Have you ever had that inexplicable feeling of restlessness that you can’t get to go away? You might need an adventure!
Even if you can’t pack up and hit the road today, you can go somewhere else with these songs about adventure.
The tracks on this list lead you through the different emotions caused by travel and the urge to see the world, each with a unique perspective. Let’s explore!
Hopeless Wanderer – Mumford & Sons
Going on an adventure might mean leaving behind the steady comforts of your loved ones and the home they provide. This can be scary, even if you are passionate about your adventure. As the song grows in intensity, the duality of fear and determination shines. The narrator sings, “hold me fast ’cause I’m a hopeless wanderer-” I can’t stop myself from leaving, but let’s hold each other until I do.
Related: Head over to these songs about travel.
Thunder – Imagine Dragons
‘Thunder’ talks about that feeling of when you realize you have everything you always wanted. The narrator had big dreams, and he was determined even though people didn’t take him seriously. Passion can make your aspirations a reality, and now he can say to all those who doubted him, “now I’m smiling from the stage while you were clapping in the nosebleeds.”
Related: This song features on our list of the best thunder songs.
Nantes – Beirut
Love is often compared to adventure. One way or another, you gain a whole new perspective from being in a relationship. This song seems to follow a love that is falling apart, and the regretful tone of the vocals tells us that the pair is wishing for a remedy. “Well, it’s been a long time since I’ve seen you smile,” sings the narrator, but he doesn’t know how to make that smile come back.
Sleep on the Floor – The Lumineers
This song is a love story, following a pair that leaves a small town for the big city. It’s filled with the passion these two have for starting a life together, even though they know difficulties are sure to come. There is hope that despite hardship, they will “rail against the dying day.” The comments section of the music video is filled with people’s beautiful love stories and thoughts on what this song means to them.
Anywhere – Passenger
True love (platonic, romantic, or familial) means your trust in the other person is so pure that you’ll follow them anywhere. Whatever they want, wherever they go, you want to be there with them. Passenger lists various places someone might go (the mountains, the deep sea, and the hillsides), concluding each verse with “I’ll go with you anywhere.” The love between them is universal and extensive.
Good Life – One Republic
This feel-good song is the epitome of gratitude. OneRepublic sings about all the places of the world they’ve seen, all the lovely people they’ve met, and how it has made this such a “good life.” The track belongs on the ultimate travel playlist since it feels like a sunset in the summer, a road trip with your friends, a forest when the leaves start to change, and all of those moments that make you say, “this has gotta be the good life.”
Related: You’ll smile when you hear our playlist of happy songs.
Wanderlust – Frank Turner
Wanderlust is defined as “a strong desire to travel.” Frank Turner sings about how no other feeling can overcome his wanderlust, not even a love he knows is perfect for him. He says, “she is the calm in the center of my storm,” yet they both know that the desire to see the world will inevitably call him away from the relationship.
Related: Check out our playlist of songs about storms.
Paris – The Chainsmokers
The “Paris” that The Chainsmokers sing about in this pop tune is more of a headspace than the actual city, and they defined it as “a sentimental yearning for a reality that isn’t genuine.” It’s an ode to that somewhat destructive kind of love, where it feels like nothing matters as long as the two of you are together. It doesn’t matter if life seems to be falling apart because “if we go down, then we go down together.”
Related: Here are some more songs with places in the title.
Travelling – Paper Lions
With biblical references and staccato piano, ‘Travelling’ takes on a strong narrative style. Though the song is a bit ambiguous, it seems to be about finding peace in being lost and accepting that you’re not always going to know what comes next. The line “let bygones be gone, it’s all in the past, we raise a glass” addresses the idea that you have to let go of the past to live in the present with the ability to move forward.
Traveling On – Kongos
‘Traveling On’ is a bittersweet goodbye song with mournful vocals and melancholy strings. The narrator is leaving a loved one behind because of the call he feels to travel. The relationship with this person isn’t black and white, and it’s unclear what they mean to each other. But, it is clear he has to go, saying, “so long my friend, my foe, my love, my pain, the road’s calling out my name.”
Related: Learn to let go with these songs about moving on.
