The song "Route 66" by Al Jarreau is a cover of the original song written by Bobby Troup in 1946. It is a classic American rhythm and blues track that celebrates the famous U.S. highway, Route 66. The lyrics talk about a road trip from Chicago to Los Angeles along Route 66, which stretches for over 3,000 miles. The song encourages listeners to embrace the adventure, enjoy the journey, and discover the diverse cities and landscapes along the way. The lyrics mention various cities and places that the highway passes through, such as St. Louis, Joplin, Missouri, Oklahoma City, Amarillo, Gallup, Flagstaff, Kingman, Barstow, and San Bernadino. These locations are iconic stops along the route and represent the charm and uniqueness of each place. The repeated phrase, "Get your kicks on Route 66," emphasizes the idea of finding excitement, joy, and adventure on this historic highway. It suggests that by taking this road trip, one can experience the spirit and freedom of the open road, discovering new places and enjoying the American landscape. The song also mentions Route 95, another highway, as a means of staying safe while traveling to California. This adds a practical element to the song, highlighting the importance of choosing the right roads for a successful journey. Overall, Al Jarreau's rendition of "Route 66" captures the spirit of exploration, wanderlust, and the American dream. It paints a vivid picture of the road trip experience, with an upbeat melody and scatting improvisation, showcasing Al Jarreau's vocal talent.
