1. Truckin’, The Dead 2. Dancin’ in the Streets, Martha and the Vandellas 3. I’ve Been Everywhere, Johnny Cash (not ruined even if it is in that heavy rotation hotel commercial) 4. The Heart of Rock n’ Roll, Huey Lewis and The News 5. Willin’, Little Feat (… if you give me: weed, whites, and wine) Trying to think of all the cities named in these songs is like trying to name the Seven Dwarfs; you always forget one or two. Songs about the road have a great tradition in rock, pop, blues and country. It is the life most musicians choose to endure, or have to. Other artists do, too, including authors.
Janet is the author of White Oleander, a very powerful novel which became an Oprah Pick and movie. Being out the road is something authors know all about. They don’t exactly play rock arena gigs, but still, it’s a time of motels and melancholy.
1. Homeward Bound, Simon & Garfunkel (a beautiful, beautiful song)
2. Stay, The Zodiacs (I love the Jackson Browne version, too)
3. Truckin', The Dead
4. Blue Motel Room, Joni Mitchell (one of her least known songs)
5. Back in the USSR, Beatles (….had the paperback upon my knee….)
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