The Most Famous Song For Each Of The 50 US States
Music has a way of anchoring itself to place, turning cities, highways, and hometowns into something you can hear as clearly as you can see.
Across the United States, certain songs have become inseparable from the states they reference, celebrate, or quietly embody.
Sometimes the connection comes through lyrics that name a location outright. Other times it lives in mood, accent, or story, capturing a feeling locals instantly recognize.
Looking at the most famous song tied to each state offers a musical map of the country, shaped by history, pride, and the stories people keep replaying.
1. Alabama: Sweet Home Alabama by Lynyrd Skynyrd
Turn it up loud because this southern rock masterpiece is basically Alabama’s unofficial theme song!
Released in 1974, this guitar-driven anthem became an instant classic that still gets crowds singing along at every football game and family barbecue across the state.
Lynyrd Skynyrd created something magical when they penned these unforgettable lyrics.
The song celebrates Alabama pride while also responding to some criticism the state had received in other popular songs of that era.
Even decades later, those opening guitar riffs make people jump to their feet.
It’s impossible to visit Alabama without hearing this tune at least once, and honestly, nobody’s complaining about that!
2. Alaska: North to Alaska by Johnny Horton
Picture this: gold rushes, frontier adventures, and a catchy tune that captures the wild spirit of America’s largest state.
Johnny Horton recorded this upbeat country song in 1960, and it quickly became the perfect soundtrack for Alaska’s rugged landscape and pioneering history.
The song tells a story about the Klondike Gold Rush, when thousands of prospectors headed north seeking their fortunes.
Horton’s energetic vocals and toe-tapping melody make you feel like you’re part of that exciting journey yourself.
3. Arizona: By the Time I Get to Arizona by Public Enemy
Public Enemy didn’t hold back with this powerful protest song from 1991.
The track addresses Arizona’s controversial decision not to recognize Martin Luther King Jr. Day as a state holiday, making it way more than just another hip-hop anthem.
Chuck D’s commanding voice and the group’s signature production style created something that demanded attention.
This wasn’t background music; it was a call to action wrapped in hard-hitting beats and unforgettable lyrics that sparked important conversations.
Though controversial at the time, the song represents an important moment in both music and civil rights history.
4. Arkansas: Arkansas by Chris Stapleton
Chris Stapleton’s soulful voice brings Arkansas to life in this heartfelt tribute.
His signature blend of country, blues, and southern rock creates the perfect musical postcard for the Natural State, celebrating everything that makes it special from the Ozark Mountains to the Mississippi Delta.
Released as part of his critically acclaimed work, the song showcases Stapleton’s incredible vocal range and storytelling ability.
He paints pictures with words, making listeners feel like they’re actually walking through Arkansas’s beautiful landscapes and experiencing its warm hospitality.
5. California: California Dreamin’ by The Mamas & the Papas
Close your eyes and imagine escaping a cold winter day for California’s sunny beaches.
That’s exactly what The Mamas & the Papas captured in this 1965 masterpiece that became one of the most recognizable songs ever written about the Golden State.
The harmonies are absolutely gorgeous, weaving together voices in a way that feels warm and inviting.
Written by John Phillips and Michelle Phillips during a particularly cold New York winter, the song expresses that universal longing for California’s perfect weather and laid-back lifestyle.
6. Colorado: Rocky Mountain High by John Denver
John Denver basically became Colorado’s musical ambassador with this 1972 folk anthem.
His clear, genuine voice paired with lyrics celebrating the state’s majestic mountains created something that still gives people goosebumps when they hear it echoing through the Rockies.
The song describes Denver’s first experience seeing Colorado’s incredible landscape, and you can feel his awe in every note.
He captures that sense of spiritual connection people feel when surrounded by nature’s grandeur, making it relatable to anyone who’s ever been moved by natural beauty.
Colorado loved this song so much they made it one of their two official state songs in 2007.
7. Connecticut: Connecticut by Judy Garland
When Hollywood legend Judy Garland sang about Connecticut, she brought her signature charm and incredible vocal talent to celebrating this New England state.
Her performance style transformed a simple state tribute into something genuinely entertaining and memorable that showcased Connecticut’s quiet appeal.
Garland had that rare ability to make every song feel personal and emotional.
Even when singing about a specific place, she connected with audiences on a human level that transcended geography, making everyone feel like they understood Connecticut’s special qualities.
8. Delaware: I’m in Love With Delaware by Jimmie Davis
Jimmie Davis, who was actually a Louisiana governor and country music star, somehow found time to fall in love with Delaware through song!
