25 Patriotic Fourth of July Songs You Need to Add to Your Playlist
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25 Patriotic Fourth of July Songs You Need to Add to Your Playlist
What’s not to love about the 4th of July? In addition to celebrating our nation’s independence, it’s a time for festive beach picnics, lively pool parties, indulgent barbecues, wow-worthy fireworks and just plain fun over a long holiday weekend under the mid-summer sun.
If you’re planning a 4th of July party this year (or even just going for a drive with the stereo blasting), these are the songs you need to add to your playlist right now. Our list of the best 4th of July songs includes some patriotic classics that never get old: Think Bruce Springsteen’s “Born in the U.S.A.,” Don McLean’s “American Pie” and Lenny Kravitz’s “American Woman.”
Our picks for the Independence Day playlist also include regional odes like The Mamas and the Papas’ haunting “California Dreamin’” and John Denver’s love story to West Virginia, “Take Me Home, Country Roads.” Plus, we added some more cerebral picks to round out your playlist, including Childish Gambino’s powerful critique of the nation’s systemic flaws, “This Is America.”
Looking for more holiday inspiration? Check out our guide to the best 4th of July movies, 4th of July trivia to share with friends and family at the barbecue and our roundup of the best 4th of July quotes for your social media shoutout (or just a jolt of tear-jerking patriotism). And don’t miss our 4th of July drinks, dessert ideas and all types of recipes for a mouth-watering, crowd-pleasing bash that’s right on theme.
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1) The Star Spangled Banner
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The most iconic rendition of The Star Spangled Banner has to be played on the 4th of July. Houston's take during the 1991 Super Bowl will move you to tears.
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2) Color Me America
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In 2003, Dolly Parton put out an entire album dedicated to America. One of the most moving tracks is Color Me America, a ballad that declares: "I am red, white and blue."
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3) Party In The U.S.A.
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Miley Cyrus was still a teenager in 2009 when she came out with this smash hit — with autobiographical lyrics about her move from Nashville to Los Angeles to make it as a pop star. This all-ages-friendly tune will make everyone want to get up and dance.
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4) Firework
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Katy Perry’s 2016 hit is perfect for the fourth of July, with its endlessly catchy verses and the inspirational chorus: “You just gotta ignite the light, and let it shine. Just own the night, like the Fourth of July, ‘cause baby you're a firework, come on show 'em what you’re worth … ”
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5) American Pie
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Don McLean’s '70s tune famously mourns “the day the music died,” a reference to the 1959 plane crash that killed Ritchie Valens, Buddy Holly, and the Big Bopper all at once; its lyrics also reference American music superstars Elvis Presley and Bob Dylan. The enduring classic is overall steeped in nostalgia and Americana.
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6) America
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From Neil Diamond’s movie The Jazz Singer, this powerful song celebrates immigration to America: “On the boats and on the planes, they’re coming to America. Never looking back again, they're coming to America.” And it ends with a moving spoken-word version of “My Country, ’Tis of Thee.”
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7) Born in the U.S.A.
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It’s been decades since Bruce Springsteen came out with this hit told from the perspective of a Vietnam war vet. But it will have listeners belting out the lyrics joyfully, even if it does have pretty dark undertones when you listen close.
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8) Kids In America
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Nothing says “dance party” like Kim Wilde’s 1981 classic “Kids in America.” The lyrics transport you to a time and place when responsibility is scarce, nothing’s that serious, and it’s all about being young and having fun with the music cranked up loud.
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9) Fight For Your Right
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Sure, it might not be the most intellectual song ever made — but this is a party, isn't it?! Beastie Boys' iconic '80s anthem will get the beer cans popping and the energy flowing.
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10) American
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This sultry and dreamy song nods to patriotism — with a special callout to L.A. in particular.
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11) American Boy
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In this fun duet, British Estelle imagines Kanye West as her cool “American boy,” and she eagerly invites him to take her on a trip to show her all of this great country’s famous spots: “Take me to Chicago, San Francisco Bay. Take me to New York, I'd love to see L.A … ”
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12) American Girl
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Rest in peace to one of the greatest of all time in American music: Tom Petty, who passed in 2017. But his 1976 classic “American Girl” will forever reign as one of the best fast-paced tracks for your dance playlist.
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13) American Woman
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This song originally goes back to 1970 and the Canadian rock band The Guess Who. But it’s been covered widely — including a rockin’ version by Lenny Kravitz in 1999, which became the most memorable rendition.
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14) This Is America
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If it just doesn’t feel right to you to celebrate America without acknowledging its flaws, Childish Gambino’s powerful multiple-Grammy-winning track about our systemic failings is the one you need to round out your playlist.
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15) American Girl
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You know it’s a summer party song when it starts with lyrics about mixing Slurpees with alcohol in a 7-11 parking lot. Bonnie McKee’s 2004 track is pure, danceable fun and fluff: “Oh I'm an American girl, hot blooded and I'm ready to go!”
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16) California Dreamin'
The Mamas & The Papas’ famous ode to California is haunting, soulful, and utterly evocative.
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17) Take Me Home, Country Roads
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It famously starts "almost heaven, West Virginia." You just can't help but be moved by John Denver's impassioned ode to America's wide-open spaces.
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18) God Bless The U.S.A.
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It just wouldn’t be an America-themed playlist without Lee Greenwood’s ‘80s classic.
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19) Living in America
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You be able to stop belting out Living in America once this song starts playing. The icon takes us from New York to Kansas City to Chicago and L.A.
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20) Only In America
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This song came out merely months before the attacks of September 11, 2001. The up-tempo track is an ode to America, where we are free to “dream as big as we want to.”
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21) Independence Day
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Martina McBride's song will encourage you to celebrate America this Independence Day! Sing along to one of her greatest patriotic hits.
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22) Think
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Aretha Franklin will have you celebrating freedom this 4th of July! The Queen of Soul's popular tune from the '60s delivers inspiration for the holiday.
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23) All-American Girl
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Celebrate America and independence with our All-American Girl Carrie Underwood this summer.
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24) Fly Like An Eagle
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The Steve Miller Band's popular song from the '70s will allow you to think of the future this Independence Day.
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25) America the Beautiful
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John McDermott's rendition of the classic American tune celebrates independence and those who sacrificed their lives for freedom.
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