30 patriotic songs to listen to on the 4th of July

The sun is shining, the grill is sizzling, and it's time to get ready for your annual Fourth of July festivities.

Whether you're staking out the best seats to watch the fireworks, attending a local parade, or preparing to host a good old-fashioned holiday barbecue, the Fourth of July is the perfect opportunity to queue up your most patriotic playlist.

We all know the classics like “America The Beautiful” and “The Star-Spangled Banner,” but there are plenty of other popular tunes that celebrate our country.

From upbeat tunes like “Chicken Fried” by Zac Brown Band, to stirring anthems like “God Bless the U.S.A.” by Lee Greenwood, there's a song for every mood and occasion.

“Party in the U.S.A.” by Miley Cyrus will definitely get the younger crowd out on the dance floor — and “Kids in America” by Kim Wilde might have a similar effect on their parents.

Sitting around the campfire is the perfect time to sing along to the sweet melody of “Take Me Home, Country Roads” by John Denver, or try to recall all the lyrics to Don McLean's “American Pie” (good luck — the song clocks in at nearly nine minutes long!).

However you choose to spend the holiday, these songs will remind you exactly why we cherish our beautiful country.

“God Bless the U.S.A.” by Lee Greenwood

Lee Greenwood will make you proud to be an American. While you're listening, feel free to belt out the famous chorus to this American classic.

“Color Me America” by Dolly Parton

Country music icon Dolly Parton uses America's colors to describe her feelings towards our country. Lyrical references to “America the Beautiful” are also woven throughout.

“Party in the U.S.A.” by Miley Cyrus

Miley reflects on her move to Los Angeles with this song that will make you want to put your hands up in the air.

“Kids in America” by Kim Wilde

Tap into your youth while singing along to the lyrics about the joys of being a kid in America.

“Take Me Home, Country Roads” by John Denver

Even though this song focuses on West Virginia, mentions of home and American terrain will evoke a feeling of nostalgia for wherever you call home.

“American Pie” by Don McLean

Don McLean honors cultural icons Buddy Holly, James Dean and other iconic figures in this thoughtful-but-upbeat classic.

“Only In America” by Brooks & Dunn

Country music duo Brooks & Dunn will inspire you to chase the American dream with this hit. Whether you want to be an actress, musician or anything else, you can dream big “only in America.”

“Firework” by Katy Perry

Press play on this song moments before the fireworks go off for a full-circle moment.

“America” by Simon & Garfunkel

Hitting the road on the Fourth of July? Crank up this Simon & Garfunkel song on your drive.

“American Girl” by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers

Travel back to the 1970s with this hit by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. And to really drive the song home, sing it to your very own American girl.

“Surfin' U.S.A.” by The Beach Boys

Embrace the summer vibes with this song that will make you want to catch a wave on the coast of California. The only thing that'll make it even better? If you're listening to it while at the beach.

“America” by Neil Diamond

Perhaps you're hosting a party where people have traveled near and far to be there. Kind of sounds like Neil Diamond's “America,” don't ya think?

“All-American Girl” by Carrie Underwood

Maybe you want something sweet to sing to your sweetheart. Turn this one on, then serenade your all-American girl.

“Sweet Home Alabama” by Lynyrd Skynyrd

Even though this song focuses on Alabama, anyone and everyone can sing along to celebrate the state you consider home sweet home.

“Made in the USA” by Demi Lovato

Demi Lovato says it best: “Love is made in the USA.” You and your sweetheart are proof.

“American Oxygen” by Rihanna

Let Rihanna's words inspire you to turn your nickel and a dime into an empire.

“Chicken Fried” by Zac Brown Band

Chow down on some fried chicken and enjoy a cold beer as this country favorite, which serves as a reminder to appreciate life's simple pleasures, plays in the background.

“American Kids” by Kenny Chesney

Celebrate being young in America — or better yet, feel young again —with this Kenny Chesney tune.

“Hotel California” by Eagles

Let this song transport you to California, which is, as you know, “such a lovely place.”

“Made in America” by Toby Keith

Toby Keith's dad was proud to be made in America — and he sings about exactly that in this unofficial American anthem.

“R.O.C.K. in the U.S.A.” by John Mellencamp

Ready to rock in the USA? Grab your guitar, drumsticks or microphone, and jam along with John Mellencamp.

“Living in America” by James Brown

Move your hips to this tune to celebrate “living in America.” Listen closely to hear Brown shout out your nearest city!

“Some Gave All” by Billy Ray Cyrus

Pay homage to the the heroes who have served in the military. Fourth of July or not, it's always a good time to honor those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms.

“Ragged Old Flag” by Johnny Cash

Country music icon Johnny Cash infused this stirring, spoken-word song with his signature rasp. You’ll have chills by the end of Cash’s stripped-down performance.

“Born in the U.S.A” by Bruce Springsteen

Though the meaning of this classic is more melancholy than you might think, it’s impossible not to sing along when Bruce Springsteen belts out the chorus of “Born In The USA.”

“Travelin’ Soldier” by The Chicks

Warning: this song is a certified tearjerker. “Travelin' Soldier” tells the love story of a small-town girl and a soldier during the Vietnam War.

“The Star Spangled Banner” by Whitney Houston

Whitney Houston's stunning rendition of “The Star Spangled Banner” will definitely send chills down your back. Her soaring vocals give the centuries-old song an even greater thrill.

“This Land Is Your Land” by Woody Guthrie

This song by folk singer Woody Guthrie will remind you to appreciate America's natural beauty and variety.

“American Heart” by Faith Hill

It's hard not to feel patriotic when you hear “American Heart,” with lyrics like, “It bleeds, it scorns, but it shines when times get hard / You can’t break an American heart.”

“Red White & Blue” by Lynyrd Skynyrd

This down-home anthem is full of American pride. “We’ve always been red, white, and blue,” Lynyrd Skynyrd sings.

This article was originally published on TODAY.com