Six patriotic songs for Memorial Day weekend
Posted On: 5/23/14
Written By: Nate Brunet
*Click images below to view larger versions.
Well, if the heavy traffic of last week’s cruiser event was any indication of how busy Ocean City will be this year, we’re in for one heck of a summer! While sitting in traffic that was more akin to that on the Fourth of July rather than the middle of May, I became excited thinking even more people could be in town at this time for Memorial Day weekend! While we honor loved ones lost serving in one of our country’s Armed Forces, it’s also important to view their sacrifice in a positive light. And I can’t imagine doing so in any better way than spending the weekend in beautiful Ocean City! As you remember friends and family who are no longer with us, or are simply paying respect to those who have lost their lives serving this country, I would like to share with you my six favorite patriotic songs representing what makes America great.
“R.O.C.K. in the U.S.A.”
By: John Cougar Mellencamp
Off the album: Scarecrow (1985)
This song simply details the musician’s American dream: to emerge from their hometown inspired by famous acts and travelling around the country playing music in hopes of making it big. Before recording the song, Mellencamp made his band listen to hundreds of songs from the 1960s so they could capture the sound of music in that era. There are references to several ‘60s songs in “R.O.C.K. in the U.S.A.” including “Wild Thing” by The Troggs and “Cherry, Cherry” by Neil Diamond. The song peaked at #2 on the Billboard Hot 100, behind “Rock Me Amadeus” by Falco.
By: John Cougar Mellencamp
Off the album: Scarecrow (1985)
This song simply details the musician’s American dream: to emerge from their hometown inspired by famous acts and travelling around the country playing music in hopes of making it big. Before recording the song, Mellencamp made his band listen to hundreds of songs from the 1960s so they could capture the sound of music in that era. There are references to several ‘60s songs in “R.O.C.K. in the U.S.A.” including “Wild Thing” by The Troggs and “Cherry, Cherry” by Neil Diamond. The song peaked at #2 on the Billboard Hot 100, behind “Rock Me Amadeus” by Falco.
“We’re an American Band”
By: Grand Funk Railroad
Off the album: We’re an American Band (1973)
While “R.O.C.K. in the U.S.A.” is about bands vying for the spotlight, “We’re an American Band” is a story about the life of a band that has made it in the business and embarks on huge tours around the country, or even the world. According to rock critic Dave Marsh, the song was written after an argument between members of the American group Grand Funk Railroad and British group Humble Pie, who were touring together. The two bands were drinking together at a bar after a show when a discussion about American music versus British music came about. Grand Funk Railroad drummer Don Brewer stood up in the middle of the argument and proudly proclaimed “We’re an American Band!” Brewer then wrote the song that night and it turned into the band’s first #1 single.
“America”
By: Simon & Garfunkel
Off the album: Bookends (1968)
America- Simon & Garfunkel
A more mature view about the state of America in the ‘60s, Simon & Garfunkel’s “America” celebrates the youth’s fascination of exploring the country, while also criticizing some of the more mundane aspects about the nation. Despite some negativity, the song still paints a positive picture of the drive and optimism of this country’s youth. Although the reference to Saginaw, Michigan may seem strange to most, according to former Saginaw DJ Bob Dyer, Paul Simon wrote the song while in town for a concert series. According to Dyer, Simon took much less money than he usually does for gigs just to see the city because of its odd name. “America” is known as not only one of the band’s most famous songs, but also widely regarded as one of Simon’s best songwriting efforts.
By: Grand Funk Railroad
Off the album: We’re an American Band (1973)
While “R.O.C.K. in the U.S.A.” is about bands vying for the spotlight, “We’re an American Band” is a story about the life of a band that has made it in the business and embarks on huge tours around the country, or even the world. According to rock critic Dave Marsh, the song was written after an argument between members of the American group Grand Funk Railroad and British group Humble Pie, who were touring together. The two bands were drinking together at a bar after a show when a discussion about American music versus British music came about. Grand Funk Railroad drummer Don Brewer stood up in the middle of the argument and proudly proclaimed “We’re an American Band!” Brewer then wrote the song that night and it turned into the band’s first #1 single.