Another Traveling Song – Bright Eyes
This folksy tune sings about the ups and downs of traveling. Travel is often exciting, but the ever-changing scenery and uncertainty of how and when you’ll reach your destination can be exhausting. Bright Eyes feels overwhelmed, saying, “so I go back and forth forever,” to show their sadness over being unable to escape travel.
Related: Stuck? Here are some songs about feeling trapped in life.
Motoring Home – Sweet Baboo
Crisp vocals and steady drums create a unique song about the calm of the road. A “motor home and a long stretch of straight road” might be all you need for an adventure. Sure, famous places and daring activities are adventurous, but a simple getaway with a loved one is just as rewarding.
I’ve Been Everywhere – Johnny Cash
Originally written by Geoff Mack, ‘I’ve Been Everywhere’ has become a staple travel song recorded by many different artists. Jonny Cash’s deep vocals make this song particularly inviting as he lists countless places he’s been to (good luck trying to sing along!). The quick and playful delivery makes this a joyful song accompanied by great country blues instrumentation. It will make you want to feel the mountain air on your next adventure!
Related: Chill out with our playlist of vacation music.
Born to Be Wild – Steppenwolf
‘Born to Be Wild’ features raspy vocals and growling guitar to create a wild mood to match its title. This song is about getting out into the world and doing anything you want because you know you were born to do it. No matter how crazy your dreams may seem, each of us was born “like a true nature’s child, we were born to be wild.”
Related: Listen to more Easy Rider songs.
Africa – Toto
Though this famous soft rock song has been parodied and memed countless times, it truly is a great love song. The narrator is a man who has to decide between a girl he loves and a place he loves, singing, “it’s gonna take a lot to drag me away from you.” The song captures the inner conflict of a decision like this while creating a great beat filled with synths.
Related: Find this song on our rain music playlist.
Roam – The B-52’s
‘Roam’ is a call to action in song form. The B-52’s want people to travel to experience and spread love. An open mind is vital for a successful adventure. Unfamiliar places and people are not something to be afraid of, and this song reminds us of that with the line “roam if you want to, without anything but the love we feel.”
Fly Away – Lenny Kravitz
Lenny Kravitz wants to escape and feel limitless, singing, “I want to get away, I want to fly away.” The riffing guitar and funky instrumentation make this song hopeful, and the repetitive lyrics make it seem like Kravitz is just waiting to take off on his adventure. It’s time to get away, and this great song can be your runway.
Related: Fly away with these songs about airplanes.
Adventure of a Lifetime – Coldplay
Coldplay sings about the magic of love in this falling in love song. ‘Adventure of a Lifetime’ works to build excitement over connection and appreciation for what connection can bring. Falling in love, or even just mutual flirtation with a stranger, may have you telling them, “you make me feel like I’m alive again.”
Kokomo – The Beach Boys
The Beach Boys are head over heels for the muse of this song. They want to take her to every tropical place imaginable, dreaming that a salt-tinged breeze and warm sand will be the setting for their love story. Kokomo seems to be the perfect place to forget yourself in the eyes of another person—”we’ll be falling in love to the rhythm of a steel drum band.”
Related: You’ll be “falling in love to the rhythm” of the best beach music.
Step Out – José González
Your comfort zone is a safe place, and stepping outside of it is an undeniable adventure (even if it isn’t a welcome one). ‘Step Out’ is about the terrifying feeling of knowing it’s time to leave your comfort zone, and the ambient chorus helps build your courage. The line “house on fire, leave it all behind you” shows there’s no going back. Once you leave your comfort zone, you can’t return to its ashes, and it will make you a braver person overall. This song is on The Secret Life of Walter Mitty soundtrack and fits the film’s theme well.
Budapest – George Ezra
Budapest’ was one of the first of George Ezra’s songs to put him on the map. His warm vocals and unique tone add a soothing quality to this love song. Ezra sings from the perspective of a wealthy man who has it all, but he wouldn’t hesitate to give it all up for the love of his life. “For you, I’d lose it all,” because you are the only thing I truly value.
Related: Take a quick trip around the world with these songs with countries in the title.
