4th of July Party Playlist

Each July 4th, Americans can put aside their differences and celebrate the special history of their nation and spirit of its people. Fireworks light the sky and the smell of barbecue fills the air. But, an Independence Day celebration is not complete without the right music for occasion! Whether you like soul, country, pop or rock, there's a perfect 4th of July song for your party or barbecue play list.

Country

Courtesy of the Red White and Blue

Now this nation that I love is fallin' under attack.
A mighty sucker-punch came flying in from somewhere in the back.
Soon as we could see clearly through our big black eye,
Man, we lit up your world like the fourth of July.

Hey, Uncle Sam put your name at the top of his list,
And the Statue of Liberty started shaking her fist.
And the eagle will fly and it's gonna be hell,
When you hear Mother Freedom start ringing her bell.
And it'll feel like the whole wide world is raining down on you.
Ah, brought to you, courtesy of the red, white and blue.

This Toby Keith number, also called the Angry American, is rowdy and invokes the old American spirit. Toby Keith's point of view about America is simple- he's proud and his songs ring with the unwavering strength of his 6-foot-4 Oklahoman frame.

God Bless the USA

If tomorrow all the things were gone,
I'd worked for all my life.
And I had to start again,
with just my children and my wife.

I'd thank my lucky stars,
to be livin here today.
'Cause the flag still stands for freedom,
and they can't take that away.

And I'm proud to be an American,
where at least I know I'm free.
And I wont forget the men who died,
who gave that right to me.

And I gladly stand up,
next to you and defend her still today.
'Cause there ain't no doubt I love this land,
God bless the USA.

Country great Lee Greenwood wrote this song and its been a favorite for more than 2 decades. These lyrics have rung through radio airwaves and through the halls of political conventions. It symbolizes the struggles of all Americans and a sense of devotion to God and country.

Rock and Pop

America

Far
We've been traveling far
Without a home
But not without a star

Free
Only want to be free
We huddle close
Hang on to a dream

On the boats and on the planes
They're coming to America
Never looking back again
They're coming to America

For more than three decades, this classic by Neil Diamond has been sung as Independence Day bashes. It celebrates the diversity of America's cultural heritage. And, the special treat of Neil Diamond reciting My Country, Tis of Thee' is memorable.

Born in the U.S.A.

Born down in a dead man's town
The first kick I took was when I hit the ground
You end up like a dog that's been beat too much
'Til you spend half your life just covering up

[chorus:]
Born in the U.S.A.
Born in the U.S.A.
Born in the U.S.A.
Born in the U.S.A.

Who better than Bruce "The Boss" Springsteen to add some rock to a 4th of July gamboree! Dedicated to those brave men and women who served in the Vietnam War, Born in the U.S.A. is a bittersweet reminder of the cost of freedom.

Pink Houses (aka Ain't that America)

Oh, but ain't that America, for you and me

Ain't that America, we're somethin' to see, baby

Ain't that America, the home of the free

Little pink houses for you and me

John "Cougar" Mellencamp released Pink Houses on his Uh Huh album in 1983 and folks have been singing the tune ever sense. The song was inspired by Mellencamp's ride through his home state of Indiana.

Soul

Living In America

Yeah, uh! Get up, now! Ow! Knock out this! Au!
Super highways, coast to coast, easy to get anywhere
On the transcontinental overload, just slide behind the wheel
How does it feel
When there's no destination - that's too far
And somewhere on the way, you might find out who you are
Au!

Chorus:
Living in America - eye to eye, station to station
Living in America - hand to hand, across the nation
Living in America - got to have a celebration

While intended for Rocky IV, this James Brown tune is a patriotic classic. It's lively and has a ringing chorus that is easy to sing along to. In 1986, Living in America was nominated for a Grammy and The Godfather of Soul won the Best Male R & B Vocal Performance for this number.

Other Options

There are so many traditional songs performed by familiar names. A holiday play list can include versions of the Star Spangled Banner. Lee Ann Rimes, Faith Hill and Whitney Houston all have excellent versions of the song. Ray Charles' America the Beautiful is another winner. A chorus of My Country Tis of Thee is also a favorite for young and old.

This 4th of July wow your friends and family with a patriotic play list that celebrates the birthday of American Independence. Whether you like soul, country, pop, rock or it all, there are great songs to share this coming Independence Day.