Who doesn’t love the month of July? It’s the summertime, the sun is out, and the days last longer. Additionally, we celebrate the 4th of July with food, friends, family, and fireworks. We’ve got you covered if you want to create a themed playlist with the best songs about July.
“4th Of July, Asbury Park (Sandy)” by Bruce Springsteen
Song year: 1973
Bruce Springsteen’s song about the 4th of July relates to an amalgamation of girls he met, combining them into one name, “Sandy.”
As a native New Jersian, Springsteen had several relationships in the state. Asbury Park is a town in New Jersey that has deteriorated over time. He wrote the song to say goodbye to his hometown as a way to let go of his past.
“4th of July (Fireworks)” by Kelis
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y9_JWxzXq0I
Song year: 2010
4th of July (Fireworks) is the second single on Kelis’s fifth studio album, Flesh Tone. Because Kelis is primarily known for her hit, Milkshake, many would feel surprised knowing how much depth she’s capable of.
This track perfectly exemplifies her range, singing about your longing for someone special. She compares the 4th of July as a way of expressing the explosive feeling of love and having strong feelings about a person you desire.
“July” by Noah Cyrus
Song year: 2019
“July” is a lead single by Noah Cyrus from her second EP, The End of Everything. Noah Cyrus is the daughter of the famous Billy Ray Cyrus and the sister of Miley Cyrus.
Cyrus wrote this song after a tough breakup on July 4th, 2018. She spoke about how the relationship was toxic due to her boyfriend’s verbal abuse, manipulative tendencies, and alcohol abuse. Despite the toxicity, she shares how hard it was to end the two-and-a-half-year relationship.
“Fourth of July” by Fall Out Boy
Song year: 2015
Fourth of July is a song on Fall Out Boy’s sixth studio album, American Beauty / American Psycho, which was the band’s second consecutive number-one on the albums chart.
Pete Wentz got the inspiration for this song from a barbeque party he attended. The song is about the “fireworks” you feel when you meet someone special and what it’s like to miss them once the sparks die down.
“Cold Day In July” by The Chicks
Song year: 1999
The Chicks (formerly referred to as “The Dixie Chicks) are an American country music band that performed “Cold Day in July.” Richard Leigh originally wrote this song, though The Chick’s version is more well-known. Their version peaked at number ten on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks Chart in 2000.
The lyrics describe the feeling of going through a breakup. They explained they’d only leave their lover on a “cold day in July,” though the words explain how that day eventually came.
“July Flame” by Laura Veirs
Song year: 2010
“July Flame i”s the title track from singer-songwriter Laura Veirs’s seventh studio album. She got the inspiration for this song from a type of peach she spotted at the farmer’s market.
Once she saw the name of the peach, she thought it sounded cool and wanted to write a song about it. Before July Flame, Veirs was experiencing writing block, and this song helped her get out of it.
“July Morning” by Uriah Heep
Song year: 1971
Uriah Heep is an English rock band that wrote and performed the song “July Morning,” a whopping ten-minute-long tune.
Its lyrics refer to a man waking up on a July morning who becomes determined to find his true “love,” which may take on several meanings like life purpose, passion, etc.
“July, July!” by The Decemberists
Song year: 2002
“July, July” is a song from an American indie rock band, The Decemberists, on their album Castaways and Cutouts. The lyrics describe the lead singer’s, Colin Meloy, current living space during that time.
For example, Meloy sings about chickens in the lyrics because of a chicken slaughterhouse he’d wondered if was haunted. The general area was in Portland, Oregon, where the band originated.
“Mississippi In July” by Charlie Worsham
Song year: 2013
American singer, songwriter, and actor Charlie Worsham featured “Mississippi In July” on his album Rubberband. This song describes a man seeing his former girlfriend getting married and wondering, “what if?”
Worsham got his inspiration for this song from reading about friends’ weddings in the newspaper during trips back home.
“Sunset In July” by 311
Song year: 2011
“Sunset In July” is the lead single from 311’s tenth studio album, Universal Pulse. The band wrote this song about how time flies when you’re having fun, specifically referring to their late-evening gigs during summer months like July.
