Here is my compilation of the top ten American summer songs.
So what do I mean by American? I mean songs that give you an image of the American summer. This could be a song that brings memories of your favorite vacation to Florida, or a song that makes you think of what the United States represents. Perhaps you recall a childhood dream or get motivated to take a college course. Any of these songs are ones that portray America is one way, shape or form.
Music has been my passion since I was a child. I have over the years learned everything I can about the music that has come to have meaning to all Americans, as well as what brings a sense of the patriotic. I have paid close attention to what songs have become popular each week, and have won awards each year. I also have been actively involved in music my whole life. I learned to play the piano, violin, and clarinet growing up, and took voice lessons in college. Additionally, I was part of many musical groups such as chorus in middle and highschool.
1.Eye of the Tiger, by Survivor. Theme song from Rocky. This song, in my opinion, depicts the American dream. Rocky is a fighter, and he stands up to his demons each time he gets in the ring. He pursues his dreams of getting somewhere with his life, despite the costs to his personal self. Sylvester Stallone actually requested Survivor to write this song just for the movie. Ever since Eye of the Tiger came out, the world has come to know and love this tune. It’s not just about fighting, its about dreaming and making it become a reality! This song came out in 1982.
2. New York, New York, by Frank Sinatra. This song depicts the great American city-New York City. Anyone who thinks of America thinks about New York. It’s the place everyone wants to visit. Since 9/11, it has also become a city of great courage in spite of tragedy. Being a huge Yankees fan, this song also reminds me of baseball, because it is played at games at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx. I have attended about eight world series games at Yankee Stadium, and have delighted in listening to this tune at each one. It’s just such a classic American song!
3. Somewhere Over the Rainbow sung by Judy Garland. Okay, I know what you’re thinking- this song is kind of, well, for kids? Or for sentimentalists? I don’t know, but in my book it gets the third slot for great American songs. The song was made famous from the Wizard of Oz movie, still rendered as timeless today and watched by generation after generation. In the movie, Dorothy (Judy Garland) sings the song, which has thoughts of a better place other than her hometown. It doesn’t matter where she’ll go, as long as its away from Kansas. But then, Dorothy actually leaves Kansas, and then, “there’s no place like home.” To me, this depicts the American viewpoint- there really is no place like America. Whenever I listen to this song, it brings me visions of my homeland America.
4. Dead or Alive by Bon Jovi. This song is about cowboys, which is the ultimate picture of America. Perhaps not the best vision we want to present to outsiders, but its still our history. Cowboys made America what it is today, whether we should be proud of them or not. When I listen to Dead or Alive, I think of cowboys. The song talks about how we are all cowboys, wandering through life trying to get the most of it. This to me, reminds me of the way of life in America- we have the freedom to make our own choices and discover our own destinies.
5. Dream On by Aerosmith. This was the theme song for my graduating class of 1988. We all had to vote on a song to represent our class, and this one won! For me, this song talks about the American dream. We all live it, we all know it. When listening to this song, we are reminded of those dreams from our childhoods and adolescence, many of which have long been forgotten amidst work and raising kids, and just the hustle and bustle of adullt life. This song can take you back, and perhaps even remind you, or inspire you, to do something about your dreams.
6. Sweet Home Alabama. This is the ultimate party song. Almost every local band I know includes this in their setlist one time or another. It doesn’t matter if you’re from Alabama- this song just makes you feel American. It’s kind of a redneck song, and rednecks are usually only found in the heart of America.
7. Stayin’ Alive by the Bee Gees. This song was made famous by Saturday Night Fever, a movie starring John Travolta. The 70’s, in my opinion, were the age of America. This was when the disco era came to life, and has remained a popular time for recalling songs into present day. When I think of this song, I think of John Travolta in the movie. He had no spectacular life- he was a young adult trying to make it with modest goals. Dancing is what made his life better, and it became his dream. In America, everyone has something that makes ordinary life more exciting, whether it’s watching a ball game or dancing to a new tune. This tune is one that brings America to life for me.
8. Imagine by John Lennon. Imagine is a song that talks about what we wish we could be. We may never achieve it, but we still can know what we would like to see happen. Even though there are wars in the world, and barriers keeping us separated, this song talks about bringing everyone together. This is what Americans want to do! For the most hardened soul, deep down there still exists the belief that we should all get along and try to coexist together. America has long been called the “Melting Pot,” or a place where all cultures come together as one.
9. Comfortably Numb by Pink Floyd. I had to throw in a negative one. All the other songs talk about how Americans have hopes and dreams and live their lives on the edge, etc. But really, there is a side of it all where we can just become numb to truly being alive. This song shows that even Americans can get off track, and lose the sense of spirit that makes this country what it is!
10. Hotel California by the Eagles. California is another heartland of America, just like New York City. This state is where the independent minds go, where the freebirds travel, where the alternative viewpoints stand. It all happens here, and so does Hollywood. This song to me talks about checking into this state of mind, and then never leaving it.
