30 Patriotic Songs that Celebrate the U.S.A.
Consider this your perfect 4th of July soundtrack. 🇺🇸
No 4th of July cookout or backyard BBQ is complete without the perfect playlist! While a collection of the best summer songs will help put everyone in a carefree mindset, on certain holidays you need a few tunes to amp up the patriotic spirit. That’s precisely why we’ve rounded up this collection of the best patriotic songs. From country to pop to classic ballads, all the songs on this list will make you proud to be an American.
Of course, the beauty of American music is that it doesn’t sound any one particular way, and it has changed in a myriad of ways throughout the centuries. That’s why we’ve included everything from traditional band marches (John Philip Sousa’s “The Stars and Stripes Forever”) and what is arguably the best-ever rendition of "The Star-Spangled Banner" (Whitney Houston, duh) to more recent pop hits, like “Party in the USA” by Miley Cyrus. (How could we resist!?) There are classic rock anthems, like “Born in the U.S.A.” by Bruce Springsteen and “Sweet Home Alabama” by Lynyrd Skynyrd, as well as catchy country numbers, such as “Only in America” by Brooks & Dunn. Seriously, this patriotic playlist has something for everyone!
That said, if you don't find everything you’re looking for in the songs below, we suggest scoping out our lists of the best Memorial Day songs and patriotic country songs for more musical fodder for your queue. Now, go forth and belt your heart out—especially if you’re driving a backcountry road with the windows down!
"We Didn't Start the Fire," Billy Joel, 1989
Get ready for a whole lot of name-dropping in this fast-paced romp through American history.
"All American," Mickey Guyton, 2021
This newer country hit has a wonderful unifying theme. It's not a classic yet, but we guarantee it will be!
"American Pie," Don McLean, 1971
The tale of "the day the music died" recounts the tragic plane crash that killed early rock 'n' roll stars Buddy Holly, The Big Bopper, and Ritchie Valens. It might be long, but it'll likely make the whole group sing along.
"Kids in America," Kim Wilde, 1981
Calling All Clueless fans! This number was a standout on the soundtrack, and remains a vibrant celebration of the perpetual changing of the guard of American youth.
"American Girl," Bonnie McKee, 2013
Confidence and enthusiasm are two absolute American trademarks, and this catchy pop number nods to both while deftly toeing the line of satire.
"An American Trilogy," Elvis Presley, 1972
Combining the Civil War songs "Dixie" and "The Battle Hymn of the Republic," along with the spiritual "All My Trials," this medley was a nod to unifying the country. It would also become a staple of every Presley performance.
"America," Neil Diamond, 1980
Written for Diamond's 1980 film The Jazz Singer, this epic song gives a history of those who have made the journey to live in America. This particular performance is dedicated to Diamond's grandmother, who immigrated from Kyiv to America in the early 1900s.
"The Star-Spangled Banner," Whitney Houston, 1991
Widely considered to be one of the most perfect renditions (if not the most perfect) of the National Anthem, Houston's performance will fill your soul with pride.
"American Flag on the Moon," Brad Paisley, 2014
This emotional country tune inspires with the lyrics: "Whenever anybody says / There's anything we can't do / 'Cause after all / There's an American flag on the moon."
"Home," Dierks Bentley, 2011
This thoughtful song celebrates the resiliency and strength of America. Bentley will inspire reflections of your own with lyrics like: "Brave, gotta call it brave / To chase that dream across the sea / Names, and they signed their names / For something they believed."
"America the Beautiful," Ray Charles, 1972
No matter how many times you've heard Charles's cover (at fireworks shows and sporting events), its singular beauty never fails to bring a tear to the eye.
"Living in the Promiseland," Willie Nelson, 1986
Singing about how "The prayer of every man/Is to know how freedom feels," this chart-topping country song is a moving tribute to America.
"God Bless America," Celine Dion, 2001
Although she's Canadian, Dion's emotional rendition of the anthem moved the world when she performed it shortly after the September 11 attacks.
"America: My Country, 'Tis of Thee," U.S. Army Field Band, 2016
Originally written in 1831, this patriotic song has been covered memorably by many over the decades. The a cappella version by the Soldiers' Chorus of The United States Army Field band is simple yet so moving.
"America," Simon & Garfunkel, 1968
This bittersweet folk song is patriotic in a low-key way for its inspiration, one of the most American experiences of all: the road trip.
"Living in America," James Brown, 1985
Go ahead and try not to groove to Brown's over-the-top anthem that practically compels you to celebrate, well, living in America. What could be more patriotic than that?
"The Stars and Stripes Forever," John Philip Sousa, 1896
You'll want to strike up a band when you hear this spirited masterpiece, which became the official National March of the United States in 1987.
"Back in the U.S.A.," Chuck Berry, 1959
Berry's tribute to America, "where hamburgers sizzle on an open grill night and day," is perfect for Fourth of July celebrations.
Brooks & Dunn, "Only in America," 2001
Kick the party into high gear with this unapologetically high-energy song that's all about trying to achieve the American dream—no matter what yours is.
"American Saturday Night," Brad Paisley, 2009
Paisley's patriotic country hit proves that it's the little things that make life in America great—like relaxing with an Italian ice or a margarita.
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