4th of July-Themed Wedding Songs For A Party

Updated on July 1, 2023 | Written by Matthew Campbell (Editor of My Wedding Songs and wedding DJ)

Celebrate America’s Independence Day. What better way to celebrate America’s Independence Day than by song?

Our list of the Top 10 4th of July songs celebrates American pride.

The July 4th songs include music genres Country, Pop, Rock, and R&B.

What better way to top the list than a mainstream release of one of America’s official songs Ray Charles’s “America The Beautiful”?

I spoke to a person who became an American citizen several years ago. He told me that when he finally became a U.S. citizen, they played a video that featured the song America by Neil Diamond. Awesome!

4th of July songs stir up pride in every American heart. Music is a huge part of American culture. It is only natural that songwriters would embrace the themes of independence and freedom in their songwriting.

When a song like Lee Greenwood’s “God Bless the USA” is played at a 4th of July event, everyone stands and sings along.

Some popular 4th of July songs have even inspired listeners to rise to their feet and salute. It is nice that we can embrace patriotic songs other than the National Anthem on special occasions.

Top 15 Trending July 4th Songs

1. “Firework” by Katy Perry (Pop – 2010)
2. “Fourth of July” by Sufjan Stevens (Alternative – 2015)
3. “4th of July” by Stephen Sharer (Country – 2023)
4. “4th of July” by Shooter Jennings, George Jones (Country – 2009)
5. “Nervous” by John Legend (R&B – 2022)
6. “Fourth of July” by Fall Out Boy (Alternative – 2015)
7. “Fourth of July” by Mariah Carey (R&B – 1997)
8. “Fourth of July” by The Kiboomers (Children’s Music – 2015)
9. “Saturday in the Park” by Chicago (Rock – 1972)
10. “Fourth of July” by Dave Alvin (Rock – 1994)
11. “4th of July” by X (Punk – 1987)
12. “Fourth of July” by little hurricane (Alternative – 2016)
13. “Fourth of July” by Branchez, Big Wet (Country – 2018)
14. “Fourth of July” by Steve Conte (Rock – 2023)
15. “Fourth of July” by Robert Earl Keen (Rock – 1997)

Spotify Fourth of July Playlist

Best 4th of July Songs List

#1 America The Beautiful – Ray Charles
Released in 1972 – Ray Charles appeared on The Dick Cavett Show performing the song.
Genre: R&B

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

But now wait a minute, I’m talking about
America, sweet America
You know, God done shed his grace on thee

#2 God Bless The U.S.A. – Lee Greenwood
Released in 1984 on the album You’ve Got a Good Love Comin’
Genre: Country

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

‘Cause there ain’t no doubt
I love this land
God Bless the U.S.A.

#3 Fourth of July – Shooter Jennings
Released in 2005 on the album Put the “O” Back in Country
Genre: Country

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

You were pretty as can be, sitting in the front seat
Looking at me, telling me you love me
And you’re happy to be with me on the 4th of July

#4 R.O.C.K. in the USA – John Mellencamp
Released in 1985 on the album Scarecrow
Genre: Rock

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Spotlight on Martha Reeves
Let’s don’t forget James Brown
Rockin’ in the U.S.A., hey
R O C K in the U.S.A.

#5 Our Country – John Mellencamp
Released in 2007 on the album Freedom’s Road
Genre: Rock

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

From the east coast to the west coast
Down the Dixie Highway
Back home
This is our country

#6 Living In America – James Brown
Released in 1985 on the album Rocky IV Soundtrack
Genre: R&B

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Hand in hand, across the nation
Living in America
Got to have a celebration

#7 America – Neil Diamond
Released in 1981 on the album The Jazz Singer Soundtrack
Genre: Pop

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Got a dream they’ve come to share
They’re coming to America
They’re coming to America

#8 Courtesy of the Red, White & Blue – Toby Keith
Released in 2002 on the album Unleashed
Genre: Country

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

And you’ll be sorry that you messed with
The U.S. of A.
‘Cause we’ll put a boot in your ass
It’s the American way

#9 Party In The U.S.A. – Miley Cyrus
Released in 2009 on the album The Time of Our Lives
Genre: Pop

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

I got my hands up, they’re playin’ my song
They know I’m gonna be okay
Yeah, it’s a party in the U.S.A.

#10 Where the Stars & Stripes & the Eagle Fly – Aaron Tippin
Released in 2002 on the album Stars & Stripes
Genre: Country

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

To love my wife and raise my kids
Hey, the same way that my daddy did
Where the stars and stripes
And the eagle fly

Another unbelievable rendition of The National Anthem was released on video in June 2023!

