Unpacking the Classic: Which City is NOT in "Route 66"?
The iconic song "Route 66," first recorded by Nat King Cole in 1946 and later famously covered by Chuck Berry, The Rolling Stones, and countless others, paints a vivid sonic picture of the legendary American highway. It's a musical road trip, a nostalgic anthem for a bygone era of open roads and small-town charm. But as you cruise along with the catchy melody, you might wonder: which significant cities along this historic route are conspicuously absent from its lyrics?
While the song mentions a string of well-known destinations, a crucial one is surprisingly left out. Let's break down the cities that *are* mentioned and then pinpoint the one that isn't.
The Cities That Made the Cut (and the Miles They Traveled)
"Route 66" takes us on a journey from Chicago, Illinois, down to Santa Monica, California. The song's lyrics meticulously list several key stops, each representing a distinct experience or landmark along the Mother Road.
Here's a look at the cities explicitly mentioned in the song:
- Chicago, Illinois: The song kicks off with a clear declaration: "If you ever plan to motor west, / Just remember that old song, / Pickin' up rhythm at ten-nine-eight / Route 66." Chicago is the undisputed starting point.
- St. Louis, Missouri: The next major stop on the lyrical map is St. Louis. The lyrics proudly proclaim, "Get your kicks on Route 66." St. Louis, with its famous Gateway Arch (though built later, it embodies the spirit of westward expansion), is a vital part of the journey.
- Springfield, Illinois: While "Springfield" is mentioned, it's crucial to note that the song doesn't specify *which* Springfield. However, given the westward trajectory and the historical significance of Route 66, the Springfield in Illinois, Abraham Lincoln's hometown and an early major stop on the route, is the most likely and widely accepted interpretation.
- Oklahoma City, Oklahoma: As the journey continues, the song heads into the heartland: "Oklahoma City, I see you." This clearly places the band in the Sooner State.
- Amarillo, Texas: The song then traverses the vast plains of Texas, with a direct mention: "Amarillo, by mornin'." This nod to Amarillo evokes images of dusty highways and the Lone Star State.
- Albuquerque, New Mexico: The desert landscapes begin to dominate as the lyrics sing, "Albuquerque, day or night." This iconic New Mexico city is another landmark on the musical itinerary.
- Winslow, Arizona: A truly iconic mention comes with: "Winslow, Arizona." This phrase, later immortalized by The Eagles' song "Take It Easy," solidifies Winslow's place in American popular culture and on Route 66.
- Barstow, California: As the California border is crossed and the final stretch looms, Barstow gets its moment: "Barstow, on Route 66." This California desert town serves as a gateway to the coast.
- San Bernardino, California: Just before the final destination, San Bernardino is called out: "San Bernardino." This city is crucial as it's a significant urban center just before the coastal finish line.
- Santa Monica, California: The song concludes with the ultimate destination: "and then you're there, / To Santa Monica." The pier at Santa Monica became the symbolic end of the Mother Road.
The Missing Masterpiece: The City Not Mentioned
Considering the progression and the key cities that defined the original path of U.S. Route 66, there's one major hub that, despite its undeniable importance and historical presence on the route, is conspicuously absent from the song's lyrical itinerary.
That city is Phoenix, Arizona.
Phoenix, a sprawling metropolis and the capital of Arizona, was a major destination for travelers on Route 66. However, Bobby Troup, the songwriter, opted to feature Winslow and, by extension, the implied journey through Arizona, rather than specifically naming Phoenix. While Route 66 did pass through or near Phoenix for much of its existence, especially with earlier alignments, Troup's lyrical choices bypassed it in favor of other key stops.
It's a fascinating detail that highlights how a song, even one celebrating a physical route, is a curated experience. The songwriter's artistic decisions dictate the narrative, and in this case, Phoenix was left to bask in its own sunshine, unmentioned but undeniably connected to the spirit of Route 66.
A Testament to the Open Road
"Route 66" remains a powerful evocation of American adventure. The cities mentioned are timeless landmarks, and their absence or presence tells a story of travel, culture, and the enduring allure of the open road. While Phoenix may not have made the song's cut, its role in the history of Route 66 is no less significant.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How did Bobby Troup decide which cities to include in "Route 66"?
A: Bobby Troup, the songwriter, likely chose cities that were either major cultural or geographical markers along Route 66, or that had a certain rhythm or memorable sound that fit the song's cadence. It was an artistic selection, not necessarily an exhaustive list of every town.
Q: Why was Phoenix, Arizona, not mentioned in the song "Route 66"?
A: The exact reason for Phoenix's omission is not definitively known, but it's believed to be a matter of artistic license and lyrical flow. Troup may have felt that Winslow provided a more iconic or poetic representation of the Arizona leg of the journey, or perhaps he simply prioritized the cities that fit his narrative best.
Q: Does the song "Route 66" represent the *entire* original path of the highway?
A: No, the song is a stylized representation. While it hits many major points, it doesn't include every significant town or city that was ever on Route 66 throughout its various alignments and decades of existence. It's a popular, not encyclopedic, depiction.
Q: Were there other major cities on Route 66 that are also not mentioned in the song?
A: Yes, many. For example, while not as large as Phoenix, cities like Joplin, Missouri, or Gallup, New Mexico, were significant stops that didn't make the song's lyrics. The song focuses on a selection of highlights.
