Turnpike Tom's Travelin' Tunes

There’s something about hitting the open road that makes you feel alive. The hum of the tires on the pavement, the scenery stretching for miles, and of course, the perfect soundtrack to keep you company. A good playlist doesn’t just pass the time—it turns an ordinary drive into an adventure.

I’ve logged a lot of miles over the years, and I’ve learned that the right song can change the whole feel of a trip. Whether it’s a tune that makes you tap the steering wheel or one that gets you lost in a daydream, the best road trip songs are the ones that stick with you long after the drive is over. That’s why I’ve put together this list of my favorites—songs that have kept me rollin’ through long stretches of highway and winding backroads alike.

Snake Farm by Ray Wylie Hubbard

My buddy Jimmy lives down in Oak Cliff—home of Ray Wylie Hubbard. Jimmy’s probably the biggest Ray fan you’ll ever meet. He looks up to the guy, and you can’t blame him. Oak Cliff’s not the kind of place where folks just casually call themselves celebrities.

Jimmy and I dropped a couple hits of acid before going to see Ray play down at The Kessler. Somehow, we ended up missing a good bit of the show, trailing this stray dog we were convinced was the spirit of Ray Wylie Hubbard. We thought this mutt was important, like it needed to tell us something—it had this deep, soulful energy, like it had been around forever.

We finally made it into the show, and that’s when I heard Snake Farm for the first time. It was truly a magical moment and one I’ll never forget. Jimmy swears we met the actual man that night, but honestly? I think he might’ve just been thinking about the dog.

Life is Just a Tire Swing – Jimmy Buffett

Look, I’m just a simple guy. Life is all about embracing what we’ve acquired, being grateful for it, and living in the now. Jimmy Buffett was one of those artists who just got it. I’d be lying if I said his passing didn’t hit me harder than I expected. I know it’s always 5 o’clock in the paradise you’re resting, good sir, and I’d like to take this moment to pour one out for this true American hero.

 

Man! I Feel Like a Woman – Shania Twain

A while back, I had my trusty Ford F-150 in the shop for some much-needed TLC. It’s the kind of truck that’s been with me through thick and thin, and let’s be honest, it’s hard to part with even for a few days. I decided to make the best of the situation and rent a convertible to take on a short road trip.

Not far outside Breezewood, in Bedford, PA, I hit a full-on traffic jam. You know the kind—cars backed up for miles, horns honking, people getting restless and pissed. But I wasn’t about to let it ruin my time. Shania Twain’s Man! I Feel Like a Woman came on the radio, and I decided to crank it up, stood up in the convertible, and got the party started. Before long, folks in their cars were rolling down windows, singing along, and clapping. A couple of gals even jumped out of their car in their short shorts and started dancing right there on the shoulder.

 

 

I Think I’ll Just Stay Here and Drink – Merle Haggard

One minute, you’re just having a cold one to take the edge off; the next, you’re in some unfamiliar town, swapping stories with strangers or sleeping under the stars because there wasn’t a motel in sight. That’s kind of the beauty of it, though, isn’t it? You can’t always control where the road—or the bottle—takes you. Life’s full of twists and turns, and the best you can do is lean into it.

God, I love the Aha Shake Heartbreak album! Mannnnn, there’s something about Day Old Blues that gets under your skin in the best way. The first time I heard that yodeling—I mean, come on—it stopped me dead in my tracks. It’s raw, it’s soulful, and it hits you right in the gut. Kings of Leon was so good in their debut album... but I'm not all that sure about their newer shit.

 

The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down – The Band

What’s a road trip without The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down? I mean, come on, it’s practically required listening. Whether you’re cruising through the Appalachians or just taking the long way home, this song deserves a spot on every playlist. It’s one of those tracks that makes the miles melt away. 

 

Harambe – Young Thug

2:25 on the dashboard… RIP Harambe.

 

Till St. Dymphna Kicks Us Out – Conor Oberst

For a long time, I’ve had a tendency to stumble into dive bars and hang around a little too long. There’s just something about those places and the people they attract. The dim lights, the hum of conversation, and the unspoken understanding that everyone’s got their own story—it’s got that bittersweet truth that makes you stop and think.

This one hits close to home, and that’s why it’s always on my playlist when I’m slowing down.  

 

Jolene – Miley Cyrus (The Backyard Sessions)

Who doesn’t love Dolly Parton? The original Jolene is a true American classic, but Miley’s version absolutely knocks it out of the park and belongs solidly on any road trip playlist. There’s this grit and intensity in her voice that brings the song to life in a whole new way, while still honoring Dolly and her iconic tune.

 

Turtles All the Way Down – Sturgill Simpson 

The first time I heard this one, I was visiting my buddy down in West Virginia and we'd just gotten back from Dandy's, where we’d spent the night trying to chat up a couple of local gals but couldn't make it go anywhere. It was a chilly night, and we’d built a fire outside to keep warm while we kicked back a few more beers. My buddy pulled out his Bluetooth speaker, and this song came on. I don’t know what it was, but something about it just made me feel instantly sober, like I was connected to the earth and everything around me. The stars were brighter than I’d ever noticed, the air felt sharper, and for a few minutes, everything seemed to make sense.

 

Dead and Gone – The Black Keys

True Midwestern heroes. In high school, I was on the wrestling team, and after practice, we used to pile into my buddy Jack’s van. He had one of those early iPods hooked up to a cassette adapter and a DVD player in the car that somehow always seemed to be playing My Cousin Vinny. We’d head to the mall, park in the lot, blast The Black Keys, roll the windows down, and act like we owned the place.

 

Whiskey – Tejon Street Corner Thieves

I could yeehaw to this one all night long!

 

Hey – The Pixies

I drove to see The Pixies play at the Aragon Ballroom back in 2009. I’ll never forget it—I got wrapped up in a mosh pit up front, barely able to move. Some dude smacked me in the nose and I was bleeding all over my shirt, but I was real pumped to be up close, made eye contact with Kim and she winked at me!

Dreams - Fleetwood Mac

Rumours has always been one of my favorite albums and “Dreams” is just such a perfect song. Did you know that line “when the rain washes you clean, you’ll know” refers to a Native American custom that says if it rains after someone dies, that person’s spirit is set free? Deep shit.

You Don’t Know How It Feels – Tom Petty

“So let's get to the point
Let's roll another joint
And let's head on down the road”

Music has a way of shaping the journey, doesn’t it? Whether it’s a song that makes you think, laugh, or belt it out with the windows down, the right playlist turns every mile into a memory. These tunes aren’t just background noise—they’re the soundtrack to everything life throws at us on the road.

So, load up these tracks, hit the open highway, and let the music take you somewhere new. And hey, if you’ve got a favorite road trip anthem, let me know—I’m always looking for the next song to add to the list.

See you at the next red light,
Turnpike Tom