America celebrates the Fourth of July today with parades, fireworks displays, concerts, great food, and lots of beers. We know that the good ole U.S.A. is a winning theme for music of all types, so let’s check out the best patriotic songs of our time…
Bruce McCulloch’s “That’s America” is a prime example of great songs fitting the patriotic mold, as the song points out the little things Americans seem to take for granted. It takes a trip overseas to a foreign country to make us realize how good we have it here.
“Born in the USA” by Bruce Springsteen is the ultimate July 4th song, heard on the radio and on the streets this hallowed day. The song comes from the album of the same name; the lyrics directly put into words the frustration of soldiers coming back from the Vietnam War, its misgivings and empty promise of healing.
“Kids in America” by the Bloodhound Gang is the hit cover of the Kim Wilde version from the mid-80s and was a big hit for the boys.
Trey Parker and the undisputed vulgar “America #@*&! You” is the song you’ll probably hear most today at the local bar or barbeque, and it’s a killer for good reasons. It’s from his movie ‘Team America’ and sound so right on today.
“Living in the USA” is a song made hit by multiple artists including the Steve Miller Band, Linda Ronstadt, Chuck Berry and more. The song is short, sweet and to the point.
“R.O.C.K. in the USA” by John Mellencamp is a 1985 patriotic song that helped solidify John with fans from rock and pop.
“American Girl” by Tom Petty and the Heart Breakers is so American, that we felt any article of great songs on the 4th of July would have to include this classic.
Honorable mentions today include Petey Pablo’s “Raise Up,” “Born Free” by Kid Rock, Lenny Kravitz’s cover of “American Woman,” C.S. Lewis Jr.’s “We’re Number 1,” and Kid Rock’s ““American Woman.”