Perhaps you have made journeys and travels in landscape which you planned and looked forward to. Perhaps there have been other travels which you've made not so willingly. At times, it may feel as though things are moving even when, geographically, that is not so for you. There are, too, events which spark changes and journeys in imagination, thought, and questions. All this is part of the reason we chose to call this series music for shifting times.  

Living the questions: that's a philosophical concept – or at least, suggestion – which shows up in many ways people have tried to understand life across the centuries. Music is, or can be, a part of living with and through questions, both as companion and as source of ideas.

Often, in this series of stories, the idea of questions has come up. As unexpected changes continue in the world's political and social spheres, here are four more songs which have good questions at their heart.

When you are working on creating something, or solving a problem, or sorting out choices, travel is often a good way to give you new perspectives on what is going on, to refresh your thoughts, to give you new ideas. That is as true when you are considering day to day life or the course of world events. 

In the midst of a city or out in wilderness, nature is a constant companion. The changing angle of light or the fall or rain — even if seen between tall buildings – reminds of the healing power of landscape. Wilderness might be challenging at times, but there too, the hand of nature may bring peace or connection. A familiar place or a new horizon – they both have power to refresh and restore.

This is an idea musicians have explored in many ways. It continues to be a source of inspiration for artists.

It’s a calm spring morning and I’m wondering what the heck I’ve gotten myself into. In just three days, I’m leaving on a long road trip from Utah to Minnesota. The trip will take me 17 hours and 52 minutes if I never, ever stop for gas, eat, sleep, or go to the restroom. Since I know that won’t happen, I’m not going to make a commitment to any certain arrival time.