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27 Patriotic Fourth of July Songs to Celebrate America
We've got "The Boss!"
Planning a Fourth of July party? If you're the type who wants everything to be just right at the annual BBQ, from the desserts to the festive red, white, and blue decorations, and whatever movies are playing if it's raining, then don't overlook the tunes.
An array of patriotic Fourth of July songs will bring your celebration together—and help you appreciate the gathering after last year's celebrations were likely more muted than usual. To ease the stress of musical curation, we've compiled a playlist of the top Independence Day-themed songs—from pop country to classic rock to hip-hop—complete with plenty of tracks that'll make you "proud to be an American" (yep, that one's on there, too).
Obviously, we have covers of timeless records, including Whitney Houston's stirring take on "The Star Spangled Banner" that went double platinum, and Beyoncé's "Lift Ev'ry Voice and Sing," which was performed during her iconic 2018 Coachella set. Records like Lana Del Rey's "American" and Gary Clark Jr.'s "This Land" offer a more contemporary, youthful perspective on American life. Others, such as Miley Cyrus's "Party in the U.S.A." and Bruce Springsteen's "Born in the U.S.A." are just plain fun, great tracks to sing along to with close friends.
However you're planning on acknowledging the Fourth of July, we're sure this playlist has some beats for you.
"The Star Spangled Banner" by Whitney Houston
It doesn't get more traditional than "The Star Spangled Banner." But we'll never get tired of Whitney Houston's famed chill-inducing rendition of the American anthem from 1991's Super Bowl XXV.
"National Anthem" by Lana Del Rey
Lana Del Rey captures the hope and dreams of JFK's Camelot and translates it into a very modern song. Both the music video and the tune ooze patriotic Fourth of July passion.
"America" by Simon & Garfunkel
This anthemic song by the legendary musical duo Simon & Garfunkel was originally released in 1968, featuring on the "Bookends" album.
The song is a whimsical journey across America and was featured in 2000 movie "Almost Famous".
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"American Heart" by Faith Hill
In Hill's emotional country ballad, she belts out about the strength of an "American Heart," and it just might bring a tear to your eye.
"America the Beautiful" by Ray Charles
Ray Charles' stirring, soulful rendition of the forever-patriotic "America the Beautiful" never gets old.
"American" by Lana Del Ray
Lana Del Ray combines patriotism and dream pop, bringing her signature moody croon to her 2012 track "American."
"Party in the U.S.A." by Miley Cyrus
Cyrus' catchy 2009 pop track is one of the ultimate patriotic songs of the 21st century. It's hard not to belt out the lyrics as the songstress channels that feeling we all know too well. You know, that moment when the Britney song is on...and we just can't help but put our hands up... because they're playing our song... so we just have to party... in the U.S.A.? (Just us?)
"God Bless the U.S.A" by Lee Greenwood
This emotional ballad will never fail to tug on our heart strings with touching lyrics that are dedicated to showing pride for our country.
"American Boy" by Estelle ft. Kanye West
Estelle may hail from the U.K., but her soulful 2008 chart-topper has cemented itself as a U.S. mainstay with its playful lyrics about a girl from across the pond who gets acquainted with the states thanks to help from a charming "American Boy."
"Red Solo Cup" by Toby Keith
There's no better marker of a good 'ol American get together than a Red Solo Cup, and Keith completely communicates its importance to the culture with this rousing country ode to the crimson, plastic beverage holder.
"American Girl" by Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers
While it was initially slow to gain acclaim after first being released in 1977, today this nostalgic song is known as one of Petty's greatest hits and defining track for American classic rock.
"Courtesy of The Red, White, and Blue" by Toby Keith
Keith's 2002 debut single "Courtesy of The Red, White, and Blue," was written in response to the 9/11 attacks. While still one of his greatest hits (and credited as a rallying cry for US troops) its lyrics didn't come without controversy.
"Lift Ev'ry Voice and Sing" by Beyoncé
Also known as the Black National Anthem, Beyoncé performed the patriotic song during her celebrated 2018 Coachella set, later releasing the track in her 2019 album "Homecoming" after streaming her beloved Netflix documentary of the same name.
"Born in the U.S.A" by Bruce Springsteen
What better way to rock out with your bandanas out on the Fourth of July than with an incredibly patriotic hit courtesy of "The Boss" himself.
"American Woman" by Lenny Kravitz
We'll say it. Lenny Kravitz is hot af. So there's nothing more we'd like to do than groove to this smooth cover on our Fourth.
"Sweet Home Alabama" by Lynyrd Skynyrd
This universally beloved hit is a love letter to the South that instantly sparks joy with the first note of its opening guitar riff.
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"Firework" by Katy Perry
Just imagine watching your Fourth of July fireworks while actually listening to Perry's "Firework," and try not to tear up. OK, maybe we're being a little dramatic, but this inspiring song will never fail to hit us in the feels.
"American Pie" by Don McLean
No, not that American Pie, but the 1971 Don McLean Grammy-winner that's subtle perfection never fails to lift our spirits.
"Living in America" by James Brown
First off this song is just so '80s we (almost) can't take it. Plus, it's just a purely fun song that celebrates the best of the U.S.
"Kids in America" by Kim Wilde
An energetic pop throwback that'll get the Fourth of July party jumping.
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McKenzie Jean-Philippe is the editorial assistant at OprahMag.com covering pop culture, TV, movies, celebrity, and lifestyle. She loves a great Oprah viral moment and all things Netflix—but come summertime, Big Brother has her heart. On a day off you'll find her curled up with a new juicy romance novel.
Grant Rindner is a culture and music journalist in New York. He has written for Billboard, Complex, and i-D, among other outlets.
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