Every year, as we near the “patriotic” part of the year as we celebrate Memorial Day and Independence Day, there are songs that people play that when you break them down, are really not patriotic and the message contained within them is not quite the intended message.  We’re going to take a look at some songs that are both good and bad to play on our patriotic days in the U. S.

SportsAnnouncing.com Playlist: America

Good

These are the songs you should have, at the very least, in your library to reference.

God Bless the USA – Lee Greenwood is THE song that everyone thinks of when talking about this kind of music.  You must have it.  And put two versions into your system, the full version, and the edited version that starts at the last chorus.  It’s about 1:21 long and will do a great job of carrying you through a salute to veterans.

Born Free – Kid Rock is a song you should have even if you shy away from the lyrics of his other hits.  The lines about getting knocked down, back up and not allowing anyone to hold you back speak to the American Spirit.

Living in America – James Brown from Rocky IV is a pumped up funky American theme.  You’ll find people dancing and moving through the whole song.

America – Neil Diamond talks about immigrants who found their way to America and the message gets people moving.  A great song that inspires.

Bad

These are the songs that sound great, but when you listen to the lyrics and the message, would not reflect the message you were hoping for when playing.

Independence Day – Martina McBride is the song that most people scream out the start of the chrous, “LET FREEDOM RIIIIIIIING.”  It sounds like it should be a patriotic song, however that’s not the theme of the hit by the amazing Martina McBride.  The song is about spousal abuse and murder.  Though there are numerous references to the Star Spangled Banner in the song, this song is not as appropriate as you would hope for July 4.

Born in the USA – Bruce Springsteen was a constant hit on the radio after it was released in the 80’s.  Even to this day, you know this song just by the opening notes.  However, Springsteen was singing about the treatment that our veterans who were coming home from Vietnam suffered in the 1970’s.  Though our treatment and respect of veterans has taken a completely different course in the last few years, where we honor and thank our veterans, this song exposed the black-eye of how we treated those that kept us safe.

As always, if you have suggestions for songs, please let us know.  We’re happy to review them and talk about them.