15 Best Songs about Escaping and Getting Away from It All

Sometimes life can be overwhelming, and we all need a break from the routine. There are times when we need to escape and get away from it all. Fortunately, there are many great songs that capture this feeling of wanderlust and the desire to hit the open road. The best songs about escaping and getting away from it all have the power to transport us to a different place and time, and help us forget our troubles for a little while. In conclusion, these songs and many others like them can inspire and encourage us to break free from the routine and seek adventure and new experiences.

1. Escape (The Piña Colada Song) – Rupert Holmes

“Escape (The Piña Colada Song)” is a catchy and upbeat soft rock song by Rupert Holmes, released in 1979. The song features a tropical and sunny vibe, with its distinctive and memorable melody and lyrics that tell the story of a bored man seeking to spice up his life by answering a personal ad. The chorus is a sing-along classic, with its infectious repetition of the phrase “If you like piña coladas.” The song’s cheerful energy and playful lyrics have made it a beloved classic, with its lighthearted exploration of love and adventure still resonating with audiences today.

2. Escape – Kx5 (Kaskade + Deadmau5) ft. Hayla

“Escape” is a collaboration between acclaimed electronic dance music producers Kaskade and Deadmau5, featuring the ethereal vocals of Hayla. The song is a powerful and uplifting dance anthem that encourages listeners to break free from their daily struggles and live in the moment. With its driving beats and soaring melodies, “Escape” is the perfect song to lose yourself in on the dance floor, letting go of all your worries and immersing yourself in the music. Hayla’s vocals add an emotional depth to the song, emphasizing the message of breaking free from the monotony of everyday life and embracing the moment. “Escape” is a celebration of the freedom and joy that comes with letting go and escaping into the power of music.

3. The Sweet Escape – Gwen Stefani ft. Akon

“The Sweet Escape” is a pop song by Gwen Stefani featuring Akon, released in 2006. The song features a catchy and upbeat melody, with its driving beat and synthesizers creating a danceable groove. The lyrics describe a woman seeking to escape from a bad relationship, with the chorus emphasizing the need for freedom and independence. Akon’s contribution adds a soulful and energetic dimension to the song, with his distinctive vocals complementing Stefani’s own unique voice. “The Sweet Escape” became a commercial success, with its infectious sound and relatable lyrics making it a staple of pop radio and club playlists.

4. Escape from LA – The Weeknd

“Escape from LA” is a moody and introspective track by Canadian singer-songwriter The Weeknd, from his critically acclaimed album “After Hours”. The song features a haunting and atmospheric production, with The Weeknd’s trademark falsetto vocals delivering lyrics that speak of his desire to leave behind a toxic relationship in Los Angeles. The song is a reflection on the dark side of fame and the emotional toll it can take, with The Weeknd using the metaphor of “escaping” from LA as a way to express his longing for a new start. “Escape from LA” is a powerful and moving song that speaks to the struggles of finding oneself amidst the glitz and glamour of the entertainment industry.

5. Drift Away – Dobie Gray

“Drift Away” is a classic rock song by Dobie Gray, released in 1972. The song features a soulful and laid-back melody, with its smooth vocals and lush instrumentation creating a relaxing and nostalgic atmosphere. The lyrics describe the desire to escape from the stresses of daily life, with the chorus’s repetition of the phrase “Give me the beat, boys, and free my soul” serving as a cathartic release. The song’s emotional resonance and uplifting message have made it a beloved classic, with its soothing sound and poignant lyrics continuing to captivate listeners decades after its release.

6. Elastic Heart – Sia feat. Shia LaBeouf & Maddie Ziegler

“Elastic Heart” is a haunting and emotionally charged song by Australian singer-songwriter Sia, featuring the unique vocal style of the artist, as well as spoken-word verses by actor Shia LaBeouf. The song’s dark and atmospheric production is paired with Sia’s powerful lyrics that explore the complex and often painful emotions that come with relationships. The accompanying music video features dancer Maddie Ziegler, who performs an intense and symbolic dance routine with LaBeouf. “Elastic Heart” is a raw and deeply personal song that speaks to the struggles of navigating the complexities of love and human connection.

7. Time to Pretend – MGMT

“Time to Pretend” is a synth-pop song by American rock band MGMT, released on their debut album “Oracular Spectacular”. The song features a catchy and energetic melody paired with introspective lyrics that explore the band’s fantasies about fame and fortune. The lyrics tell a story of a band that has achieved their wildest dreams, but is struggling to find meaning and purpose in their success. The song’s upbeat and danceable sound is juxtaposed with its melancholic lyrics, creating a bittersweet and reflective tone. “Time to Pretend” is a powerful and thought-provoking song that speaks to the complexities of success and the pressures that come with it.

