1"Born in the U.S.A.," Bruce Springsteen, 1984
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.
2"American Girl," Tom Petty, 1976
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.
3"Yankee Doodle," Robert Shaw Chorale, 1991
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!
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4"Ragged Old Flag," Johnny Cash, 1974
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.
5“American Pride,” Chapel Hart, 2022
This heartfelt tune got a standing ovation from all four judges and the audience when Chapel Hart (who earned the nickname America’s Sweethearts on their first AGT run) returned for the show's spinoff, America's Got Talent: Fantasy League, in 2024. “American Pride” appears on their third album, Glory Days. When creating the album, the trio from Poplarville, Mississippi, told Country Living, “We just went back to our roots, and we wrote songs about growing up.”
6"Party in The U.S.A.," Miley Cyrus, 2009
With a catchy chorus and just-for-fun name-dropping, it's pretty much impossible to *not* sing along when this happy song comes on at the 4th of July barbecue.
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7"American Kids," Kenny Chesney, 2014
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.
8"God Bless the U.S.A.," Lee Greenwood, 2020
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!
9"Color Me America," Dolly Parton, 2003
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."
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10"Battle Hymn of the Republic," Johnny Cash, 1969
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.
11"America the Beautiful," Ray Charles, 1972
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.
12"The Star-Spangled Banner," Whitney Houston, 1991
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.
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13"My Shot," the Cast of Hamilton, 2015
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).
14"God Bless America," Celine Dion, 2001
Although very Canadian, Dion's emotional rendition of the anthem moved the world when she performed it shortly after the September 11 attacks.
15"This Land is Your Land," Woody Guthrie, 1944
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.
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16"America," Simon & Garfunkel, 1968
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.
17"Living in America," James Brown, 1985
Go ahead and try not to groove to Brown's over-the-top anthem that practically compels you to celebrate, well, living in America.
18"The Stars and Stripes Forever," John Philip Sousa, 1896
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.
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19"Back in the U.S.A.," Chuck Berry, 1959
Berry's tribute to America, "where hamburgers sizzle on an open grill night and day," is perfect for Fourth of July celebrations.
20"American Spirit," Thomas Rhett, 2015
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.
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Maggie Horton is the Associate News Editor at Country Living. She covers all things entertainment from celebrity news to TV shows and movies. When she's not posting to social media, researching the latest celebrity gossip or binging the hottest new TV series, you can find her at a local concert or outside enjoying nature.
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