Top Ten Road Songs for a Life Changing Trip

Remind yourself that you're taking this road trip for a reason. Do you want to be Virginia, listening to what everyone else says and following the other lemmings right off the cliff? Or are you going to make like Billy and accept that you're not that pretty or have a lot to be proud of (yet, you are going on a road trip for a reason remember) but that you're laughing all the way. Take some risks on your road trip, and you might get to be as old as Methuselah.

2. The Boys of Summer-The Ataris

Are you ready to leave your own girl or boy of summer behind? So many road trips originate when running from love, or towards it. Decide for yourself if you're escaping or chasing. And remember the best words of advice for any road trip: "Don't look back. You can never look back." No matter which you choose, keep driving.

3. Fast Car-Tracy Chapman

Anyplace is better
Starting from zero got nothing to lose
Maybe we'll make something
But me myself I got nothing to prove

Need a soulful song for a long night's drive? Tracy Chapman's Fast Car will keep it low key and strong. Hopefully you don't need someone else's fast car to head off to a new life.

4. We Weren't Born to Follow-Jon Bon Jovi

This one's about anyone who does it differently
This one's about the one who cusses and spits
This ain't about our livin' in a fantasy
This ain't about givin' up or givin' in

Jon just says it all. If you're going on a road trip, you want to rock out to songs that care that you're doing it differently, that you don't want to end up living a fantasy life that could fall down like the first two little pigs' houses at the first puff of wind. And if you have to cuss and spit along the way, so be it. Expectorate with pride.

5. Your Smiling Face-James Taylor

A feel-good song that will remind you to hang on to those who keep you smiling, no matter where you're headed, and to keep you hopeful that someone will be there when you arrive, who can't wait to make you smile.

6. N17-The Saw Doctors

A good Irish song about missing your home, but knowing it will never be the same when you go back. Take their advice and think of the places you've left behind, but don't get too caught up. Better things lie ahead.

7. Cecilia-Simon and Garfunkel

How can you not bop along to a song by a dude named Garfunkel? The beat will keep you going long past your last donut when the next pit stop is miles down the road, or when you've taken a wrong turn and have just run off the tar onto a dirt road. Every road trip playlist needs a peppy song with just a few lyrics that you can memorize quickly and sing along to at the top of your lungs.

8. That Time-Regina Spektor

Remember all the crazy things you've done in the past, and plan on some for the future.

9. That's Life-Frank Sinatra

You could be anything according to ol' Frank, but whatever you do, you can't let life get you down. Pick a destination and head for it, and if you get sidetracked, all the better. Take a few side roads, see where your trip takes you, but always remember:

Each time I find myself laying flat on my face,
I just pick myself up and get back in the race

10. Don't Stop Me Know-Queen

Tonight I'm gonna have myself a real good time
I feel alive and the world turning inside out yeah!
And floating around in ecstasy
So don't stop me now don't stop me
Cause I'm having a good time having a good time

This should be your road trip vibe for a life changing trip.