As Midwesterners, we seem to like songs about roads. For many of us, it brings us back to the simpleness of our rural roots when we didn’t need interstates, four-lane highways or on/off ramps. We smile when we think of the times when seat belts were for race cars, phones were on walls, and the gas tank could be filled up for a few bucks.
On my drive to work this week, I heard “Shambala.” “Everyone is helpful, everyone is kind, on the road to Shambala.” The name of the song, which was written by Daniel Moore and recorded by Three Dog Night in 1972, has a spiritual meaning in the Buddhist religion, and some Tibetan Buddhists believe it is a mystical land hidden somewhere in the Himalayan mountains. Sounds nice to me.
My uncle Bill loved the song “Take Me Home, Country Roads” by John Denver from 1971. Whenever my mother would hear it, she would think of him. And now I do, too. Almost heaven, indeed. The modern country rap version, “Dirt Road Anthem,” was written by Colt Ford and Brantley Gilbert for Jason Aldean’s 2010 album “My Kinda Party.” I kinda like it, too.
“Six Days on the Road,” the song about a trucker’s life made famous by country music singer Dave Dudley and remade by Sawyer Brown in 1997, is one that Alexa chooses to play frequently for me for a reason I don’t understand. Must be something in all that data she collects on me.
“Seven Bridges Road” was written by Steve Young in 1969 as an ode to Woodley Road, a rural two-lane road of Montgomery, Alabama that, believe it or not, features seven bridges. The song has been covered by many artists with the best-known versions being a five-part harmony by English musician Iain Matthews in 1973 and the 1980 version that I sing along to by the Eagles in 1980.
“The Old Man Down the Road” by John Fogerty was released in December 1984 as the lead single from his comeback album, “Centerfield.” As a side note, if you are Creedence Clearwater Revival fan (and who isn’t?), be sure to check out the band’s documentary on Prime Video.
No list of road songs would be complete without “King of the Road,” a song written by Roger Miller, who first recorded it in November 1964. The song shares the stories of a hobo who revels in his freedom, describing himself humorously as the “king of the road.”
And finally, while uncovering my heavy metal affection, you will find 1988’s “Gypsy Road” by big hair rockers Cinderella on my list.
What about you? What songs about the road do you recall? Shoot me a note and let me know.
Have a wonderful Wednesday, and thanks for reading.
Shane Goodman
President and Publisher
Big Green Umbrella Media
shane@dmcityview.com
515-953-4822, ext. 305
www.thedailyumbrella.com
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