Make your 4th of July celebration memorable with these songs! Whether you’re having a small gathering or a huge party, these songs will surely highlight the occasion.
The 4th of July is one of the most festive holidays of the year. We celebrate freedom, the love for America, spending time with family and friends, good food, and of course – fireworks!
But what is a celebration without music? The songs you play can definitely influence your gathering. Remind everyone why you are gathered together by playing songs that celebrate America!
To help you out, we have gathered this patriotic playlist. It’s full of classic songs and anthems for 4th of July that will get veterans talking. Some are modern tunes that the young ones can dance and nod their heads to.
Let’s get on with it!
1. Star Spangled Banner by Francis Scott Key
Nothing gets more patriotic than the national anthem itself!
The Star Spangled Banner was written by Francis Scott Key in 1820 and a lot of singers have made beautiful renditions of it. Check out iconic performances made by Whitney Houston, Beyoncé, and Lady Gaga! Boyce Avenue’s acoustic cover will also give you the mellow feels!
Favorite lines:
And the rocket’s red glare, the bombs bursting in air
Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there
O say does that star spangled banner yet wave
O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave
2. God Bless the USA by Lee Greenwood
This is a famous country anthem released in 1984, and Lee Greenwood has performed it for numerous presidents over the years.
The song has given the whole country a sense of patriotism with its message to gather, stay united, and love each other.
Favorite lines:
And I’m proud to be an American
Where at least I know I’m free
And I won’t forget the men who died
Who gave that right to me
3. American Heart by Faith Hill
Faith Hill’s country ballad is all about the strength of an American heart.
Released in 2012 after taking a hiatus, most Americans would agree that this may be one of the best songs of her career. She belts out the notes to this song so good that you will feel blessed to be American!
Favorite lines:
But it shines when times get hard,
And you can’t break an American heart
4. Born in the USA by Bruce Springsteen
This iconic Bruce Springsteen hit is a favorite and particularly speaks to veterans of the Vietnam War including the realities they had to face when they return home.
Though it’s not a happy song, it sure helps us realize and appreciate the sacrifices of our troops!
Favorite lines:
Born in the U.S.A.
I was born in the U.S.A.
5. Color Me America by Dolly Parton
Dolly Parton is considered to be a national treasure in the American music industry and this patriotic song from her does not disappoint. It is a great homage to the great red, white, and blue and what it feels like to be proudly American!
Favorite lines:
I am red and white and blue
These are colors that ring true
To all I am and feel and love and do
6. Ragged Old Flag by Johnny Cash
This Johnny Cash song is a favorite when it comes to patriotic events. It’s about a small town that uses a ragged American flag and what that flag has been through.
This song was well-liked even by fans of different music genres and it’s worth remembering on the 4th of July.
Favorite lines:
So we raise her up every morning
We take her down every night
We don’t let her touch the ground and we fold her up right
On second thought, I do like to brag
‘Cause I’m mighty proud of that ragged old flag
7. Only in America by Brooks and Dunn
This is a high-energy song that can kick your 4th of July party into full gear! It’s an upbeat homage to the dreamers who want to see their American Dream come true.
It is a reminder that you can dream as big as you want to, because in America, everybody gets a chance.
Favorite lines:
Only in America
Dreamin’ in red white and blue
Only in America
Where we dream as big as we want to
8. Living in America by James Brown
This 1985 classic by James Brown was popularized as part of the Rocky IV soundtrack. It is a funky, upbeat, and over-the-top anthem that will move everyone to celebrate.
Only those in the foulest of moods can stand to ignore this joyful song.
Favorite lines:
Living in America, hand in hand, across the nation.
Living in America, got to have a celebration
9. Battle Hymn of the Republic by Julia Ward Howe
This stirring anthem by Julia Ward Howe has gone through a lot of covers from different artists with the chorus giving anyone goosebumps. This anthem is often used to root for college football teams, an anthem for labor unions, and is also popular in the church.
Favorite lines:
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah!
His truth is marching on.
10. American Baby by Dave Matthews Band
This song by Dave Matthews Band is a reminder to everyone not to lose the values that made America number one. It is a reminder that America had gone through tough times and so we must not lose hope. Always remember what makes America great.
Favorite lines:
Stay, beautiful baby
I hope you stay, American baby
11. America by Neil Diamond
This hit by Neil Diamond is all about people who have come from far and wide to fulfill their American dream. It is a famous immigrant anthem inspired by Diamond’s own experience as a Jewish immigrant who tried his luck in America’s music industry.