This charming country tune celebrates the First State with genuine affection and that old-school country music warmth that makes you smile.
Davis had a talent for writing songs that felt like friendly conversations.
His straightforward lyrics and pleasant melodies made complex emotions accessible to everyone, and this Delaware tribute is no exception to his approachable style.
9. Florida: Florida by Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers
Gainesville, Florida shaped Tom Petty early on, and that Sunshine State influence runs through his music like orange juice at breakfast.
This track from his Wildflowers album captures Florida’s unique blend of beauty, weirdness, and endless summer vibes that only a true native could understand.
Petty’s rock-and-roll storytelling shines here as he reflects on his home state with both fondness and honesty.
He doesn’t sugarcoat things or pretend Florida is perfect – he just tells it like it is, which makes the song feel authentic and relatable.
10. Georgia: Georgia on My Mind by Ray Charles
Ray Charles took a song originally written in 1930 and transformed it into Georgia’s soul.
His 1960 version is so powerful and emotional that it became the official state song in 1979, proving that sometimes the best tributes come from reinterpretations rather than original compositions.
Brother Ray’s voice carries so much feeling that you don’t need to be from Georgia to understand the longing and love he expresses.
His piano playing adds layers of emotion that make every listen feel like the first time you’re discovering something precious.
11. Hawaii: Hawaiian Wedding Song by Elvis Presley
Hawaii’s romantic glow reached audiences worldwide through Elvis Presley’s beautiful ballad featured in his 1961 film Blue Hawaii.
The King’s smooth vocals combined with traditional Hawaiian musical elements created something that made everyone want to book a flight to the islands immediately!
Originally a Hawaiian song called “Ke Kali Nei Au,” Elvis’s English version introduced millions of people to Hawaii’s musical traditions.
The song perfectly captures that magical feeling of island romance and tropical paradise.
It’s been played at countless Hawaiian weddings and luaus, cementing its place as Hawaii’s unofficial musical greeting card to the world!
12. Idaho: Private Idaho by The B-52’s
Known for their offbeat lyrics and danceable rhythms, the band created something that put Idaho on the musical map in the most unexpected way possible!
Fred Schneider’s distinctive talk-singing delivery makes the song instantly recognizable.
The band’s playful approach to songwriting means they celebrate Idaho’s uniqueness without taking themselves too seriously, which perfectly matches the state’s independent spirit and natural beauty.
Though not a traditional state anthem, this song gave Idaho some serious pop culture credibility.
13. Illinois: Sweet Home Chicago by Robert Johnson
Robert Johnson recorded this blues standard in 1936, and while the title says Chicago, it became the heartbeat of Illinois’s incredible musical heritage.
Johnson’s Delta blues guitar work and haunting vocals laid the foundation for decades of Chicago blues that would influence rock and roll forever.
The song’s been covered by everyone from The Blues Brothers to countless other artists, but Johnson’s original has that raw authenticity that can’t be replicated.
Johnson may have only lived 27 years, but his musical legacy helped define Illinois’s cultural identity for generations to come!
14. Indiana: Back Home Again in Indiana
Every May, this song fills the Indianapolis Motor Speedway before the famous Indy 500 race, bringing tears to the eyes of racing fans and Hoosiers everywhere.
Written in 1917, it’s been recorded by countless artists, each adding their own flavor to this timeless celebration of Indiana.
The lyrics paint a picture of Indiana’s pastoral beauty and the comfort of returning home.
Jim Nabors sang it at the Indy 500 for decades, creating a tradition that became as important as the race itself.
15. Iowa: Iowa by Slipknot
With this intense and aggressive track from their 2001 album of the same name, Slipknot brought Iowa to the heavy metal world.
The Des Moines-based band created something raw and powerful that showed Iowa isn’t just about cornfields – it’s got serious edge and attitude too!
The song is dark, heavy, and absolutely uncompromising in its sound.
Slipknot’s masked personas and brutal musical style might seem worlds away from typical state songs, but they represent Iowa’s real diversity and the creativity thriving in unexpected places across the heartland.
16. Kansas: Carry On Wayward Son by Kansas
Kansas (the band) created this epic progressive rock anthem in 1976, and it became their signature song.
Those opening guitar riffs are instantly recognizable to anyone who grew up listening to classic rock radio or watching Supernatural, where it became the unofficial theme song!
The song’s philosophical lyrics about finding peace and purpose resonated with audiences in the 1970s and continue connecting with new generations today.
Its complex musical arrangement showcases the band’s incredible musicianship while remaining catchy enough to sing along with enthusiastically.
Though the song isn’t specifically about Kansas the state, having a band named after your home create one of rock’s most enduring anthems is pretty awesome.
