America’s great patriotic songs

America has many wonderful patriotic songs.  In honor of our country's birthday lets have some fun listening to some of those tunes as we contemplate beaches and barbeques.

I had in mind to include eight or ten songs.  Since there are so many fantastic iconic patriotic melodies  I included lots more.

The first five songs we can label "contemporary patriotic songs."

Let's begin with our first one from this man from Freehold.

"Born in the U.S.A." by Bruce Springsteen

From our nation's heartland.

"R.O.C.K. in the U.S.A." by John Cougar Mellencamp

Now, turn the steering wheel and head south.

"God Bless the U.S.A." by Lee Greenwood

"All aboard" with this group from Flint Michigan

"We're an American Band" by Grand Funk Railroad

And the last of our contemporary patriotic songs is sung by a "Brit" about a defunct professional tennis team.  Who'd a thunk it?

"Philadelphia Freedom" by Elton John

And now for the "traditional" patriotic songs.

Three of the following songs were composed by George M. Cohan.  I wouldn't be surprised if Mr. Cohan's blood was blue, white and red.

"I'm a Yankee Doodle Dandy" by George M. Cohan

"You're a Grand Old Flag" by George M. Cohan

"Over There" by George M. Cohan

This song will be played countless times tonight during fireworks displays.

"Stars and Stripes Forever" by John Philip Sousa

This one's sung in the middle of the seventh inning at every Yankee home game.

"God Bless America" by Irving Berlin

Arguably the most beautiful American patriotic song.

"America the Beautiful." Lyrics by Katharine Lee Bates.  Melody by Samuel Ward

The next four songs honor our American veterans, living and lost, who gave the ultimate sacrifice.

"Anchors Aweigh" by The U.S. Navy Band

"The Army Goes Rolling Along"  The official Army song based on "The Caissons Go Rolling Along". by Brigadier General E.L. Gruber

"U.S. Air Force Song" by Robert MacArthur Crawford

Let's hear it for the "leathernecks".

"U.S. Marine Corps Hymn" by W.E. Christian

And finally, our National Anthem.

"The Star Spangled Banner" by Francis Scott Key

Please have a very happy and safe 4th!