Each week, we run a global survey asking for a songs that represent hometowns.
This playlist contains 46 songs curated by people from around the world.
-
"Paradise" by John Prine
Nominated by: Retired (67) from Central City, KY, USA
Why: I was raised on a coal miner’s salary but I’m totally against strip mining and mountain top removal. I’m from Muhlenberg County and I’m a huge John Prine fan!
Listen on Spotify -
"U Chjornogo morja" by Leonid Utyosov
Nominated by: Warehouse manager (63) from Odessa, Odessa Oblast, Ukraine
Why: Soulful. A song from my childhood. A good song about Odessa.
Listen on Spotify -
"青花瓷 (鋼琴版) [原唱: 周杰倫]" by 紀鈞瀚 (Bryan Chi)
Nominated by: HR Manager (30) from Nanyang, Henan, China
Why: My first love and I really liked this song. It accompanied us for three years. Every time after school, we would wear headphones, hold each other's hands, and hum along while facing the sunset.
Listen on Spotify -
"Old Days" by Chicago
Nominated by: Retired (41) from Chicago, IL, USA
Why: The lyrics of the song remind me if the things I did while growing up like going to the beach, Chicago Cub games brings a smile to my face remembering those times.
Listen on Spotify -
"На большом воздушном шаре" by Yolka
Nominated by: Cybersecurity specialist (17) from Nazaryevo, Moscow region, Russia
Why: Many childhood memories, this song often played at concerts in my hometown.
Listen on Spotify -
"Dil Dil Pakistan" by Vital Signs
Nominated by: Construction Business (43) from Karachi, Pakistan
Why: Music has a unique way of connecting us to our roots and evoking memories. When I hear a song tied to Karachi or Pakistan, it often brings back feelings of nostalgia and warmth. For example, a traditional folk song might remind me of family gatherings, where everyone would sit together, sharing stories and laughter. The sights, sounds, and smells of street food or bustling markets flood my mind, creating a vivid picture of home. It’s a beautiful reminder of my cultural heritage and the bonds that tie me to my roots.
Listen on Spotify -
"Georgia on My Mind - Original Master Recording" by Ray Charles
Nominated by: Retired (54) from Atlanta, GA, USA
Why: It is about my home state and talks about how Georgia is always with you and is a great song about my favorite place
Listen on Spotify -
"Một Chuyến Bay Đêm" by Thanh Thúy
Nominated by: Freelance (19) from Can Tho, Ninh Kieu, Can Tho, Vietnam
Why: My mother is from Can Tho. Since I was young, because my younger brother was sick, I had to live with my grandmother. Therefore, I listened to this song from my grandmother, my mother, and my aunt during my childhood.
Listen on Spotify -
"Gram Chhara Oi Ranga Matir Path" by Hemant Kumar
Nominated by: Freelancer (55) from Bardhaman, West Bengal, India
Why: This song reminds me of the road that we take to go to my ancestral home from my hometown. A powdery soft dirt road by the river Damodar. It is a piece of heaven on earth. Whenever I think of my hometown I think of my ancestral home and this road, this song comes to mind.
Listen on Spotify -
"Aye" by Davido
Nominated by: School teacher (36) from Ayobo/Ijon Village (Camp David), Nigeria
Why: This song has cultural and interesting experiences in it, like the attire, the dance steps and the background of the song reminds me of my village.
Listen on Spotify -
"東京音頭" by BEGIN
Nominated by: Self-employed, public relations, advertising, media (1967) from Japan, Tokyo, Tachikawa City
Why: When I was in elementary school, there was a Bon dance class during PE, and I was made to dance by the teacher. I also remember going to the summer festival with friends and dancing together.
Listen on Spotify -
"La bella polenta - Ao Vivo" by Ragazzi Dei Monti
Nominated by: I.T. (33) from Caxias do Sul, RS, Brazil
Why: Because it is a very traditional song from my city, it is played at various Italian cultural events.
Listen on Spotify -
"ছোট্ট আমার গ্রাম" by Aailsha YouTuber
Nominated by: Student (24) from চট্টগ্রাম, Bangladesh
Why: The song "Little Amar Gram" is a popular song by Aailsha YouTuber. The main theme of this song is about the beauty of the village and the memories spent there. I can't give some main lines of the song but it talks about the cool atmosphere of the village, the green crop fields, the life of the village people and the peaceful way of life there. If you want to know more specific aspects or information about the song, say so
Listen on Spotify -
"I Know You Want Me (Calle Ocho)" by Pitbull
Nominated by: Self-employed (22) from Gujranwala, Pakistan
Why: This is the first song I listened to in Gujranwala. The song has a very fast and enthralling music. The lyrics are full of zest and make you energetic.