17. Kentucky: Blue Moon of Kentucky by Bill Monroe
A 1946 waltz helped shape Kentucky’s unofficial musical signature, penned by the man widely regarded as the father of bluegrass music.
His mandolin playing and high lonesome vocals defined a completely new genre of American music that still influences artists today across multiple genres.
Elvis Presley later covered the song with a rockabilly twist, introducing it to whole new audiences and proving great songs transcend genres.
Both versions celebrate Kentucky’s musical heritage while showing how traditional sounds can evolve and stay relevant through different interpretations.
18. Louisiana: Louisiana Saturday Night by Mel McDaniel
Louisiana’s party spirit came through loud and clear in Mel McDaniel’s upbeat 1981 country tune.
The song describes a typical Saturday night in Louisiana with dancing, good food, and people having the time of their lives – basically everything that makes the Bayou State such a fun place to be!
McDaniel’s energetic delivery matches the song’s celebration of Louisiana’s unique culture.
You can practically smell the gumbo and hear the fiddles playing when you listen, making it the perfect soundtrack for any Louisiana gathering or celebration.
19. Maine: King of Maine by Spencer Albee
Spencer Albee, a Portland-based musician, created this indie rock tribute to Maine that captures the state’s independent spirit and natural beauty.
His modern approach to celebrating Maine shows how the state continues inspiring new generations of artists with its rugged coastline and creative communities.
Albee’s musical style blends rock, pop, and experimental elements, much like Maine itself blends traditional New England charm with contemporary artistic innovation and environmental consciousness.
Though not as widely known nationally as some other state songs, this track perfectly represents modern Maine.
20. Maryland: Maryland, My Maryland
This traditional anthem served as Maryland’s official state song from 1939 until 2021, when it was repealed due to its controversial Civil War-era lyrics.
The melody comes from the German Christmas carol “O Tannenbaum,” showing how American music often borrows and transforms European traditions.
The song’s complex history reflects Maryland’s complicated position during the Civil War as a border state.
Its removal as the state song demonstrates how societies evolve and reconsider which symbols best represent their values and aspirations for the future.
Sometimes letting go of the past makes room for something better!
21. Massachusetts: Roadrunner by The Modern Lovers
The song specifically mentions Route 128 and the Massachusetts Turnpike, making it possibly the only rock song that celebrates highway infrastructure with genuine passion!
Richman’s straightforward lyrics and the band’s minimalist sound influenced countless punk and indie rock bands that came after them.
The song proves you don’t need complicated production or fancy metaphors to capture something meaningful – sometimes simple observations about everyday life work best.
What’s brilliant is how Richman finds beauty in suburban Massachusetts landscapes that others might overlook.
22. Michigan: Detroit Rock City by KISS
KISS brought their theatrical rock spectacle to Detroit with this 1976 anthem that celebrates both the city and rock and roll excess.
The song’s driving rhythm and Gene Simmons’s powerful bass line perfectly capture Detroit’s industrial energy and musical legacy as the birthplace of Motown.
The track tells a story about a fan desperately trying to get to a KISS concert in Detroit, showing the city’s importance to rock music culture.
The song became synonymous with both the band and the city, showing how sometimes the best matches happen when unexpected partners find common ground!
23. Minnesota: Minnesota by Lil Yachty
Bringing Minnesota into the modern hip-hop conversation, this track showcases the state’s growing influence in contemporary music.
Lil Yachty’s melodic rap style and references to Minnesota’s culture show how the state has become increasingly important in shaping current hip-hop trends.
The song represents a new generation’s perspective on Minnesota, moving beyond Prince and Bob Dylan to show the state’s evolving musical identity.
Minnesota’s hip-hop scene has exploded in recent years, and songs like this help put the state on the map for younger audiences.
24. Mississippi: Mississippi by Bob Dylan
Mississippi’s layered history and cultural weight were explored through a reflective ballad recorded by Bob Dylan for his 2001 album Love and Theft, showcasing his enduring gift for storytelling.
Dylan’s weathered voice and poetic lyrics create a meditation on time, place, and memory that feels both personal and universal.
The song doesn’t glorify or condemn Mississippi – it simply observes and reflects, which is vintage Dylan at his best.
His nuanced approach acknowledges the state’s troubled past while finding beauty and meaning in its landscape and influence on American culture.
25. Missouri: Kansas City by Wilbert Harrison
The song celebrates the city’s legendary jazz and blues scene, which helped shape American music during the early and mid-20th century.
Harrison’s smooth vocals and the song’s walking bass line create an infectious rhythm that makes sitting still absolutely impossible.
