We all know the go-to songs everyone breaks out for Independence Day and all the other patriotic holidays. And while there’s nothing wrong with throwing on a little Bruce Springsteen, John Mellencamp or Woody Guthrie at this time of year, there’s also nothing wrong with shaking it up once in a while.
With the Fourth of July just about here, Vinyl Bay 777, Long Island’s music outlet, is taking a look at some alternative patriotic songs celebrating America and its culture. Here are four off-the-beaten path tracks to add to your Independence Day playlist.
1. Huey Lewis and the News, “The Heart of Rock and Roll”: In a politically fractured America, there is but one thing that most people can agree on and that is the power of music. “The Heart of Rock and Roll” gets at this uniting factor. In the song, Lewis name checks cities across the country, declaring that “Everywhere there’s music, real live music, bands with a million styles /But It’s still that some old rock and roll music / that really really, really drives ’em wild!” (Video)
2. The Grateful Dead, “U.S. Blues”: Set to a classic rock ’n’ roll tune, “U.S. Blues” brings everything about America and American music together into one giant ode to Americana. Though the song does seem to have a bit of a political bent to it (Uncle Sam will “drink your health, share your wealth, run your life” and “steal your wife”), in the end its chorus still invites you to “wave that flag” and be proud. (Video)
3. Sufjan Stevens, “Star Spangled Banner”: Sufjan Stevens’ spin on our oft covered national anthem is so unique that it’s hardly recognizable. Starting out with a gust of trumpet fanfare, the song suddenly falls quiet for a low-key, acoustic take on the first two verses. Once the instruments pick up again, he then throws in a children’s chorus to rhythmically sing the final verse before falling once again for the final line, incorporating the chorus and the guitars to end that final line with both quiet dignity and power. (Video)
4. Circle Jerks, “American Heavy Metal Weekend”: While the extent of its traditional patriotism starts and ends with the few electrified bars of “Oh Say Can You See” at the beginning, punk rockers Circle Jerks find their own way to celebrate their national pride with “American Heavy Metal Weekend.” The song states that American metal is the one and only real, original metal and that metal from other countries is just copying America’s scene. It’s like a hardcore way of chanting “We’re number one.” (Video)
The Fourth of July is a time to celebrate US independence and be proud of our country. And while there is always a list of go-to songs that scream US pride, there are so many more alternative songs that are just as patriotic. Check out some of our picks above and let us know what you’re favorite patriotic songs are.