Listen on Spotify -
"工廠" by 河南說唱之神
Nominated by: Architectural designer (36) from Zhengzhou, Henan, China
Why: It's in the Henan dialect, which sounds like the accent of people from my hometown, giving me a certain inexplicable sense of intimacy. Hu la tang, hui mian, Shaoguan stadium, Dao Chicken. As soon as I hear fenpi, bianfencai, etc., I want to eat.
Listen on Spotify -
"Kolkata" by Anupam Roy, Shreya Ghoshal
Nominated by: Engineer (34) from Kolkata, West Bengal, India
Why: The song resonates deeply with people who have a strong connection to the city. Reflecting on both its beauty and its imperfections. It is a heartfelt and nostalgic tribute to the city of kolkata.
Listen on Spotify -
"Bu Sabah Yağmur Var İstanbul'da" by MFÖ
Nominated by: Stockbroker, Entrepreneur (30) from Istanbul, Turkey
Why: It describes and summarizes Istanbul very well. The emotions the song wants to convey remind me of Istanbul.
Listen on Spotify -
"無名的人 - Live" by 毛不易
Nominated by: Computer science student (21) from Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
Why: "The Nameless Person" is also a song performed by Mao Buyi, included in the album "The Nameless Person." This song is the theme song for the animated film "I Am What I Am," with lyrics by Tang Tian and composed by Qian Lei, released on December 14, 2021. Mao Buyi's singing style is simple yet deeply emotional, moving many listeners.
Listen on Spotify -
"Mera Mulk Mera Desh" by Anjesh Saini, Vicky Saini
Nominated by: Chief executive officer (26) from Maksi, Madhya Pradesh, India
Why: This song reminds me of the peace of my village and the love of its people the people of this village are dedicated to the country here one boy from every house is in the Indian army
Listen on Spotify -
"La Torta" by FARIANA
Nominated by: housewife (24) from Argao, Cebu, Philippines
Why: this song reminds me of my hometown because la torta is the festival of argao refer to most well known delicacies of argawanon the torta
Listen on Spotify -
"I Like To Move It" by will.i.am
Nominated by: Online survey (25) from Nankana Sahib, Pakistan
Why: I laughed at this question, more than I should have. My little town hasn't changed a bit in forever but, is really cool in it's own way, everyone knows just about everybody, strangers are normally just passing through. But there is nothing to do on weekends except for home games and riding backroads. My town looks like something out of an old movie, everything is on main Street and homes/houses down any of the off streets.
Listen on Spotify -
"Một Vòng Việt Nam" by Tùng Dương
Nominated by: Government agency (46) from Nam Định, Vietnam
Why: This song praises my beautiful homeland, with deep love for the homeland
Listen on Spotify -
"Mi Calle Triste" by Camboy Estevez
Nominated by: Private employee (44) from Santiago de los Caballeros, Dominican Republic
Why: It reminds me of the street where I lived and the kids we used to play with at night under the moonlight
Listen on Spotify -
"戸山小学校校歌〜赤組のうた - 2016 Remaster" by Jun Togawa Unit
Nominated by: Operations, Management (24) from Hiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan
Why: I heard this song at my daughter's sports day. I'm happy that my daughter is attending the same elementary school I went to. The sports day is coming up soon, and I'm looking forward to it.
Listen on Spotify -
"60 Dias Apaixonado" by Chitãozinho & Xororó
Nominated by: Student (22) from Barra do Garças, State of Mato Grosso, Brazil
Why: The lyrics greatly remind me of stories of people I know who live in the region, like the phrase "traveling to Mato Grosso" and spending 60 days in love.
Listen on Spotify -
"Zaftna 2 Alors Alordony" by Omar Alabdallat
Nominated by: I own a supermarket (49) from Amman, Jordan
Why: Omar Alabdallat's songs are well-known for his national and traditional Jordanian songs that are patriotic and enthusiastic.
Listen on Spotify -
"Africa - Live" by TOTO
Nominated by: Administrator (53) from Johannesburg, South Africa
Why: Part of our culture, home fields beautifull country and our wild animals, love for one another. End of apartheid and new beginnings
Listen on Spotify -
"Velha Infância - 2004 Digital Remaster" by Tribalistas
Nominated by: Classroom monitor (21) from Esperantina, PI, Brazil
Why: It reminds me of the past, when I was a child, I find this song very beautiful
Listen on Spotify -
"Balik Kampung" by Dato' Sudirman
Nominated by: customer service (28) from Prabumulih, Prabumulih City, South Sumatra, Indonesia
Why: why this song: because this song has a lot of meaning that makes me want to quickly return to my hometown, this song brings happy feelings because it reminds me of my hometown.
