3 Country Songs That Have Become True Patriotic Anthems

Country music and patriotism go hand in hand. They are so prevalent that they have become almost a trope. However, there are country artists who manage to strike the perfect chord between patriotism and humility. Find three country songs below that are exceedingly patriotic, in one way or another, so much so that they can be considered true patriotic anthems.

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“God Bless The USA”

We must start this list with a country song that can be easily described as a pseudo-national anthem, Lee Greenwood’s “God Bless The U.S.A.” No other song has been so intrinsically linked to the nation’s military parades and presidential inaugurations. “God Bless The U.S.A.” has become just as much a part of the nation’s fabric as the actual national anthem. And I’m proud to be an American where at least I know I’m free / And I won’t forget the men who died, who gave that right to me, are lyrics countless patriotic Americans have sung their hearts out to.

“Take Me Home, Country Roads” (John Denver)

Though John Denver’s “Take Me Home, Country Roads” isn’t as explicitly patriotic as Greenwood’s track, it has still been a point of national pride. We might not all be country folk, but most of us have a sense of home. This song, though nodding to one area of the country, can serve as a love letter to America as a whole. The U.S. is home to many immigrants and transplants. We all dream of taking that familiar journey back home, wherein we know every curve and turn. If you’re looking for a dose of nostalgia and hometown pride, look no further than this country classic.

“This Land Is Your Land” (Woody Guthrie)

Woody Guthrie‘s “This Land Is Your Land” has become an American standard. The country trailblazer decided to pen a poem about the complicated reality of the country. This land is your land, and this land is my land / From California to the New York Island, Guthrie sings in this iconic track. While on the surface this song appears to be a cheery vignette of life in the U.S., it is actually one of the most cleverly veiled protest songs in music history. Guthrie was working through some healthy skepticism during the Great Depression. His thoughts rang true for many Americans. As evidenced by the enduring popularity of this song.

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