AMERICA: My Beautiful

In honor of America’s greatest holiday, the Fourth of July, I thought it’d be fun to compile a group of songs fit to celebrate our independence. I also wanted to keep with the theme of summertime, BBQ’s, and the beach. Or in my case, the back fields. I grew up in the puck-a-brush.


We did have The Cove, where we’d stupidly leap off a 10, 30, or 60 foot cliff. Eh…yeah, I never made it past the 10 footer. But that really can’t compare to the warmth of a sandy beach or the salty breeze wafting off the ocean water.


Stupid human info: Is the Pacific Ocean warmer than the Atlantic Ocean? Any answer gets a round of applause by the Oasis ladies. Maybe we’ll even to a happy dance.


When I began combing the catacombs of my brain for related songs, the first one that hit me was “Born in the USA” by Bruce Springsteen. It reminds me of grit and grime, and what it truly took to make this country work.


Neil Diamond’s “America” was next. This is one of my ultimate favorite songs. I can picture myself guitar in hand, hips gyrating, and the crowd going wild. Oh, sorry. That was my dream last night. Erase visual please.


And how could we celebrate the Fourth without Don McLean’s “American Pie”? Can’t be done.


Bye, bye miss American Pie
Drove my Chevy to the levee but the levee was dry
And good ol' boys were drinking whiskey and rye
Singing this will be the day that I die
this will be the day that I die


You can hear it as you read it, huh?? Love that.


One of my personal faves is from Phil Vassar, “American Child”. I think we all can relate to this song. It captures the true essence of growing up in the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave.

(Supporting a wonderful artist.)

And here are a few great songs to upload onto the iPod and jam to while barbecuing this weekend.


“American Woman” The Guess Who
“Back in the U.S.A.” Chuck Berry
“Born to be Wild” Steppenwolf
“Blowin’ in the Wind” Bob Dylan
“Independence Day” Martina McBride


Of course there are songs like “America the Beautiful”, “God Bless America”, and even “Take me out to the ballgame”. Yeah that one is different but it’s all American.


May we be thankful to those who have come before us and ensured our way of life. May we also celebrate the wonderful culture we have in our music, how it carries us and inspires us.


Happy Fourth of July, everyone.