Fourth of July songs that tell the story of America

July 2, 2024

With the Fourth of July just around the corner, we’re taking a look at songs about the United States. Some are patriotic classics, while others offer insight into how some people perceive America in the 21st century.

A collection from Spotify also offers a comprehensive overview of current songs about this country. Our music-loving journalists from across Florida share some of their own.

This is not a comprehensive or “best of” list, but covers various genres and eras.

“My Shot”, Lin-Manuel Miranda

The story of founding father Alexander Hamilton experienced a Broadway revival in the last decade.

“Hamilton: An American Musical,” from musical genius Lin-Manuel Miranda, features Miranda in the role of Hamilton and singing the song “My Shot,” which captures the spirit of freedom.

It includes lyrics like “I’m just like my country, I’m young, fierce and hungry and I’m not going to throw my chance away.” And later the line “Stand up. If you’re living on your knees, stand up. Tell your brother he’s got to stand up. Tell your sister she’s got to stand up.” — Dave Osborn, Naples Daily News and The News-Press in Fort Myers

“Party in the USA”, Miley Cyrus

One of the more fun songs about America, Miley Cyrus’ 2009 hit “Party in the USA” is great for Fourth of July Independence Day parties and barbecues, as it sets a happy, fun mood that gets people singing and even dancing. — Dave Osborn, Naples Daily News and The News-Press in Fort Myers

“America”, Neil Diamond

This Neil Diamond song is perhaps more relevant than ever. This 1981 hit is about how immigrants – many of them our ancestors – “came to America on boats and planes” to make a new start.

A beautiful string intro sets the perfect mood for the song, followed by an uptempo beat that leads to Diamond singing, “Far, we’ve traveled far, without a home but not without a star.”

“America” (also known as “Coming to America” and “They’re Coming to America”) embodies the more modern classic patriotic song for me. Turn it up this holiday 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

Consider this a modern take on Woody Guthrie’s sarcastic 1940s hit “This Land if Your Land.” Hip-hop artist Childish Gambino (real name Donald Glover) released “This Is America” in 2018.

The Son has resonated with a generation and has become an anthem of the Black Lives Matter movement with lyrics that speak out against systemic racism, racial violence, law enforcement in the United States, mass shootings, and more.

The video for “This Is America,” which graphically depicts two acts of violence, has been viewed over 920 million times on YouTube.

“I think most people would recognize it as a video protesting police brutality,” Lori Brooks, Ph.D., adjunct assistant professor at Barnard College at Columbia University, said in an “Inside Edition” video about the song.

However, she said the video allows black people to “express their anger in a way that is understood by the general public and is not caricatured or demeaned.” — Dave Osborn, Naples Daily News and The News-Press in Fort Myers

“US Blues”, the Grateful Dead

Wave that flag, wave it high and far. The Grateful Dead were perhaps America’s greatest counter-culture bands and this is the Dead at their best, especially on the live version of the song. ― Tom Szaroleta, The Florida Times-Union

“Red, White and Blue”, Lynyrd Skynyrd

This is a newer song by Lynyrd Skynyrd, released long after the band’s comeback from a devastating plane crash in 1977. “My hair is turning white, my neck was always red, my collar is still blue” is a heartfelt statement aimed directly at the band’s fan base. ― Tom Szaroleta, The Florida Times-Union

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“Back in the USA”, Chuck Berry

You just can’t appreciate American music without mentioning at least one Chuck Berry song. This one is about a world traveler who can’t wait to get home. “Did I miss the skyscrapers, did I miss the long freeway? From the coast of California to the shores of Delaware Bay. You bet I didn’t until I got 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 been a staple on the music scene this time of year ever since.

The song builds up to a fast tempo and reaches the dramatic chorus “Let Freedom Ring, Let The White Dove Sing,” and she sings towards the end:

Let the weak be strong, let the right be wrong. Roll away the stone and make the guilty pay. It’s Independence Day.