Travel is the inspiration for today’s Musical Monday selection, I’ve Been Everywhere. The version of this classic song Americans are most familiar with is by Johnny Cash. It was included on his 1996 Grammy Award winning album Unchained, with backup by Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers.
However, the history of I’ve Been Everywhere, spans the globe.
In 1959, Australian singer-songwriter Geoff Mack wrote the original version of I’ve Been Everywhere, which features a rapid-fire list of Australian destinations. It became an international hit for singer Lucky Starr.
Later in 1962, Mack re-wrote the lyrics with American destinations using an atlas. Hank Snow, Canadian born country music legend and famous traveler, took it to the top of the U.S. Country charts.
A few years later adaptations were made for destinations in New Zealand, Great Britain, Canada, Czechoslovakia, Finland, and Germany.
“I've been everywhere, man.
I've been everywhere, man.
Crossed the deserts bare, man.
I've breathed the mountain air, man.
Of travel I've a-had my share, man.
I've been everywhere.”
~Johnny Cash, I’ve Been Everywhere
While travel is popular with all generations, it is often a priority for those weaning off work and focusing on life.
Nearly two-thirds of pre-retirees polled by the TransAmerica Center for Retirement Studies said that they wanted to travel more in retirement. Travel ranked higher than spending time with friends or taking up new hobbies.
Travel provides energy and enjoyment in three phases.
Anticipation -- Just picking your destination and planning what to see and do is exciting. If the world is your oyster, how do you decide where to visit?
Adventure -- Experiencing the thrill of something new with all your senses. New tastes, smells, vistas and activities. What inspires you to try things you would never attempt at home?
After-glow -- Coming home with new memories and a new perspective on life is yet another reward. How do you incorporate what you learn from traveling to your life at home?
Whether the goal is to create a long list of destinations covered like the song or focus on specific adventures of a lifetime, going where we haven’t gone before broadens our world view.
Today I’m skiing in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. My anticipation of riding the tram to the mountain peak is palpable. Perhaps I’ll create a new version of I’ve Been Everywhere using ski run names…