Top 10 Independence Day Songs

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The definition of independence is the freedom of control from others. When it comes to celebrating Independence Day, there are a few holidays that are as important as this. There are so many songs from various genres that make reference to independence. Regardless of the music style, each artist has their own idea of what being independent means to them. As for classic rock, there are some songs that really stick out more than others. With so many to choose from, the ten featured in this list have been based on a personal preference.

Top 10 Independence Day Songs

#10 – Spirit of America (performed by the Beach Boys)

Technically, “Spirit of America” was a song about Craig Breedlove and the names used for his turbojet-fueled race cars. On September 5, 1963, Breedlove became the first driver in history to reach the average speed of four hundred miles per hour. He also became the first driver to reach the five hundred miles per hour mark, as well as the six hundred miles per hour mark. For the Beach Boys, the album, Little Deuce Coupe, was released on October 7, 1963. “Spirit of America” actually paid homage to Breedlove and his cars. This song also represented the triumphant spirit of Americans, each living their own lives as if they were racing on a track of their own.

#9 – Almost Independence Day (performed by Van Morrison)

Believe it or not, even musical talent not from American soil can bring forth a solid patriotic rock classic about the USA. Van Morrison’s “Almost Independence Day” was a ten-minute musical, celebrating America’s biggest holiday. From his 1972 album, Saint Dominic’s Preview, this song was inspired by Morrison as he stared across the harbor of San Francisco, California. Designed to serve as a meditative number, it is one of those songs best enjoyed while watching the summer sunset.

The appeal behind “Almost Independence Day’ was the appreciative view of America and its culture. The opening guitar led to a Pink Floyd style wave before Van Morrison began to vocally perform a song that’s simply meant to sit back and enjoy. There’s no politics involved, nor social movements that take away from the desire to simply be entertained.

#8 – 4th of July (performed by X)

What makes “4th of July” stand out is the struggle of a couple looking to put their relationship back on track. Together, they use the festive occasion of Independence Day” to do it. This 1987 punk rock classic was featured on X’s album, See How We Are. This was a song that appealed to the blue-collar worker. Fans of the television series, The Sopranos, may recognize “4th of July” as it was played in 2006 during the end credits of the episode, Live Free or Die. A couple wanting to reconnect with each other and using Independence Day as an opportunity to do it was the highlight of this song. This down-to-earth approach makes “4th of July” an easy fan favorite that prefers simplicity over the complex.

#7 – Tears of Rage (performed by Bob Dylan and Band)

“Tears of Rage” was a song that made its 1968 debut with Bob Dylan as lead vocalist and the Band as backup performers. This is a different version from the 1967 recording Bob Dylan made as a solo artist that would later appear on the 1975 double album, The Basement Tapes. The original version was about taking a stand against the controversial events of the Vietnam War.

It was a song loaded with regret during an era that saw the American nation deeply divided. “Tears of Rage” was the first to acknowledge the anguish of the soldiers from that war. At the time, the USA did not come across as the same nation that was founded under the American Declaration of Independence. To this day, the need to defend that independence remains, as does the need to defend the American Constitution and the Bill of Rights.

#6 – Our Country (performed by John Cougar Mellencamp)

While “R.O.C.K. in the USA” and “Pink Houses” have their merit, “Our Country’ by John Cougar Mellencamp also deserves special mention. This song of acknowledgment of the American people still fighting political and social issues saw Mellencamp at his best. Prior to the song being released as a single, “Our Country” was used in the Chevrolet Silverado commercials.

From the 2006 album, Freedom’s Road, “Our Country” became a number sixteen hit on the US Billboard Adult Contemporary chart. On the US Billboard Hot 100, it peaked at number eighty-eight. It also made a chart appearance on the US Billboard Hot Country Songs chart at number thirty-nine. “Our Country” was composed as a pro-labor, populist-favoring song. It still continues to serve as a source of inspiration among activists, politicians, and fans.

#5 – Victory Day (performed by Red Rider)

In 1988, Red Rider released the single, “Victory Day,” which became a number thirty-two hit on the RPM Canadian Top Singles chart. Although not a big hit for Tom Cochrane’s band, “Victory Day’ was a song that shared the hard-fought triumphs of a woman who fought for her freedom. This song beautifully parallels Independence Day as a victorious occasion but does so on a more personal note. Independence Day in the US was the official declaration the Americans earned after fighting so hard to achieve it. “Victory Day” has so much in common with the United States of America’s founding fathers. If there was ever a song that best reflected a nation’s patriotism, “Victory Day” is it.

#4 – Living in America (performed by James Brown)

“Living in America” was the song performed by James Brown as a grand spectacle in the fourth installment of the Rocky movie series. After this song was released in 1985, it became a number-four hit on the US Billboard Hot 100. In 1987, it won a Grammy Award for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance. This song celebrated the joy of living life as a free American citizen, basking in the glory of all the freedoms it has to offer as a nation. “Living in America” continues to define a population who celebrate the country they call home. In addition to this single becoming a big hit in the US, it also charted within the top ten on many international music charts. In Canada, “Living in America” was popular enough to become certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America.

#3 – The Hands That Built America (performed by U2)

Gangs of New York was a movie that was released in 2002 and featured the song, “The Hands That Built America,” performed by the Irish rock group, U2. Although it was nominated for Best Original Song at the 2003 Academy Awards, it lost to Eminem’s “Lose Yourself.” This song, as well as the movie, focused on the Irish immigrants who moved to New York in an attempt to realize the American dream for themselves. As a great classic rock song that also doubles as a history lesson, “The Hands That Built America” is one of those rare gems worth listening to.

#2 – America (performed by Neil Diamond)

When Neil Diamond recorded and released “America” as a single, it was for his 1980 film and soundtrack, The Jazz Singer. In 1981, it became a number eight hit on the US Billboard Hot 100, as well as a number one hit on the US Billboard Adult Contemporary Songs chart. One of the highlights of this song was the cheering of a crowd at the beginning, suggesting this was a live performance.

However, it was an overdub that was played while this song was recorded in a studio. “America” was a song that celebrated the scores of people who immigrated to the United States, especially during the early 1900s. Just like the nation’s founding fathers, people who come to America want to become part of the land that holds its freedoms in high regard. Celebratory and patriotic, “America” serves as a classic rock anthem that has a domestic and international fan base.

#1 – Saturday in the Park (performed by Chicago)

In 1972, Chicago released the hit single, “Saturday in the Park.” It was one of the tracks from the album, Chicago V. The reference to the fourth of July mention came from Robert Lamm, one of the band’s founding members. On Saturday, July 4, 1970, this song was written while Chicago was recording music for the album, Chicago III. This was a laid-back tune, written by an artist who was inspired by the festive activities that were taking place in New York City’s Central Park.

It also served as a celebration of a nation rich with culture that could only be made possible by the people who proudly call the USA their home. On the US Billboard Hot 100, it became a number three hit and was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America. What makes “Saturday in the Park” a personal favorite was the focus on appreciating the moment. Past events and future concerns are irrelevant as we take in the view of today and celebrate it for the present it is.