How do you feel about leaving a place you’ve grown fond of? While some people are ecstatic about moving to a new location or setting, others may even experience separation anxiety, which prevents them from stepping outside of their comfort zones. We need to move forward in life, whether that means moving to a new location or starting a new chapter.
If you’re at a crossroads in your life and need some motivation to get going, check out these finest songs about moving to a new place:
Table of Contents
- 21. On the Road Again — Willie Nelson
- 20. Home — Daughtry
- 19. Movin’ Out (Anthony’s Song) — Billy Joel
- 18. Moving — Supergrass
- 17. Take Me Home, Country Roads — John Denver
- 16. Castle on the Hill — Ed Sheeran
- 15. Take Me Home — Phil Collins
- 14. Gonna Move — Paul Pena
- 13. Midnight Train to Georgia — Gladys Knight & the Pips
- 12. Should I Stay or Should I Go — The Clash
- 11. East Bound and Down — Jerry Reed
- 10. Begin Again — Taylor Swift
- 9. Good Riddance — Green Day
- 8. Move On Up — Curtis Mayfield
- 7. Go Your Own Way — Fleetwood Mac
- 6. Gonna Move — Paul Pena
- 5. New Beginnings — daydreamer
- 4. Already Gone — Kelly Clarkson and Ryan Tedder
- 3. I Get Around — The Beach Boys
- 2. Boston — Augustana
- 1. Fast Car — Tracy Chapman
21. On the Road Again — Willie Nelson
We are about to start the engine and put on a Grammy-winning piece that every traveler will love. It is the song “On the Road Again” by Willie Nelson. This country track was featured in the film Honeysuckle Rose, a musical drama where the main actors did their own singing. It was named the Best Country Song by the Grammys and is a track that captured the hearts of millions of people globally.
20. Home — Daughtry
Daughtry’s “Home” is a massive hit and one of their most well-known songs. This pop-rock song from their self-titled album was released in 2006 and quickly became a crowd favorite. This song is incredibly striking because of Chris Daughtry’s distinctive voice and compelling instrumentation. Additionally, it was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals. “Home” will speak to anyone who has ever felt a pang of homesickness.
19. Movin’ Out (Anthony’s Song) — Billy Joel
The album The Stranger, released by Billy Joel, is considered one of the most influential albums of all time. Among the hits in it is the rock song “Movin’ Out,” a song that centers on deviating from the standard of “success” in New York. It came out in 1977 and has since been loved by many due to its profound meaning and attractive arrangements.
18. Moving — Supergrass
Most of us have been through the stage of feeling lost and not knowing where to go. That is the subject of the next folk-rock song from Supergrass’ self-titled album. It is titled “Moving” and is about someone who just keeps moving until he finds what he is looking for. Anyone who is going through the same thing will find solace in this 1999 track.
17. Take Me Home, Country Roads — John Denver
Who doesn’t know the song “Take Me Home, Country Roads”? It is a widely popular masterpiece also known as “Country Roads”. Bill Danoff, Taffy Nivert, and John Denver penned this country song for Denver’s album, Poems, Prayers, & Promises. It has a catchy chorus and hypnotizing melody that will soothe anyone who’s listening to it. It is about a strong desire to go back to the place where one belongs.
16. Castle on the Hill — Ed Sheeran
The next pop song from Ed Sheeran’s “÷” album will make you appreciate his talent as a musician. It is titled “Castle on the Hill” and was released in 2017. Its song title was inspired by the real-life Framlingham Castle, located in Ed Sheeran’s hometown. Lyrically, he recalls fond times from his youth and expresses a yearning to return to his hometown. You will also think back on the good old days while listening to this awesome piece.
15. Take Me Home — Phil Collins
Back to classic music, we have Phil Collins’ “Take Me Home”. It is a pop-rock song on his album titled No Jacket Required. It possesses a mesmerizing melody that will make you wish you were living in the 1980s. The unique voice and extraordinary talent of Phil Collins are what make “Take Me Home” such an enduring classic.
14. Gonna Move — Paul Pena
Paul Pena’s “Gonna Move” will get people tapping their toes and bopping their heads. This song is the first taste of Paul’s upcoming New Train album. It is the lead single for Paul’s New Train album. Its repetitive chorus goes: “I’m gonna move away from here. You can find me if you want to go there” has a catchy impact that will force you to sing along. The song’s lyrics, meanwhile, focus on leaving behind the past and moving on to better things.
13. Midnight Train to Georgia — Gladys Knight & the Pips
Our next entry fits well in our collection of songs about moving to a new place. It is titled “Midnight Train to Georgia,” recorded by Gladys Knight & the Pips. This rhythm and blues track has a nostalgic tune that is relaxing to listen to. You can find this song on the 1973 album Imagination. It talks about the narrative of a man who faced the reality that “dreams don’t always come true” and bought a ticket to move back to his home in Georgia.
