Travelling by Song

Around the world in (not quite) 80 songs

A while ago, I asked friends to send me songs with place names in the title. I wanted to listen to them and find out what they really tell us about the places they claim to be about. I have collated them here, along with my description of the place, based on their songs.

Before we start, there are a couple of interesting things to note – Asia and Africa seemed to be lacking in songs about their countries most of all. With Africa, there tended to be some songs about the whole continent, but rarely anything more specific. Asia did feature with a couple of Japanese cities. Nonetheless, in future, I would like to hear more songs about African and Asian countries, especially as these two continents hold 102 countries of 195 countries worldwide. That’s a lot of countries to ignore in song form. This also may be down to the artists that my friends and I listen to, with most of them being Western and more likely to travel within Europe and America.

I have organised the songs by continent and location as much as possible. This is a long one, so buckle in:

Europe:

Spain

Barcelona by George Ezra, Barcelona by Ed Sheeran, Barcelona by The Big Moon

There are very different vibes about Barcelona from these songs. We start with George Ezra presenting a very chill city, I kind of imagine drifting through on a lazy river with an inflatable. However, Ed Sheeran’s experience is clearly very different, with dancing in the street, perhaps more heat leading to people panting. He mentions the ‘sun is shining bright’ and shows how easy it is to break out your GCSE Spanish with the locals. Similarly, the Big Moon remind us that Barcelona has burning heat, which accompanies burning angst about losing people and yourself fairly well. Overall, visit Barca for an emotional rollercoaster, including dancing and requiring a decent amount of sun lotion.

We’re Going to Ibiza! By Vengaboys, I Took A Pill In Ibiza by Mike Posner

Another Spanish city for varied visitors, this appeals both to ex-bus drivers looking for a party and people on the edge of an existential crisis. The blue skies and lack of rain, with nearby beaches, make a brilliant contrast to all the sad songs you know. A place ideal for drug-induced come-down reflections on your wealth and loneliness. Either way, it’s a place for those who don’t want to ride the bus.

Belgium

Waterloo by ABBA

Come for the history, stay for your soulmate who will render you as helpless as the retreating French. Very difficult to leave (or even escape from) although even your losses feel like wins. Some feel like it’s their fate to visit.

Hungary

Budapest by George Ezra

A real treasure chest, filled with many valuable things. However, in contrast to Waterloo, very easy to leave it all. Literally looking for one reason to leave. Unsurprisingly, this may be a confusing paradox to friends and family.

The Netherlands

Amsterdam by Imagine Dragons, Amsterdam by Peter Bjorn and John, Blind Man in Amsterdam by George Ezra

Maybe not the most joyful place, but very welcoming to letdowns and lonely people. It’s a very slow place where you can wait for your time whilst observing the walls falling down. There’s also a pretty sweet guy with a music box you may spot.

Rotterdam (Or Anywhere) by The Beautiful South

All the men are gargoyles and there’s a lot of vinegar around. Apparently pretty interchangeable for anywhere as it’s dull with blonde and beautiful people. Very similar to Liverpool.

England

London Boy by Taylor Swift, South London Forever by Florence + The Machine, London Calling by The Clash

Literally everyone’s favourite place, nothing better. You can travel via scooter and watch rugby in a pub while day drinking with the local art students, what more could you want? Quite loud with people screaming, worrying that snow will stop existing. Lots of opportunities to travel without ever leaving the city, with a river and direct connection to the Underworld. Home to zombies and other end-of-the-world cretins. The green here is very green.

Scarborough Fair / Canticle by Simon and Garfunkel

Has a fair which may sell herbs. If not, there’s a lady who makes shirts using herbs. Probably has a harpsichord somewhere in the area. Herbs.

Heathrow by Catfish and The Bottlemen

Somewhere to pick people up from and give them a good hug, particularly if you’re nothing much.

Strawberry Fields Forever by The Beatles, Penny Lane by The Beatles

Liverpool, which contains both these locations, may not be real. However, it will exist forever. Has some nice improv drumming and fluting going on. Also has a barbershop which has a very friendly clientele. There are blue skies and clean fire engines. Very jolly in some parts of town.

Scotland

Glasgow by Catfish and the Bottlemen

A good place to stop checking your phone and get drunk instead. Now you can make dodgy love confessions to your crush whilst imagining being married and associating Glasgow with those feelings.

Ireland

Belfast City by Ryan McMullan, Belfast by Elton John

A pretty place that rains and holds a lot of history. A very comforting place for those from there. Quite dramatic and foreboding for others, perhaps due to the vast amount of stringed instruments. Lots of sad songs sung here too, but very brave. Somewhere to have an ethical discussion of good, bad and heaven. Home to some interesting horticulture, including smoking black roses.

Galway Girl by Ed Sheeran

A lively place with excellent darts and pool players. If you’re looking for a ceilidh, this is where to go. Cuisine includes Doritos and wine. Also, very keen on some lai lai lai’s if that’s your thing.

France

Paris by The 1975, Paris in the Rain by Lauv, Paris by The Chainsmokers, Les Champs-Elysées by Pomplamoose

Not a great place for those who aren’t in a great mental state as it’s filled with nihilism. However, very smooth vibes. You can do anything here, a very enabling place. It also rains here but that’s a good thing. Ideal for hiding from your parents. They speak very advanced French here and your GCSE knowledge possibly won’t cut it. Somewhere to return to again and again.

Austria

Vienna by Billy Joel

Filled with very busy people with lots of things to do who are getting old. However, Vienna waits with its romantic borders for whenever you visit.

