Songs About America

Updated September 1, 2024

Thinking about Songs About America, there are many singers exploring this idea. We gathered 25 of our favorites.

The Middle by Jimmy Eat World

From the album, Bleed American, released on July 17, 2001

"The Middle" is a song by American rock band Jimmy Eat World. It was released in November 2001 as the second single from their fourth studio album Bleed American (2001). The song peaked at number five on the US Billboard Alternative Songs chart and number one on the UK Rock & Metal Singles Chart. The song was written by frontman Jim Adkins and drummer Zach Lind. It was produced by Mark Trombino, who also produced their previous album Clarity (1999). The song features a distorted guitar sound and heavy drums. The song's lyrics are about being caught between two worlds, feeling like you don't belong in either. The music video for "The Middle" was directed by Paul Federal and was shot in Los Angeles, California. It features the band performing the song in a warehouse. The video was nominated for Best Group Video at the 2002 MTV Video Music Awards.

Centuries by Fall Out Boy

From the album, American Beauty/American Psycho, released on January 20, 2015

"Centuries" is a song by Fall Out Boy, released as the lead single from their sixth studio album, American Beauty/American Psycho (2015). The song was written by Fall Out Boy members Patrick Stump, Pete Wentz, and Joe Trohman, with production handled by Butch Walker and Jake Sinclair. "Centuries" is an anthemic song with a stadium rock sound. The song's lyrics are about staying strong in the face of adversity. The song's music video features the band performing in a stadium, intercut with footage of historical figures such as Joan of Arc and Muhammad Ali. The song was a commercial success, peaking at number 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States. It was also nominated for the Grammy Award for Best Rock Performance at the 58th Annual Grammy Awards.

American Idiot by Green Day

From the album, American Idiot, released on September 21, 2004

The song "American Idiot" by Green Day is about the state of the United States and its people. The lyrics are critical of the country's political and social state, and the song has been seen as a response to the 9/11 attacks. The song was produced by Rob Cavallo and released as the lead single from the album of the same name.

American Boy by Estelle

From the album, Shine, released on March 28, 2008

The song is about a British girl's infatuation with an American boy. The production features a mix of electronic and organic instrumentation, with Estelle's soulful vocals floating over the top. The result is a catchy, feel-good track that should appeal to fans of both artists.

Sun to Me by Zach Bryan

From the album, American Heartbreak, released on May 20, 2022

The song "Sun to Me" is about a man who is in love with a woman who is in love with someone else. The man is trying to convince the woman to leave her current lover and be with him instead. The song is written in a country/folk style and is sung by Zach Bryan. It was produced by Dave Cobb.

American Pie by Don McLean

From the album, American Pie, released in 1971

The song is about the day the music died, referring to the day when Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and the Big Bopper died in a plane crash. The song is written in the form of a poem, with each verse representing a different stage in McLean's life. The song was produced by Ed Freeman and released on the album American Pie in 1971.

Cupid's Chokehold / Breakfast in America by Gym Class Heroes

From the album, The Papercut Chronicles, released on February 22, 2005

"Cupid's Chokehold / Breakfast in America" is a song by Gym Class Heroes. The song was released as the lead single from their second studio album, As Cruel as School Children (2006). The song peaked at number four on the US Billboard Hot 100 and number one on the UK Singles Chart. The song was produced by Matt Nathanson and features vocals from Patrick Stump of Fall Out Boy.

American Girl by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers

From the album, Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, released on November 9, 1976

"American Girl" is a song written by Tom Petty and recorded by his band, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. It was released in 1976 as the lead single from their self-titled debut album. The lyrics of "American Girl" depict a young woman's struggle to find her place in the world. The song is primarily driven by an uptempo rhythm guitar riff and features a simple three-chord structure. The song was produced by Denny Cordell and recorded at Sound City Studios in Van Nuys, California. It was mixed by Cordell, Tom Petty, and engineer Shelly Yakus. The single was released in 1976 and reached number 40 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It has since become one of Petty's most recognizable songs and has been covered by many artists.

American Kids by Kenny Chesney

From the album, The Big Revival, released on September 22, 2014

"American Kids" is a song by country music singer Kenny Chesney. The song was released as the lead single from Chesney's eighteenth studio album, The Big Revival (2014). The song was written by Rodney Clawson, Luke Laird, and Shane McAnally and produced by McAnally and Buddy Cannon. The song celebrates the modern American lifestyle, and is an upbeat, celebratory track that pays homage to classic rock sounds. It features a banjo, electric guitar, and drums, in addition to Chesney's signature vocal style. The lyrics are nostalgic and speak to the common experiences of many Americans growing up, such as going to church on Sunday, and having fun at the local drive-in movie. The song was generally well-received, peaking at number 17 on the US Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and number 9 on the US Country Airplay chart.

AMERICA HAS A PROBLEM by Beyoncé

From the album, RENAISSANCE, released on July 29, 2022

"America Has a Problem" is a song by Beyoncé and produced by Hit-Boy. It was released as part of the deluxe edition of her 2020 visual album, Black Is King. The song is a call to action for the African-American community to stand up and fight for their rights and justice. Beyoncé sings of the injustices they have faced and how they can overcome these obstacles. She also calls for unity, urging us to come together and fight for the same cause. The song is accompanied by a powerful music video that features a diverse cast of African-American actors, singers, and dancers. This video was directed by Beyoncé and is a powerful and emotional visual representation of the song's message.

American Teen by Khalid

From the album, American Teen, released on April 27, 2017

American Teen is a song by American singer Khalid, from his debut studio album of the same name. The song was written by Khalid, Syk Sense, Tunji Ige and Smash David, with production handled by Syk Sense and Smash David. The song was released as a single on February 3, 2017. American Teen is an ode to Khalid's hometown of El Paso, Texas. The song is a synth-driven R&B track, with lyrics about teenage struggles and growing up. It features a chorus of "I'm so American, yeah, so American/I'm American, teen/Living in a world on fire, yeah, on fire".

American Money by BØRNS

From the album, Dopamine, released on October 16, 2015

"American Money" is a song by American singer-songwriter BØRNS, released on February 10, 2015, as the lead single from his debut studio album Dopamine. The song was written by BØRNS and produced by Tommy English. The song is built upon a dreamy electropop production, with a driving beat and layered synths. Lyrically, the song is about the false promises of the American Dream, and the idea of pursuing wealth at the expense of happiness and freedom.