World Tour: 3 of the Best Songs With Countries in the Title

Many songs reference places. While some of those references are very specific to the songwriter, other times they are more universal. Check out three top tracks that mention countries in their title, below.

Videos by American Songwriter

Mexico (James Taylor)

First up on our list of songs that have countries in the title is this James Taylor hit. There are many songs about Mexico. Typically, they stand to foster a sense of summertime folly. This Taylor track has a similar sentiment. Taylor dreams of escaping the stateside games by heading south of the border. The sun’s so hot, I forgot to go home, he sings. It’s likely a familiar sentiment for many who have lost track of time while partying in Mexico.

Way down here, you need a reason to move
Feel a fool, runnin’ your stateside games
Lose your load, leave your mind behind, baby James

Oh, Mexico
It sounds so simple, I just got to go
The sun’s so hot, I forgot to go home
Guess I’ll have to go now

[RELATED: James Taylor Helps Induct “Hero” Jimmy Buffett Into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame: “He Was Larger Than Life”]

“This Is America” (Childish Gambino)

Childish Gambino’s “This Is America” sees the rapper deliver a seething berate to American society–particularly the affinity for violence and prejudice. It’s certainly not the most complimentary view of the U.S., but it has become a beloved song nonetheless. Gambino dared to say the things many of his listeners were merely thinking.

This is America
Don’t catch you slippin’ now
Don’t catch you slippin’ now
Look what I’m whippin’ now
This is America
Don’t catch you slippin’ now
Don’t catch you slippin’ now
Look what I’m whippin’ now

[RELATED: Childish Gambino Announces World Tour in 2024-2025, Drops New Album ‘Atavista’]

“Never Been to Spain” (Three Dog Night)

Lastly on our list of songs with countries in the title is this oft-covered song. Several artists have delivered renditions of “Never Been to Spain.” This anthemic track was made famous by Three Dog Night. The band, despite their many experiences, compare everywhere they’ve been to an unattainable land. In this case it’s Spain, but it really could be anywhere. We all have that one place we dream of going to. This song is about that dream.

Well, I never been to Spain
But I kinda like the music
Say the ladies are insane there
And they sure know how to use it
They don’t abuse it
Never gonna lose it
I can’t refuse it, mhm

Well, I never been to England
But I kinda like the Beatles
Well, I headed for Las Vegas
Only made it out to Needles

(Photo by Cindy Ord/Getty Images for iHeartRadio)