Summary

The article provides a list of ten favorite karaoke songs suitable for an American Independence Day celebration, reflecting on the complexities of American identity and patriotism amidst recent controversial Supreme Court decisions.

Abstract

The piece, titled "Ain’t That America: Karaoke Favorites for July 4th," offers a curated selection of songs that encapsulate the paradoxical sentiments many Americans may feel during the Fourth of July holiday, given the current political climate. The author, who admits to a love for karaoke and a complicated relationship with national pride, presents a top ten list of songs ranging from Miley Cyrus' "Party in the U.S.A." to John Mellencamp's "Pink Houses." Each song choice is accompanied by an analysis of its thematic relevance and suitability for the holiday, along with a YouTube link for readers to experience the songs. The author's selections are informed by a blend of personal anecdotes, critiques of American culture, and the desire to celebrate despite a challenging week for the nation's Supreme Court.

Opinions

The author expresses ambivalence about celebrating America due to recent Supreme Court rulings on affirmative action, student loan forgiveness, and same-sex marriage, indicating a critical view of the current political landscape.
Despite reservations about patriotism, the author acknowledges the unifying power of karaoke, particularly on Independence Day, suggesting that communal singing can be an act of celebration regardless of political views.
The article suggests that some songs, such as "Born in the U.S.A." by Bruce Springsteen, have been misinterpreted as patriotic anthems when they were originally intended as social commentary or protest songs.
"American Girl" by Tom Petty is mentioned in the context of a local urban legend, which the author debunks with a light-hearted acknowledgment of having spread misinformation about the song's inspiration.
The author praises certain songs for their musicality and cultural impact, such as "America" by Neil Diamond and "Pink Houses" by John Mellencamp, while also critiquing the difficulty of performing some, like David Bowie's "Young Americans," in a karaoke setting.
"This Is America" by Childish Gambino is noted as a modern and socially relevant song that would be a powerful addition to a karaoke playlist, reflecting a desire for inclusive and meaningful patriotic expressions.
The list concludes with the author's personal favorite, "Pink Houses," which is described as embodying a hopeful and quintessentially American spirit despite the author's current anger and disappointment with the nation's direction.
Lastly, the author invites readers to share their own karaoke choices for the holiday, demonstrating an inclusive and community-oriented perspective on celebrating America through music.

Ain’t That America: Karaoke Favorites for July 4th

My top 10 favorite songs for this not-favorite holiday

Baby, you’re a firework! Photo by Erwan Hesry on Unsplash

It’s hard to be proud to be an American.

After a disastrous week of Supreme Court rulings — from striking down Affirmative Action in college admissions to overturning President Biden’s student loan forgiveness program to allowing discrimination based on sexual orientation — it’s not the best of times to ask me to celebrate our country. I suspect many of you may feel the same.

However, I know one thing July 4th has always been good for: a rowdy karaoke night.

And karaoke is something I’m always excited to celebrate.

If those about to head out to sing this July 4th, I salute you. (Thought I’m guessing it’ll be tonight, July 3, as most of us have tomorrow off.)

As a former KJ and long-time karaoke enthusiast, allow me to suggest a few personal favorites to sing in the 247th anniversary of our independence.

10. Party in the U.S.A. by Miley Cyrus

Now that I know what an incredible vocalist Miley is, the production value on this song irritates me even more. And yes, this song is vapid AF. But it’s an infectious crowd pleaser and it’s super fun to sing. Just get over yourself and sing along. It’s the American way.

9. American by Lana Del Ray

I’d fall down if I ever saw this track at karaoke, and that’s probably for the best because no one call pull off Lana but Lana, vocally speaking. This song sounds so dreamy and ethereal but the lyrics are far from innocent; it’s an epic take-down of the toxic masculine American man.

8. Born in the U.S.A. by Bruce Springsteen

I do love an anthem that the wrong side of history doesn’t recognize as a protest song. This song is a master-class in deceiving the dopes into thinking it’s patriotism. If nothing else, the crowd should all chime in on the refrain (and likely no one will notice if you don’t know the rest of the lyrics).

7. America by Neil Diamond

No Independence Day playlist is complete without this absolutely iconic hit. It’s earnest, it’s bombastic, it’s low-key ridiculous, it’s the Jazz Singer Neil freaking Diamond, and every time that flag’s unfurled, THEY’RE COMING TO AMERICA. Maybe it’s my Jewish upbringing and being raised with my Mom’s adoration of Neil Diamond, but this song is a BANGER and I will fight anyone who says otherwise. Also, it’s an pro-immigration anthem, is it not?

6. Young Americans by David Bowie

This song is an utter classic and would rank higher on the list if it weren’t so hard to karaoke. It’s got a whole lotta lyrics and the melody in the verses isn’t predictable at all. If you wanna take this on — practice first, a lot. You’ve gotta do Bowie proud.

5. American Girl by Tom Petty

Fun fact: I’ve spent my entire adult life boring anyone at karaoke who would listen about how this song was written about a student at the University of Florida who jumped to her death from the top floor of student dorm Beatty Towers, onto “441, like the waves crashing on the beach.” I went to UF, so I hold it as a small source of pride that Tom and all the Heartbreakers were from Gainesville, Florida. Except I just looked it up and realized thanks to Snopes that I’ve been lying to everyone. God Bless America.

4. “This Is America” by Childish Gambino

You’ll need a pretty cool karaoke bar to have this option (I’ve never seen it). But damn I’d love to see someone get up and nail this one to celebrate the 4th. Dissent is patriotic!

3. Firework by Katy Perry

I nearly placed this song first, simply as it’s the only song I know of that name-checks the 4th of July. And it’s a great pop song — uplifting, anthemic, bombastic, rousing, it sounds much like the firework explosions it (metaphorically) describes. One of Perry’s best, and one I plan to play every July 4th from here on out. The two songs in the top spots just have a few decades head start in my heart (and ears)…

2. Kids in America by Kim Wilde

As a New Wave kid of the era, I will never not love this song. That said, there’s no such thing as “East California” and that lyric has always bothered me. Why not “New York ‘cross to California / There’s a New Wave comin’ I warn ya” instead? Did they intentionally omit the west coastline from experiencing New Wave?

1. Pink Houses by John Mellencamp

For as angry as I am about so many poor political changes impacting the US right now, I can’t help but love the easy-breezy middle-America vibe of this song. It remains my favorite song to commemorate this crazy holiday. I love how it’s a little bit cynical, a little bit hard truth, but mostly it’s wholesome and just hopeful enough to be plausible. Hey, ain’t that something to see?

So, how’d I do? Did I get your favorite?

If not, what’s on your karaoke set-list for tonight?

Greetings!

I’m All My Little Words, a GenX word nerd living in the Pacific Northwest with a whole lot of little words to share. I write about career, music, feminism and perimenopause, cooking, ambition, fun, parenting, and more, with an offbeat perspective on how and why the world works (or doesn’t).

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