Top 27 Best American Patriotic Songs

One thing you often hear from folks who have traveled to the US is that Americans are tremendously proud of their culture.

Patriotism is by no means a uniquely American trait. But, “Americana” has been exported the world over more efficiently than most. From golden oldies to the newest tracks, American songs of patriotism have been filling the airwaves the world over for years.

So, I decided to take a look at some of the best American patriotic songs. And how music is used as a way to tell the world how proud Americans are to be American.

Top 27 Best American Patriotic Songs

Ragged Old Flag by Johnny Cash

Album: Ragged Old Flag

“Ragged Old Flag” was written during a time of great political and social turmoil in the US. The Watergate scandal forced president Richard Nixon to resign his presidency due to unethical conduct. 

Johnny had been quite an avid supporter of the former president and his policies. No doubt that when this scandal took place, it caused some stirrings in Johnny’s mind and heart. 

“Ragged Old Flag” was written when Johnny realized all he needed to do was to keep believing in the American people, and the rest would take care of itself. It can, therefore, serve as a reminder of what it means to be an American to anyone who listens to it. 

American Oxygen by Rihanna

Album: American Oxygen

Sam Harris and co-writer Alex Da Kid spent months on just the chorus of this track. This is in sharp contrast to the “it took about fifteen minutes” answer that you often get when asking how great songs came to be. 

After Rihanna came on board, the track gained an extra dimension. It was reworked into a song about being American. But also going there from somewhere else and achieving your dreams. It has since become an inspiration to those who dream of doing the same. 

Party In The USA by Miley Cyrus

Album: The Time Of Our Lives

This song was written by Jessie J as a potential tune for her upcoming album. However, “Party in the USA” ended up getting passed on to Cyrus because Jessie felt it wasn’t “hard-edged enough.” 

Miley put the song on her EP because she needed tracks to fill it up. It has now become one of the best feel-good USA songs ever. It’s filled with tremendous energy and power, reflected in its Diamond certification. How can you argue with a track bought by ten million Americans?

Kids In America by Kim Wilde

Album: Kim Wilde

“Kids in America” was written by Kim’s brother and father, who had both enjoyed considerable success in the music world. The track draws musical influences from the stylings of Orchestral Manoeuvers in the Dark and Gary Numan. 

The track was inspired by the songwriter’s musings on how much more interesting the lives of American kids seemed compared to the kids in the UK. If that doesn’t make you proud and grateful to be an American, I’m not sure what will. 

My President by Young Jeezy (feat. Nas)

Album: The Recession

Historically, Hip-Hop music has not been a genre that celebrated the powers that be. In many cases, the opposite is true. Most rappers traditionally gravitated to tracks containing strong protest and disregard for the current state of social affairs in the USA.

This track isn’t devoid of ego-driven rants featuring Jeezy’s cars, money, and opinions on current black America. But there is an undeniable sliver of hope that runs along the spine of this song. 

Jeezy may not agree with many things in society now. But, like most Americans, he was firmly behind Obama. 

Take Me Home Country Roads by John Denver

Album: Poems, Prayers, and Promises

This song ended up becoming one of the four official state anthems of West Virginia. That should be a testament enough to its importance and beauty. John Denver is one of the great American songwriters, even for people who aren’t from West Virginia. 

Driving along any country road in the world can help you identify with this song. But, for Americans, it holds a special place. Whether you hear it at home or on the other side of the world, it makes you swell with pride for where you come from. Easily one of the best American patriotic songs.

America by Simon and Garfunkel 

Album: Bookends 

Inspired by a road trip that Simon had taken with his girlfriend, “America” has become one of Simons’s best works as a writer. And is one of the duo’s greatest songs ever. The song isn’t a typical pledge of loyalty to a flag. Instead, it paints a very multi-colored picture of America. 

As the story of the two lovers unfolds, we are given glimpses of some of the country’s best and worst parts. Both literally and figuratively. 

There is incredible lushness and beauty, contrasted with bare emptiness, despair with prosperity, and a sense of discovery with being completely lost. Whether the protagonist finds the America he seeks is up to the listener. 

Color Me America by Dolly Parton

Album: For God And Country

A simple upbeat track that contains a very important message. America is a large country, and one of the things that makes it so great is its diversity. 

Of course, diversity is by no means unique to the US of A. That said, it is a place where folks have done a great job of celebrating diversity instead of letting it divide them. 

This lesser-known track from one of the Country’s best-known singers deserves a special place in her catalog. Want to feel good about where you’re from? Dolly’s got you covered.

History by Jay-Z

Album: Music Inspired By The Film More Than A Game

“Deep but fun” is what Jay-Z hoped was the interpretation of the song he wrote for former President Obama. 