“America”
By: Simon & Garfunkel
Off the album: Bookends (1968)
America- Simon & Garfunkel
A more mature view about the state of America in the ‘60s, Simon & Garfunkel’s “America” celebrates the youth’s fascination of exploring the country, while also criticizing some of the more mundane aspects about the nation. Despite some negativity, the song still paints a positive picture of the drive and optimism of this country’s youth. Although the reference to Saginaw, Michigan may seem strange to most, according to former Saginaw DJ Bob Dyer, Paul Simon wrote the song while in town for a concert series. According to Dyer, Simon took much less money than he usually does for gigs just to see the city because of its odd name. “America” is known as not only one of the band’s most famous songs, but also widely regarded as one of Simon’s best songwriting efforts.
“Born in the U.S.A.”
By: Bruce Springsteen
Off the album: Born in the U.S.A. (1984)
First, I’d like to make it clear that I have not misinterpreted the lyrics incorrectly: I know this is a protest song. But at the same time, we could ignore the anti-war message and think of it as a positive call to protect and care for our young troops who have been deployed. I think the song is patriotic no matter how you view it. Plus, how fun is it to yell at the top of your lungs, “Born in the U.S.A.?” The song was first an acoustic solo performance by Springsteen written for the mostly acoustic album Nebraska. However, Springsteen’s manager and producer Jon Landau thought the song’s lyrics didn’t fit the music, so the song was shelved and rewritten with the full E Street Band for his more pop-oriented album, Born in the U.S.A.
“The Star-Spangled Banner”
By: Jimi Hendrix
If you’re wondering why I didn’t list an album for this song, it’s because you have missed out on one of the greatest live performances in music history. During Hendrix’s set at the legendary Woodstock Festival, he performed an instrumental cover of our nation’s national anthem that included ridiculous amounts of feedback and distortion to simulate the sound of missiles and bombs. While many believe the song to be a protest song about the Vietnam War, Hendrix himself said at a press conference weeks after the performance that it was meant to have a “Go America” theme rather than a message of protest.
By: Bruce Springsteen
Off the album: Born in the U.S.A. (1984)
First, I’d like to make it clear that I have not misinterpreted the lyrics incorrectly: I know this is a protest song. But at the same time, we could ignore the anti-war message and think of it as a positive call to protect and care for our young troops who have been deployed. I think the song is patriotic no matter how you view it. Plus, how fun is it to yell at the top of your lungs, “Born in the U.S.A.?” The song was first an acoustic solo performance by Springsteen written for the mostly acoustic album Nebraska. However, Springsteen’s manager and producer Jon Landau thought the song’s lyrics didn’t fit the music, so the song was shelved and rewritten with the full E Street Band for his more pop-oriented album, Born in the U.S.A.
“The Star-Spangled Banner”
By: Jimi Hendrix
If you’re wondering why I didn’t list an album for this song, it’s because you have missed out on one of the greatest live performances in music history. During Hendrix’s set at the legendary Woodstock Festival, he performed an instrumental cover of our nation’s national anthem that included ridiculous amounts of feedback and distortion to simulate the sound of missiles and bombs. While many believe the song to be a protest song about the Vietnam War, Hendrix himself said at a press conference weeks after the performance that it was meant to have a “Go America” theme rather than a message of protest.
“Living in America”
By: James Brown
Off the album: Gravity (1986)
Here we are, ladies and gentlemen: the single greatest celebration about American life in music history. There is no protest or deep thought here; just a man reflecting on everything that makes this country so great. Most of us know the song for its appearance in the film Rocky IV, for which it was written. The full, almost six-minute-long, version was included on his next album, Gravity, where it won Brown a Grammy Award for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance in 1986.
By: James Brown
Off the album: Gravity (1986)
Here we are, ladies and gentlemen: the single greatest celebration about American life in music history. There is no protest or deep thought here; just a man reflecting on everything that makes this country so great. Most of us know the song for its appearance in the film Rocky IV, for which it was written. The full, almost six-minute-long, version was included on his next album, Gravity, where it won Brown a Grammy Award for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance in 1986.