4th of July Songs To Show Your Patriotism
Updated on MAy 31, 2023 | Written by Matthew Campbell (Editor of My Wedding Songs and wedding DJ)
Celebrate America’s Independence Day. What better way to celebrate America’s Independence Day than by song?
Our list of the Top 10 4th of July songs celebrates American pride.
The July 4th songs include music genres Country, Pop, Rock, and R&B.
What better way to top the list than a mainstream release of one of America’s official songs Ray Charles’s “America The Beautiful”?
I spoke to a person who became an American citizen several years ago. He told me that when he finally became a U.S. citizen, they played a video that featured the song America by Neil Diamond. Awesome!
4th of July songs stir up pride in every American heart. Music is a huge part of American culture. It is only natural that songwriters would embrace the themes of independence and freedom in their songwriting.
When a song like Lee Greenwood’s “God Bless the USA” is played at a 4th of July event, everyone stands and sings along.
Some popular 4th of July songs have even inspired listeners to rise to their feet and salute. It is nice that we can embrace patriotic songs other than the National Anthem on special occasions.
Spotify Fourth of July Playlist
Best July 4th Songs List
#1 America The Beautiful – Ray Charles
1972, Ray Charles appeared on The Dick Cavett Show performing the song
R&B
#2 God Bless The U.S.A. – Lee Greenwood
1984, You’ve Got a Good Love Comin’
Country
#3 Fourth of July – Shooter Jennings
2005, Put the “O” Back in Country
Country
#4 R.O.C.K. in the USA – John Mellencamp
1985, Scarecrow
Rock
#5 Our Country – John Mellencamp
2007, Freedom’s Road
Rock
#6 Living In America – James Brown
1985, Rocky IV Soundtrack
R&B
#7 America – Neil Diamond
1981, The Jazz Singer Soundtrack
Pop
#8 Courtesy of the Red, White & Blue – Toby Keith
2002, Unleashed
Country
#9 Party In The U.S.A. – Miley Cyrus
2009, The Time of Our Lives
Pop
#10 Where the Stars & Stripes & the Eagle Fly – Aaron Tippin
2002, Stars & Stripes
Country
American Pride – Chapel Hart
2022
American Spirit – Brian Kelley
2022
USA – Filmore featuring Pitbull
2022
Mr. Red White and Blue (Rock Version) – Coffey Anderson & Drew Jacobs
2022
More Than A Flag – Brandon Davis
2021, More Than A Flag
Country
Red, White, Black and Blue – Frank Foster
2021, Red, White, Black and Blue
Country
Happy Birthday America – Toby Keith
2021, Happy Birthday America
Am I The Only One – Aaron Lewis
2021, Am I The Only One
American Thread – Tim Montana
2019, American Thread
Country
God’s Country – Blake Shelton
2019, God’s Country
Country
Red, Wild & Blue – Thomas Finchum
2019, Red, Wild & Blue
Country
This is America – Childish Gambino
2018, This Is America
Hip Hop
Mr Red White and Blue – Coffey Anderson
2016, Boots and Jeans
Springsteen – Eric Church
2011, Chief
Country
Frontlines – Nonpoint
2010, Miracle
Metal
Firework – Katy Perry
2010, Teenage Dream
Pop
It’s America – Rodney Atkins
2009, It’s America
Country
American Boy – Estelle
2008, American Boy
R&B
All Summer Long – Kid Rock
2007, Rock n Roll Jesus
Rock
Arlington – Trace Adkins
2005, Songs About Me
Country
American Soldier – Toby Keith
2003, Shock’n Y’all
Country
Only In America – Brooks & Dunn
2001, Steers & Stripes
Country
American Badass – Kid Rock
2000, The History of Rock
Rock
American Woman – Lenny Kravitz
1998, 5
Rock
This Is America – Ray Boltz
1997, Honor and Glory
Heartland – George Strait
1993, Pure Country Soundtrack
Country
Rockin’ In The Free World – Neil Young
1989, Freedom
Rock
Centerfield – John Fogerty
1985, Centerfield
Real American – Rick Derringer
1985, The Wrestling Album
Rock
American Made – The Oak Ridge Boys
1983, American Made
Country
All American Girls – Sister Sledge
1981, All American Girls
Disco
In America – Charlie Daniels
1980, Full Moon
Country
Living in the USA – Linda Ronstadt
1978, Living in the USA
Pop
American Girl – Tom Petty
1976, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
Rock
Philadelphia Freedom – Elton John
1975, Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy
Pop Rock
We’re An American Band – Grand Funk Railroad
1973, We’re an American Band
Rock
American Pie – Don McLean
1971, American Pie
Rock
Living in the U.S.A. – Steve Miller Band
1968, Sailor
Rock
Surfin’ U.S.A. – The Beach Boys
1963, Surfin’ U.S.A.
Rock
Songs Not To Play
Independence Day – Martina McBride
1994, The Way That I Am
Country
The song is about domestic violence.
Born In The U.S.A. – Bruce Springsteen
1984, Born in the U.S.A.
Rock
The song describes a Vietnam War veteran who returns home down on his luck.
If you have a favorite Fourth of July song not on our list, be sure to share it below so that we can add it.
FAQs
Why are the 4th of July songs popular?
Songs like “Courtesy of the Red, White, & Blue” by Toby Keith resonate with audiences for a number of reasons. The biggest of these is that many of these songs emerged at a time when the country needed to embrace the differences of its citizens and come together for the common good.
When Keith released his hit in 2002, America was reeling from the horrible attacks of 9/11. We all needed to sing and feel strong again, and this song and others like it gave us that opportunity.
A strong musical history of patriotic pride
Do you get chills when you hear the opening chords of “America” or other songs which are often played on the 4th of July? There is a good reason for this reaction. In the United States, there is a rich history of 4th of July songs that dates back many years.
Songwriters use these songs to convey their own feelings about the country. Merle Haggard’s 70’s hit “Fighting’ Side of Me” was a response to those critical of American war veterans. Springsteen wrote, “Born in the USA” for the same reason. Our talented musicians have used their unique voices to bring attention to important issues.
Not all 4th of July songs are steeped in protest. Many are written for no other purpose than encouraging every American to celebrate the good things about our country. We are often too focused on things that divide us, but we can all enjoy a patriotic tune.
From the drums that were used in the Revolutionary and Civil Wars to the marching bands that are part of our military branches today, patriotism and music are forever linked in America.
Check out this list of the best 4th of July songs. You will find an entire playlist that you can use to enhance your holiday barbecue this year. Don’t forget to raise a glass to all the men and women that have worn the uniform to keep us free.
Similar song lists for further reading:
4th of July Song suggestion-Ray Bolt “This Is America.”
Thanks RecordSteve. Your song suggestion has been added.
Charlie Daniels – In America
Thank you Kevin. We added your suggestion to the list.