Constantino Diaz-Duran is a fellow at the Center for Social Cohesion at Arizona State University. He is chronicling his walk from New York to Los Angeles to celebrate his eligibility for American citizenship. Follow Constantino’s progress.
“Two hundred degrees, that’s why they call me Mr. Farenheit.” Well, not exactly, but let me tell you, it feels a lot hotter than the heat index says when you have close to 60 lbs on your back.
The last few days have been brutal. I left the artsy little town of New Hope, Pa., early yesterday morning, thinking I would be able to avoid the hottest hours. It was to no avail. Halfway to my destination a commuter bus went by with the words “New York” on the marquee, and I desperately wanted to hail it down and beg them to just take me home.
I’ve had it with this heat wave. But to it, I dedicate the Queen classic “Don’t Stop Me Now.” I will make it to Philly on Thursday, come rain or come shine. I have a date with a baseball game on Friday, and I don’t care if it’s the Phillies, I’m not going to miss my chance to go to a ballpark.
This brings me to another question people have been asking me: What songs do I listen to while I’m walking? “Don’t Stop Me know” has been one of them, of course, even before the heat wave hit. Here’s the rest, and if you have any suggestions please leave them in the comments section.
I came up with this soundtrack with the help of my second mom, Lucy. We may belong to different generations, but we have the same taste in music, which is great. I usually keep my phone on shuffle, so this is not necessarily the order in which I play them.
Here’s the list, with some commentary:
I often start the day, deliberately, with this one – a little cheesy, sure, but also a great song to get me walking first thing in the morning
I sometimes “cuzz,” I definitely “fuzz,” and I’ve been known to “boogie all night long,” but I still love this song. And listening to it when I’m feeling tired always gives the oomph I need to keep going.
“Time of the Season” by The Zombies
I’ve loved this ever since I was a kid, and a lot of the time, when walking, I feel quite mellow. This is perfect for those times.
“Simple Song of Freedom” by Bobby Darin
Another one of my all-time favorite songs. I like to play this when I sit by the side of the road to grab a snack.
“Philadelphia Freedom” by Elton John
Great walking song, especially now, as I’m getting closer and closer to the city of brotherly love.
“Crystal Blue Persuasion” by Tommy James & The Shondells
This one’s good on flat terrain. As much as I’ve always loved it, I find myself skipping it when trekking up a hill.
It’s why I came to this country, and why I celebrate it.
“Nothin’ But The Taillights” by Clint Black
Little known fact about me: I love country. And this is a great walking song.
“Empire State Of Mind” by Jay-Z & Alicia Keys
Go Yankees. ‘Nuff said.
“I’m On My Way” by The Proclaimers
…and I’ll get there.
“America The Beautiful” by Ray Charles
This one I’ve always had to be careful with. Let it catch me in a certain mood, and I’ll shed a tear. He sings it with such emotion. I think it is simply… beautiful.
“Baby’s Got Her Blue Jeans On” by Mel McDaniel
Can’t say I’ve two-stepped down any highways yet, but I’ve been tempted to do it by this song.
“Moonlight Feels Right” by Starbuck
I haven’t had to walk under the moonlight, but this one is good for when I’ve sat under it.
“Rockin’ Roll Baby” by The Stylistics
I threw this one in just because I love it. And it’s good for when I start getting tired.
“City of New Orleans” by Arlo Guthrie
Another one that’s been known to bring tears to my eyes if played at the right time. Not sure what that says about me.
One of the hardest parts of being on the road for so long is being away from the one you love. And after a while, it’s true, you see that person everywhere.
Like I said, this one is particularly poignant now, and I’m sure it will be at other points.
“New York State of Mind” by Billy Joel
I know it hasn’t been long at all, but I miss my city already.
“California Dreamin’” by The Mamas & The Papas
Of course this had to be in there.
This one has nothing to do with anything, but it gives me energy.
“Oh Happy Day” by Edwin Hawkins Singers
I’ve had a few hallelujah moments when I get to my destination after a long day of walking. This is a great song to play during the final stretch.
I love Dolly. And I love this song. I like to play it after a break, when I need a kick to start walking again.
“Star Spangled Banner” by José Feliciano
I know this was controversial when he played it in 1968, but it is my favorite rendition of the National Anthem.
“I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)” by The Proclaimers
Because I will – literally – walk 500 miles. And I will walk 500 more.
Be a part of Constantino’s journey.
Follow Constantino on Facebook and Twitter.
See Constantino’s entire route.
*Photo by Constantino Diaz-Duran.
Hi – I’m Tania’s Mom and I have been enjoying reading your posts. Going walk-about is something I have dreamed of doing for years but haven’t had the opportunity or health…yet! However I have done a lot of planning for a pilgrimage from MASS to Santiago, Spain. Be careful to drink a lot of water in this heat!I hope you find the answers that you seek. Blessings on your journey, Cathie
May the road rise to meet you
May the wind be always at your back
May the sunshine full upon your face
May the rain fall soft upon your fields
Until we meet again
May God hold you
in the hollow of her hand. Ancient Celtic Blessing
St Gilda’s pilgrimage prayer:-
May my roads all lie plain before me,
Whether I climb the rugged heights of mountains,
Or descend the hollow depths of valleys,
Or trudge the lengthy roads op open country,
Or struggle through the thickets of dense forest:
May I walk always in straight ways and shining
To longed-for places . . .?
A suggestion for the soundtrack: “America” by Simon and Garfunkel – from their ‘Bookends’ album. It’s an intimate and very moving song about looking for America and for oneself.
Hey Constantino,
David here (aka Karnage) from RJ. Back when I used to run, my ritual song that I listened to before every race was ‘Pressing On’ by Relient K. They’re a christian rock/punk band, and the lyrics for this great song are below. Best of luck beating the heat!
-David
I think we’re going somewhere.
We’re on to something good here.
Out of mind, out of state.
Trying to keep my head on straight.
I think we’re going somewhere.
We’re on to something good here.
There’s only one thing left to do.
Drop all I have and go with you.
[Chorus:]
Somewhere back there I left my worries all behind.
My problems fell out of the back of my mind.
We’re going and I’m never knowing (never knowing) where we’re going.
To go back to where I was would just be wrong.
I’m pressing on.
Pressing on, all my distress is going, going, gone. (pressing on, pressing on)
And I won’t sit back, and take this anymore.
‘Cause I’m done with that, I’ve got one foot out the door.
And to go back where I was would just be wrong
I’m pressing on.
I think we’re going somewhere.
We’re on to something good here.
Out of mind, out of state.
Trying to keep my head on straight.
I think we’re going somewhere.
We’re on to something good here.
Adversity, we get around it.
Searched for joy, in you I found it.
You look down on me, but you don’t look down on me at all.
You smile and laugh, and I feel the love you have for me.
I think we’re going somewhere.
We’re on to something good here, and we’re gonna make it after all.
Hi Constantino
Another song suggestion:
This is along the lines of Robert’s suggestion above.
“Graceland” by Paul Simon
It’s an uplifting, catchy-beat song that would go well with the rolling hills of Pennsylvania.