The Perfect Playlist for your Trip to Rome
So you’re headed to Roma and you need the perfect playlist to set the mood of the trip.
Don’t be embarrassed about it; a lot of people find Rome brings out their romantic side quite effortlessly, and most tourists end up creating a Roman playlist within the first few days of exploring the city, if not before they arrive.
There are a few classics that are a must on every playlist about Rome. These are the songs you’ve heard in the movies, used to set the whimsey and charm of the ancient streets on screen.
Ready?
On An Evening in Roma
Dean Martin
This age old classic that tops almost all playlists about Rome on both Spotify and Apple Music.
On An Evening in Roma was one of Dean Martin’s most successful song releases ever. He recorded it half in English and half in Italian. It is the quintessential song for an evening stroll through the Roman streets, and has been featured in more movies than I can count.
This song has also been covered by many artists around the world; both Italian and not.
Dean Martin actually recorded an entire album if Italian love songs, on which this one first appeared. If you want to check out the full album look for it under the name Dino.
Don’t know what the country’s coming to
But in Rome do as the Romans do
Will you on an evening in Roma
Come è bella c’è la luna brilla e strette
Strette come è tutta bella a passeggiare
Sotto il cielo di Roma
Three Coins In The Fountain
Frank Sinatra
From the same artist who recorded one of the most important songs about New York City, this Roman anthem has withstood the test of time.
The great Sinatra recorded this song after observing the ways in which the tourists of Rome interacted with the ancient world around them. The hype around tossing coins into the Trevi Fountain was at its peak, and everyone wanted in on the fun.
Three coins in the fountain
Through the ripples how they shine
Just one wish will be granted
One heart will wear a valentine
Rome
Phoenix
Not too long ago, I watched Phoenix play a mind-blowing show at the Fonda Theatre. To my dismay, they didn’t play Rome, an important song released on their Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix album in 2009.
Phoenix are known for their intercontinental appeal; their ability to connect with different cultures and lands & create relatable lyrics on almost any topic. Their Rome song is no different; an exploration of being on the street and the youth culture they observed.
Rome Rome Rome Rome
Focus looking forward the coliseum
Oh no what did I say
What can I say
Rome Rome many tears have fallen here
I’ll be driving you look the other way
Autumn in Rome
Peggy Lee
The only thing better than a 1950s Roman ballad, is a 1950s Roman jazz ballad.
Thanks to Peggy Lee, we have one that will live on for the rest of time. Autumn in Rome is a jazzy, orchestra masterpiece in which the artist reminisces on falling in love in this romantic city.
It’s got a strong, melancholic undertone; almost heartbroken at times.
Autumn in Rome
Memories like embers glow
When I seem to hear walks beneath the pines that grace the golden sky
Stopping now and then to share a lover’s sigh, you and I
Arrivederci Roma
Nat King Cole
Nat King Cole could do no wrong, and Arrivederci Roma was just another example of his mastery.
This track has since been covered by the likes of Dean Martin, who made the first song in our roundup. This is testament to just how good it is; a dance-worthy song in which we say farewell, adieu, arrivederci to the beloved Roma.
Arrivederci, Roma
Goodbye, goodbye to Rome
City of a million moonlit places
City of a million warm embraces
Where I found the one of all the faces
Far from home
Heart of Rome
Elvis Presley
Heart of Rome was released by the iconic Elvis Presley in 1971. While it was never one of his most successful works, it did do well in the UK and Australia (surprisingly).
It’s a simple ballad about getting swallowed up by the charm of Rome; you can arrive without intention and before you know it you’ve fallen in love and you’re tossing coins into the Trevi along with everyone else.
In a little while you’re leavin’
Starting on the journey home
Soon I’ll be alone, the one who loves you
La la la la la, somewhere in the heart of Rome
Spanish Steps
Toto
If you know anything about Toto as a band, you probably know that they are responsible for the very iconic Rains in Africa song that plays, to this day, on radio stations all over the world.
Toto also released a song that was an ode to Rome. The Spanish Steps is about, well, the Spanish Steps; one of the major attractions in the center of the city.
This is always rumored to be the place to go to find love. A monument of prospective lovers and connections to be made.
The first time I saw her
She was wearing scarves of white
That little spark between us
Took only seconds to ignite
And then it occurred to me
Suddenly I was standing there alone
On the Spanish steps of Rome
When in Rome (I Do as the Romans Do)
Barbra Streisand
This song by Barbra Streisand was inspired by a European tour where she explored most of better known cities, induing Barcelona, Rome and Paris.
She was moved to write about them all, and this track is not solely about Rome by any means. The city did, however, leave enough of an impact to have been included in the title.
When in Spain for reasons I don’t explain
I remain enjoying a brew
Don’t deplore my fondness for fundador
You know how a fundador can lead to a few
And baby when in Rome I do as the Romans do
If per chance I’m saying farewell to France
And romance drops in from the blue
Planning a trip to Paris ? Get ready !
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