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50 Best Patriotic Songs Worth Adding to Your 4th of July Playlist 

December 22, 2023
Best patriotic songs

I’ve handpicked the best patriotic songs that are a must-have for your 4th of July playlist, celebrating the spirit and pride of the United States.

This article features a variety of songs that embody patriotism, perfect for enhancing your Independence Day celebrations with tunes that resonate with American pride and history.

Table of Contents

Top patriotic songs worth adding to your 4th of July playlist

  • “America” by Neil Diamond
  • “Made In America” by Toby Keith
  • “The Star-Spangled Banner” by Whitney Houston
  • “National Anthem” by Lana Del Rey
  • “God Bless the U.S.A.” by Lee Greenwood
  • “A More Perfect Union” by Titus Andronicus
  • “Party In The U.S.A.” by Miley Cyrus
  • “Born in the U.S.A.” by Bruce Springsteen
  • “Some Gave All” by Billy Ray Cyrus
  • “Firework” by Katy Perry

1. “America” by Neil Diamond

Neil Diamond is an icon, and our patriotic songs list would be incomplete without “America” from the singer’s movie, “The Jazz Singer.”

The powerful song prompts a positive outlook on immigrants and their journeys to America in the hope of a better future.

The song ranked first position in the U.S. Billboard Adult Contemporary chart.

2. “Made In America” by Toby Keith

Toby Keith’s name is synonymous with patriotic music, considering how many songs he’s written about America.

The song had Kieth playing a retired U.S. Marine and his wife, who believes in supporting America by only buying American products.

Hence, they are expressing their disappointment over the import of many foreign products. 

3. “The Star-Spangled Banner” by Whitney Houston

You’ll find the national anthem in every patriotic song list.

Though there are many covers and renditions, Whitney Houston’s is still considered the one that stands out the most.

With impressive vocals and moving orchestral music, this one will definitely make your 4th of July party a big hit.

4. “National Anthem” by Lana Del Rey

This modern patriotic American song exudes the vibes needed for the 4th of July.

In the song, Ray plays the roles of Marilyn Monroe and Jackie Kennedy, while ASAP Rocky plays John F. Kennedy.

The song contains reenactments of Kennedy’s home videos and his assassination and will have you moved on the 4th of July.

5. “God Bless the U.S.A.” by Lee Greenwood

“God Bless the U.S.A” was Greenwood’s tribute to the flight that was shot down by a USSR jet fighter over the Russian coast.

The song oozes American pride and was used for many election campaigns.

The song also resurged after the 9/11 attacks to be used as an anthem in rallies and protests.

6. “A More Perfect Union” by Titus Andronicus 

The song starts with Abraham Lincoln’s Lyceum address setting a patriotic vibe for all its listeners.

The song compares the American Civil War to a period of Patrick Stickles’s life as he moves to a new city but misses the New Jersey city he’s left behind.

7. “Party In The U.S.A.” by Miley Cyrus

To ensure your guests get a chance to show their moves at your 4th of July party, we have Miley Cyrus’ “Party in the U.S.A.”

The song talks about her move from Nashville to Los Angeles and how she felt like a fish out of water.

Cyrus sings that was what helped her connect to people and what got her through some tough times.

8. “Born in the U.S.A.” by Bruce Springsteen

In “Born in the U.S.A.,” Springsteen sang about how American citizens treated the veterans of the Vietnam war.

The war was the first that the U.S. had lost, so unlike most veterans, the ones that returned from this war received a not-so-homely welcome.

9. “Some Gave All” by Billy Ray Cyrus

Cyrus penned down these patriotic song lyrics after having a lengthy discussion with a veteran.

The song is about brave veterans’ war sacrifices, putting their country and citizens ahead of themselves.

The song touches your heart as you realize what veterans have given up for your safety.

10. “Firework” by Katy Perry

Though this song may not be among the most American patriotic songs on this list, it is a 4th of July favourite.

Perry’s Bop song will bring the needed 4th of July enthusiasm to your party, especially if you play it during the fireworks display.

11. “Living In America” by James Brown

Brown’s song “Living In America” was featured in the famous movie “Rocky IV” and won him a Grammy Award for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance.

