This year’s Fourth of July marks 250 years since the Declaration of Independence. We share here not the typical songs on the typical playlist you might encounter, but a sampling that covers the wide range of beliefs and emotions that keeps America America – a unique experiment grounded in Enlightenment ideals and that inspired the world. We start off with songs that challenge us to ask what does America really mean, roam through some light hearted satiric observations, build through inspiring celebrations of the people, and end with the rousing recognition of John Adam’s vision where July 4th will alway be celebrated “with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more.” (Adams letter July 3, 1776)
“Born in the U.S.A.” — Bruce Springsteen
Think about what we are and what we do.
“American Tune” — Simon & Garfunkel
It’s alright.
“This Land Is Your Land” — Woody Guthrie
We the people …
“Independence Day” — Martina McBride
Independence day is sometimes a personal thing.
“Hospitality on Parade” — Sparks
We don’t need a King – we are all Kings.
“Philadelphia Freedom” — Elton John
OK, fine, these aren’t Americans – but Philadelphia is where our freedom was so how can we not sing it out loud.
“R.O.C.K. in the U.S.A.” — John Cougar Mellencamp
There is nothing better than rocking in the USA.
“It’s Money That Matters” — Randy Newman
Not exactly flag-waving, but no list of American anthems is complete without at least one that’s in on the joke.
“Centerfield” — John Fogerty
What’s better than baseball on Independence Day?
“Middle of America” — Will Hoge
Small town is where you can find the American heart.
“Is Anybody There?” — from 1776
From the Broadway play 1776 celebrating the bicentennial, John Adams sings alone in an empty chamber as the vote on independence hangs in the balance: “Is anybody there? Does anybody care? Does anybody see what I see?” The line “through all the gloom I can see the rays of ravishing light and glory” isn’t theatrical invention — it’s lifted straight from the real John Adams, who wrote those exact words to Abigail on July 3, 1776. How can you not end this tribute to our freedom any other way.
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A curated pick by Planet Mars Music Editorial Staff and crafted with the help of AI