Travel songs for expats – The ultimate expat playlist

The ultimate expat travel playlist

Moving and living abroad, regardless of where you’re coming from or going to, can bring up an unavoidable range of emotions. After all, you’ve boxed up your life to move overseas away from your family and friends, or closer-to in some cases. You are bound to feel a whirlwind of feelings, many of which you haven’t felt before. From wondering “what have I done?”, to instantly falling in love with your new life abroad, music is a great way to express your emotions, whether it is contentment, desolation or seclusion. Here at Santa Fe Relocation, we’re taking a look at the songs that help describe expat life and may bring you comfort during your new adventure away from home.

Sting – “Englishman in New York”

An undeniable classic, “Englishman in New York” accurately describes how many expats have felt having made the decision to move abroad, regardless of whether it is for work, a lower cost of living or a better life.

“…It takes a man to suffer ignorance and smile / Be yourself no matter what they say…” 

Sting’s “Englishman in New York” ultimately celebrates being proud of where you came from, and conveys the message to not be disheartened by people who spurn your “abnormal” habits.

Guns n’ Roses – “Welcome to the Jungle”

Axl Rose wrote “Welcome to the Jungle” to describe his very own transition from India to the infamous Los Angeles. Although he cannot be considered an expat himself, if we take a look beyond his rock star lifestyle, the song itself is admissible to starting a new life abroad.

The lyric “Ya learn to live like an animal in the jungle where we play” describes how new expatriate life can make you feel completely lost. However the overarching message is that even a new, and sometimes overwhelming, new place can feel like home once you learn to adapt.

Michael Buble – “Home”

When you live abroad for a long time, whether it is for a couple of months, years or for the rest of your life, moments of nostalgia are inevitable. “Home” captures that longing feeling of wishing you were back at the place you originally called home. “Another summer day / Has come and gone away / In Paris and Rome / But I wanna go home…” It’s a familiar and natural feeling for all expats, regardless of how long they’ve been in their new destination. We think this is the perfect song for those nostalgic moments!

Elton John – “Rocket Man”

The lyrics behind the song “Rocket Man” depict a story about a bewildered astronaut who is ultimately torn between flying away to succeed in his career or staying at home in the arms of his beloved family. It’s not exceptionally hard to see how expatriates, such as yourself maybe, can relate to this incredible song, even if you don’t plan on flying to the moon!

During the process of deciding whether to move abroad, you might have the same feeling. Do you move abroad for a higher quality of life and to partake in unmissable opportunities, or do you stay with the ones who love you the most? Whatever you decide, we think this song is the perfect tune to listen to when considering your options.

Lynyrd Skynyrd – “Sweet Home Alabama”

Another song that truly captures the authentic joy of returning home is “Sweet Home Alabama” by Lynyrd Skynyrd. What’s more is that you don’t even have to be from Alabama, or the United States for that matter, to recognize the indescribable feeling of returning home. This is a great song to listen to, because even though it’s a song about home, the upbeat tempo can really improve your mood if you’re feeling a little homesick.

You can listen to the full Santa Fe Relocation expat playlist here.

With over 120 years of relocation and immigration expertise, Santa Fe Relocation are here to help. We understand what makes an international move successful and our team of experts put their knowledge to good use. We make moving home easy for you. So if you need help when moving abroad, please get in touch with a member of our friendly expert team today.