Send Me on My Way – Rusted Root
This song features joyful whistling and hard-to-understand lyrics, but that just makes it even more fun to sing along with. Rusted Root is ready for an adventure in this upbeat track and can’t wait to get on the road. No matter the turns or bumps in the road, they have that optimistic attitude that “we will run, we will, we will crawl” to continue on their way.
California Dreamin’ – The Mamas & the Papas
This classic song is about wishing you were somewhere else. California is a dreamland of opportunity and fame, and many long to go there to chase after their fantasies. The longing vocals of this tune talk about how a gloomy winter day can make them want to be somewhere else so much more intense. “I’d be safe and warm if I was in L.A.”
Related: Find more great songs titled California.
On the Road Again – Willie Nelson
The desire for adventure can be insatiable. Once you get a taste of the world and the amazing experiences it can provide, you’ll find yourself saying, “I can’t wait to get on the road again.” The plucky strings and warm harmonies create a rustic folksy sound that is perfect for the beginning of a new adventure, which may be why this is one of the most popular adventure songs.
Related: Hop in the car and enjoy these road songs.
Ramblin’ Man – The Allman Brothers Band
If you’re someone who moved around a lot as a kid, you’ll find this song particularly relatable. The narrator sings, “I was born a ramblin’ man,” saying he’s never settled anywhere for long and tries to keep moving. Though it’s not a perfect life, there’s a lovely simplicity to traveling, living, and doing your best.
Free – Donavon Frankenreiter
Donavon Frankenreiter sings about his love for surfing in ‘Free,’ but its themes apply to life even if you’re not a beach fan. Frankenreiter finds solace in the waves and happiness in his surfboard. It’s that feeling of knowing your happy place and grasping onto the peace it brings you even when you’re not actually there.
Toes – Zac Brown Band
Though this song is more about a relaxing vacation than an adventure, who says an adventure can’t be peaceful? ‘Toes’ sings about leaving your worries behind to sit oceanside with your toes in the water. “Not a worry in the world, a cold beer in my hand” is the perfect state of mind for this kind of getaway.
Related: Here are the best songs about tequila.
Come Away With Me – Norah Jones
A relaxing and romantic ballad, ‘Come Away With Me’ is about wanting to escape reality with someone you love. Norah Jones’ warm vocals create the feeling of peace that this escape would bring, asking her lover, “come away with me, and we’ll kiss on a mountaintop.” This song can give you a tranquil respite, even if you aren’t able to go on a trip in the real world right now.
Related: This song is on our list of the best date night songs.
Road Trippin’ – Red Hot Chili Peppers
This song is quiet and comforting, based around acoustic guitar and lovely strings. The track is about friendship and a road trip a trio is taking together. There’s no particular destination in mind, but the group is intent on appreciating the world’s beauty and each other’s company, saying, “let’s go get lost right here in the USA.”
Related: No trip is complete without our list of road trip songs.
Island in the Sun – Weezer
‘Island in the Sun’ is likely Weezer’s most recognizable song, with its melodies that lull you into relaxation and its instrumentation that wakes you up. It does a wonderous job of making you feel like you’re on a beach vacation, where the ocean waves are sweeping away all of your worries.
Related: Feel the heat of these songs with sun in the title.
Truckin’ – Grateful Dead
With youth comes innocence—a sparkling view of a world you can’t wait to experience. Unfortunately, when life’s difficulties hit, this outlook can begin to fade away. You begin to see how monotony becomes exhausting, and responsibilities can be heavy. A world you once wanted to see becomes a world you just want to survive. It’s a bleak outlook, but one that we all experience at some point in our lives. No matter what, though, we can always “just keep truckin’ on.”
Related: Don’t break the law! But here are some songs about stealing.
Graceland – Paul Simon
Paul Simon is on an adventure to Graceland in this rhythm-centric song. Graceland is the infamous home of Elvis Presley, and though it’s not entirely clear why Simon is traveling there, it seems to be symbolic of a harmonious place of refuge. He wants somewhere where everyone is welcome and says, “I’ve reason to believe we all will be received in Graceland.”
Related: Travel the USA with the best songs about states.
