“Scroll down to the end of the article to listen to music.”
Introduction
Sure, I’d love to share a bit about Hank Snow’s classic, “I’ve Been Everywhere”! Imagine sitting down with an old friend who’s just returned from a whirlwind adventure around the globe. That’s the kind of energy this song brings—it’s like flipping through a postcard collection from someone who’s truly seen it all.
First off, let’s talk about the sheer speed and skill of this song. Hank Snow delivers a rapid-fire list of cities and towns that makes your head spin. It’s almost like he’s challenging you to keep up, and you can’t help but be impressed. It’s a song that feels like it was made for road trips, where the landscape outside matches the pace of the lyrics.
Released in 1962, “I’ve Been Everywhere” quickly became a beloved anthem for wanderlust souls and travelers at heart. It’s incredible how the song captures the spirit of exploration and freedom, making listeners feel like they’re part of the journey, even if they’re just singing along in their living rooms.
The song’s history is just as fascinating. Originally written by Geoff Mack in 1959, it was tailored for Australian audiences. Hank Snow adapted it for North America, swapping in familiar locales that resonated with American and Canadian listeners. This adaptability is part of what makes the song so special—it’s universal, yet personal.
And here’s a fun tidbit: the song has inspired countless covers and parodies, each with its own twist on the list of places. It’s a testament to how this song connects with people’s love of travel and storytelling.
So, next time you hear “I’ve Been Everywhere,” let it take you on that whirlwind trip. Picture the places you’ve been, and dream about the ones you’ve yet to visit. It’s more than just a song; it’s an invitation to adventure. Have you ever felt that tug to just pack a bag and hit the road? That’s exactly the feeling this song captures so perfectly.
Video
Lyrics
I was totin’ my pack along the dusty Winnemucca road
When along came a semi with a high and canvas covered load
“If you’re going to Winnemucca, Mack with me, you can ride”
So I climbed into the cab, and then I settled down inside
He asked me if I’d seen a road with so much dust and sand
And I said, “Listen, Bud, I’ve traveled every road in this here land”
I’ve been everywhere, man
I’ve been everywhere, man
‘Cross the deserts bare, man
I’ve breathed the mountain air, man
Of travel, I’ve had my share, man
I’ve been everywhere
Been to Reno, Chicago, Fargo, Minnesota
Buffalo, Toronto, Winslow, Sarasota
Wichita, Tulsa, Ottawa, Oklahoma
Tampa, Panama, Mattawa, La Paloma
Bangor, Baltimore, Salvador, Amarillo
Tocopilla, Barranquilla, and Padilla, I’m a killer
I’ve been everywhere, man
I’ve been everywhere, man
‘Cross the deserts bare, man
I’ve breathed the mountain air, man
Of travel, I’ve had my share, man
I’ve been everywhere
Boston, Charleston, Dayton, Louisiana
Washington, Houston, Kingston, Texarkana
Monterey, Ferriday, Santa Fe, Tallapoosa
Glen Rock, Black Rock, Little Rock, Oskaloosa
Tennessee, Hennessey, Chicopee, Spirit Lake
Grand Lake, Devil’s Lake, Crater Lake, for Pete’s sake
I’ve been everywhere, man
I’ve been everywhere, man
‘Cross the deserts bare, man
I’ve breathed the mountain air, man
Of travel, I’ve had my share, man
I’ve been everywhere
Louisville, Nashville, Knoxville, Ombabika
Shefferville, Jacksonville, Waterville, Costa Rica
Pittsfield, Springfield, Bakersfield, Shreveport
Hackensack, Cadillac, Fond Du Lac, Davenport
Idaho, Jellicoe, Argentina, Diamontina
Pasadena, Catalina, see what I mean, sir
I’ve been everywhere, man
I’ve been everywhere, man
‘Cross the deserts bare, man
I’ve breathed the mountain air, man
Of travel, I’ve had my share, man
I’ve been everywhere
Pittsburgh, Parkersburg, Gravellburg, Colorado
Ellensburg, Rexburg, Vicksburg, Eldorado
Larrimore, Atmore, Haverstraw, Chattanika
Chaska, Nebraska, Alaska, Opelika
Baraboo, Waterloo, Kalamazoo, Kansas City
Sioux City, Cedar City, Dodge City, what a pity
I’ve been everywhere, man
I’ve been everywhere, man
‘Cross the deserts bare, man
I’ve breathed the mountain air, man
Of travel, I’ve had my share, man