5 Iconic Rock Songs About Touring and Life on the Road

The life of a rock star sounds glamorous, but as many have made it clear, it’s not all it’s cracked up to be. Musicians are away from their loved ones for months at a time, moving from one city to the next, living out of a tour bus. It’s no wonder the hardships of the road have inspired some classic songs.

“Turn The Page” by Bob Seger

Few songs capture the ups and downs of touring like Bob Seger’s “Turn The Page,” which he began writing in 1972 and released in 1976. Seger wrote the song while on tour, and a pit stop provided the inspiration for the second verse. He felt he had captured “the real weariness of the road,” something not only musicians could relate to.

“Faithfully” Journey

After watching their road crew, Journey keyboardist Jonathan Cain tapped into his feelings on touring on the power ballad “Faithfully.” Cain began writing the song with its opening lines while on the band’s tour bus. Journey also explored the unique experience of life on the road in “Wheel In The Sky.”

“The Load-Out” by Jackson Browne

Jackson Browne’s “The Load-Out” addresses the road crews who make touring possible—Browne himself has called it “a love song to the audience and the crew.” The recorded version of the song transitions into a cover of Maurice Williams’ 1960 hit “Stay,” which Browne has said is addressed to the audience.

“Homeward Bound” by Simon & Garfunkel

Paul Simon started writing “Homeward Bound” on scraps of paper while waiting in a train station. The song expresses the singer’s longing for home—a common sentiment on the road—with lyrics like “home where my thoughts’ escapin’, home where my music’s playin’, home where my love lies waitin’ for me.” 

“Torn And Frayed” by The Rolling Stones

The Rolling Stones’ “Torn And Frayed,” from Exile On Main Street, explores the hardships of the road through the perspective of a specific character—a guitar player with a “torn and frayed” coat because of life on the road. In this song, touring is anything but glamorous, whether it’s the dirty dressing rooms, the nervous band, or good old-fashioned homesickness.