The track makes use of metaphor to turn success into a woman. Success is a sister of defeat when she bears a child who is history. Making history is something both Obama and Jay-Z are no strangers to.  

The depth in the images used may come across as heavy. But, the track is meant to be enjoyed in a hopeful and celebratory context. Hope for the future and the success it holds, no matter what. 

Livin’ In America by James Brown

Album: Rocky IV (OST)

Of course, any Rocky fan will remember James singing this Grammy Award-winning track during Apollo Creed’s entrance. The track was an international hit, but folks back home feel a special fever when they hear it. 

No doubt the song’s message and appearance in the film helped it become such a massive hit. But let’s not forget that fantastic funky bed of Soul goodness upon which James’s voice rests. Who can’t shake their hips to those incredibly funky horns and Brown’s incredible voice?

In America by John Legend

Album: In America

John Legend is easily one of the most talented American musicians to emerge in the past two decades. He can write, sing, and play anything. And, what’s more, his music is always filled with beauty and positive energy. 

In this track, he decided to pour that warmth into a song about being thankful to be an American. “In America” is about the liberties and opportunities afforded American citizens. And it serves as a gorgeous reminder to celebrate and be thankful for that privilege. 

Philadelphia Freedom by Elton John 

Album: Captain Fantastic and The Brown Dirt Cowboy

The closing track from one of the best-named albums is one of many great songs written by Elton and long-time collaborator Bernie Taupin. Elton wrote the song to honor his friend Billie Jean King who was a player for the Philadelphia Freedoms Tennis team. 

Despite Taupin saying that he was not writing a song about patriotism, the lyrics have been interpreted by the masses as such. And, for many Americans, it’s a song that reminds them of their love for their country. The track’s Platinum status in the US should attest to how much they love it. 

Firework by Katy Perry 

Album: Teenage Dream

Katy’s proclivity for putting out tunes that are meant to empower and motivate is nothing new. This track was considered a deal-breaker when she was busy with her third album. Since its release, it’s been adopted by people all over the world as an anthem.

The track has been certified diamond in both the US and Australia. While the theme may be universal, many folks chose to adopt it as an anthem for the USA. When you listen to it, you can’t help but think of the fireworks on the 4th of July. 

America by Neil Diamond

Album: The Jazz Singer (OST)

Anyone who has ever had the pleasure of seeing Neil live will know that this track is one of the most loved by fans all over the world. There’s even a giant flag that gets displayed when the song reaches the lyric, “Every time that flag’s unfurled – They’re coming to America.“

“America” is one of Neil’s biggest hits ever. It tells a wonderful story of immigrating to America in the early 1900s. For many, it holds a special place in their heart. And why not? It’s a classic song of American patriotism. 

Many folks think that the original recording was a live performance. Not true. Rather the producers merely mixed live crowd sounds into the recording to assimilate a live feel. It is as if they know how huge the track would become. 

Only In America by Brooks & Dunn

Album: Steers & Stripes

“Only in America” is the third song from the Steers and Stripes album. It makes a lot of sense since this is an uptempo sing-along track that most Americans will be able to relate to.

The first verse tells the tale of a lonely bus driver and her whole school bus full of children. The second verse plunges us into the limousine of a newlywed couple. The track tells us that only in America can these folks dream as big as they do. 

The Star Spangled Banner Live at Woodstock by Jimi Hendrix 

Album: Experience Hendrix: The Best of Jimi Hendrix

When you ask, “Who is the greatest American guitarist of all time?” Jimi would be the final word for most people. His legacy as an upstart from America who blew the world away began with his first performance at Woodstock. 

Guitar burnings aside, Jimi’s performance of “The Star Spangled Banner” is a source of pride to any American who hears it. As a result, it is one of the best American patriotic songs ever performed. It’s an emblem of the country that shines through the halls of music history and will do so forever. 

American Pie by Don McLean

Album: American Pie

When this track was released in 1971, it was the longest song in history to break into the Billboard Hot 100. It would hold this record for more than 50 years. It’s one of the most iconic songs of the century, and perhaps of all time.

Another piece of interesting trivia is the phrase “the day the music died.” It is a popular term that was used to refer to the day that early rock n’ roll legends Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and The Big Bopper tragicly died in a plane crash. 

McLean stated that the lyrics are “beyond analysis.” However, to many Americans, it tells of the many great things in their fair country. Whichever interpretation you choose, it remains an America Classic and, therefore, a source of pride to all Americans. 

God Bless The USA by Lee Greenwood 

Album: You’ve Got A Good Love Comin’

This track surfaced in the public consciousness not once, not twice, but three times since its release in 1984. As far as theme and lyrics go, it’s a pretty straightforward song about patriotism. But that’s often what makes a song powerful. 

