Columbus Day is Monday, October 8, so I’d like to take a look at his journey from an angle most people don’t think of...the music that would have gotten him through his trans-Atlantic odyssey.
In 1492, Columbus sailed the ocean blue. His trip was probably exciting at times with sea storms, bouts of scurvy, lack of food, mutiny...you know, the usual. But I’m sure the journey would have been more upbeat if Columbus could have plugged an iPod into the Nina's, the Pinta's, or the Santa Maria’s sound systems.
But what would the original explorer rock out to?
There’s little doubt Columbus’ playlist would have included several of the following relevant songs:
- A Whole New World composed by Alan Menken with lyrics by Tim Rice
The title says it all. Columbus "discovered" the New World with one wrong turn. This song would have had a special meaning for Christopher as he journeyed into the unknown.
- Day Tripper by The Beatles
This one is ironic because "it took him sooo long," and it wasn’t actually just a day trip. His trip across the Atlantic definitely took more than a day. But he found out. He found out.
- Don’t Stop Believing by Journey
You can't discover a new route to India without keepin' the faith, and Columbus should have pumped this song to keep his crew holding on to that feelin’!
- Come Sail Away by Styx
Another obvious choice; the Styx ballad would surely be Christopher’s theme song.
- You Can’t Always Get What You Want by The Rolling Stones
Columbus wanted the land of the Indies, and instead he got North America. But he got what he needed I think, and it all worked out in the end.
- I’m On A Boat by Lonely Island (featuring T-Pain)
This song would have really hit home for Christopher Columbus, seeing as he was on his boat for a couple months.
- Fantastic Voyage by Coolio
And what a fantastic voyage it was!
- America by Neil Diamond
Columbus was comin’ to America and would definitely have appreciated this song. In fact, I believe Neil was referring to Columbus and his crew when he wrote the single.
I know it’s debated whether or not Christopher Columbus knew where he was going, but I’m pretty sure his playlist would have been set in stone. Some simple tunes would have really spiced up Columbus’ trip and done wonders for his crew’s morale.