Listen on Spotify -
"we fell in love in october" by girl in red
Nominated by: Food service (21) from Calgary, AB, Canada
Why: Because that’s where i was born and it was the month of october that i was officially born. I chose the song because my family love me during that month
Listen on Spotify -
"Сибирь" by Николай Емелин
Nominated by: freelance (57) from Novosibirsk, Russia
Why: Siberians are respected in our country. A patriotic song about the strength of Russians
Listen on Spotify -
"Porro Sabanero" by Billo's Caracas Boys, Los Melódicos
Nominated by: Librarian (34) from Ciénaga de Oro, Córdoba, Colombia
Why: Because it is native and talks a lot about the traditions and customs of my town
Listen on Spotify -
"Theme From New York, New York" by Frank Sinatra
Nominated by: Retired (74) from Brooklyn, NY
Why: Describes the place perfectly; embodies the excitement and uniqueness of the place ; the city that never sleeps
Listen on Spotify -
"Al Yadi El Yadi" by Wadih El Safi
Nominated by: University student (21) from Suez, Egypt
Why: Because I was listening to it while I was walking in my city because I love this song and I love listening to it very much.
Listen on Spotify -
"влечение" by CUPSIZE
Nominated by: driver (21) from Veliky Novgorod, Novgorod Oblast, Russia
Why: In this city, one can go crazy due to the passivity and sleepiness of the city as a whole, as if the city is frozen in time.
Listen on Spotify -
"Through The Years" by Kenny Rogers
Nominated by: Technical Specialist (25) from Dasmariñas, Cavite, Philippines
Why: It reminds me of my graduation during elementary and highschool days this song was played on both it was a very fulfilling moment to say my journey with my classmates and friends
Listen on Spotify -
"Awit Ng Kabataan" by Rivermaya
Nominated by: Teacher (22) from Gerona, Tarlac, Philippines
Why: Because it reminds me of where I came from. I grew up here.
Listen on Spotify -
"Ijebu Alare" by Musiliu Haruna Ishola
Nominated by: Computer Technology instructor (28) from Ijebu Ode, Nigeria
Why: The beauty of the town, the unique Ijebu dialect and the people.
Listen on Spotify -
"Hallelujah" by Pentatonix
Nominated by: Information technology (24) from São Paulo, State of São Paulo, Brazil
Why: Because it is a song that conveys happiness and strength, and that makes me remember my hometown. Its melody and the way it is sung.
Listen on Spotify -
"Salma Ya Salama سالمة يا سلامة" by Lina Sleibi
Nominated by: Accountant (22) from Qena, Qism Qena, Qena, Egypt
Why: It reminds me of the beautiful days and days in the past and very very beautiful memories.
Listen on Spotify -
"Тернопільські каштани" by Володимир Вермінський
Nominated by: Dental technician (36) from Ternopil, Ternopil Oblast, Ukraine
Why: The song beautifully describes my romantic city of Ternopil.
Listen on Spotify -
"Go Higher" by Stonebwoy
Nominated by: Student (25) from Accra, Ghana
Why: I really love the artise Stonebowy. It inspires me to go higher in everything i do. The Artise comes from my country
Listen on Spotify -
"Rumah" by Fiersa Besari
Nominated by: Housewife (27) from Tegal, City of Tegal, Central Java, Indonesia
Why: Reminds of home, which has always been a place of shelter
Listen on Spotify -
"Le Beirut" by Fairuz
Nominated by: Sales Representative (45) from Amman, Jordan
Why: Homeland and family and friends and memories and loved ones and the roof of the house and my grandfather's house and my uncle and my cousins and friends.
Listen on Spotify -
"They Don't Care About Us" by Michael Jackson
Nominated by: Full-time employee / computer industry (25) from Istanbul, Turkey
Why: There was a video made with the lyrics of this song and in that video there were Gezi Park protests, there were civilian people unjustly beaten, and these events coincide exactly with these song lyrics.
Listen on Spotify -
"Hello Vietnam - Single Version" by Johnny Wright
Nominated by: Student (18) from Ho Chi Minh, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Why: Because the melody makes me nostalgic, I can't stop listening to this song.
Listen on Spotify