Americans have been celebrating the 4th of July since 1776, and over the years, there have been plenty of songs written about this patriotic holiday.
There is tons to be proud of if you’re from the land of opportunity and that’s why it makes for such a powerful subject in music.
Here are some of the best 4th of July songs to get you in the spirit of summertime fun and feeling prideful.
What Are the Best 4th of July Songs?
1. “American Pie” by Don McLean
Clocking in 8 and a half minutes, Don McLean’s “American Pie” is a timeless classic that perfectly captures the spirit of the 4th of July.
So bye-bye, Miss American Pie
Drove my Chevy to the levee
But the levee was dry
With its bittersweet lyrics and many pop culture references, McLean’s song is a nostalgic look at American culture in the 1950s and 1960s, a time of innocence and a simpler way of life.
2. “Born in the U.S.A.” by Bruce Springsteen
Bruce Springsteen’s “Born in the U.S.A.” is a patriotic anthem that celebrates the American spirit.
Born in the U.S.A
I was born in the U.S.A
The timeless rock song is about a vet who went to go fight in the Vietnam war and then came back home struggling to make ends meet.
Springsteen’s lyrics are powerful and moving, and the song has become an iconic 4th of July anthem.
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3. “Party in the U.S.A.” by Miley Cyrus
Love her or hate her, this song was an absolute blast to listen to for most people when it first was released in 2009.
Miley Cyrus’s ode to America is an upbeat and fun song that will have you dancing along.
Yeah, it’s a party in the U.S.A.
Yeah, it’s a party in the U.S.A.
The lyrics celebrate all things America, from the glamour of Hollywood to the freedom of the open road. Whether you’re patriotic or not, you can’t help but throw this song into your 4th of July playlist.
4. “God Bless the U.S.A” by Lee Greenwood
Lee Greenwood’s “God Bless the USA” is the perfect 4th of July song. It’s an anthem of patriotism and pride, reminding us all why we love America.
I love this land
God Bless the U.S.A.
Whether you’re celebrating Independence Day at a barbecue or a fireworks show, this song is sure to get your heart racing with patriotism.
So crank it up and let freedom ring!
5. “This Land Is Your Land” by Woody Guthrie
This simple yet powerful country song is a classic American tune that celebrates the beauty and diversity of the US.
This land is your land and this land is my land
From California to the New York island
Woody Guthrie’s lyrics are full of patriotism yet also inclusion. Ending every verse with “this land was made for you and me” is a reminder that America belongs to all of us.
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6. “American Girl” By Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
This song is all about finding the meaning of life. It paints a poignant picture of a young woman who longs for something more than what she has.
Well, she was an American girl
Raised on promises
Despite the fact that she is surrounded by beauty and opportunity, something is missing from her life. She dreams of finding her place in the world and making a name for herself.
The song is both inspirational and aspirational, and it speaks to the spirit of America itself. The fourth of July is the perfect time to reflect on the things that make this country great, and “American Girl” is a perfect example of that.
7. “Jack & Diane” By John Mellencamp
To me, John Mellencamp just exudes “American”. And it doesn’t get much more American than a beautiful love story about two kids growing up in the heart land.
A little ditty ’bout Jack & Diane
Two American kids growing up in the heart land
“Jack & Diane” is an ode to two young lovers trying to make the best of their lives and just having some plain old fun.
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8. “Color Me America” By Dolly Parton
Dolly Parton’s “Color Me America” is a stirring patriotic anthem that calls on all Americans to stand together and be proud of their country. Heck, even the opening scene of the music video is an eagle flying high in the sky (America’s national animal).
I am red and white and blue
These are colors that ring true
With lyrics that ring true and colors that represent the United States perfectly, this song is perfect for the 4th of July celebrations.
So color yourself America, red, white, and blue, and get ready to sing along with Dolly!
9. “Take Me Home, Country Roads” By John Denver
Who doesn’t love a good singalong to John Denver’s “Take Me Home, Country Roads”?
It’s a nostalgic ode to his home state of West Virginia and one of the best Country songs ever created.
Almost heaven, West Virginia
Blue Ridge Mountains, Shenandoah River
The song paints a beautiful picture of what American lands have to offer. Highlighting the natural beauty of the state, from the blue Ridge Mountains to the Shenandoah River.
10. “The Star-Spangled Banner”
The fourth of July is a time to come together and celebrate the nation’s independence. What better way to commemorate this holiday than by listening to the patriotic national anthem “The Star-Spangled Banner”?
Whose broad stripes and bright stars through the perilous fight
This song is a stirring tribute to the United States, and its lyrics and performance by Whitney Houston are sure to give you goosebumps.
11. “Only In America” By Brooks & Dunn
It’s easy to feel patriotic when you’re listening to Brooks & Dunn’s “Only In America.” After all, this song is all about the American dream.
