Top 20 Patriotic Country Songs

If you love country music and the U.S.A. — we sure do! — we have the perfect playlist for you: Powerful, pump-up-the-volume patriotic country songs that make you want to sing out loud, will warm your heart and put a kick in your step.

Although all country music songs aren’t inherently patriotic, (heck, some of our favorite tunes are about keying a jilted ex-lovers car!) the the genre is uniquely American, stemming from a rich blend of bluegrass, rhythm and blues, gospel and grass-roots sounds that beautifully melded together over time as our nation grew and evolved.

The result is a genre of music that became beloved for reflecting the best qualities of being American: hardworking, hopeful and proud, a love for family, honor for our troops and a gratitude for the freedom that protects us all.

As you prep for your celebration, crank up these 20 patriotic country songs for a joyful soundtrack that is as American as apple pie — or grilled hamburgers and hotdogs, if you prefer. We guarantee you’ll be singing and boot-scooting in no time!

Patriotic Country Song #1: “God Bless the USA” by Lee Greenwood

Perhaps one of the most well-known patriotic songs of the last 50 years, just about every person living in the United States knows and has proudly sung the famous lyric, “And I’m proud to be an American, where at least I know I’m free.” There couldn’t be a patriotic playlist without this iconic 1984 track.

Patriotic Country Song #2: “Only in America” by Brooks & Dunn

“Only in America” tells various stories of regular Americans living out and pursuing whatever their version of the American dream may be, emphasizing the fact that only in the United States of America, can you dream as big as you want to.

Patriotic Country Song #3: “Some Gave All” by Billy Ray Cyrus

This 1992 song by Billy Ray Cyrus pays tribute to the men and women who served in the military. The poignant line, “All gave some and some gave all,” speaks volumes to the sacrifices made by the brave men and women who serve, as well as their families and loved ones.

Patriotic Country Song #4: “In America” by The Charlie Daniels Band

This upbeat 1980 track emphasizes the sentiment that as different as we all may be, the one thing that can bring Americans together is that one simple thing — that we’re Americans.

5: “American Soldier” by Toby Keith

Although Toby Keith didn’t serve in the military, this 2003 track, written from the perspective of an American soldier, recounts the sacrifices they bravely take on from day to day. The song was partially inspired by Keith’s veteran father, but also by the people he met throughout the duration of his career.

“It’s written for all the times that I get to meet the troops on these USO tours and since ‘Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue,’ the P.O.W.s and the families and stuff that have come and brought me back my old CD covers and stuff that they had and shown how much support they had, this is my support for the American fighting men and women,” he told Larry King.

6. “Arlington” by Trace Adkins

Another emotional tribute to our troops, “Arlington” is a song written from the perspective of a soldier who died while serving and was buried in Arlington National Cemetery.

7. “The Bumper of My SUV” by Chely Wright

Chely Wright sings in support of the military in “Bumper of My SUV,” taking inspiration from a woman on the road who angrily disapproved of her US Marines bumper sticker. Her response to the incident came in the form of this song, where she explains her perspective on where her support stems from.

8. “Home” by Dierks Bentley

Dierks Bentley’s “Home” is a celebration of the nation we call home. Bentley sings, “It’s been a long hard ride/Got a ways to go/But this is still the place/That we all call home.”

9. “American Heart” by Faith Hill

Faith Hill’s 2012 song “American Heart” pays tribute to the resilience of the American people, She sings, “”It bleeds, it scorns, but it shines when times get hard/You can’t break an American heart.”

10. “If You’re Reading This” by Tim McGraw

This extremely emotional track was written in the form of a letter from a deceased soldier to his wife. “I’m laying down my gun/I’m hanging up boots/Tell dad I don’t regret that I followed in his shoes,” he sings.

11. “Where the Stars and Stripes and the Eagle Fly” by Aaron Tippin

Aaron Tippin’s upbeat country tune is the pinnacle of patriotic, celebrating the flag, hardworking Americans, and the country as a whole.

12. “I Love My Country” by Florida Georgia Line

Tapping more into the pop-country realm, “I Love My Country” is a fun, upbeat song to add to your patriotic playlist, with the constant declaration of “I love my country,” to keep the patriotic vibes going.

13. “They Also Serve” by John Conlee

“They Also Serve” is an emotional tribute to the families and loved ones of those in the military, recognizing the sacrifice and hardship that they also endure.

14. “Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning) by Alan Jackson

Alan Jackson reflects on the 9/11 attacks in this heartfelt tribute to the lives lost on that day.

15. “Ragged Old Flag” by Johnny Cash

Easily one of the most iconic tributes to the United States of America, Johnny Cash beautifully honors the American Flag. “So we raise her up every morning/We take her down every night/We don’t let her touch the ground and we fold her up right/On second thought, I do like to brag/’Cause I’m mighty proud of that ragged old flag.”

16. “Take Me Home, Country Roads” by John Denver

Perhaps not the first song many would think of when they think of patriotism, “Take Me Home, Country Roads” is beloved for its catchy melody, but also for the way it celebrates the beauty of America.

17. “American Flag on the Moon” by Brad Paisley

Brad Paisley encourages listeners to reach for even their most impossible dreams, “Cause after all, there’s an American flag on the moon.”

18. “America” by Waylon Jennings

The message behind Waylon Jennings’ 1984 track titled “America” is simple: It pays respect to all the people that make this country so great, no matter what our backgrounds may be.

19. “American Kids” by Kenny Chesney

Kenny Chesney paints a nostalgic picture of growing up in America with this upbeat tune, perfect for your summer BBQ.

20. “American Saturday Night” by Brad Paisley

When you’re looking to pump up your party, this upbeat Brad Paisley track should be your go-to. It’s an upbeat tribute to the way that the different cultures that make up the United States come to be celebrated and a part of our everyday life.