Send Me on My Way


"Send Me on My Way" is a 1992 single by Rusted Root. It peaked at number 72 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Background

Originally released as a rough version on 1992's Cruel Sun, it was rerecorded in 1994 for their second album, When I Woke. Root's frontman, Michael Glabicki, wrote the lyrics, and its other members – Liz Berlin, John Buynak, Jim Dispirito, Jim Donovan, Patrick Norman and Jennifer Wertz – contributed to the track.

Critical reception

Critical reception has been mixed. In January 2014, in a review for Cruel Sun, Kurt Keefner said that "the African vocal riff from 'Send Me on My Way' is bad Ladysmith Black Mambazo", whereas Chris Baker of Syracuse.com said "The song's pep and lightheartedness is undoubtedly responsible for its success. Unlike the fervor found in songs like "Ecstasy" or "Lost in a Crowd," "Send Me on My Way" is unbridled optimism – perfect for a children's movie."

In popular culture

The song has often been utilized in motion picture soundtracks and television programs:
In addition, NASA engineers chose "Send Me on My Way" as "wake up" music for the Mars Exploration Rover Opportunity, for Sol 21.
Jeff Edelstein, writing for Trenton, New Jersey, newspaper The Trentonian linked the song to marijuana
use in May, 2020, writing "Weed legalization is finally coming to New Jersey. At some point next year, I will be able to act on my newfound educated consumerism and walk into a store and say, 'May I have some Granddaddy Purple please?' and next thing you know I’ll be downloading some Rusted Root. Send me on my way."
Because of its use in popular culture, frontman Glabicki has said that the song has "become a different thing for us. It's this thing that lives next to us. Everyone has a great memory or connection with the song. The song grew up and now has a life of its own; it's bigger; we get to sit back and watch it."