Turkey

Istanbul (Not Constantinople) by The Four Lads

Seems like somewhere fresh out of a musical, the city is still having an identity crisis. If it comes across as chaotic, it still puts a spring in your step. Determined to not return to the past.

What was the USSR, now Eastern Europe

Back in the USSR by The Beatles

The locational equivalent of speed dating. Lucky to have you.

Africa

Africa by TOTO, Waka Waka (This Time for Africa) by Shakira

There is an undeniable amount of percussion which can be accompanied by native languages. Some love it there a lot and it would take many people to remove them. Filled with empowerment and encouragement for everyone, as we are all Africa. At night, wild dogs can be heard as the rains are blessed. Some sights include Kilimanjaro towering over the Serengeti.

South Africa

Durban Skies by Bastille

Very nostalgic city in South Africa. Be warned: it may rain at your wedding. It’s alive and full of young people from the 70s.

North America

USA

Party in the USA by Miley Cyrus, America by London Grammar, I Like America & America Likes Me by The 1975, Young Man in America by Anais Mitchell, America by Imagine Dragons

Filled with famous people which can be nerve-inducing or the beginning of a dance party depending on what song is playing. It isn’t a home for everyone and can leave some people very lonely or having existential crises. It constantly tries to outdo others to be at the top of the world and doesn’t really listen, leading to lots of envy. Also has a lot of hungry people and needs comforting. Not exactly the most cheerful place.

California Dreamin’ by the Mamas & The Papas, Californian Soil by London Grammar, California by Lorde, Death Valley by Fall Out Boy

On the whole, California gives off autumnal vibes, leaves floating in the wind. However, it’s also seemingly a void, where you need to keep a lookout otherwise your soul might be stolen by beautiful golden people. There’s some serious acoustics here, with constant echoing, suiting the state’s churches and religious side. This creates a lovely place to go on holiday as long as you’re open to possibly being destroyed at the same time, potentially becoming an animal.

I Love LA by Randy Newman, Los Angeles by HAIM, Hollywood by Lewis Capaldi

Invokes some strong feelings, with some openly declaring their love for the place while others worrying the city will kill them. Has some nice synthy tunes as well as playing a lot of Beach Boys music. Takes visitors back to the start (of their visit?) potentially creating a groundhog day effect which might explain the strong feelings.

The Only Living Boy in New York by Simon & Garfunkel, Moving to New York by The Wombats, Fairytale of New York by The Pogues, New York Morning by Elbow, Theme From New York, New York by Frank Sinatra, Empire State of Mind by Alicia Keys

Well sung about, New York can be a lively city full of hope and promise. Many go there to escape – whether their previous not-great upbringing, their boring life, or avoid dealing with insomnia. For these people, New York is exciting and a new adventure, worthy of a show chorus. Others escape from there, getting planes to leave and avoiding spending all their time there. This could be due to the drunks that are present, particularly around Christmas, swearing at each other and using slurs.

Sweet Home Alabama by Lynyrd Skynyrd

A homely and well-loved place with beautiful blue skies. Has a big family feel and makes you feel better when you’re down.

Texas Sun by Khruangbin and Leon Bridges, Deep in the Heart of Texas by Moe Bandy, Is This The Way To Amarillo by Tony Christie

If you’re looking for an accordion in a destination, Texas is where you should be heading. It’s quite a calm location and very welcoming to those wanting to go with a cute partner. Its wildlife includes rabbits and there is very little light pollution so stargazing works well. There’s some girl called Marie there too, who undoubtedly loves a sing-a-long.

Graceland Too by Phoebe Bridgers, Graceland by Paul Simon, Chattanooga Choo Choo by Glen Miller

A place of possibilities where you think of Elvis whilst doing anything. Has a lovely river and some historical sites, suitable for visits with a nine-year-old. Welcoming to everyone, even human trampolines. Also accessible from across America by a train that plays swing music.

Harleys in Hawaii by Katy Perry

An island filled with bikers and jewellers. Has some pink and purple sunsets.

Kokomo by The Beach Boys

Part of the Caribbean that serves fruity drinks to the sound of steel drums. Good for revising your chemistry and potentially biology with all the bodies in the sand.

Canada

Canada by Lauv

Welcoming to dogs! Another good place to start a new life and become an artist, although not if you’re a minimalist.

South America

Colombia

Colombia, Mi Encanto by Carlos Vives

They speak Spanish constantly! However, fluency in the language isn’t necessarily essential, as their lively spirit and percussion also communicate.

Peru

Peru by Fireboy DML and Ed Sheeran

Has a girl who glows in the dark? Or maybe that’s just her eyes. Either way, the girl is clearly the main attraction.

Brazil

Brazil by Declan McKenna

There’s a fair bit of football going on here, with the potential to have your game interrupted by a grisly bear. Also a high chance of meeting your doppelganger. However, go soon otherwise they will have sold off all the Amazon and burned all the houses.

Argentina

Don’t Cry For Me Argentina by Madonna

The people here are prone to crying and can keep a distance.

Asia

Japan

Kyoto by Phoebe Bridgers

Lots to see, including temples, arcades and seven elevens. Can be very nostalgic and remind you of previous birthdays and times you’ve lied.

Tokyo by Lianne La Havas, Tokyo (Vampires & Wolves) by The Wombats

Although fairly expensive to fly to in an aeroplane, once you arrive Tokyo is gorgeously calm. The nights are cold and lit up with neon lights. If visiting, there’s a nice bar worth drinking at where you can have a good dance and potentially meet a vampire.

Want to listen to the full playlist? Find it here.

Missed any songs/locations? Let me know in the comments.

Find out about the music I listen to here.

Read my recommendations on ABBA songs for every occasion here.

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Travelling by Song