From those trending coastal cowgirl playlists to beach reads that encapsulate summer romances, it seems summer 2023 is here for the ~vibes~ — and the Fourth of July is no different. There’s something about the smell of barbecue, loud fireworks, and sticky weather that creates a pang of nostalgia like no other. Even if you’re not a country music fan, you have to admit that belting “Chicken Fried” with your childhood friends under the fireworks is a core memory. Or, if you’re more of a Lana Del Rey Fourth of July girl, then there’s nothing like screaming “Summertime Sadness” as you romanticize your hot summer nights in July.
Whether you’re celebrating to pay homage to your country or to channel your inner Belly from The Summer I Turned Pretty, the Fourth of July screams summertime memories and there’s a song for whatever vibe you’re creating this Independence Day. From a barbecue with your family to a boat ride with friends, here are 40 songs to add to your Fourth of July playlist that are perfect for firework-watching, late-night dancing, and celebrating.
- “Party In The U.S.A.” by Miley Cyrus
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- “Firework” by Katy Perry
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- “Good Days” by SZA
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- “Chicken Fried” by Zac Brown Band
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Would it really be a Fourth of July without “Chicken Fried”? From the catchy country twang to the nods to American treasures, nothing feels more patriotic than belting this song with your friends at a Fourth of July barbecue or pool day.
- “Dreams – 2004 Remaster” by Fleetwood Mac
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- “Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! (A Man After Midnight)” By ABBA
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- “God Bless America — And All The Beautiful Women In It” by Lana Del Rey
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- “Cruel Summer” by Taylor Swift
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One thing Ms. Swift is going to do is make a song fit for every occasion. Though “Cruel Summer” is not a clear-cut Fourth of July song, the vibes from this hit channel good times, good people, and hot summer days.
- “Born in the U.S.A.” by Bruce Springsteen
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- “American Boy” by Estelle
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- “Take Me Home, Country Roads” by John Denver
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- “Sweet Home Alabama” by Lynyrd Skynyrd
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I feel that it’s only right to include this anthem. “Sweet Home Alabama” is one of those songs where no one meant to learn the lyrics, but somehow everyone knows them. It’s a hit among any Fourth of July party-goer, both old and young.
- “Bennie And The Jets” by Elton John
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- “Dog Days Are Over” by Florence + The Machine
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- “Summer” by Calvin Harris
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- “Doses & Mimosas” by Cherub
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“Doses & Mimosas” is a college kid’s theme song on a night out. It might not scream the Fourth of July, but it does scream dancing, happy days, and core memories, which is the vibe I’m going for this Independence Day.
- “I Wanna Dance with Somebody” by Whitney Houston
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- “Hey Ya!” by Outkast
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- “A Sky Full of Stars” by Coldplay
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- “Summertime Sadness” by Lana Del Rey
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Lana Del Rey once said, “Hot summer nights, mid-July.” Though those lyrics might come from “Young and Beautiful,” Del Rey knows how to write a summertime hit to romanticize your hot nights. “Summertime Sadness” never fails to set the vibe for the celebratory hot night in July just around the corner.
- “Don’t Stop Me Now” by Queen
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- “Memories” by Maroon 5
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- “Watermelon Sugar” by Harry Styles
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- “Flowers” by Miley Cyrus
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Though “Flowers” might be about personal independence, the message and beat still fit the occasion. Whether you’re going on a boat or hanging at home to watch the fireworks, this song should be in your queue this Fourth of July.
- “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen
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- “Circles” by Post Malone
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- “When It Rains It Pours” by Luke Combs
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- “Mr. Brightside” by The Killers
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There is a carefully curated selection of songs that would make anyone dance no matter their music taste, and “Mr. Brightside” is one of the chosen ones. This song is a must to take your Fourth of July party up a notch.
- “Sweet Caroline” by Neil Diamond
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- “Uptown Girl” by Billy Joel
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- “Malibu” by Miley Cyrus
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- “Tennessee Whiskey” by Chris Stapleton
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I’m not a country music stan, but there is just something in this song that is *chef’s kiss*. Maybe you’re sipping on strawberry wine or going stronger with a glass of brandy. Whatever your drink of choice, play this song during all your Fourth of July festivities.
- “The Spins” by Mac Miller
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- “Everywhere” by Fleetwood Mac
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- “Style” by Taylor Swift
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- “Hard Times” by Paramore
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There’s no denying that every year we go through hard times, so view the Fourth of July as celebrating our country or maybe just yourself powering through those ups and downs. What better way to commemorate powering through these times than blasting “Hard Times” by Paramore?
- “Springsteen” by Eric Church
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- “All Summer Long” by Kid Rock
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- “You’re Gonna Go Far” by Noah Kahan
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- “American Pie” by Don McLean
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Old hits and the Fourth of July just go hand-in-hand, and “American Pie” is the epitome of this. This song emulates all the vibes of the holiday, so turn it up as you’re hanging out with your friends or family. I promise you there’s nothing like singing in unison, “And they were singing bye-bye, Miss American Pie.”