12. Should I Stay or Should I Go — The Clash
There is a well-known punk rock tune that deals with a common romantic conundrum: whether to stay or keep moving. “Should I Stay or Should I Go?” is the title of a song by The Clash. In 1982, the band released their studio album “Combat Rock,” on which this song was featured. This song’s infectious chorus and rousing guitar riffs are a sure hit with listeners of all ages.
11. East Bound and Down — Jerry Reed
The joyous guitar strums and drum beats of “East Bound and Down” are guaranteed to draw in any listener. “East Bound and Down” is the title track of Jerry Reed’s 1977 album. It features the classic country style popular in the 1900s. You won’t be able to stop yourself from jamming once you play this amazing track about a truck driver.
10. Begin Again — Taylor Swift
Over a hundred million people have listened to Taylor Swift’s exquisite country-pop single “Begin Again” on YouTube. This song can be found on her popular album Red, which was re-recorded in 2021 after its original release in 2012. The song “Begin Again” is about leaving the past behind and starting over, and having faith in love again after experiencing heartbreak.
9. Good Riddance — Green Day
The opening guitar strums of “Good Riddance” by Green Day are heartfelt and moving. This laid-back indie tune can be found on the band’s 1997 album, Nimrod. The song’s message is that life is too short to waste any of its fleeting moments, as he sings “Time grabs you by the wrist, directs you where to go”. This heartbreakingly beautiful song has won several awards and has been nominated for a number of MTV Music Awards.
8. Move On Up — Curtis Mayfield
The rousing instruments in the song “Move On Up” will wake your soul up and make you get out of bed and dance. This funky track belongs to Curtis Mayfield’s 1970 album, Curtis. It is a motivational piece about rising and stepping up against every single hurdle that keeps you from reaching your dreams. Curtis Mayfield’s entrancing vocals will also leave you speechless.
7. Go Your Own Way — Fleetwood Mac
A rush of nostalgia will wash over you as soon as you hear “Go Your Own Way” from Fleetwood Mac’s Grammy Award-winning, hot-selling album Rumours. As is typical in bands, the time will come when members will begin to leave and start a fresh life. That is the subject of “Go Your Own Way,” with one member of the band wanting to leave. Nevertheless, the upbeat backing track of this song will surely entice its listeners.
6. Gonna Move — Paul Pena
Do not hesitate to clap your hands as we sing along to “Gonna Move” by Paul Pena. This classic song belongs to his album, New Train. Something about this track puts anyone in a good mood and inspires them to follow the path of their dreams. The lyricism and musical arrangement of “Gonna Move” make it an enduring classic!
5. New Beginnings — daydreamer
Our top 5 is a unique one as it is an instrumental piece from daydreamer’s Senses album. You will surely be enticed by its musical quality. As this electronic piece closes, you will hear the following lines:
The things we wished for
The things we dreamed of
We thought they would just appear
And our lives would start
But nothing starts without you
So, why don’t we take our stress with our strength
While listening to it, you will begin to understand why it was titled “New Beginnings,” since it will evoke a sense of hope and strength within you to take a step and move forward.
4. Already Gone — Kelly Clarkson and Ryan Tedder
“Already Gone” is a song that has a special place in the hearts of Kelly Clarkson’s fans and music lovers. Together with Ryan Tedder, Kelly composed and recorded this pop track for her studio album, All I Ever Wanted. It has heartfelt lyrics about two lovers who aren’t destined to be together, so one has to stay away, as she mentions, “That it doesn’t matter where we take this road, but someone’s gotta go.”
3. I Get Around — The Beach Boys
The Beach Boys have made a name for themselves when it comes to classic, groovy rock and roll. The song “I Get Around” from their album All Summer Long is one of the songs that will make you feel like you are on a beach vacation. As they sing this surf rock song, which is about the group jumping from town to town and having the time of their lives, allow yourself to be mesmerized by their distinctive vocal harmonies.
2. Boston — Augustana
Oh yeah, I think I’ll go to Boston
I think that I was tired
I think I need a new town
To leave this all behind
This excerpt from the lyrics of the song “Boston” will hit you hard if you are desperate to leave your current life as well. It is a mellow rock song performed by Augustana for the album, All the Stars and Boulevards. If you feel trapped, “Boston” will inspire you to start anew.
1. Fast Car — Tracy Chapman
Fasten your seatbelts as we play “Fast Car” by Tracy Chapman as our top pick. You will be shedding tears as this 1988 track from Tracy Chapman album is an emotional masterpiece. The narrative of the lyrics is all about someone wishing to escape her life, drive off with someone, and start a new chapter of life. This folk song won the Grammy Award for Song of the Year for its flawless instrumentation and lyrical content.