Music has the power to transport us to a different place and time, so it’s no wonder why there are so many songs about escaping.
Whether it’s an escape from a bad situation, a toxic relationship, or just a way to relax, these songs about escaping can help provide the perfect soundtrack for your life.
This blog post will highlight 25 of the best songs about escaping and getting away from it all.
1. “The Great Escape” by P!nk
“The Great Escape” is a mid-tempo pop-rock ballad about escaping from a difficult situation or a relationship that is no longer fulfilling.
P!nk sings about the need to let go and move on, and the importance of finding inner strength and courage to face the future.
The song was written by P!nk, Dan Wilson, and Tony Kanal, and produced by Greg Kurstin.
2. “Escape” by Enrique Iglesias
Spanish singer-songwriter Enrique Iglesias released this song in 2001 as the lead single from his fifth studio album of the same name.
“Escape” is an upbeat dance-pop song that blends Latin rhythms with electronic beats and catchy hooks.
The song’s lyrics describe a passionate and intense love affair, with Iglesias singing about the thrill of being with someone who makes him feel alive.
3. “The Great Escape” by Boys Like Girls
“The Great Escape” is an upbeat pop-rock anthem about breaking free from the monotony of everyday life and chasing your dreams.
The song’s lyrics encourage listeners to take risks and pursue their passions, with Johnson singing “We’ll make a great escape, we won’t hear a word they say, they don’t know us anyway”.
“The Great Escape” was a commercial success, reaching the top 10 on the Billboard Pop 100 chart and becoming the band’s breakthrough hit.
4. “Escape Plan” by Travis Scott
The song’s instrumentation is sparse and atmospheric, with a dreamy synth melody and a slow, steady beat that add to its contemplative vibe.
“Escape Plan” is notable for its understated production, which allows Scott’s introspective lyrics to take center stage.
“Escape Plan” was a commercial success, debuting at number 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and becoming one of Travis Scott’s 23rd top 10 hits.
5. “Time to Pretend” by MGMT
“Time to Pretend” is a song that embodies the hedonistic rockstar lifestyle that MGMT was initially fascinated with, but also serves as a commentary on the emptiness and superficiality that often comes with fame and success.
The song’s instrumentation features a driving beat, jangling guitars, and swirling synthesizers that create a dreamy, psychedelic atmosphere.
6. “Elastic Heart” by Sia ft. Shia LaBeouf & Maddie Ziegler
The song was released in 2013 as a single from the soundtrack of the film “The Hunger Games: Catching Fire” and later included on Sia’s sixth studio album, 1000 Forms of Fear.
The song’s lyrics describe a complicated and tumultuous relationship, with Sia singing about feeling like a caged animal and struggling to break free from the constraints of a difficult and emotionally charged situation.
7. “Drift Away” by Dobie Gray
This classic rock song was recorded by American singer Dobie Gray in 1972.
The song was written by songwriter Mentor Williams. “Drift Away” became a hit, reaching the number 5 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States.
“Drift Away” is a blend of rock, soul, and pop, with a driving beat and catchy guitar riffs.
Dobie Gray’s soulful vocals are a standout feature of the song, and his emotive delivery captures the yearning and longing expressed in the lyrics.
8. “Escape from LA” by The Weeknd
The song is an up-tempo track that features The Weeknd’s signature dark and moody production, with heavy synths and a driving beat.
Lyrically, “Escape from LA” explores the idea of escaping from a toxic relationship and finding a new start in a different city.
The Weeknd sings about leaving behind the memories of a failed romance in Los Angeles and starting fresh in a new place.
9. “The Sweet Escape” by Gwen Stefani ft. Akon
It was released in 2006 as the lead single from Stefani’s second studio album of the same name.
“The Sweet Escape” was a commercial success, reaching the top 10 in several countries, including the US, UK, Canada, and Australia.
The song’s upbeat and catchy melody, combined with Stefani’s engaging vocals and Akon’s infectious bridge, made it a popular hit on radio and music charts.
10. “Escape” by Kx5 (Kaskade + Deadmau5) ft. Hayla
“Escape” is a collaborative single by American DJs and producers Kaskade and Deadmau5, released under the moniker Kx5, featuring vocals by Hayla.
The track was released in 2010 on the album Dynasty by Kaskade. “Escape” features Kaskade and Deadmau5’s signature blend of melodic house music, with a driving beat and lush synthesizer melodies.
The song’s lyrics revolve around the theme of escaping from reality and finding refuge in music.
11. “Escape (The Piña Colada Song)” by Rupert Holmes
The song tells the story of a man who is feeling trapped in his relationship and decides to answer a personal ad looking for someone who loves piña coladas and getting caught in the rain.
However, the twist ending reveals that his current partner is the one who placed the ad, and they both end up laughing about the whole ordeal.
It’s a cheeky and charming take on the idea of finding love in unexpected places, and it has resonated with listeners for decades.
12. “Take Me Away” by Lifehouse
“Take Me Away” is a captivating rock ballad that ignites the fire of escapism within us all.
Released in 2004, it’s a sonic journey that takes us on a soulful ride, delivering us from the mundane realities of everyday life.
The song’s enchanting opening guitar riff draws in, beckoning everyone to follow the lead singer’s resonant and emotional voice.
Jason Wade’s vocals, express the unshakable desire to escape the doldrums of life and find a place of freedom and authenticity.
