Playlist: Movin On, So Long, Farewell

From time to time, I like to make a playlist based around a theme. With my upcoming move to New York City, I figured by departure from Seattle was an appropriate occasion. So I created a Spotify playlist Movin On, So Long, Farewell. With my upcoming move, it’s more than just a change of location – it’s an opportunity to change how I live, to experience new adventures. So I curated a list of songs that not only fit the theme, but put them in a particular order. I realize my DJ skills aren’t on the same level as Cheryl Waters or Alisa Ali, but I’m pretty happy with this playlist.

The Songs

The title of the playlist says a lot – but it doesn’t say everything. I selected songs that were on topic, but that would also create a certain mood at different points in the playlist. One thing about this playlist, is that I discovered some new music while making it – which is always a good thing.

The Final Countdown by Europe

I wanted a strong, upbeat song to kick off the playlist. This starts my journey as a I leave my apartment for the final time. This playlist is like a countdown, and this song begins the countdown. With each passing song, the countdown reaches zero.

Goodbye Stranger by Supertramp

I’m not a massive Supertramp fan, but I think this songs makes a nice addition to the playlist. It’s another strong song with a good energy.

Goodbye Yellow Brick Road by Elton John

This Elton John classic starts to slow things down, to shift the mood to one that is more reflective. I want to take advantage of my trip on the Link Light Rail, reflecting on my Seattle experience and the people I’ve met over the years, as well as the opportunities that lie ahead.

Farewell Transmission by Songs: Ohia

This is one of the songs I recently discovered. I’m enjoying this song. It’s got a great contemplative vibe.

Move On by Jet

This Jet ballad is a great song. The Pink Floyd influence on this song is undeniable. This is apex of the reflective mood I wanted to create.

Good Riddance (Time of your Life) by Green Day

This Green Day classic starts picking up the tempo a bit, while maintaining the reflective mood I wanted.

Time to Move On by Tom Petty

I really like this song. It’s not one of Petty’s more well-known songs, but a solid song none-the-less. This song is a turning point in the playlist, where the message of the song is about looking forward instead of looking back. It gets you thinking about pushing forward, to face new possibilities.

Try Everything by Shakira

This energetic Shakira song continues the upbeat trend as well as the message of looking to the future. It also encourages to try things even though it may not work out. It’s OK to fail – just get back up.

Finding My Way by Rush

Thematically, Finding My Way doesn’t have much to do with the rest of the playlist, other than the title. However, you gotta love this old school Rush song.

Move on Up by Curtis Mayfield

This was another song I discovered during the creation of this playlist. A great unexpected find. I don’t know much about the soul genre, but really enjoy the this song. It’s provides a great, different flavor to round out the playlist.

Jet Airliner by Steve Miller Band

This Steve Miller Band classic recognizes what’s being left behind, but also looks ahead.

Conclusion

I liked putting this playlist together. I’ll be creating another playlist for moving to NYC, that hopefully will help capture the city and the feeling of possibility.