The Star Spangles Banner (Live from Super Bowl LVII) – Chris Stapleton

American Pride – Chapel Hart
Released in 2022

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

One person at a time
Come on, now, I can feel it
My American prid

American Spirit – Brian Kelley
Released in 2022

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

It’s flying for freedom, for me and for you
It’s what I believe in, this country I love
That American spirit runs in our blood

USA – Filmore featuring Pitbull
Released in 2022

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Ain’t nobody party like the USA
(USA, USA, USA) ooh, ain’t nobody
Ain’t nobody party like the USA

Mr. Red White and Blue (Rock Version) – Coffey Anderson & Drew Jacobs
Released in 2022

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

(Mr. Red, White, and Blue) For these Stars and Stripes
(Mr. Red, White, and Blue) Stand on the front line
(Mr. Red, White, and Blue) Pay the ultimate price

More Than A Flag – Brandon Davis
Released in 2021 on the album More Than A Flag
Genre: Country

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

It carries sacrifice and scars in ever stripe and star it has
You might know the definition but the truth is
It’s more than a flag

Red, White, Black and Blue – Frank Foster
Released in 2021 on the album Red, White, Black and Blue
Genre: Country

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

If those American summers mean anything to you
Cause you left our hearts red, white, black and blue

Happy Birthday America – Toby Keith
Released in 2021 on the album Happy Birthday America

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Happy birthday, America
It’s the Fourth of July
I’ll get to wake up in your freedom

Next, read popular Christmas day sing-along songs.

Am I The Only One – Aaron Lewis
Released in 2021 on the album Am I The Only One

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Another statue comin’ down in a town near you
Watchin’ the threads of Old Glory come undone
I’m not the only one
I can’t be the only one

American Thread – Tim Montana
Released in 2019 on the album American Thread
Genre: Country

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

We’re the camouflage on that front line
Stand for the flag till the day we’re dead
We’re every stitch of this American thread

God’s Country – Blake Shelton
Released in 2019 on the album God’s Country
Genre: Country

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Dixie whistled in the wind, that’ll get you Heaven bound
The Devil went down to Georgia but he didn’t stick around
This is God’s country

Red, Wild & Blue – Thomas Finchum
Released in 2019 on the album Red, Wild & Blue
Genre: Country

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

We’re all corner bars with neon signs / Oh, we’re all chasing dreams and getting by wishing on stars / Earning our stripes under the same sky / We’re all red, wild & blue

This is America – Childish Gambino
Released in 2018 on the album This Is America
Genre: Hip Hop

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

This is America
Don’t catch you slippin’ now
Don’t catch you slippin’ now

Mr Red White and Blue – Coffey Anderson
Released in 2016 on the album Boots and Jeans

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

(Mr. Red, White, and Blue) For these Stars and Stripes
(Mr. Red, White, and Blue) Stand on the front line
(Mr. Red, White, and Blue) Pay the ultimate price

Springsteen – Eric Church
Released in 2011 on the album Chief
Genre: Country

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

I think about my old Jeep
I think about the stars in the sky
Funny how a melody sounds like a memory
Like a soundtrack to a July Saturday night

Frontlines – Nonpoint
Released in 2010 on the album Miracle
Genre: Metal

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

On the frontlines
Fighting for my life
On the frontlines
Fighting for your life

Firework – Katy Perry
Released in 2010 on the album Teenage Dream
Genre: Pop

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

You just gotta ignite the light
And let it shine
Just own the night
Like the Fourth of July

It’s America – Rodney Atkins
Released in 2009 on the album It’s America
Genre: Country

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

It’s cities and farms
It’s open arms
One nation under God
It’s America

American Boy – Estelle
Released in 2008 on the album American Boy
Genre: R&B

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Take me to New York, I’d love to see L.A.
I really want to come kick it with you
You’ll be my American boy

All Summer Long – Kid Rock
Released in 2007 on the album Rock n Roll Jesus
Genre: Rock

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Making love out by the lake to our favorite song
Sipping whiskey out the bottle, not thinking ’bout tomorrow
Singing Sweet home Alabama all summer long

Arlington – Trace Adkins
Released in 2005 on the album Songs About Me
Genre: Country

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

I’m thankful for those thankful for the things I’ve done
I can rest in peace
I’m one of the chosen ones
I made it to Arlington

American Soldier – Toby Keith
Released in 2003 on the album Shock’n Y’all
Genre: Country

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

I will always do what’s right
I’m out here on the front lines
Sleep in peace tonight
American soldier, I’m an American soldier

Only In America – Brooks & Dunn
Released in 2001 on the album Steers & Stripes
Genre: Country

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Only in America
Dreamin’ in red white and blue
Only in America
Where we dream as big as we want to

American Badass – Kid Rock
Released in 2000 on the album The History of Rock
Genre: Rock

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

I’m an American bad a**, watch me kick
You can roll with rock or you can suck my d***
I’m a porno flick, I’m like Amazing grace

American Woman – Lenny Kravitz
Released in 1998 on the album 5
Genre: Rock

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

American woman
Get away from me
American woman
Mama, let me be

This Is America – Ray Boltz
Released in 1997 on the album Honor and Glory

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

This is America
This is the land I love
Sweet liberty
Land of the free
Home of the brave

Heartland – George Strait
Released in 1993 on the album Pure Country Soundtrack
Genre: Country

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Where they still know wrong from right
Sing a song about the Heartland
Sing a song about my life