The track is one of the best American songs and will have all your guests on their feet as it takes you through different cities in the U.S.

12. “America” by Simon & Garfunkel

This song was basically inspired by a road trip that Paul Simon, the writer of the song, took with his girlfriend.

The song is also about a very in-love couple hitchhiking across the country.

It’s a tribute to America and how it is the land of opportunity for anyone who hopes to dream.

13. “Color Me America” by Dolly Parton

Parton wrote this song as a tribute to America and its flag for her 2003 album For God and Country.

The independence day anthem expresses her love and pride for her country and her awe of the flag.

You’ll find her passion extremely contagious as you play this track at your independence day party.

14. “Kids In America” by Kim Wilde

This song was written by Wilde’s brother and father to celebrate the youth of America. 

The song takes you back to the rebellious phase every teen goes through, having no worries on their shoulders.

The song is perfect for getting your guests on the dance floor. 

15. “Ragged Old Flag” by Johnny Cash

Among all the American flag songs, Johnny Cash’s “Ragged Old Flag” just hits differently.

This was Cash’s homage to America and its flag as he tells the story of an older man in the town square reminiscing all the hardships the flag and country have been through.

The song reaffirms faith in America for all the listeners and is a must-listen for all patriots.

16. “American Child” by Phil Vassar

Through “American Child,” Vassar has told his own story from a small-town boy, practically a nobody, to someone constantly under the spotlight.

The song lets Vassar appreciate what it means to be an American and have the freedom to attain your dreams. 

17. “This Land” by Gary Clark Jr.

“This Land” won Clark Jr. a  Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Blues Album.

One of the best patriotic songs, “This Land Is Your Land” by Woody Guthrie, inspired this song.

The song highlights Clark’s journey through life, facing racism in society, while the video includes reenactments of some of those encounters.

18. “This Is America” by Childish Gambino

Childish Gambino, aka Donald Glover, gave us this protest song of the new age in 2018.

The song reflects the present racism in American society and how crimes are overlooked if the victim is a person of colour.

The song won Glover 4 Grammy’s in all the categories it was nominated in.

19. “American Saturday Night” by Brad Paisley

“America Saturday Night” is the perfect slight-hearted song for your 4th of July party and will bring a smile to all the faces present.

The song talks about a basic Saturday night in town while living your life to the fullest.

It includes multiple cultural references so listeners can easily connect with the tune.

20.  “American Baby” by Dave Matthews Band

With its energetic rock tune, “American Baby” will bring life to your 4th of July party. 

The song motivates Americans to protect their culture even though they are constantly bombarded with various social and political problems.

The song is just what you need to revive your nationalism on Independence Day.

21. “4th of July” by Amy MacDonald

MacDonald came up with this song inspired by a family trip she took with her family when she was a child.

The song perfectly describes every American’s excitement for the 4th of July and effortlessly gets everyone in the mood to party.

22. “Home” by Dierks Bentley

“Home” was inspired by the Tuscon shooting in January 2011, in which six people lost their lives.

The song tells of the country’s hardships while injecting a dose of optimism in the listeners to hope for a better future.

The song reflects Bentley’s journeys as a travelling musician who’s heard multiple stories from people along the way.

23. “My Shot” by The Cast Of Hamilton

This song is from a hip-hop and rap musical called ‘Hamilton’ about the life of Alexander Hamilton in America.

The song expresses how Hamilton was constantly motivated to serve the nation and how his enthusiasm and sense of striving took him from being just an orphan to a national war hero.

24. “America The Beautiful” by Ray Charles

“America The Beautiful” is one of the top patriotic songs ever written.

Ray Charles, a music legend, through this song, inspires national unity and motivates listeners to heal their relationships.

The song reflects Charles’ undying and unconditional faithfulness to America, which is perhaps why this song was one of the top contenders to be the national anthem. 

25. “R.O.C.K. In The U.S.A.” by John Mellencamp

“R.O.C.K. In The U.S.A.” is Mellencamp telling the story of how rock music made a breakthrough in America.

