26 Fantastic 4th of July Songs to Add to Your Holiday Playlist

Revolutionary War soldiers coopted this European diddy about their supposedly disheveled appearance and turned it into a proud song of defiance. Fun fact: it’s also the state song of Connecticut!

You can't do a 4th of July playlist without including The Boss! This classic rock hit hits us right in the heart(land), especially because of the way it masterfully dances between the enduring hope of the American Dream and more grim American realities.

A core component of the American Dream is the belief in and desire to work toward better life circumstances. Tom Petty's iconic song plays to the sentiment with yearning and nuance, making it a great classic rock addition to any patriotic playlist.

With a slower cadence and a yarn that takes us through centuries of American history, "Ragged Old Flag" will make you stop in awe at the evolution of our country and remember the importance of standing strong through even the hardest of times.

With a catchy chorus and just-for-fun name-dropping, it's pretty much impossible to *not* single along when this happy song comes on at the 4th of July barbecue.

Another ode to life in the heartland, "American Kids" will have you savoring the simple pleasures of small town living—even if you're currently living in a big city.

Greenwood is joined by Home Free and members of the U.S. Air Force for a moving rendition of the classic patriotic song. It's guaranteed to give you goosebumps!

Dolly Parton is a living national treasure, so of course she has the perfect 4th of July song. This heartfelt homage is a reflection on red, white and blue—"these are colors that ring true."

Many famous voices have put their own spin on this stirring song with one of the most familiar choruses ("Glory, glory, hallelujah"). Cash's version stands out not just because of the Man in Black's iconic voice but for his brief comment beforehand about how a song can belong to us all.

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.

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.

Lin-Manuel Miranda's energetic song will stay with you all day. Miranda's Hamilton expresses his hope and drive while also foreshadowing his fate. It's a reminder that our Founding Fathers were just people (albeit ones with an incredible sense of purpose).

Although very Canadian, Dion's emotional rendition of the anthem moved the world when she performed it shortly after the September 11 attacks.

Guthrie's simple and understated performance puts the focus on the powerful lyrics of this famed folk anthem. It more than earned its spot in the National Recording Registry, which preserves recordings that are culturally and historically significant.

From the New Jersey Turnpike to Saginaw, ordinary American sights quickly flash by in this bittersweet folk song. It's patriotic in a low-key way for its inspiration, one of the most American experiences of all: the road trip.

Go ahead and try not to groove to Brown's over-the-top anthem that practically compels you to celebrate, well, living in America.

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.

Berry's tribute to America, "where hamburgers sizzle on an open grill night and day," is perfect for Fourth of July celebrations.

Rhett's tune about a small-town girl may say "it ain't even the Fourth of July." But thanks to lyrics that praise Friday night football games, blue jeans, hot dogs, fireworks, and cold beer, it feels perfect for that special day.

Written for his musical George Washington, Jr., Cohan's patriotic tune was inspired by a real-life encounter with a Civil War veteran who fought at Gettysburg. The veteran kept an old flag with him, which he referred to as a "grand old rag." (The phrase would inspire the original title of the song before Cohan changed it.) Though many have recorded this tune over the years, vaudeville star Billy Murray's rendition might be the oldest existing recording.