Everybody has a there own way of celebrating our country's independence.  Whether it be a backyard barbeque, a huge fireworks display or just a quiet day by the lake with a rod and real in hand, it doesn't matter how you honor the birth of our country, just as long as you take the time to remember those that have sacrificed, so that you can spend the day exactly as you are. For me, however I celebrate Independence Day, July 4th has always involved music. Here are some of our favorite patriotic tunes to help your celebration on this day.

  • Lee Greenwood - God Bless The U.S.A.

    So, before anyone gets the chance to ask "Is it on the list?" Yes it is.

    God Bless the USA first came to prominence in 1984, climbing to no. 7 on the Country Singles Chart in the spring of that year, when it was played at the Republican National Convention. Lee Greenwood has often said that he "wanted to write it my whole life."

    The song was also recorded by the finalists of Season 2 of American Idol in 2003. This version was released as a benefit single for the American Red Cross. At the suggestion of former Marine Josh Gracin, one word was changed at the end of the song; the phrase "and I won’t forget the men who died"  was changed to "and I won’t forget the ones who died", to honor all soldiers, men and women who have given there lives in defense of this country.

  • Aaron Tippin - Where The Stars And Stripes And The Eagle Flies

    Another song that we were sure has everyone wondering will they or won't they is "Where The Stars And Stripes and The Eagles Fly", and the answer is...of course we will.

    "Where the Stars and Stripes and the Eagle Fly" was written by Kenny Beard, Casey Beathard and Aaron Tippin,  for Tippin's 2000 album, People Like Us, but it didn't make the cut. The singer now says, "But now, I know exactly why it didn't. It had a bigger purpose."

    Two days after the September 11 attacks, he went to a Nashville studio and recorded the song. All proceeds from the single, rumored to be over $250,000, were donated to the Red Cross and its relief efforts for the families of the 9/11 attacks. The single reached number 2 on the Country chart, also peaking at number 20 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, marking it Tippin's only entry into the Top 20.

  • Carrie Underwood - All American Girl

    Never has a song title fit the artist performing the song as it has in this next entry. Born on her parents farm in Checotah, OK, Carrie Underwood was raised a true all-american girl. Her father, a sawmill worker and her mother an elementary school teacher, introduced young Carrie to singing in their local Baptist Church.

    A cheerleader, basketball and softball player in High School, Carrie chose not to pursue singing after graduation. She instead attending Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, OK, graduating magna cum laude in 2006 with a bachelor's degree in mass communication and an emphasis in journalism.

    "All-American Girl" was composed by Underwood, Ashley Gorley and Kelley Lovelace. It is the second single from Underwood's second studio album, Carnival Ride, released in December of 2007. The song reached no. 1 on the Country charts and no. 28 on the hot 100.

  • Montgomery Gentry - My Town

    Written by Reed Nielsen and Jeffrey Steele, and recorded by Eddie Montgomery and Troy Gentry, "My Town" was released in June 2002 as the lead-off single and title track to the duo's third album. The song is the definite anthem of those who are proud of their small town, american roots. It reached no. 5 on the Country charts and no. 40 on the Hot 100.

  • Brooks & Dunn - Only In America

    Only in America can a boy from Southern California grow up...

    Kix Brooks and Ronnie Dunn's epic piece of Americana touched on everything from an actress to a bus driver to a banker's daughter and everything in between. The song, the second single from the duo's Steers and Stripes LP, climbed to the top of the Country charts while peaking at number 33 on the Hot 100.

  • Phil Vassar - American Child

    Our next choice may be the least known of any of the songs on this list. Co-written, performed and produced by Phil Vassar"American Child" was the second single and title-track of Vassar's second album. Based on the concept of "only in America can a kid from (you fill in the town & state), can a kid grow up," the 2002 single climbed only to no. 5 on the Country charts and no. 48 on the Hot 100, though the video did reach no. 1 on the CMT Countdown.

  • Brad Paisley - American Saturday Night

    Another Ashley Gorley and Kelley Lovelace composition, Brad Paisley waxes fondly on everything that makes America great. Celebrating all that makes our country the true melting pot it is, "American Saturday Night" reminds us that we all come from somewhere and that our ancestors came to this country to make a better life for themselves and those that followed them.

    The song actually charted twice, first as an unreleased album cut from Paisley's 2009 album of the same name and then as the second single off of the album. It climbed to no. 2 on the Country charts.

  • Toby Keith - American Soldier

    Another on this list that probably more of a "where on the list" not "will it be on the list" postings, Toby Keith's "American Soldier" pays probably the best homage to the men and women who "just do the job" of any song ever written.

    Written by Keith and Chuck Cannon, the song, according to Keith, is "for all the times that I get to meet the troops on these USO tours, and since Courtesy of Red, White, and Blue, the P.O.W.s and the families that have come and brought me back my old CD covers and stuff that they had and shown how much support they had (for me), this is my support for the American fighting men and women."

    The second single from Keith's 2003 Shockin' Y'all album, "American Soldier" climbed to no. 1 on the Country charts and no. 28 on the Billboard Hot 100.

  • Johnny Cash - Ragged Old Flag

    Probably the least expected member of the list, "Ragged Old Flag" is also the only spoken word entry on the list and the only one of Johnny Cash's career.

    It is the title track of the Man In Black's 47th album. Written by Cash and wife June Carter-Cash, it was released as the only single from the album, climbing to no 31 on the Country chart in 1974.

  • Billy Ray Cyrus - Some Gave All

    The final track on the list was never released as a single, though it is the title track of one of only two country albums by a debut artist to spend 40 or more weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 200 Albums chart. And, oh yeah, it gave us "Achy, Breaky Heart."

    "Some Gave All" was the title track to Billy Ray Cyrus' 1992 debut album. Though never released as a single, it has become a favorite for Memorial Day, July 4th and Armed Forces Day celebrations. The song reminds us that today, as we should every day, we should remember those that pay the price and those that paid the ultimate price, so that we can live free.

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