4 Great Songs Named ‘4th Of July’

The summer’s most celebratory holiday is upon us. Whether it’s a live show or blasting a soundtrack at your backyard barbeque, music always plays an important role in July 4th festivities. Perhaps that’s a reason why there are so many great songs that are named 4th of July.

Three short years ago, we longed for the day where this holiday could be shared with friends, family, and neighbors. We dreamed about how something so simple, like walking across the street to have a hot dog and beer would never be taken for granted again. With that, we envisioned that when we do reconvene, the July 4th holiday will feel triumphant.

Now, 4th of July music takes on a different meaning. Regardless of the artist, they take on that additional meaning, of appreciating the fact that we get to listen to them together. Furthermore, this song title and theme spans multiple genres. The great songs listed here that entitled “4th of July” are by a wide-range of artists.

We have rock, R & B, pop, and indie artists who all have songs under this title. In addition, each song is flexible enough where it can find its place in your playlist. Although it will most likely get spun more frequently during this time of year, these are also songs acceptable to listen to at any time.

Honorable Mention:

Believe it or not, there was a significant list of songs entitled “4th of July” to pick from here. Here are a few artists worth mentioning that although they are not in our top four, also are worthy of point out.

Painted Shield
Brian McKnight
Smash Mouth
Cold War Kids
The Parlor Mob
Shooter Jennings
Sufjan Stevens
The Parlor Mob
Haven
The Districts

With further ado, here are 4 great songs to crank up this week that are all entitled  “4th of July.” The place perfectly next to any Jimmy Buffet song or “Born In The U.S.A.” rendition you already have in your party playlist.

• Soundgarden - "4th Of July"

  The late, great, Chris Cornell even had a way to put a haunting spin on such a theme, and still make it beautiful. It was a deep cut on their most successful record, Superunknown. It wasn’t played live often, but when it when it did make an appearance, it was always a fan-favorite.

• Kelis - "4th Of July (Fireworks)"

  It’s only appropriate that song that adds “fireworks” as a subtitle makes the list. Is this song now about Bill Murray? Regardless, you can dance to it, or have it accompany a fireworks display, lighting up the dark sky.

• Fall Out Boy - "4th of July"

  This song tells the story of a July 4th memory. Isn’t that what the holiday is for? Creating and sharing a summer moment. The closing lyric of, “May the bridges I have burned
  Light my way back home on the fourth of July,” is strong sentiment we can all relate to, reflecting upon a summer moment that wish never got away.

• Bruce Springsteen - "4th Of July"

  The second song on the Boss’s second album, The Wild, the Innocent & the E Street Shuffle. Perhaps there is no better storyteller than Bruce, and this encapsulates reflecting upon July 4th memories. Plus, it just feels appropriate to have a “Sha, la, la, la, la,” singing sendoff. He makes you feel like you’re on the Asbury Park Boardwalk, circa the early ’70s.