Today is the 4th of July, which means that today is a day that will be filled with the most patriotic songs, actions, parades, and food. Everything will be red, white, and blue, and it will be tomorrow, too!
Last night I was on my way home from America's favorite pastime - a baseball game. The baseball game had a fireworks show with a live orchestra, and then a track underneath once the orchestra was done with songs about America. I questioned some of the song choices but it really got me thinking - what is the most patriotic song? Here I have answered this question with the top 10 songs that I think are the most patriotic songs in America.
10. Armed Forces Salute
You might see this title and go, "What? I've never heard this on the radio." Well, it's because you probably haven't. This is an orchestral piece which features the song of each of the five branches of our armed forces. It includes The Caisson Song, Semper Paratus, The Marine's Hymn, The U.S. Air Force, and Anchors Aweigh.
9. This Land is Your Land
"This Land Is Your Land" is one of the United States' most famous folk songs. Its lyrics were written by American folk singer Woody Guthrie in 1940 based on an existing melody, in critical response to Irving Berlin's "God Bless America."
8. In America
Charlie Daniels wrote this song in reaction to the 1979 Iran hostage crisis. Ever the proud American, the famed fiddler also wrote a song called “This Ain’t No Rag, It’s a Flag” in response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
7. Only in America
This song was released by Brooks & Dunn just before the 9/11 terrorist attacks and became a patriotic pick-me-up afterward. It resurfaced in 2004 as President George W. Bush’s re-election campaign song.
6. Born in the U.S.A.
If this isn't patriotic, I don't know what is. Bruce Springsteen brought us this hit in 1984, and if you're questioning why I might think it's patriotic - just look at the album cover!
5. Song of the Patriot
A song from the man in black himself, Johnny Cash. If you need help understanding why this song is patriotic, just listen to the lyrics.
"I'm a flag waving patriotic nephew of my Uncle Sam
A rough riding fighting Yankee man
I love mom and apple pie and the freedoms that we all enjoy
Across this beautiful land"
4. Some Gave All
A song from the father of Miley Cyrus, Billy Ray Cyrus, is extremely patriotic. It tells the story of a man in his town who left to be a hero. If that doesn't say "America", I don't know what does!
3. Arlington
In his song, Trace Adkins sings this poignant tune from the perspective of a fallen American soldier, now buried at Arlington National Cemetery.
2. American Solider
Toby Keith wrote this song to honor our soldiers. He is considered an outspoken and dedicated supporter of U.S. Troops.
1. God Bless the U.S.A.
Lee Greenwood wrote this song in 1983, but it didn’t become a big hit until Desert Storm in 1991, when radio stations embraced it to help boost patriotism. The song re-entered the country charts in 2001, after 9/11.
Happy 4th of July!
