5 Favourite Country Road Trip Songs

Today I’m piling the girls into the van to drive across BC for a wedding in Calgary on the weekend. I’ve spent the last two weeks making lists of things to pack, watching for their favourite snacks to go on sale at the grocery store, and wondering how Pearl will survive the drive. While I’m driving, I thought it would be fun to share my favourite country road trip songs with you.

#1: “On the Road Again” by Willie Nelson

I first heard this song on one of my dad’s old 8-tracks in our ’88 Chevy van. We later named our dog Willie for this song, because she was found laying in the middle of the road. It’s a classic country road trip song that comes to mind whenever we start out on the road again.

Goin’ places that I’ve never been
Seein’ things that I may never see again
And I can’t wait to get on the road again

#2: “Alberta Bound” by Paul Brandt

Paul Brandt is driving into Alberta from the south instead of from the west, but this song tugs at my heartstrings now that we live in BC. Even after six years on the West Coast, Alberta still feels like home. I get a thrill whenever I see the “Welcome to Alberta” sign on our way “home.”

I’m Alberta bound.
This piece of heaven that I’ve found
Rocky Mountains and black fertile ground
Everything I need beneath that big blue sky
Doesn’t matter where I go
This place will always be my home

#3: “Jesus Take the Wheel” by Carrie Underwood

I’ve learned to take my foot off the gas or the brakes instead of my hands off the wheel, but there have been times on the highway when this song has gone through my head. It still sends chills down my spine.

Jesus take the wheel
Take it from my hands
Cause I can’t do this on my own
I’m letting go
So give me one more chance
Save me from this road I’m on
Jesus take the wheel

#4: “Reckless” by Alabama

I used to love listening to this song while driving home after a long day working in my dad’s office. I’ve always had a reckless streak (to my husband’s chagrin), but little chance to express it as a student, admin assistance, or mom. So I live vicariously through country road trip songs like this one.

Let’s roll the windows down turn the radio up
Let the wind blow through our hair
There’s a moon tonight and a road outside
Baby we’re gettin’ out of here

#5: “Convoy” by C. W. McCall

This song harks back to my childhood too, with all of us singing along whenever it came on. There’s some language in it, so don’t play it if your kids are listening. It’s got a fun story and a rockin’ chorus.

‘Cause we got a mighty convoy
Rockin’ through the night.
Yeah, we got a mighty convoy,
Ain’t she a beautiful sight?
Come on and join our convoy
Ain’t nothin’ gonna get in our way.
We gonna roll this truckin’ convoy
‘Cross the U-S-A.

What are your favourite road trip songs?