Country music stars have produced many great patriotic songs over the years. Below I have compiled a list of the Top 10 Patriotic Country Music Songs that would be perfect to play at your Fourth of July party or barbecue. Some are a bit on the melancholy side, but it should be remembered that with freedom comes a price.
Patriotic Country Music songs to play at your 4th of July party #1
Trace Atkins – Arlington
This touching song is about a soldier who paid the ultimate price and is buried in Arlington Cemetery. Many military families were upset when this song was promoted, but when I think of Arlington National Cemetery, I think of the best of the best who gave their lives for their country.
Patriotic Country Music songs to play at your 4th of July party #2
Toby Keith – American Soldier
Toby Keith sings about what it means to be an American soldier, reminding us all that our soldiers sleep and fight elsewhere so that we may live free. This song reminds us all that even though we don’t see the job our soldiers are doing, they stand ready to defend their countrymen.
Patriotic Country Music songs to play at your 4th of July party #3
Toby Keith – Courtesy of the Red White and Blue
I personally love this song, which stemmed out of the terrorist attacks of 9/11. As he sings the song, you can almost picture the Statue of Liberty shaking her fist. My favorite part of the song is when Toby Keith issues his warning about putting “a boot in your ass” and it being the American way. Courtesy of the Red White and Blue is a great song for your Fourth of July barbecue because it is something that virtually all Americans can identify with: the anger at losing so many Firefighters, Police, and normal civilians on 9/11/2001.
Patriotic Country Music songs to play at your 4th of July party #4
Tim McGraw – If You’re Reading This
This song makes me cry every single time I listen to it. The song is about an American soldier who died and sings about where he’d like to be buried and how he hopes his daughter will grow up. This touching song will be sure to tug at your heart strings and serves as another reminder that soldiers fight far away wars and sometimes do not return home.
Patriotic Country Music songs to play at your 4th of July party #5
Lee Greenwood – God Bless The USA
I remember this song from back during the First Gulf War. Though God Bless The USA is over 20 years old, yet still rings true today. You Tube even offers a video, which runs about 3 minutes, featuring Mr. Greenwood singing this song. This ultra patriotic song is not too sappy; it is more matter of fact. God Bless The USA is patriotism at its best and is a great addition to your Fourth of July party mix.
Patriotic Country Music songs to play at your 4th of July party #6
Big & Rich – 8th of November
With so many songs about the current War we are fighting, this song holds a special spot in my heart. The story of this song is about a soldier from a different war who lost his buddies on the 8th of November in 1965. I get tears in my eyes listening to these lyrics, mostly because my own father is a Vietnam War Veteran. He lost many friends in that war and I know he thinks about them every now and then, just as the hero in this song does.
Patriotic Country Music songs to play at your 4th of July party #7
Billy Ray Cyrus – Some Gave All
Back when Billy Ray had achy breaky hair, he sung this song about a war veteran who told him that, “All gave some, some gave all.” This song is a reminder of what our soldiers have done to keep our country free.
Patriotic Country Music songs to play at your 4th of July party #8
Darryl Worley – Have You Forgotten
Another tear jerker, Have You Forgotten, is a patriotic song that reminds us all of the terror and horror of 9/11. Just when you get past the horrible events of that day and go about your daily life with nary a care, this song pops onto the radio to remind you of what can happen in the blink of an eye, and reminds you of our brave soldiers fighting a war to stop terrorism from ever coming back to our shores and destroying so many lives again. I agree with his sentiments. To this day, I cannot bear to watch television footage of the Twin Towers falling, knowing that so many of my fellow Americans were inside.
Patriotic Country Music songs to play at your 4th of July party #9
John Michael Montgomery – Letters From Home
What could be more patriotic than a song about an American soldier waiting on letters from home? This touching tale will bring a tear to your eye as he goes through getting a letter from his mom, his girl, and his dad. It showcases why it is so important to keep in contact with your loved ones who are deployed. This song is a great addition to your Fourth of July party mix if you will have veterans attending your barbecue. I am sure they remember how nice it was to receive a letter from home, while they were off fighting a war.
Patriotic Country Music songs to play at your 4th of July party #10
Phil Vassar – American Child
Phil Vassar’s American Child displays his talent piano playing talent, a nice break from guitar heavy country music. He celebrates what it is to be an American Child, singing about his gratitude for the opportunities he had as an American Child. American Child is one of the lighter picks than some of the songs above. The mood is very light and cheery and will help balance some of the more melancholy tunes on this list.There you have it, a country music lover’s Top 10 Patriotic Country Music Songs for your Fourth of July party or barbecue. I hope you enjoy these songs as much as I do. Many of the above titles can be found on You Tube if you wish to hear audio and see the videos.
