Songs that Belong on Every Fourth of July Playlist

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Starting last year, my wife and I decided we'd host a Fourth of July party each year. Every other holiday is claimed by other extended family members (love it — wouldn't change it), but our house lends itself nicely to a mid-summer outdoor party, so we decided what the heck, let's claim it.

Now, I'm still new to this Fourth of July hosting business, but I still have strong opinions on… everything. Food, drinks, yard games (see last week's edition), attire, fireworks... But one thing that stands out above them all: Fourth of July music.

The reason isn't what you think. Sure, the playlist has to have some bangers. You have to hit the classics, mix in some patriotic hits from every generation, switch up genres on a dime. But the real reason we have a huge problem with Fourth of July playlists is... half of the songs are anti-America.

Seriously. Open up Spotify and look at the top Fourth of July playlists. It's filled with "Fortunate Son" (CCR), "Born in the U.S.A." (Springsteen), "Rockin' in the Free World" (Neil Young), and the newest addition, "This Is America" (Childish Gambino).

Listen to the actual lyrics. These are songs of protest. Songs of the oppression. Songs laced with anti-America messaging. They are great songs in many cases, don't get me wrong. And also don't think I'm disagreeing with the messages. But imagine if someone walked into your birthday party and soiled it with songs of how much you suck.

That's what we do every Independence Day. And I'm done with it. So, take note of the Top 5 Songs that Belong on Every Fourth of July Playlist.

Cue the fireworks. You hear this song kick in and you know what day it is, what time it is, and to cover your ears. Because the grand finale is approaching. This isn’t as upbeat as the rest of the songs on this list, but no Fourth of July is complete without hearing it at least once.

This song kicks on fairly early in the party. The burgers are on the grill, but people are getting hungry. You need to distract them from the hangry vibes and the hot sun. Then it happens. Miley comes in, the beat drops, and your aunt is dancing. Just in time for dinner.

No one is going to request this one. But no one is going to complain that it’s playing. You break out the Mellencamp right about dusk. Still no fireworks, but everyone has had enough drinks that they can’t help holding one up and chanting the chorus.

Country music just knows America. But most songs are either too on-the-nose or are just plain cliche. “Only in America” plays the sweet spot. It hits on the American dream instead of just saying the words "American dream." Finding optimism without being corny about it is a harder trick than it sounds.

I’m a child of the 90s who clearly remembers September 11. And, at the cost of sounding too political, it was the last time I remember everyone in this country coming together and being truly patriotic. This song, while loud, confident and unapologetic, sums up the feeling of where our country was at that time. Makes me want to grab a hot dog, crack a beer, and look over to the flag for a single nod of approval.

"Take Me Home, Country Roads" and "Sweet Home Alabama" get lumped into every patriotic playlist by default, but not on my watch. Great songs, real hometown pride, but this is the United StateS, with an S.

I need to give a special mention to "American Pie" (Don McLean) — not an angry song, just a quietly devastating one once you know what it's actually about. Shout out to Mr. Williams, my high school history teacher, who spent an entire class period walking through every line of that song and why it was written. Ruined a classic road-trip singalong, but it was worth it.

Here’s the thing. I know my list is too literal. These are songs mostly about America itself. It leaves out “Jack & Diane” (wow, I didn’t expect two Mellencamp references in one newsletter) and many amazing songs about the heart of America that don’t actually directly address our country. But I had to draw a line.

I hope you all added Kuub to your yard game collection last week, and I hope this week you ditch the anti-America songs from your Fourth of July playlists (but maybe add them to a “The Story of America” playlist).