Their chorus inspiration comes from watching the crowd’s energy change as the sun goes down. Their shows would typically take place during sunset, hence the title.
“4th of July” by U2
Song year: 1984
“4th of July” is a track by Irish rock band U2 on their album The Unforgettable Fire. It features an instrumental ambient tune Adam Clayton, their bassist, improvised.
Despite the song’s name, the lyrics don’t have anything to do with the American holiday, Independence Day. Alternatively, the date represents the birth of The Edge’s daughter, Hollie.
“Fourth Of July” by Mariah Carey
Song year: 1997
Mariah Carey’s song “Fourth of July” is on her sixth studio album, Butterfly. Though the album contains primarily hip-hop and urban adult contemporary tunes, this track is one of the slower ballads.
The song has a ‘70s feel and lyrics that do a fantastic job of creating a visual experience for the listener. Its lyrics describe being in love on the 4th of July holiday.
“July In Cheyenne (Song For Lane’s Momma)” by Aaron Watson
Song year: 2012
American country music singer-songwriter Aaron Watson features “July In Cheyenne” in his ninth studio album, Real Good Time. He felt inspired to write this song after he and his wife lost their daughter, Julia Grace.
During the grief period, he watched Lane Frost’s story in the movie 8 Seconds. He felt connected to Lane’s parents, leading him to write this emotional song. Lane’s mother called Watson after its release to tell him she loved it.
“4th Of July” by Soundgarden
Song year: 1994
Soundgarden released “4th of July” on their fourth studio album, Superunknown. This song isn’t about Independence Day but how the eerie lights in the sky gave the impression of the American holiday.
The song features many apocalyptic themes with dark lyrics. Lead singer Chris Cornell revealed that he got his inspiration from an acid trip.
“Fourth of July” by Sufjan Stevens
Song year: 2015
“Fourth of July” is a song by American musician Sufjan Steven featured on his album Carrie & Lowell. All of the songs on this album got inspired by Steven’s mother, Carrie’s death in 2012.
Like the other songs on this album, this one discusses death and how we will all die at some point.
“July” by Sir Chloe
Song year: 2020
“July” is a song by the American indie rock band Sir Chloe. The lyrics describe a relationship that ends in late July, with the month’s end paralleling the closing of their chapter together, like the warmth of summer fading into the cold fall.
She sings about the complicated feelings that come with leaving someone. Although it may be the right choice, you still feel sad about it.
“July” by Beach Bunny
Song year: 2015
American rock band Beach Bunny wrote and performed the song “July.” The group garnered massive attention and popularity after their track “Prom Queen” went viral on the social media app TikTok.
The lyrics describe a couple spending July together and trying to figure out their relationship. This bright song uses many descriptors to get you in the summer feel.
“When The Rain Tumbles Down In July” by Slim Dusty
Song year: 1947
Australian country music singer-songwriter, guitarist, and producer wrote the song “When the Rain Tumbles Down.” It’s recognized as being Slim Dusty’s first commercial recording.
The song describes the flood seasons where Dusty grew up in the 30s and 40s in the Macleay Valley.
“The 5th of July” by Owl City
Song year: 2018
Although most songs about July refer to the fourth of July, this one takes place a day later. Adam Young wrote this song to discuss his birthday, the 5th of July.
The lyrics describe his childhood, family, and events that took place during the month of his life. He sings about his losses along with gratitude to his parents.
“Born on the Bayou” by Creedence Clearwater Revival
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wIjUY3pjN8E
Song year: 1969
Although this song doesn’t feature the term “July” in the title, it still qualifies as a song about July. Frontman John Fogerty wrote the song about experiencing the fourth of July in the bayou.
However, Fogerty had never been to a bayou while writing the tune. Instead, he researched and imagined what it would be like to have a childhood from the song’s perspective.
