Holidays like the 4th of July and Memorial Day call for BBQs and outdoor celebrations. Which means you'll want to mix up a summer cocktail, gather your favorite people, and put on a playlist filled with feel-good music! Since summer holidays tend to be about America and its historic significance, it would make sense that you'll want to fill these playlists with some classic patriotic songs. If you really want to get that summer vibe going, you can opt for country patriotic songs to raise your spirits. Yeah, there are plenty of tunes you could include, but if you need help narrowing some down, then take a look at the songs on this list.
Here, you'll find some of the best country songs of all time, like the 4th of July staple "God Bless the USA" by Lee Greenwood, and some of the saddest country songs ever, like "Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning)" by Alan Jackson. (Because being sentimental and proud of your country's history is bound to happen at some point.) Then there are some proud, feel-good country songs like "Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue" by Toby Keith that'll really get your blood (and fists!) pumping. No matter when or where you play these songs, they're sure to make you feel so proud to be an American.
Mickey Guyton is everywhere in the country music scene right now, and her original song "All American" will show you why. It's the perfect slow yet catchy melody to play at any function this summer, especially since the lyrics have to do with that all American fun.
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"Where The Stars & Stripes & The Eagle Fly" by Aaron Tippin
"Well, if you ask me where I come from... Here's what I tell everyone." Phew! What a way to start a song. 👏 This one is bold and clear, and will make for a great listen at any point in time.
Sometimes, it's the small things that this country has to offer that makes it so great. Rodney Atkins sings of the simple pleasures of life, like seeing young ones sell lemonade in front of their house in the summer time. Small, yes, but it brings pure joy!
What does your American country love song look like? For Jake Owen, it's that one final kiss of the night in the driveway while blasting his lover's favorite tune in the car. (Aww!)
"Ridin' down red dirt / Drivin' in a white truck /Lookin' at a pretty blue sky." Thomas Rhett's play on words have been noted! This song proves why the country singer is one of the best out there right now.
Billy Ray Cyrus and then-wife Cindy Smith co-wrote this song after speaking with a Vietnam veteran. It pays tribute to all the men and women who have served in the military, especially the ones who made the greatest sacrifice of all.
Lee Greenwood's patriotic hit is a staple at sporting events and fireworks displays on the 4th of July—and it's easy to see why. It's all about being "proud to be an American!"
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"Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue" by Toby Keith
The titular flag in Johnny Cash's song may appear old and ragged, he explains, but that's because it's braved many a war and stood tall through it all.
From their album Home, this emotional track from The Chicks details the story of a girl writing to a soldier in the Vietnam War who is later killed in battle.
This fun song expresses gratitude for the simple joys in life, like fried chicken and a cold beer, as well as bigger blessings, like the people who have given their lives so that others could be free.
This title track off Brad Paisley's sixth studio album celebrates cultural diversity in America. The title itself is likely a nod to Saturday Night Live, whose iconic line, "Live from New York, it's Saturday Night," is referenced in the lyrics.
Tierney McAfee is a freelance writer and Country Living and The Pioneer Woman contributor who covers entertainment, holiday & entertaining, food & drinks, design ideas, DIY, and more.