Something about Spain inspires its native songbirds, such as Joaquin Sabina's iconic hymn to the capital or this '80s ditty of devotion to Soria. There are dozens, maybe hundreds more, but foreign musicians have also been compelled to sing of Spain's natural beauty and joie d'vivre.

Here's an expat playlist to get you started. Feel free to add your favourites to this online mix tape in the comments below.


Those who have never made the journey, but have heard the tales:

Daniel - Elton John (lyrics)
They say Spain is pretty though I've never been
Well Daniel says it's the best place that he's ever seen

Never Been to Spain - Three Dog Night (lyrics)

Holiday in Spain - Counting Crows (lyrics)


Tunes inspired by Spanish news headlines:

Spanish Bombs - The Clash
Pop-punk snarlings about the Spanish Civil War (lyrics)

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On the Border - Al Stewart (lyrics)


Songs about souvenirs and memories:

Spanish Doll - Poe (lyrics)

Boots of Spanish Leather - Bob Dylan
The only thing Dylan wants here is for his lady to return without getting her heart stolen by a Spaniard. (Complete lyrics here) Surely not the first or the last man to feel this way.

Oh, I'm sailin' away my own true love,
I'm sailin' away in the morning
Is there something I can send you from across the sea,
From the place that I'll be landing?
No, there's nothin' you can send me, my own true love,
There's nothin' I wish to be ownin'.
Just carry yourself back to me unspoiled,
From across that lonesome ocean
Oh, but I just thought you might want something fine
Made of silver or of golden,
Either from the mountains of Madrid
Or from the coast of Barcelona
...
I'm sure your heart is not with me,
But with the country to where you're goin'.
So take heed, take heed of the Western wind,
Take heed of the stormy weather
And yes, there's something you can send back to me,
Spanish boots of Spanish leather


Silly Songs:

King of Spain - Moxy Früvous (lyrics)
This zany song by Canadian pop-braniacs Moxy Früvous is one of the few songs out there to mention both a monarch and a zamboni.

Fiesta - The Pogues (lyrics)
A Spanglish anthem about Almeria


Bittersweet songs:

Barcelona - Queen (lyrics)
Freddie Mercury calls Barna a 'jewel in the sun' in this operatic tribute to the city. Today it can be heard over the dancing waters of the Magic Fountain of Montjuïc.

Spanish Caravan - The Doors (lyrics)

California - Joni Mitchell (lyrics)
Though it's ostensibly an ode to her native state, take a look at these pertinent lyrics about being away from home:

Bought me a ticket
I caught a plane to Spain
Went to a party down a red dirt road
There were lots of pretty people there
Reading Rolling Stone, reading Vogue
They said, 'How long can you hang around?'
I said, 'A week, maybe two,
Just until my skin turns brown'
...
Oh it gets so lonely
When you're walking
And the streets are full of strangers
All the news of home you read
Just gives you the blues
More about the war
And the bloody changes
Oh, will you take me as l am?
Will you take me as l am?
Will you?

And then of course... there's this:

Kristen Bernardi / Expatica

Kristen Bernardi is an American journalist who's contributed to various travel publications including Fodor's, TimeOut, The Insider's Guide, Spain Magazine and InMadrid.