As the 4th of July approaches, here’s a look at songs about the United States. Some are patriotic classics while others shed light on how some people view America in the 21st century.
A Spotify collection also offers a comprehensive overview of contemporary songs about this country. Our music-loving journalists across Florida share some of their own.
This is not an exhaustive or “best of” list, but it covers various genres and eras.
“My Shot”, Lin-Manuel Miranda
The story of founding father Alexander Hamilton has enjoyed a Broadway revival over the past decade.
“Hamilton: An American Musical,” from musical genius Lin-Manuel Miranda, features Miranda as Hamilton and singing “My Shot,” which captures the spirit of freedom.
It features lyrics like, “I’m like my country, I’m young, brave and hungry and I’m not going to waste my life.” And later, the lyrics, “Get up. When you’re living on your knees, get up. Tell your brother he’s got to get up. Tell your sister she’s got to get up.” —Dave Osborn, Naples Daily News and The News-Press in Fort Myers
“Party in the USA”, Miley Cyrus
One of the funniest songs about America, Miley Cyrus’ 2009 hit “Party in the USA” is perfect for Fourth of July parties and barbecues because of its upbeat, fun vibe that gets people singing and even dancing along. —Dave Osborn, Naples Daily News and The News-Press in Fort Myers
“America”, Neil Diamond
This Neil Diamond song may be more relevant than ever. The 1981 hit focuses on how immigrants—many of whom were our ancestors—“came to America” for a fresh start “on boats and on planes.”
A beautiful string intro sets the perfect tone for the song, followed by a fast-paced beat that leads into Diamond singing, “Far away we traveled, without a home, but not without a star.”
For me, “America” (also known as “Coming To America” and “They’re Coming To America”) perfectly sums up the most modern classic patriotic song. Turn up the volume this holiday season and celebrate our freedoms and remember that despite our differences, we are still a melting pot and our diversity is our strength. —Dave Osborn, Naples Daily News and The News-Press in Fort Myers
“This is America,” Childish Gambino
Think of this as a modern take on Woody Guthrie’s sarcastic ’40s hit “This Land if Your Land,” hip-hop artist Childish Gambino (real name Donald Glover) released “This Is America” in 2018.
The song resonated with a generation, becoming an anthem for the Black Lives Matter movement with lyrics confronting systemic racism, racial violence, law enforcement in the United States, mass shootings and more.
The video for “This Is America” — which depicts two acts of graphic violence — has more than 920 million views on YouTube.
“I think most people would recognize this video as a protest against police brutality,” Lori Brooks, Ph.D., an assistant professor at Columbia University’s Barnard College, said of the song during an “Inside Edition” video.
However, she said, the video allows black people “to express their anger in a way that will be understood by the entire community and not caricatured or belittled.” —Dave Osborn, Naples Daily News and The News-Press in Fort Myers
“American Blues”, the Grateful Dead
Wave that flag, wave it high. The Grateful Dead were perhaps the greatest American counterculture band and this is the best of what they did, especially on the live version of the song. ― Tom Szaroleta, The Florida Times-Union
“Red, White and Blue”, Lynyrd Skynyrd
This is a recent Lynyrd Skynyrd song, released long after the band’s return from a devastating plane crash in 1977. “My hair is turning white, my neck has always been red, my collar is always blue” is a heartfelt statement aimed directly at the band’s fans. ― Tom Szaroleta, The Florida Times-Union
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“Back in the States,” Chuck Berry
It’s impossible to salute American music without including at least one Chuck Berry song. This one, about a global traveler eager to get home, is fitting. “Did I miss the skyscrapers, did I miss the long highway? From the California coast to the shores of Delaware Bay. You can bet I will until I get back to the States.” ― Tom Szaroleta/The Florida Times-Union
“Independence Day,” Martina McBride
Country star Martina McBride released “Independence Day” in 1994 and has since become a mainstay of this time of year.
With an upbeat tempo, the song builds to the dramatic refrain of “let freedom ring, let the white dove sing,” and she sings toward the end:
Let the weak be strong, let the good be evilRoll away the stone, let the guilty payIt’s Independence Day
