50 Best Patriotic Songs Perfect for Every American Celebration

America is shaped by the diverse people who bring it to life. "God Bless the U.S.A." reminds listeners to cherish not only their country, but also all those who make it what it is.

Fun fact: Without Katharine Lee Bates, this Ray Charles classic might never have happened! Her 19th-century poem, "America," deeply resonated with people across the nation. When her words were paired with the hymn "Materna," it laid the foundation for the soulful rendition by Ray Charles that's known and loved today.

Woody Guthrie has many songs that could have made this list, but "This Land Is Your Land" remains a standout. Even after all these years, it continues to capture the heart of the country, solidifying its place as one of his most iconic and enduring works.

"When you have an American heart, you can be who you are." This heartfelt message is shared by children at the start of Faith Hill's music video, leading into a beautiful tribute to the country that allows everyone to be their true selves.

Brooks & Dunn really know how to get the crowd moving! The lively beat of "Only in America" is just one reason this song stands out. Even more powerful is its message, celebrating the endless opportunities and the diverse people who make this country so remarkable.

Ready for a road trip? Simon & Garfunkel's music will inspire you to explore the stunning landscapes and bustling city skylines across this vast country. Bonus points if you visit every city and state they sing about!

This list wouldn't be complete without at least one Dolly Parton song! After the attacks of 9/11, Dolly wrote this heartfelt track to offer comfort and hope. At its core, it's a powerful tribute to freedom and justice.

There's no better anthem to kick off your summer barbecues! It's hard to believe this song only became a hit well after it first dropped.

The national anthem is always patriotic, but Whitney Houston's 1991 Super Bowl rendition made it truly legendary! It was so iconic that radio stations began playing it just like any top pop hit.

There's no denying it—when this song comes on, everyone's hands go up. Why? Because they're playing your song! This 2009 classic is sure to be timeless.

If you're craving a truly moving moment, the United States Army Field Band Soldiers Chorus delivers just that. Their flawless harmonies singing "America (My Country, 'Tis of Thee)" are bound to stir your heart—and maybe even bring a tear to your eye.

Though the true meaning of "American Pie" has sparked plenty of debate over the years, there's no denying it's a staple at every summer gathering and party. Plus, it's also a karaoke favorite that never fails to get everyone singing along!

Lenny Kravitz nails an amazing cover of this 1970 classic! So good, in fact, that people often forget it's not his original. The band Guess Who is surely more than happy with the new wave of popularity Lenny brought to their song.

This band march might not have any words, but that doesn't matter one bit. If those powerful drums don't get you moving, it's hard to say what will!

Johnny Cash tells the story of America with incredible eloquence in this track. His spoken-word delivery over a mellow melody adds a powerful, thoughtful weight to the history he shares.

This gorgeous song was created by the one and only John Legend for the second season of the series Underground. "The song points out the tension between the promise of America, the ideals of America, and sometimes us not living up to those ideals in practice," he told Billboard.

Little fun fact here: The Beatles' "Back in the USSR" was inspired by a father of rock and roll—the one and only Chuck Berry! Personally, Berry's version is definitely better for our purposes.

This iconic Bruce Springsteen is sometimes misinterpreted as a simplistic celebration of patriotism. In reality, the lyrics explore a Vietnam War vet returning home with "nowhere to go." As a true master of American rock and roll, Springsteen brings a complex, honest picture of patriotism that allows a veteran's struggle to mingle with pride.

Here's a shocker—this gigantic hit comes from the British singer Kim Wilde! The lyrics were written by her father, who had been captivated by the idea of iconic Americana pastimes of young people in the US (drinking milkshakes and going to drive-in movies). "I think a lot of that got caught up in the lyrics—all the kids in America are having a better, more interesting, more dangerous time than we were here," Kim explained in 2018.

Irving Berlin's songs are a cornerstone of American popular music, including his World War I era anthem "God Bless America." Its title and lyrics exemplify the pride that Irving exuded for this country.