In an odd twist, the evening began with a 20-minute video documentary that parallels the artistic life of a painter with Mellencamp’s own. While proud if still insecure, he’s clearly not interested in the fame as much as his explanation of the fame. John Mellencamp may be viewed in that same vein, with perhaps his head looking back over his shoulder to make sure you’ve noticed. The song shouts out multiple cities, and though none from Indiana make the cut, it's still an Independence Day essential.Georgia O’Keeffe once famously said that she really didn’t gave a damn what people thought of her work she was just doing what she wanted. and the freedom to explore the country from behind the wheel. "Living in America" by James Brown: This funky hit celebrates living in the U.S. bicentennial in 1976 and entered the pantheon of patriotic classics. "Philadelphia Freedom" by Elton John: Originally written to honor Billie Jean King’s tennis team, the Philadelphia Freedoms, the song took on a life of its own during the U.S. "American Girl" by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers: A little bit of a downer on close inspection lyrical inspection, this song will still be a crowd pleaser. "Surfin’ USA" by The Beach Boys: Nothing feels as summery as the Beach Boys, and though this song mostly celebrates California, it has a place at any barbecue. Marine Band: This classic bubbles with American pep, and because most versions don't include lyrics, it’s hard for people to argue over. "Stars and Stripes Forever" performed by the U.S. ![]() Plus it’s from everyone’s favorite Hoosier boy. In The U.S.A." by John Mellencamp: Celebrating the history of rock in this country, this song will get everyone chanting along. He’s been quoted as saying that despite its patriotic-sounding chorus, it’s actually a song about how the American dream is failing. "Pink Houses" by John Mellencamp: Mellencamp has expressed frustration over the misinterpretation of this song. "This Land is Your Land" by Woody Guthrie: This song may seem on the surface a feel-good tune, but Guthrie, a Communist sympathizer, intended to criticize those who don't want to share America’s bounty. Does everyone know that? Maybe not, and your party's resident know-it-all can’t wait to tell them. "Born in the USA" by Bruce Springsteen: Is this song actually about the complicated American relationship to war and our poor treatment of veterans? Yes. "America" by Simon and Garfunkel: A young couple road tripping across the country and existential angst - what more could an indie kid want? For the know-it-all But the metaphor for devotion in this song is a national anthem, so it definitely fits into your Fourth of July celebration. "National Anthem" by Lana Del Rey: A significant amount of Lana Del Rey’s music centers on unhealthy relationships, and this song is no different. "Fourth of July" by Sufjan Stevens: This song contemplating mortality might bring the mood down, but it does directly reference the holiday you’re celebrating. ![]() Navigating cross-cultural identity, as this song does, is also an essential part of the American experience for many. "Your Best American Girl" by Mitski: Any indie kid at your party loves Mitski, especially this song. "Yankee Doodle" performed by Robert Shaw Chorale: It’s a little tough to find a version of this song that doesn’t sound too childish, but the one from Robert Shaw Chorale can be enjoyed by adults and kids alike. "I’m Just a Bill" performed by Deluxx Folk Implosion: Sure this song is about the bureaucracy of the lawmaking process, but really, could there be anything more American? Deluxx Folk Implosion’s cover also kicks up the song’s tempo up to make it party-ready. ![]() Ward: This song is pretty simple, so if the kids don’t already know it, it’ll be quick to learn for an impromptu singalong. "You're a Grand Old Flag" performed by Samuel A. "Red White & Blue" by Lynyrd Skynyrd: This song plays on the idea of red, white and blue in a way that evokes a particular sense of American identity.
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