He expresses how it wasn’t easy to make the nation adapt to the then-unique style of music.

He counted himself as one of the few musicians who had a large influence on the music world and who were fearless in taking the personal risk of introducing rock music to the audience. 

26. “Courtesy of The Red, White And Blue” by Toby Keith

Keith wrote this song near the end of 2001 as a tribute to his father, who was killed earlier that year in a car accident.

It was also his response to the 9/11 attacks. 

The song is Keith’s way of expressing his anguish at the attacks on his soil and improving the troops’ morale.

27. “In America” by John Legend 

Through “In America,” Legend addresses the racism prevalent in today’s society.

He expresses how America is known for being a country of opportunity, dreams, and equality.

However, people insult that very concept through their racial treatment of people of colour, especially African-Americans.

28. “All American” by Mickey Guyton

“All American” is basically an anthem of inclusivity by Guyton, through which she talks of everything that makes America special.

It connects with all American citizens, from small towns to big cities.

Guyton also sang the song at the AMA awards 2021 in front of a giant American flag.

29. “Fortunate Son” by Creedence Clearwater Revival

“Fortunate Son” takes a jab at the rich and privileged of America in the 1960s.

John Fogerty wrote the song during the Vietnam war, which is why it expresses how the rich are the ones that decide to wage wars for their own benefit.

Yet, the same people act carelessly in the case of soldiers and their treatment. 

30. “Living in the U.S.A.” by Steve Miller Band

“Living in the U.S.A.” was inspired by miller’s many experiences as an activist.

After leaving the University of Wisconsin’s radical environment in the 1960s, he became a freedom rider for the civil rights campaign.

That, combined with his experience as a part of the Vietnam war demonstrations, brought out this powerful song.

31. “Sweet Home Alabama”⁠ by Lynyrd Skynyrd

This song was written in response to Neil Young’s songs “Southern Man” and “Alabama,” in which he implied that people of the south were racist and backward.

That’s why some of the lyrics in this patriotic song take a jab at Young and tell about all the good things in Alabama and how extremely the Southern Americans pride over the region.

32. “American Kids” by Kenny Chesney

“American Kids” served as the American Youth Anthem when it was released in 2014.

The song exudes the playfulness and excitement found in the youth of America even today.

The nostalgic hit takes back its listeners from their now messy realities to the past where no dream was too big to achieve.

33. “America” by Waylon Jennings

“America” is one of the country patriotic songs that featured on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart.

The song’s video covers scenes all across the U.S. and scenes of Jenning singing this song near an American flag outside a convenience store.

The song reflects Jennings’ national pride as an American.

34. “American Pie” by Don McLean

American Pie” by Don McLean is among the old patriotic songs that are still remembered and praised today.

Along with topping the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, McLean’s song also topped music charts in Australia, New Zealand, and Canada.

The song talks about the nostalgia brought by closing and leaving behind some youthful chapters of your life. 

35. “American Spirit” by Thomas Rhett

In “American Spirit,” Thomas Rhett tributes to the small-town life in the country and American culture.

He describes different scenes that one gets to see driving on the American streets that bring joy to its listeners,

The song will uplift your mood and bring a sense of playfulness to all your guests at your 4th of July party.

36. “American Woman” by Lenny Kravitz

“American Woman” was originally written by a Canadian band in 1969 called The Guess Who.

Like the original, Kravitz’s version of the song was a huge hit and won him a Grammy for Best Male Rock Performance.

With its rocking tune, the song will undoubtedly be a hit for any 4th of July party.

37. “Living In The Promiseland” by Willie Nelson

“Living in the Promiseland” is one of Nelson’s patriotic American songs that was a huge hit and went on to top Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart for a consecutive ten weeks.

The song presents America as a safe haven for all foreign nationals seeking refuge.

It was released at the time when Florida’s population doubled by the influx of immigrants,

38. “One Nation Under a Groove” by Funkadelic

“One Nation Under a Groove” is Funkadelic’s most known song and emerged as a funk classic perfect for dancing.

The good American song expresses how dancing is a way to express freedom and unites people of all races, regions, and colours.