“4th of July” by Shooter Jennings
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ud_hZ2VDd5k
Song year: 2005
“4th of July” by Shooter Jennings is a song on his 2005 album, Put the ‘O’ Back in Country. He tells the tale of a road trip Jennings took after his band Stargunn broke up.
He stated that he wrote this song somewhat satirically, mimicking a specific type of country song. With many of the bands sounding alike, he figured he could come up with something similar.
“Black Day In July” by Gordon Lightfoot
Song year: 1968
Canadian singer-songwriter and guitarist Gordon Lightfoot featured the song “Black Day In July” on his album Did She Mention My Name?
He wrote the lyrics about the Detroit Race Riots that began on July 23, 1967. It was one of the worst riots between primarily black residents and the Detroit Police Department, resulting in 43 deaths.
“Goodbye July” by Shayna Leigh
Song year: 2015
“Goodbye July” is a title track from New York singer Shayna Leigh. She wrote this song to describe the feeling of loss, whether it be romance, friendship, family, or another type.
Despite the despairing subject, Leigh wrote this song about the strength one gains throughout hard times and how it brings you closer to people, passions, and yourself.
“4th of July” by Amy MacDonald
Song year: 2012
Scottish singer-songwriter Amy MacDonald featured the title “4th of July” on her third album, Life In a Beautiful Light. During this song, she nostalgically sings about a childhood trip to New York on July 4th.
She was inspired to write the song after watching the 10th anniversary of 9/11 and wanted to create an upbeat track to celebrate New York.
“4th of July” by Aimee Mann
Song year: 1993
American singer-songwriter Aimee Mann released “4th of July” on her first solo album, Whatever in 1993. Mann is known for her talent for writing about dark subjects.
This song showcases Mann’s soulful songwriting paired with story-like lyrics. She wrote and sang about feeling jaded during the big holiday in America, the fourth of July.
“4th of July” by X
Song year: 1986
“4th of July” by X was written by guitarist Dave Alvin who wrote the song when he was still with his former band, the Blasters. The Blasters did not use it, so it went on the X’s album, sung by vocalist John Doe.
Alvin explained during an interview that he wrote the song about the beauty in the mundane. The lyrics describe hearing downstairs children blasting fireworks, giving the fourth of July feel.
“July” by Breathe Carolina
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tpy00B4UgO4
Song year: 2019
“July” is a song by Breathe Carolina featured on their fifth studio album, Dead: The Album. They released the track with the music video a day before the album’s release.
The lyrics describe the perspective of losing yourself while trying to be and do everything for others. It’s about rebuilding the connection to yourself.
“July” by Ocean Colour Scene
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VEgaqyGj9Nc
Song year: 1999
English rock band Ocean Colour Scene (OCS) released “July” as a double A-side with “I Am the News.” It hit the top 100 on UK and Ireland Singles Charts.
The song is about needing to get away by any means possible.
“4th of July” by The Beach Boys
Song year: 1993
“4th of July” is a song on The Beach Boys‘ album, Good Vibrations: Thirty Years of The Beach Boys. This box set features their hits along with a few new releases, including “4th of July.”
Rather than their typical easy-going beachy melody, this song covers topics like the Watergate scandal and the resignation of Nixon, amongst other comparable issues.
WHY JULY by Cleopatrick
Song year: 2021
Canadian rock duo Cleopatrick released “WHY JULY”on their BUMMER album in 2021. The lyrics describe the protagonist being in a car with his friends and unable to start the car or hear music.
It’s unclear if the song has a deeper meaning, though some speculate “why July” is their way of saying “why’d you lie.”
“Fourth of July” by Galaxie 500
Song year: 1990
Last but not least, we have “Fourth of July” by Galaxie 500, an American alternative rock band that has since split up.
Like many of their songs, the lyrics are somewhat obtuse. To many, it is a song about feeling happy with the one you love and paying less attention to those that don’t see you for who you are.
Top Songs About July, Final Thoughts
July holds a special place in many Americans’ hearts due to the holiday, Independence day. However, there are so many other qualities to love about this month. You will find the many wonderful and not-so-wonderful aspects in these songs with July in the title.