cash. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ov4epAJRPMw

Johnny Cash - I’ve Been Everywhere

This song gives you an extensive tour of North America and is a must-listen for everybody who wants to realise their ‘American Dream’. It has numerous versions with many singers performing it. The original track listed Australian towns and was written by Geoff Mack. IF: Apart from the Australian and North American version there are other versions like New Zealand, Great Britain, Ireland, Asian and many more. The song has been extensively used in advertising. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CQ-QfMv7Fzw

Janis Joplin - Me And Bobby McGee

What I can say? I like classics. Again paying tribute to the roads of America, this song tells the story of two drifters travelling to California. Written by Kris Kristofferson and Fred Foster, it was originally performed by Roger Miller. Kristofferson states that the film ‘La Strada’ was an inspiration for the song. IF: In the original version of the song, Bobby is a woman. Kristofferson stated that he did not write this song for Joplin, but clarified that the song is associated with her. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8420UW2_veM

Cat Stevens – Katmandu

As the title suggests, this song is about all things Katmandu. The song featured in the album, ‘Mona Bone Jakon’ was Cat Stevens’ return to music after he was diagnosed with tuberculosis and a collapsed lung. It gives you the feeling of travelling to an offbeat destination and spending time away from the busy streets of the city. IF: Rolling Stone magazine compared the popularity of ‘Mona Bone Jakon’ with that of Elton John's ‘Tumbleweed Connection’. As I conclude my musings, I’m not going to give any honourable mentions or even consider comparing any two songs or artists. Every song invokes a unique feeling for the listener. So now it’s your turn to let me know which song inspires you to leave the shores of your city.