Only in America
Dreamin’ in red white and blue
It’s a song about hope and opportunity, and it’s a reminder that anything is possible in America.
With lyrics like “Only in America / Where we dream as big as we want to / We all get a chance / Everybody gets to dance / Only in America” it’s hard not to feel inspired.
This is a song that celebrates the 4th of July, and it’s a perfect choice for anyone who wants to feel proud to be an American.
12. “America” By Neil Diamond
Neil Diamond’s “America” is about immigrants who come to America to pursue their dreams, and it is a tribute to the freedoms and opportunities that America offers.
On the boats and on the planes
They’re coming to America
Diamond sings about the history and values that make America great, and he encourages listeners to appreciate the country today.
13. “Back In The U.S.A.” By Chuck Berry
It’s fitting that Chuck Berry would write a song about the 4th of July, as he was one of the pioneers of rock and roll music. Written back in 1959 this song was a top 40 hit for Mr. Berry.
Jet propelled back home, from over the seas to the U.S.A.
This upbeat tune celebrates America and all that it has to offer, from freedom and opportunity to delicious food. There’s nothing like being “back in the U.S.A.”
14. “R.O.C.K In The U.S.A.” By John Mellencamp
Another John Mellencamp tune on this list because like I said before, he exudes “American-ness”.
Written in the spirit of patriotism, this song is a feel-good anthem for anyone who loves America.
R O C K in the U.S.A.
John Mellencamp sings about the everyman – the people who come from all walks of life and backgrounds, but who are united in their love of country.
This song is perfect for the 4th of July celebrations – it will get your toes tapping and your heart swelling with pride.
15. “American Child” – Phil Vassar
Phil Vassar’s “American Child” is a nostalgic and heartfelt look back at his childhood in Virginia.
An American child
An American child
The song reflects on the simple things that made him happy, like playing baseball and spending time with his family – a couple very American things to do.
Vassar thanks God for giving him the opportunity to be an “American child,” dreaming big and achieving his goals.
16. “Living in America” By James Brown
It does get much funkier than James Brown. Living in America is all about feeling good and being proud of who you are. It’s a song about celebrating your homeland, no matter where in the world you may be.
Living in America (ow)
Eye to eye, station to station
James Brown’s soulful voice belts out lyrics about the many different faces of America, easy-going highways, and smokestacks and diners – all things that keep the country running.
It’s a song that will make you want to get up and groove.
17. “Made In The USA” By Demi Lovato
What’s more American than an opening line of “our love runs deep like a Chevy”?
Demi Lovato’s “Made In The USA” is an ode to the power of love. The song celebrates the strength and resilience of America and the enduring power of love.
‘Cause our love was made, made in the USA
Made in the USA, yeah
Lovato sings about making a commitment to each other and never giving up, no matter what the world throws its way.
The song is a perfect 4th of July anthem, celebrating the love made in the USA. Lovato’s powerful vocals and catchy melody will have you singing along all summer long.
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18. “Small Town USA” By Justin Moore
There’s just something about a small town in the USA that makes you feel right at home. Maybe it’s the friendly faces or the slow pace of life. Justin Moore captures all of that in his song “Small Town USA”.
I wouldn’t trade one single day here in small town USA
If you’re looking for a song that celebrates America’s heartland, then this is it. Moore sings about the simple things in life that make small town living so special.
19. “American Soldier” By Toby Keith
Toby Keith’s “American Soldier” is a patriotic anthem that pays tribute to the men and women who serve in the military.
I’m an American soldier, an American
Beside my brothers and my sisters
The song is filled with strong lyrics and a powerful message that honors the sacrifices made by our troops. It’s a moving tribute to the American spirit, and it’s one of my favorite 4th of July songs.
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20. “America” By Simon and Garfunkel
Singer-songwriter duo Simon and Garfunkel really outdid themselves with “America”. This sound is full of melodic harmony, hopefulness, and a sense of adventure.
They’ve all come to look for America
All come to look for America
All come to look for America
It isn’t the most upbeat 4th of July song ever created but it still feels like a celebration of the country. The combination of the acoustic guitar, Paul Simon’s beautiful voice, and the light but soaring organ make it an absolute classic.
21. “Stars and Stripes Forever” By US Marine Band
Time to break out the red, white and blue, BBQ some hot dogs, and listen to another one of the greatest patriotic songs!
“Stars and Stripes Forever” is one of the most popular 4th of July songs around.
It’s a marching band classic that has been played at the 4th of July celebrations for years. The song is full of patriotic pride and will get you pumped up for a day of celebrating America’s independence!
Final Thoughts
As we celebrate the 4th of July, let us remember that the holiday is all about freedom. The freedom to be who we are, to have our voice heard, and to live without fear.
These patriotic songs remind us of that important message and help us feel patriotic in our own way.
So this Independence Day, crank up your favorite song about America and enjoy the company of friends and family while celebrating what makes America great. Happy 4th of July!
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