Rockin’ In The Free World – Neil Young
Released in 1989 on the album Freedom
Genre: Rock

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Got a man of the people, says keep hope alive
Got fuel to burn, got roads to drive
Keep on rockin’ in the free world

Centerfield – John Fogerty
Released in 1985 on the album Centerfield

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Oh, put me in coach, I’m ready to play today
Put me in coach, I’m ready to play today
Look at me, I can be centerfield

Real American – Rick Derringer
Released in 1985 on the album The Wrestling Album
Genre: Rock

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

I am a real American
I fight for the rights of every man
I am a real American
And fight for what’s right sing it one more time

American Made – The Oak Ridge Boys
Released in 1983 on the album American Made
Genre: Country

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

My baby is American Made
Born and bred in the U.S.A.
From her silky long hair to her sexy long legs
My baby is American Made

All American Girls – Sister Sledge
Released in 1981 on the album All American Girls
Genre: Disco

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Wise up before it’s too late
We’re not threatened by your lies
Oryourgoodbyes.
We’re all American girls

In America – Charlie Daniels
Released in 1980 on the album Full Moon
Genre: Country

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

We’re gonna put her feet back
On the path of righteousness and then
God bless America again

Living in the USA – Linda Ronstadt
Released in 1978 on the album Living in the USA
Genre: Pop

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Looking hard for a drive in, searching for a corner cafe
Where hamburgers sizzle on an open grill night and day
Yeah, and a jukebox jumping with records like in the U.S.A.

American Girl – Tom Petty
Released in 1976 on the album Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
Genre: Rock

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Oh yeah, alright
Take it easy baby
Make it last all night
She was an American girl

Philadelphia Freedom – Elton John
Released in 1975 on the album Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy
Genre: Pop Rock

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Shine a light through the eyes of the ones left behind
Shine a light, shine the light
Shine the light, won’t you shine the light?
Philadelphia freedom, I love ya

We’re An American Band – Grand Funk Railroad
Released in 1973 on the album We’re an American Band
Genre: Rock

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

We’re comin’ to your town
We’ll help you party it down
We’re an American band

American Pie – Don McLean
Released in 1971 on the album American Pie
Genre: Rock

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

So, bye, bye, Miss American Pie
Drove my Chevy to The Levee, but The Levee was dry
And them good old boys were drinkin’ whiskey in Rye

Check out a wedding playlist to help bring in a new year.

Living in the U.S.A. – Steve Miller Band
Released in 1968 on the album Sailor
Genre: Rock

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Doot do do do do doot doot
Living in the U.S.A
Doot do do do do doot doot
Living in the U.S.A

Surfin’ U.S.A. – The Beach Boys
Released in 1963 on the album Surfin’ U.S.A.
Genre: Rock

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

You’d catch ’em surfin’ at Del Mar
(Inside, outside, U.S.A.)
Ventura County line
(Inside, outside, U.S.A.)

Songs Not To Play

Independence Day – Martina McBride
Released in 1994 on the album The Way That I Am
Genre: Country
The song is about domestic violence.

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Some folks whispered, some folks talked
But everybody looked the other way
And when time ran out there was no one about
On Independence Day

Born In The U.S.A. – Bruce Springsteen
Released in 1984 on the album Born in the U.S.A.
Genre: Rock
The song describes a Vietnam War veteran who returns home down on his luck.

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

I’m ten years burning down the road
Nowhere to run, ain’t got nowhere to go
Born in the U.S.A.

If you have a favorite Fourth of July song not on our list, be sure to share it below so that we can add it.

FAQs

Why are the 4th of July songs popular?

Songs like “Courtesy of the Red, White, & Blue” by Toby Keith resonate with audiences for a number of reasons. The biggest of these is that many of these songs emerged at a time when the country needed to embrace the differences of its citizens and come together for the common good.

When Keith released his hit in 2002, America was reeling from the horrible attacks of 9/11. We all needed to sing and feel strong again, and this song and others like it gave us that opportunity.

A strong musical history of patriotic pride

Do you get chills when you hear the opening chords of “America” or other songs which are often played on the 4th of July? There is a good reason for this reaction. In the United States, there is a rich history of 4th of July songs that dates back many years.

Songwriters use these songs to convey their own feelings about the country. Merle Haggard’s 70’s hit “Fighting’ Side of Me” was a response to those critical of American war veterans. Springsteen wrote, “Born in the USA” for the same reason. Our talented musicians have used their unique voices to bring attention to important issues.

Not all 4th of July songs are steeped in protest. Many are written for no other purpose than encouraging every American to celebrate the good things about our country. We are often too focused on things that divide us, but we can all enjoy a patriotic tune.

From the drums that were used in the Revolutionary and Civil Wars to the marching bands that are part of our military branches today, patriotism and music are forever linked in America.

Check out this list of the best 4th of July songs. You will find an entire playlist that you can use to enhance your holiday barbecue this year. Don’t forget to raise a glass to all the men and women that have worn the uniform to keep us free.

About Matthew Campbell