The Fourth of July is around the corner, and everyone is busy stocking their coolers, flying their flags and figuring out where to catch the best fireworks shows, but have you put together your party playlist? We’ve compiled a list of great American anthems to bump at your backyard BBQs.
James Brown’s “Living in America”
The 1985 single “Living in America,” sung by the Godfather of Soul James Brown, paints a picture of the American dream, and the possibilities available just a road trip or train ride away.
The song was actually written by Dan Hartman and Charles Midnight, but Sylvester Stallone asked James Brown to record the track to be featured in “Rocky IV.” The song encapsulates the film franchise’s message that in America if you work hard enough and don’t give up, your dreams can come true.
Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Sweet Home Alabama”
Although Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Sweet Home Alabama” sings about Alabama specifically when referencing the U.S. Southland, the three writers credited for the song, Ronnie Van Zant, Gary Rossington and Ed King were not from the state. According to NPR, the song was a response to Neil Young’s “Southern Man,” on which the Canadian singer disparages the American South for the horrendous history of slavery and segregation. “Sweet Home Alabama” name-checks Young and was written to illustrate that not everyone in the South should be dismissed as bigoted or racist. “Alabama richly deserved the shot Lynyrd Skynyrd gave me with their great record,” Neil later wrote in his 2012 memoir, “Waging Heavy Peace.”
The history of this country has a dark past, but we can acknowledge that and construct a path to be better. That message — and that feel-good guitar riff — is what should be celebrated with “Sweet Home Alabama.”
Katy Perry’s “Firework”
One of the first things that comes to mind when we think of the Fourth of July is the fireworks. Why not keep it to theme and throw in Katy Perry’s hit “Firework” for that barbecue playlist? The song was co-written by Perry with Ester Dean and the song’s producers Stargate and Sandy Vee, but it doesn’t have much to do with America other than the sparkly sky shows.
Perry said in an interview at the 2011 MTV Awards that the song was a metaphor for the inner self and that she believed everyone has that spark. She was influenced by Jack Kerouac’s 1957 novel, “On The Road,” when she read an excerpt about “people that are buzzing and fizzing and full of life and never say a commonplace thing. They shoot across the sky like a firework and make people go ‘Ahhh.’ I guess that making people go ‘ahhh’ is kind of like my motto.” While it isn’t explicitly about America, it is about finding yourself, which has some American sentiment behind it. Plus, who else can make singing about fireworks this fun?
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers’ “American Girl”
For several reasons, one of America’s classic rock staples, “American Girl” by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, deserves its presence on every Fourth of July playlist. The holiday marks the song’s first recording on July 4, 1976. Well, the story focuses on a young woman’s soul-searching to find the strength needed to create a better future, which, for a country built by immigrants looking for better lives, makes the track a uniquely American narrative.
In the book “Conversations with Tom Petty” the musician said that he wrote the song while living in an Encino apartment near the freeway. The cars zooming past sounded like ocean waves crashing. He’d just made it to Los Angeles from Gainesville, Florida, and was chasing his own dreams at the time. The American girl in the song is “raised on promises” and wants to manifest her dreams for a bigger, better life, and she’s willing to die trying.
Miley Cyrus’ “Party in the USA”
Released in 2009, Miley Cyrus’s “Party in the USA” quickly became an anthem of celebration and freedom. Written by Jessie J, Dr. Luke, and Claude Kelly, the song captures the excitement and nervousness of arriving in Los Angeles, a city synonymous with big dreams and new beginnings.
“Party in the USA” resonates with the American spirit of optimism and self-expression. Its lyrics reflect a sense of national pride and the quintessential American experience of seeking opportunity and finding one’s place in the world. The song’s enduring popularity at Fourth of July celebrations underscores its role as a contemporary American anthem, embodying the joy and freedom that the holiday represents.
Beyoncé’s “Texas Hold ‘Em”
“Texas Hold ‘Em,” a dynamic track by Beyoncé, pays homage to the singer’s Texan roots while blending themes of resilience, empowerment, and confidence. Released as part of her newest record, “Cowboy Carter,” the song is the second in a trilogy of albums, following “Renaissance” from 2022. Cowboy Carter spotlights Black pioneers’ overlooked contributions to American musical and cultural history. The song underscores the importance of grit and tenacity, echoing the broader narrative of American resilience and the pursuit of success.
Neil Diamond’s “America”
“America” by Neil Diamond is a stirring 1980 anthem that captures the spirit of immigration and the pursuit of the American dream. Featured on the soundtrack of the film “The Jazz Singer,” this song became one of Diamond’s most iconic hits, celebrated for its patriotic enthusiasm and uplifting message.
“America” narrates the journey of immigrants coming to the United States in search of freedom and a better life, encapsulating the hope and determination that have long defined the American experience. In an interview with the Los Angeles Times, Diamond shares, “To me, it is the story of my grandparents,” said Diamond. “It’s my gift to them, and it’s very real for me. Maybe that’s why it became so popular. It wasn’t thought out or intellectualized, just sheer emotion. In a way, it speaks to the immigrant in all of us. That’s what makes it so easy to empathize with the song.”
Chuck Berry’s “Back in the USA”
In 1959, Chuck Berry released “Back in the USA,” a jubilant rock and roll anthem celebrating the joys and freedoms of American life. Inspired by Berry’s return to the United States after a tour in Australia, the song reflects his appreciation for the familiar comforts and liberties of his home country. Berry’s lyrics vividly depict quintessential American scenes, from drive-in movies to diner meals, capturing the spirit of mid-century American culture. The upbeat tempo and melodies made it an instant hit, showcasing Berry’s signature guitar riffs and storytelling.
Tribune News Service
