Don’t Stop Me Now

The Walk Like An American Soundtrack

July 21, 2011

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:

“America” by Neil Diamond

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

“Saved” by LaVern Baker

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.

“Freedom” by Paul McCartney

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.

“Everywhere” by Tim McGraw

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.

“Don’t Stop Me Now” by Queen

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