By Gary Bennett
The six weeks from Memorial Day to the Fourth of July (with Flag Day on June 14 thrown in there for good measure) should be known as the “Honor America Sesquimonthly.” (If no one is claiming that phrase, I’ll be glad to.)
The feeling of pride we get this time of year is unlike any other. Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day is close, but different. The “holidays” are warm, cozy and faith- and family-oriented. This patriotic time of year is sometimes boisterous or somber, proud and neighbor-oriented.
There is something special about these six weeks. We make it a point to honor our fallen war heroes, Old Glory and our bold declaration of independence from Great Britain. It doesn’t hurt that all of this celebrating is done in front of a backdrop of delightfully mild weather so we can all get outside and share our good fortune with each other.
And, as with most human endeavors, a soundtrack of great music makes it even better.
There are many great traditional patriotic songs beginning with Frederick’s own “Star Spangled Banner.” Just watch any July 4 fireworks show and you are sure to hear the “who’s who” of patriotic music: “America” (My country ‘tis of thee), “America the Beautiful,” “God Bless America,” “Stars and Stripes Forever,” “1776 Overture,” “1812 Overture” (with canons firing), “Washington Post March,” “This Land is Your Land,” “Yankee Doodle,” “Battle Hymn of the Republic,” “You’re a Grand Old Flag” and the stirring themes from our five military branches.
But did you know that recent country, pop and rock artists put pen to paper and came up with some fabulously patriotic songs to help us mark the season? Of course you did! But someone has to list them, so I’ll take it from here!
Here are my top 10 present-day patriotic songs from well-known artists. They deserve our gratitude for tackling a tough assignment and adding to our pride and warm feelings at this special time of year.
You won’t find many country songs here, because I’m not much of a country music fan. But my No. 1 song is proudly country.
1. “GOD BLESS THE USA”
Lee Greenwood, 1984
This classic tune came into prominence after 9/11 and became an instant standard. Stirring and proud, it is played at most large events.
“And I’m proud to be an American, where at least I know I’m free. And I won’t forget the men who died, who gave that right to me.”
2. “AMERICA”
Simon and Garfunkel, 1968
Bittersweet and soulful, this song represents a search for America that has seemingly disappeared. You’ll recognize the Paul Simon signature melody instantly.
“Let us be lovers. We’ll marry our fortunes together. I’ve got some real estate here in my bag. So we bought a pack of cigarettes and Mrs. Wagner pies and walked off to look for America.”
3. “AMERICA”
Neil Diamond, 1980
An immigrant’s anthem as they try to make a better life in America at a time when they were more welcome here.
“Free, only want to be free. We huddle close, hang on to a dream. On the boats and on the planes, they’re coming to America.”
4. “BORN IN THE USA”
Bruce Springsteen, 1984
The Boss’ hard-rocking, explicitly anti-war anthem drips with defiance but recovers with a deceptively patriotic chorus.
“Born down in a dead man’s town, the first kick I took was when I hit the ground. End up like a dog that’s been beat too much till you spend half your life just coverin’ up. Born in the USA.”
5. “R.O.C.K. IN THE USA”
John Cougar Mellencamp, 1982
A light-hearted but hard-driving spelling bee of a song that harkens back to the music of the ’60s.
“They come from the cities, and they come from the smaller towns, and beat up cars with guitars and drummers goin’ crack boom bam. R.O.C.K. in the USA!”
6. “AMERICAN GIRL”
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, 1976
This is a tuneful song from an artist that left us too soon about making the most of your life in America.
“Take it easy, baby. Make it last all night. She was an American girl.”
7. “AMERICAN WOMAN”
The Guess Who, 1970 (covered by Lenny Kravitz, 2013)
A bunch of Canadian rockers intimidated by American women who seem full of attitude and self-assurance. Kravitz made it relative again.
“Don’t come knockin’ ’round my door. I don’t wanna see your shadow no more. Colored lights can hypnotize, sparkle someone else’s eyes. So woman, get away from me-e.”
8. “PINK HOUSES”
John Cougar Mellencamp, 1983
A tribute to the everyday folks that built America and wanted nothing more than a little piece of the American dream.
“Ah, but ain’t that America for you and me? Ain’t that America? Somethin’ to see, baby. Ain’t that America? Home of the free … little pink houses for you and me.”
9. “AMERICAN PIE”
Don McLean, 1971
A 9-minute tribute to the day the music died in 1959 is layered with surreal imagery and a great sing-along chorus.
“So, bye-bye, Miss American Pie. Drove my Chevy to the levee, but the levee was dry. Them good ol’ boys were drinkin’ whiskey and rye, singin’ this’ll be the day that I die.”
10. “I WON’T BACK DOWN”
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, 1989
A defiant, “take-no-prisoners” song that captures the fighting spirit of America.
“Well, I know what’s right. I got just one life. In a world that keeps on pushin’ me around, but I’ll stand my ground. And I won’t back down.”
HONORABLE MENTIONS
Chuck Berry’s “Back in the USA,” Brooks and Dunn’s “Only in America,” James Brown’s “Living in America,” Johnny Cash’s “Ragged Old Flag,” Jimmy Hendrix’s “Star Spangled Banner,” Faith Hill’s “American Heart,” Toby Keith’s “American Soldier,” Kiss’ “Rockin’ in the USA,” Led Zeppelin’s “Immigrant Song,” Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Red White and Blue,” Brad Paisley’s “American Saturday Night,” Katy Perry’s “Firework,” Paul Simon’s “American Tune,” Steve Miller Band’s “Living in the USA,” Carrie Underwood’s “All-American Girl” and Neil Young’s “Rockin’ in the Free World.”