There are few songs that capture the spirit of adventure and the essence of the open road quite like “Get Your Kicks On Route 66.” Penned by Bobby Troup in 1946, this iconic tune has become synonymous with the American road trip experience, painting a vivid picture of the journey along the historic Route 66.
The Birth of a Classic
Bobby Troup was inspired to write “Get Your Kicks On Route 66” during a road trip he took with his wife from Pennsylvania to California. The song’s lyrics encapsulate the excitement and wonder of traveling along the famous Route 66, which stretched from Chicago to Los Angeles, connecting numerous towns and cities along the way.
An Ode to Adventure
The song is more than just a catchy tune; it’s an ode to the spirit of adventure. Each verse of the song describes various landmarks and attractions along Route 66, inviting listeners to embark on a journey through the heart of America.
From the bustling streets of Chicago to the sunny shores of California, “Get Your Kicks On Route 66” encapsulates the diversity of landscapes, cultures, and experiences that travelers could encounter along this iconic highway.
Cultural Significance
Route 66 itself holds immense cultural significance in American history. Often referred to as the “Main Street of America,” it served as a vital route for migrants heading west during the Dust Bowl of the 1930s and later became a popular route for vacationers in the post-war era.
The song perfectly encapsulates the optimism and freedom associated with the American road trip, reflecting an era when the journey itself was as important as the destination.
Enduring Legacy
Decades after its creation, “Get Your Kicks On Route 66” continues to resonate with people worldwide. Its timeless melody and evocative lyrics evoke a sense of nostalgia for a bygone era while inspiring new generations to explore the beauty and diversity of the American landscape.
The song has been covered by numerous artists over the years, each interpretation adding a unique flavor while preserving the essence of the original composition.
Conclusion
“Get Your Kicks On Route 66” is more than a song; it’s a cultural icon that celebrates the spirit of exploration, freedom, and the allure of the open road. Its legacy lives on as a reminder of the endless possibilities that await those who are willing to embark on their own journey of discovery along the historic Route 66.
As we listen to its catchy tune and memorable lyrics, we can’t help but feel the urge to pack our bags, hit the road, and get our own kicks on Route 66.
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Lyrics
If you ever plan to motor west,Travel my way, take the highway that is best.Get your kicks on route sixty-six.It winds from chicago to la,More than two thousand miles all the way.Get your kicks on route sixty-six.Now you go through saint looeyJoplin, missouri,And oklahoma city is mighty pretty.You see amarillo,Gallup, new mexico,Flagstaff, arizona.Don’t forget winona,Kingman, barstow, san bernandino.Won’t you get hip to this timely tipWhen you make that california tripGet your kicks on route sixty-six.Won’t you get hip to this timely tip:When you make that california tripGet your kicks on route sixty-six.Get your kicks on route sixty-six.Get your kicks on route sixty-six.
