36 Memorial Day Songs to Put on Your Patriotic Playlist
Your heart will be bursting with American pride thanks to this Memorial Day music.
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The last Monday in May, Memorial Day, is a day of remembrance of the women and men in the United States military who risked and lost their lives in war. If you want to brush up on your knowledge of this important day, read about the history of Memorial Day.
Memorial Day is a holiday to honor fallen soldiers and, because it's a long weekend, tends to symbolize the unofficial beginning of summer. Many people head to the beach, lake, or pool, or participate in Memorial Day activities or host a barbecue in their backyard. Whether you're attending a gathering or hosting, creating a list of patriotic tunes will set the mood for this patriotic holiday.
We have curated a list of over thirty songs to add to your playlist and listen to as a backdrop to your Memorial Day gathering. You'll find songs ranging from folk, such as "This Land is Your Land" by Woody Guthrie to bluegrass, like Travelin' Soldier by The Chicks (formerly The Dixie Chicks) and rock. And of course, you want to miss the big hit and classic by Bruce Springsteen, "Born in the USA."
You're sure to be capturing the moment with photos and videos, and when you're ready to upload them to social media, here is a list of Memorial Day Instagram captions for inspiration. The songs may inspire you, too.
Plan Your Memorial Day Weekend
"Something to Be Proud Of," Montgomery Gentry, 2005
Montgomery Gentry's popular 2005 song centers on a father telling his child about how hard work, sacrifice, and loyalty all add up to a life you can be proud of.
"19," Waycross, 2007
This tearjerker of a ballad from country music duo Waycross tells the story of a high school football player who joins the marines.
"This Land Is Your Land," Woody Guthrie, 1944
This classic American folk song was inspired by Guthrie's travels across the U.S., hitchhiking and hopping trains.
"Home," Rockie Lynne, 2010
This poignant song starts, "Eighteen and called for duty, God and country, And fellow man" and ends with the plea, "Fly home sweet angel, Won't you fly on home to me."
"The Ones Who Didn't Make It Back Home," Justin Moore, 2019
The words in this track reveal the moment a family finds out they've lost a loved one in the war. Justin sings: "There was a knock on the door 'round two o'clock, two uniforms and her heart stopped, yellow ribbon 'round an oak tree, blowin' in the breeze."
"I Drive Your Truck," Lee Brice, 2012
Lee sings about a fallen sibling in this tear-jerking song. He croons about all the items still left in his brother's pickup, including dog tags, an Old Skoal can, cowboy boots, and a Go Army shirt.
"Galveston," Glen Campbell, 1969
Glen's upbeat hit takes you through the thoughts of a solider. As he watches the cannons flash and cleans out his gun, his mind takes him back to his hometown of Galveston, Texas.
"Soldier's Last Letter," Merle Haggard, 1970
Originally released in 1944 by Redd Stewart and Ernest Tubb, Merle recorded his own version a few decades later. It's told through the eyes of a soldier as he writes a final letter to his mother. The lyrics open with this apologetic line: "I'm writing this down in a trench, Mom, don't scold if it isn't so neat."
"Only in America," Brooks & Dunn, 2001
This inspirational anthem came out in June 2001, mere months before 9/11. Even more strangely coincidental, the lyrics begin with the lines: "Sun coming up over New York City, school bus driver in a traffic jam, staring out at the faces in a rear view mirror, lookin' at the promise of the promised land."
"50,000 Names Carved in the Wall," George Jones, 2001
George himself served in the U.S. Marine Corps in the '50s, making his song about the Vietnam Veterans Memorial even more meaningful. Whether you've visited the memorial, you'll be able to perfectly picture the engravings while listening to this track.
"Color Me America," Dolly Parton, 2003
You'll feel plenty of American pride listening to this Dolly Parton song about our country's colors: red, white, and blue. As the country queen notes: "These are colors that ring true."
"Born in the U.S.A.," Bruce Springsteen, 1984
Play this classic rock number at your cookout to get everyone grooving. Kids and adults of all ages will start singing along to one of Bruce's biggest hits.
"God Bless America Again," Loretta Lynn and Conway Twitty, 1972
Loretta's voice sounds so pure in this patriotic hymn. Conway joins her about halfway through the song with some spoken words.
"More Than a Name on a Wall," The Statler Brothers, 1988
A reminder that fallen soldiers are more than just names etched on memorials.
"Go Rest High on That Mountain," Vince Gill, 1994
Though written after the death of fellow country singer Keith Whitley, Vince Gill's track has taken on new meaning for military families.
"Travelin' Soldier," The Chicks, 2002
This melody will make you feel for all the lovers waiting for their soldiers to come home.
"Courtesy of the Red, White, and Blue," Toby Keith, 2002
Two events in 2001 inspired this Toby Keith song: his father's death and September 11.
"God Bless the U.S.A.," Lee Greenwood, 1984
The whole family will love singing along to this iconic song.
"Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning)," Alan Jackson, 2001
Alan Jackson captured a range of responses to the terrorist attacks on September 11 in this emotional song.
"America Will Always Stand," Randy Travis, 2004
Remember that many people have proudly fought for America to always stand.
Madison Alcedo was the Assistant Editor at WomansDay.com and Redbookmag.com.
Jennifer Aldrich was the editorial assistant for CountryLiving.com.
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