13. “Runaway” by Bon Jovi
Released in 1984 as the band’s debut single, it’s a track that has stood the test of time and remains as popular today as it was when it first hit the airwaves.
The song’s upbeat tempo and infectious melody grab the listener’s attention from the very first note, drawing them into the story of a girl who’s looking to escape her life and start over.
At its heart, “Runaway” is a song about the human need for independence and the desire to break free from the constraints of society.
14. “Somewhere Only We Know” by Keane
“Somewhere Only We Know” is a poignant and emotional song about the need to escape from the pressures of the outside world and find solace in a place that is safe, comforting, and free from the stresses of everyday life.
The song’s opening piano chords set the tone for the introspective and reflective lyrics that follow, as lead singer Tom Chaplin sings about a place where he and his lover can be themselves and forget about the outside world for a while.
15. “Born to Run” by Bruce Springsteen
One of the ultimate songs about escaping and getting away from it all is “Born to Run”.
Released in 1975, this classic rock song quickly rose to the top of the charts, where it remained for almost two weeks.
With its upbeat tempo and catchy chorus, “Born to Run” perfectly encapsulates the feeling of freedom that comes with being able to break away from the daily grind.
16. “Come Sail Away” by Styx
Released in 1977, “Come Sail Away” is a classic rock song that captures the feeling of longing to escape and get away from it all.
Lead singer Dennis DeYoung wrote the song as an ode to the joys of sailing and being out at sea, with its passionate lyrics and soaring melodies.
As the song builds, the instrumentation grows more intense and emotional.
17. “Leaving on a Jet Plane” by John Denver
“Leaving on a Jet Plane” is a song that has resonated with listeners for decades, capturing the essence of the human experience of leaving home, whether it’s for a short trip or a longer journey of self-discovery.
It’s a song about the joys and sorrows of leaving behind the familiar and venturing into the unknown and the deep connections that bind us to the people and places we love.
18. “Paradise City” by Guns N’ Roses
“Paradise City” was released in 1987 as part of the band’s album Appetite for Destruction.
The song quickly became one of the band’s most popular and enduring hits and remains a staple of classic rock radio and pop culture.
“Paradise City” is a song that speaks to the rebellious and adventurous spirit in all of us, inspiring us to chase our dreams and embrace the unknown.
19. “Runaway Train” by Soul Asylum
The lyrics tell the story of someone looking for a way out, with the titular train providing a metaphor for taking off to new places and adventures.
The song starts with a simple acoustic guitar line that builds up to a powerful chorus of guitars and drums as the song progresses.
“Runaway Train” was released in 1992 and since then it became an anthem for those seeking a way to escape from the stress and monotony of life.
20. “Runaway” by The Corrs
Released in 1995 as a single from the band’s debut album Forgiven, Not Forgotten, the song quickly became a hit and is still widely regarded as one of the band’s signature tracks.
The song’s driving rhythm and catchy melody are complemented by lead singer Andrea Corr’s soaring vocals, which convey a sense of yearning and desperation as she sings about the desire to leave everything behind and start anew.
21. “You Don’t Own Me” by Lesley Gore
The song’s lyrics are a powerful feminist statement, asserting the singer’s independence and rejecting the idea that she is the property of a man or anyone else.
The song’s message is as relevant today as it was over half a century ago, and has inspired generations of women to stand up for their rights and demand respect and equality.
The song was a commercial success, reaching number two on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States, and was later certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).
22. “Piano Man” by Billy Joel
The song was released in 1973 as the lead single from Joel’s second studio album of the same name. It quickly became a fan favorite and remains one of Joel’s most beloved songs.
“Piano Man” has been recognized with several awards and honors over the years.
It was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1998, and in 2016, it was selected for preservation in the National Recording Registry by the Library of Congress for being “culturally, historically, or artistically significant”.
23. “Where the Streets Have No Name” by U2
The song’s soaring guitar riff, driving rhythm, and Bono’s emotive vocals have made it a fan favorite and one of U2’s most recognizable and beloved songs.
The song’s lyrics explore themes of hope, liberation, and escape from the constraints of society.
The song has won several awards, including a Grammy Award for Best Performance Music Video in 1989, and it was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2014.
24. “Island in the Sun” by Weezer
Weezer’s “Island In The Sun” is a classic song that has been used in countless films and TV shows.
The lyrics describe the narrator’s desire to escape from their daily life and find solace on an island.
The song captures the feeling of being overwhelmed by life and having an urgent need for a break from it all making it one of the best songs about escaping.
The catchy guitar riffs and upbeat tempo make it an ideal tune for a summer getaway.
25. “Into the Great Wide Open” by Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers
With its powerful guitar riffs and a defiantly hopeful chorus, this song is one of the best songs about escaping and getting away from it all.
It’s a great reminder that sometimes you just need to take a break from reality and take a step into the unknown.
Whether it’s a vacation or just a few hours of quiet contemplation, this song can be a helpful source of inspiration for those looking to get away.
Songs About Escaping – Final Thoughts
When you need to get away and take some time for yourself, the perfect accompaniment is the right song.
Whether it’s a classic like Styx’s “Come Sail Away” or something more recent like Weezer’s “Island In The Sun”, these 25 songs about escaping and getting away are sure to take you away for a moment.
Find the one that speaks to you and let the lyrics inspire you to escape and enjoy your freedom.
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