What Song Is Rusty Listening to on the Train in European Vacation?

By Robert Palmer

If you’re a fan of the National Lampoon’s Vacation series, then you might have noticed the scene in European Vacation where Rusty is listening to music on his Walkman while riding a train. The question that has puzzled many fans over the years is – what song is Rusty listening to?

Despite being a small moment in the movie, this scene has become iconic for many reasons. It perfectly captures the essence of traveling through Europe, with beautiful scenery passing by and a sense of adventure in the air. But what really makes this scene stand out is the music that Rusty is listening to.

After much research and speculation from fans, it has been confirmed that the song Rusty is listening to on the train in European Vacation is “I’m Leaving” by Lisa Lisa and Cult Jam. This upbeat pop track was released in 1986, which is around the same time when European Vacation was filmed.

Now, you might be wondering why this particular song was chosen for this scene. Well, it turns out that director Amy Heckerling had a personal connection to Lisa Lisa and Cult Jam. In fact, she had previously directed their music video for “Lost In Emotion” and wanted to include their music in European Vacation as well.

But beyond just being a fun nod to Heckerling’s past work, “I’m Leaving” also perfectly captures the spirit of European travel. With its catchy chorus and lively beat, it’s easy to imagine Rusty feeling energized and excited as he watches the world go by outside his train window.

So there you have it – the mystery of what song Rusty is listening to on the train in European Vacation has finally been solved! And if you’re planning your own trip through Europe anytime soon, be sure to add “I’m Leaving” to your travel playlist for some extra inspiration along the way.

Conclusion

In conclusion, “I’m Leaving” by Lisa Lisa and Cult Jam is the song that Rusty is listening to on the train in European Vacation. This fun and upbeat track perfectly captures the spirit of travel and adventure, making it a fitting choice for this iconic scene. So next time you watch the movie, be sure to listen closely for this catchy tune!