The track went on to top the US Billboard Hot Soul Singles charts.

39. “Back in the U.S.A.” by Chuck Berry

Berry was out touring Australia before he came back and wrote this song.

His lyrics primarily express how thankful he is to be back in America and his home in St. Louis.

His powerful love for his country is reflected in this song which is why this song should definitely be included in your American patriotic song list.

40. “Philadelphia Freedom” by Elton John

“Philadelphia Freedom” tributes to Elton’s friend, Billy Jean King, and their love for each other.

John sings how much he loves the life of freedom and America, the country that lets him dream of a better future.

The song was a big hit and even held a top position on the Billboard chart.

41. “My Country Tis of Thee” by Aretha Franklin

“My Country Tis of Thee” is one of the most patriotic songs on this list.

At President Barack Obama’s inauguration, Aretha Franklin performed this song in a soulful voice.

The song is considered a 4th of July anthem due to its admiration for America.

42. “Only In America” by Brooks & Dunn

“Only in America” was written a few months before the 9/11 attacks and was released soon after as a healing anthem for the country.

The song communicates the lives of different people in America and how each person’s story and point of view differs from the other.

The song was among the country songs about America that featured on Billboard’s US Hot Country Songs.

43. “Fly Over States” by Jason Aldean

Aldean was on a flight when he heard a businessman say that he doesn’t understand how someone could live in the Midwestern United States.

This inspired him to write a song about flyover states, where he spent all his childhood.

Since the lyrics stem from Aldean’s own experiences and his love for his home, it connects with listeners on a deep level.

44. “God Bless America” by Celine Dion

This ballad is known for being a must-hear on independence day and brings tears to the eyes of whoever listens, young and old.

The track is among traditional patriotic songs that the 4th of July cannot be spent without.

It talks about the history of America and the things it offers to all its citizens.

45. “American Soldier” by Toby Keith 

One of the best patriotic hero songs, “American Soldier” by Toby Keith, puts you in the shoes of a soldier in the Army Reserves.

The song’s video shows snippets of American soldiers from different wars and admires their faithfulness and loyalty to their country.  

46. “An American Trilogy” by Elvis Presley

Though the song wasn’t written for Presley, the empathy and soul he brings to this song make it unforgettable.

The trilogy is a medley made up of three songs from the 19th century, “Dixie,” “The Battle Hymn of the Republic,” and “All My Trials.”

The medley peaked at 8 on the U.K. Singles Chart.

47. “American Flag on the Moon” by Brad Paisley 

Like most American songs, “American Flag on the Moon” was inspired by Paisley’s experience.

He wrote the song after his son tried to see the flag left by Neil Armstrong on the moon in 1969.

The song describes the same event and foreshadows more successes to come for America.

48. “American Heart” by Faith Hill

This song is one of those patriotic American songs that makes you think you can do anything after you listen to it.

It tells the story of an American woman struggling with her faith in America and her dreams.

Yet she keeps hoping for a better tomorrow, claiming that an American heart cannot be broken.

49. “American Boy” by Estelle ft. Kanye West

This song tells the story of how Estelle befriended a boy from the U.S. who often tours around the country. 

She sings of how she herself is familiar with the states and hopes to tour the country one day with her friends.

50. “America: My Country, ‘Tis of Thee” by U.S. Army Field Band

It seemed appropriate that the last song on this list should be one sung by U.S. Army Field Band.

This rendition of “America: My Country, ‘Tis of Thee,” a vital part of U.S. history, will give you goosebumps and fill you and your guests with national spirit and patriotism.

Patriotic Songs – Final Thoughts

This patriotic music list has songs of all genres and from various times to please everyone on the 4th of July to fill them with immense patriotism for the holiday.

So if you haven’t planned an independence day celebration till now, make this awesome list as an excuse to get the BBQ going.

Similar Playlists: 

Best American Singers

Best Party Songs

Patriotic Country Songs

Will Fenton

Will, the founder of MIDDER, is a multifaceted individual with a deep passion for music and personal finance. As a self-proclaimed music and personal finance geek, he has a keen eye for futuristic technologies, especially those that empower creators and the public.

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