Hi everyone! I have my own campus radio show, and every week I play songs that relate to a certain theme. I was thinking about doing a show dedicated to Walt Whitman. Do you all have any song suggestions? If you want, maybe explain why a song reminds you of him and/or his work. Also, what kind of music do you think he’d be into?

Here is what I have so far:

  1. “Yes I’m Changing” by Tame Impala
    • I thought this song accurately reflects Whitman’s belief in constant self-transformation. I think the lines “There’s a world out there and it’s calling my name/And it’s calling yours, girl it’s calling yours too” demonstrate unity and Whitman’s urgency to travel and discover the world.
  2. “Walkin’ in the Arizona Sun” by Mordicai Jones
    • This song is about experiencing enlightenment in the Arizona desert. I especially like the lines “All is full, all is nice, and all is well/ But when I turn I can see my fellow man.” This sense of comradeship and contentment in the natural world reminds me so much of Whitman’s optimism.
  3. “Our House” by Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
    • I could imagine Whitman singing this song to all of his readers. It’s so intimate and peaceful. “Staring at the fire/ For hours and hours while I listen to you/ Play your love songs all night long for me.”
  4. “Space Song” by Beach House
    • Something about this gorgeous song screams Whitman to me. It’s probably the intimate lyrics (“Somewhere in these eyes/ I’m on your side”). Also, the song’s ethereal vibes of the dancing synths, soft vocals, and drumbeat make you feel like weightless, which reminds me of Whitman’s ideas on the body, soul, and divinity.

Walt Whitman Playlist

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