Aside from the original release, which became a Top 10 hit, it was re-recorded and released after it gained popularity again during the Gulf War. It resurfaced a third time after the attacks of September 11th, 2001. As was the writer’s intent, the track serves as a beacon to unify a nation. 

America The Beautiful by Ray Charles

Album: True Genius

President Obama referred to Ray Charles’ rendering of this classic tune as “The most patriotic piece of music ever performed.” Keep in mind that some of the other notable performers of this track include Frank Sinatra and Elvis Presley. 

Ray Charles gave this track the one thing that it cannot have enough of – heart and soul. This is probably why his version has become so endearing. The fact that ray himself had lived through some of the ugliest parts of American history is a further testament to the power of belief in your country. 

Red White And Blue by Lynyrd Skynyrd

Album: Vicious Cycle

This track was written shortly after the September 11th attacks took place. The group reminds us that no matter what challenges are faced by the country, the fact that we are Americans cannot be taken away. 

American Woman by Lenny Kravitz 

Album: 5

Sticking with American Rock music is this well-known Kravitz cover song. Originally, it was made famous by the Canadian band The Guess Who. The truth is that after Lenny got hold of this song, he turned into a proper American rocker about American honeys.

Lenny’s version is drenched in sex appeal and shooting from hip-style energy. Something that speaks to the vibrant drive that defines so much of the America Spirit. Its infectious energy is reflected in the track’s international success and enduring legacy. 

American Dreamin’ by Jay-Z 

Album: American Gangster

The third track from Jay-Z’s concept album tells of his early days as a wannabe hustler and dealer. However, if you listen to it enough times, the story can become a much larger one. 

The track paints a picture that is more common across America than many of us would admit. Jay-Z was just lucky enough to get out in time. The accompanying video has been praised for its storytelling and style. The track features a guest appearance from Kanye West. 

Surfin’ USA by The Beach Boys

Album: Surfin’ USA

Brian Wilson was with a friend and her brother, heading towards a surf spot, when the idea to rework Chuck Berry’s “Sweet Little Sixteen” with different lyrics. He asked the brother (who knew all the surf spots) for a list and got to writing. The rest is American music history. 

The track not only helped to define the “California Sound,” but it would lay the groundwork for generations to come. More than anything, it’s a great reminder of some of the great surfing spots in the USA.

Livin’ In The Promiseland by Willie Nelson

Album: The Promiseland

The opener from Willie’s thirty-fourth studio record is one hell of a tune if you want to feel good about being an American. Willie is as American as it gets, and in this track, he lays out a bunch of reasons for us to celebrate our homeland.

The track became Willie’s twelfth #1 on the Country Music chart and stayed there for twenty weeks.

Back In The USA by Chuck Berry 

Album: The Great Twenty-Eight

If you’ve been away from the States for a while and you need something to get you in the groove for returning home, look no further than Berry’s smash hit from the 50s.

The track reminds us of the freedoms, liberties, and culture that we hold dear to our hearts. But it also reminds us to be proud of where we come from. 

This Land Is Your Land by Woody Guthrie

Album: Bound for Glory: Songs and Stories of Woody Guthrie

Woody jokingly called this track “God Bless America for Me” before he renamed it “This Land Is Your Land.” He had composed the track after getting tired of hearing only one patriotic tune on the radio over and over. 

Since its inception, it has become one of the most important pieces of music ever to come out of America. It was chosen among 50 other songs to be included in the National Recordings Registry. 

Furthermore, there’s probably not an American alive who doesn’t love this tune and what it means to them. 

God Bless America by Irving Berlin

Album: Little Patriotic Box

A track containing a phrase that all Americans will utter numerous times in their lifetime. The track was written during World War I and revised when World War II loomed in the future. 

It is an expression of gratefulness for the one thing that all Americans love about their country – the fact that it is and always will be their home. 

Looking for Great American Songs?

Well, take a look at our detailed articles on the Best Fourth of July Songs, the Best Songs About California, the Best Baseball Walk Up Songs, the Best Country Love Songs, and the Best Songs about Cars for more incredible song selections.

Also, you need to hear those tunes. So, check out our in-depth reviews of the Best Headphones For Rock & Metal Music, the Best Headphones for Music, the Most Comfortable Headphones, the Best Sound Quality Earbuds, and the Best True Wireless Earbuds you can buy in 2023.

Best American Patriotic Songs – Final Thoughts

The songs listed here are just a handful of the thousands written in praise of the United States. Whether you want something full of history and reminiscence or just a feel-good track about the good life in America, there is a patriotic American song for you.

Until next time, happy listening.