Favorite lines:
Got a dream to take them there
They’re coming to America
Got a dream they’ve come to share
They’re coming to America
12. The Stars and Stripes Forever by John Philip Sousa
No patriotic list is complete without the official National March of America. You will definitely be hearing this on the 4th of July parade!
Adding this to your songs for 4th of July will also be a great treat for the people who missed the parade because they opt to stay at home to prepare the barbecue later at night.
Favorite lines:
Let despots remember the day
When our fathers with mighty endeavor,
Proclaim’d as they march’d to the fray,
That by their might, and by their right,
It waves forever!
13. Dreaming in the USA by Sting and Shaggy
America is home to a lot of immigrants who have worked their way to become American citizens. This song by Sting and Shaggy is an ode to all the immigrants who worked hard to be able to have a piece of the American Dream.
Favorite lines:
You seek a visa, you’re dreaming of the U.S.A.
It’s never easier looking for another way
God bless America, dreaming of the U.S.A.
Are we hysterical, dreaming of the United States?
14. American Soldier by Toby Keith
This is a tribute to the troops who are fighting brave and hard to serve America. It’s a perfect homage to the men and women who makes sure that the rest of us American citizens get to sleep in peace every night.
Favorite lines:
And I will always do my duty
No matter what the price
I’ve counted up the cost
I know the sacrifice
Oh, and I don’t want to die for you
But if dyin’s asked of me
I’ll bear that cross with honor
‘Cause freedom don’t come free
15. America the Beautiful by Ray Charles
This patriotic American song was created during the 1800s and has gone through a lot of versions with changes in the lyrics. Over the years, the song has been covered by numerous artists such as Frank Sinatra and an all-star version featuring popular country singers.
The most popular version, however, was the soulful rendition made by Ray Charles. It is his version of the song that is usually played in Times Square during New Year’s Eve.
Favorite lines:
America, America may God thy gold refine
‘Til all success be nobleness
And every gain divined
16. God Bless America by Kate Smith
This classic patriotic anthem was written by immigrant Irving Berlin as a love letter to the country that adopted him and was first performed by Kate Smith.
As a well-loved patriotic song, it has been covered several times by artists like LeAnn Rimes, Lee Greenwood, and Charles Bradley. Celine Dion’s cover is currently the favorite.
Favorite lines:
God bless America, land that I love
Stand beside her and guide her
Through the night with the light from above
17. R.O.C.K. in the U.S.A. by John Mellencamp
More on a tribute to the rock artists of the USA than USA itself, this song has been a hit for patriotic events.
Also subtitled “A Salute to 60s Rock”, it’s a light-hearted and energetic rock classic that can easily set a good vibe on your 4th of July barbecue.
Favorite lines:
With blind faith of Jesus you know that they just might
Rockin’ in the U.S.A.
18. Firework by Katy Perry
It’s not talking about the great America per se but it sure is an anthem for all of us who feel down and insecure about who we are! And what is the 4th of July without fireworks anyway?
So go ahead and add this Katy Perry hit to your patriotic playlist! Play it loud and proud when the fireworks are up in the sky!
Favorite lines:
You just gotta ignite the light
And let it shine
Just own the night
Like the Fourth of July
19. Party in the USA by Miley Cyrus
Let the young ones and young at heart dance to the beat of Miley Cyrus’ 2009 hit!
You probably won’t enjoy everyone’s attempt to match Miley’s high notes but rest assured this song will definitely liven up a party!
Favorite lines:
I got my hands up, they’re playing my song
They know I’m gonna be okay (I’m gonna be okay)
Yeah, it’s a party in the U.S.A.
20. Surfin’ U.S.A. by The Beach Boys
This song is considered to be one of the Beach Boys’ greatest hits and has been played during the 4th of July numerous times.
The song actually tells you where the good surf locations in the USA are, making it a great summer song classic too! It would create a good shout-out if your place is mentioned in the lyrics!
Favorite lines:
Everybody’s gone surfin’
Surfin’ U.S.A
Play that music!
Music is a powerful art that can affect the atmosphere around you. It also influences the mood of a party.
Henceforth, on your 4th of July gathering, don’t forget to include these patriotic songs in your playlist! I’m sure it’s going to be a hit!
Happy 4th of July!
Need more ideas for 4th of July? Check these out!
- 20 4th of July Wreath Ideas to Make to Embellish Your Front Door!
- 20 Healthy, Yummy, and Easy to Prepare 4th of July Appetizers
- 30 Healthy & Tasty Recipes for 4th of July!
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