8. Escape Plan – Travis Scott

“Escape Plan” is a rap song by Travis Scott, released in 2021. The song features a hard-hitting beat and gritty, aggressive vocals, with Scott’s signature auto-tuned delivery adding an atmospheric and haunting quality to the track. The lyrics describe the feeling of being trapped and seeking a way out, with Scott rapping about the struggles of fame and the pressure of being in the public eye. The song’s intense sound and raw emotion make it a standout track on Scott’s album, with its evocative lyrics and powerful beat capturing the chaotic and complex nature of modern life.

9. Escape – Enrique Iglesias

“Escape” is a romantic pop song by Spanish singer Enrique Iglesias, released on his fifth studio album of the same name. The song features an upbeat and catchy melody that is paired with Iglesias’ signature smooth vocals. The lyrics speak to the feelings of infatuation and desire that come with falling in love, with the singer expressing his desire to escape with his lover to a place where they can be alone and free. “Escape” is a feel-good song that perfectly captures the joy and excitement of falling in love, making it a popular choice for romantic occasions and upbeat playlists.

10. The Great Escape – Boys Like Girls

“The Great Escape” is a pop-punk anthem by Boys Like Girls, released in 2006. The song features a catchy and energetic melody, with its upbeat guitar riffs and driving drums creating a fast-paced and exciting sound. The lyrics describe the desire to break free from the monotony of everyday life and embark on a thrilling adventure, with the chorus’s repetition of the phrase “It’s the great escape” serving as a rallying cry for youth and rebellion. The song’s infectious sound and relatable lyrics have made it a beloved classic of the pop-punk genre, with its empowering message inspiring generations of fans to live life to the fullest.

11. The Great Escape – P!nk

“The Great Escape” is a pop-rock ballad by P!nk, released in 2009. The song features a melodic piano-driven instrumental, with P!nk’s powerful vocals adding an emotional depth to the track. The lyrics describe the feeling of being trapped in a toxic relationship and the need to break free and start anew, with P!nk singing about the pain of heartbreak and the hope of finding happiness again. The song’s poignant lyrics and emotional delivery make it a standout track on P!nk’s album, with its relatable message of resilience and self-love resonating with listeners around the world.

12. Piano Man – Billy Joel

“Piano Man” is a classic rock song by American musician Billy Joel, released on his 1973 album of the same name. The song tells the story of a piano player in a bar who observes the people around him and plays music to match their moods and stories. The song features a simple, catchy melody and Joel’s smooth vocals, as well as a memorable harmonica solo. “Piano Man” is one of Joel’s most iconic songs, and has become a timeless classic, often played in bars and on classic rock radio stations. The song’s relatable story and singalong chorus have made it a fan favorite and a cultural touchstone for over four decades.

13. You Don’t Own Me – Lesley Gore

“You Don’t Own Me” is a classic song by American singer Lesley Gore, released in 1963. The song, which was written by John Madara and David White, features Gore asserting her independence and rejecting the possessiveness of a romantic partner. With its powerful vocals, memorable melody, and feminist message, “You Don’t Own Me” became an anthem for the women’s liberation movement and a symbol of female empowerment. The song has been covered by numerous artists over the years, including Grace and G-Eazy in 2015, and continues to be a beloved and influential classic.

14. Leaving on a Jet Plane – Peter, Paul, and Mary

“Leaving on a Jet Plane” is a folk classic by Peter, Paul, and Mary, released in 1967. The song features a simple yet beautiful melody, with its acoustic guitar and harmonizing vocals evoking a sense of nostalgia and longing. The lyrics tell the story of a person leaving their loved one behind to embark on a journey, with the promise of returning to them someday. The song’s relatable themes of separation and the bittersweetness of goodbyes have made it a beloved classic of the folk genre, with its emotional impact continuing to resonate with audiences to this day.

15. Runaway – Kanye West ft. Pusha T

“Runaway” is a hip-hop masterpiece by Kanye West featuring Pusha T, released in 2010. The song features a hypnotic piano riff and atmospheric beats, with West’s autotuned vocals adding a sense of melancholy to the track. The lyrics describe West’s struggle with fame and relationships, as he laments his own shortcomings while also questioning the motives of those around him. The song’s emotional depth and introspective lyrics make it a standout track in West’s discography, with its honest portrayal of the toll that fame can take on an individual’s mental health resonating with listeners around the world.