5 Song Recommendations for When You Have to Leave Home
Author: Olivia Nowe
Posted on September 21, 2020
One of the key elements in the transition from being a teenager to being an adult is leaving home. Growing up, I dreaded the day that I had to leave my small town. However, a change such as leaving shouldn’t have to be dreaded, because it’s rare that you will not return. In the meantime, you can prepare yourself for the voyage ahead – and one of the best ways to prepare for anything is to allow yourself to feel the emotions associated. Expressing these emotions can ease your stress, and what better way to express yourself than through music? I invite you to join me on a mini-adventure - through my top five song recommendations for when you have to leave home.
#5. Send Me On My Way – Rusted Root
This song starts our journey how any epic embarkment should begin – upbeat, purposeful, and a good amount of flute music in the background. If you feel a sense of nostalgia from this song, you may have a subconscious memory of a film called Ice Age. The hit film, released in 2002, features this song in a montage scene where the main crew sets off to return (the internet’s favourite) baby to his family. I think that this song is the perfect kickoff to any road trip, especially if you have an optimistic perspective on what lies ahead.
#4. Belong – X Ambassadors
“It’s funny how everything leads to something,” sings X Ambassadors lead vocalist, Sam Harris. This soulful, charismatic song depicts the return to a place of belonging. However, the feeling this song provokes can also signify a new journey because sometimes we don’t quite know where we belong until we get there. For many, the house that you grew up in is home. Home is a fluid concept, you can find it in people, places, memories or even looking into the future. No matter what, you will always get to where you belong.
#3. Lights Up – Harry Styles
We’re about halfway there now, and you’re looking for something to inspire you. Deciding a to leave something you’re so familiar with can make you nervous. Need a pick me up? This former One Direction singer perfectly encapsulates the way we should embrace the feeling that comes with change. Step into the light, you’re not ever going back! (Maybe you are, and that’s okay.)
#2. Don’t Dream It’s Over – Crowded House
We reach a point where you begin to feel nostalgic. You’re getting farther away from home by the minute. What better than a 1986 one-hit wonder? (Actually, two hit wonder.) With the trip coming to a close, it’s important to remember that your real journey is only beginning. This song is both inspiring and gloomy, giving post-apocalyptic vibes. The song gets to the point in the chorus, with the title echoing,
“Hey now, hey now, don’t dream it’s over.”
#1. Vienna – Billy Joel
Finally, we’ve reached the homestretch. You can feel butterflies in your stomach. Maybe you’re turning off the highway, into your new town/city. Maybe the airplane is just touching down. Maybe you’ve been there all along, and you’re just moving into an apartment. No matter what your journey looked like, what’s now in front of you is all that matters now. Allow Billy Joel to take you under his wing, in Vienna. I could talk a lot about this song but I sincerely recommend you listen for yourself.
Olivia Nowe
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