Since 1890, Americans have recognized the last Monday of every May as a federal holiday known as Memorial Day (Declaration Day in its infancy). While many take advantage of the holiday to barbecue or head to the beach, the day is meant to mourn those who died in the line of service. To honor those killed, we have compiled eight songs that best represent the sacrifices American soldiers face to give us our freedom. Many patriotic songs are not included as they may fit better on a July 4th list than Memorial Day.
8. Lynyrd Skynyrd – “Red, White And Blue”
In 2003, Lynyrd Skynyrd released “Red, White And Blue,” from their Vicious Cycle album. Skynyrd’s Johnny and Donny Van Zant teamed with country songwriters Brad and Brett Warren shortly after 9/11 to write a song representing the red, white, and blue that make up the American flag. An ode to our country and those who have served, the song advises, “My daddy worked hard, and so have I / We paid our taxes and gave our lives / To serve this great country / So what are they complainin’ about? / Yeah, we love our families, we love our kids / You know it’s love that makes us all so rich / That’s where we’re at / If they don’t like it they can just get the hell out.”
7. Rodney Atkins – “It’s America”
Rodney Atkins released “It’s America” in 2008 as the title track from his 2009 album, singing how proud he is to be an American. The uptempo song paints a picture of our country and freedoms, such as selling lemonade on the side of the street, neighbors helping each other in times of need, and being “one nation under God.” He sings, “It’s a big flag flyin’ in the summer wind / And over a fallen heroes’ grave.”
6. Aaron Tippin – “Where The Stars And Stripes And The Eagle Fly”
Aaron Tippin was inspired to write and record “Where The Stars And Stripes And The Eagle Fly” by the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Released in 2003, the lyrics are timeless with “There’s a lady that stands in a harbor for what we believe / And there’s a bell that still echoes the price that it cost to be free.”
“Once we were attacked, I really wanted to share how Americans felt, or how I felt to America. There were a lot of great songs written at 9/11, but I didn’t want a song that talked about America had been sucker punched, I wanted to turn in a song that made Americans feel proud of themselves. Even at its worst, this country is still the greatest place on the planet,” Tippin told us in December 2022. “It inspired me to quit whining, let’s get up and go do business.”
5. Toby Keith – “American Soldier”
As the son of a veteran, Toby Keith was one of the biggest proponents of America’s foundation. While he has released many patriotic songs, “American Soldier” exemplifies the traits of loyalty, fearlessness, and bravery in which a man leaves his family to enlist in the U.S. Army Reserves and then is deployed. Keith, who passed away earlier this year after a long battle with cancer, dedicated ample time to supporting the troops with countless visits to meeting and performing for them during USO tours. The song was also played when my brother graduated from basic training in Fort Benning, Georgia in 2006.
4. Tim McGraw – “If You’re Reading This”
Tim McGraw’s “If You’re Reading This” is a tribute to the families who have lost loved ones at war. McGraw co-wrote the track with Brad and Brett Warren three weeks before premiering it at the Academy of Country Music Awards in 2007 where one hundred relatives of fallen soldiers joined onstage. The lyrics are sung in the voice of a fallen soldier who wrote a letter to his family stating, “If you’re reading this / I’m already home.” Shortly after the performance, radio stations began playing the track which saw it debut at No. 35 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart.
3. Trace Adkins – “Arlington”
Trace Adkins released “Arlington” in 2005, sung from the viewpoint of a soldier killed in battle and buried at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia. Dave Turnbull wrote the song with Jeremy Spillman after meeting the father of United States Marine Corps Corporal Patrick Nixon, who died in 2003. The song peaked at No. 16 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart. However, Adkins sent a letter to radio stations asking them to remove the song from their playlists after he received complaints from families of soldiers serving overseas, arguing the song gave a negative outlook of those serving mostly in the Iraq war.
2. Lee Greenwood – “God Bless the U.S.A.”
Lee Greenwood is celebrating the 40th anniversary of his signature classic, “God Bless the U.S.A.” in 2024. One of country music’s biggest patriots, Greenwood wrote the track in response as his response to the shooting down of Korean Air Lines Flight 007. Greenwood, who is from California, said he always wanted to write a song about America and chose to mention New York City, Los Angeles, Detroit, and Houston as they were considered economic portals of the country. The song has inspired a limited edition custom Bible, commemorative coin, and more.
1. Billy Ray Cyrus – “Some Gave All”
Love him or hate him, Billy Ray Cyrus has arguably written and recorded one of the best patriotic songs ever. His 1992 debut album of the same name concludes by honoring fallen soldiers with the title track, where he sings, “All gave some, some gave all / Some stood through for the red, white and blue, and some had to fall / And if you ever think of me, think of all your liberties and recall / Some gave all.”
“What a Memorial Day! This is my purpose to honor and thank the veterans who’ve given all. God Bless our country and those who’ve served,” Cyrus exclaimed after performing the song on Fox & Friends today (Mon, May 27th).