His enthusiasm for Kansas City’s nightlife and music scene comes through every note, making listeners want to experience the city’s famous entertainment districts themselves.
The song has been covered by countless artists including The Beatles, proving its timeless appeal.
26. Montana: Meet Me in Montana by Dan Seals & Marie Osmond
This 1985 country duet topped the charts while celebrating Montana’s romantic appeal and stunning natural beauty.
Dan Seals and Marie Osmond’s voices blend perfectly, creating a warm, inviting sound that matches Montana’s reputation for wide-open spaces and genuine hospitality.
The song tells a story about two people connecting across distance, using Montana as the perfect meeting place for new beginnings.
Its optimistic lyrics and catchy melody made it a crossover hit that introduced Montana to audiences who might never have considered visiting before.
Seals and Osmond don’t oversell Montana – they simply present it as a beautiful place where good things can happen, which is exactly what the state represents to many people!
27. Nebraska: Nebraska by Bruce Springsteen
Bruce Springsteen recorded this stark, haunting album on a four-track cassette recorder in 1982, creating one of the most powerful musical statements about Middle America ever made.
The title track’s minimalist arrangement and dark subject matter show Nebraska’s isolation and the struggles of everyday people trying to survive.
Springsteen’s Nebraska isn’t a celebration – it’s an honest, sometimes brutal examination of American life in the heartland.
The album influenced countless artists and showed that Nebraska’s story deserved to be told without sugar-coating.
28. Nevada: Viva Las Vegas by Elvis Presley
Las Vegas’s electric energy was sealed into pop culture by a 1964 hit from Elvis Presley, forever linking the song to Nevada’s most famous city.
The song’s upbeat tempo and Elvis’s enthusiastic vocals perfectly match Vegas’s non-stop entertainment and the excitement of gambling, shows, and nightlife that never sleeps.
Doc Pomus and Mort Shuman wrote this energetic tribute specifically for Elvis’s movie of the same name.
The King’s performance brings the lyrics to life, making everyone want to experience Vegas’s unique blend of glamour, risk-taking, and pure entertainment for themselves.
29. New Hampshire: New Hampshire by Sonic Youth
Sonic Youth brought their experimental noise rock aesthetic to New Hampshire with this track that’s as unconventional as the band itself.
Known for their avant-garde approach to guitar music, they created something that captures New Hampshire’s independent spirit and resistance to easy categorization.
The band’s dissonant guitar work and Kim Gordon’s distinctive vocals create an atmosphere that’s both challenging and rewarding.
Like New Hampshire itself, the song doesn’t try to please everyone – it confidently does its own thing without worrying about mainstream acceptance or commercial appeal.
30. New Jersey: Born to Run by Bruce Springsteen
The Boss created New Jersey’s ultimate anthem with this 1975 rock masterpiece that captures the dreams, frustrations, and determination of working-class kids trying to escape their circumstances.
Springsteen’s passionate vocals and Clarence Clemons’s soaring saxophone solo created something that transcends geography to become universally relatable.
The song’s production is massive, with layers of guitars, drums, and keyboards building to an emotional crescendo that makes your heart race.
New Jersey officially recognized Springsteen’s contributions by making this a state treasure.
31. New Mexico: New Mexico by Johnny Cash
Bringing his distinctive voice to New Mexico with this tribute that captures the state’s unique blend of Native American, Spanish, and Anglo cultures was none other than The Man in Black.
Cash’s deep, authoritative vocals and straightforward lyrics paint New Mexico as a place of mystery, history, and stunning natural beauty.
Cash had a special connection to the Southwest, and his respect for the region’s diverse cultures comes through in his musical tributes.
The song’s simple arrangement lets Cash’s voice and the lyrics take center stage.
32. New York: Empire State of Mind by Jay-Z feat. Alicia Keys
Jay-Z and Alicia Keys created the 21st century’s definitive New York anthem with this 2009 hip-hop masterpiece.
Keys’s soaring chorus combined with Jay-Z’s proud verses about making it in the city creates something that captures New York’s energy, diversity, and status as the center of the world.
The song name-drops neighborhoods, streets, and landmarks that every New Yorker recognizes, making it feel both personal and universal.
Alicia Keys’s piano-driven chorus is instantly recognizable and has become the soundtrack to countless New York moments in movies, TV shows, and sporting events.
33. North Carolina: Carolina in My Mind by James Taylor
Homesickness for North Carolina was captured with quiet tenderness in James Taylor’s 1968 ballad, which has often been treated as an unofficial state anthem.
Taylor’s gentle voice and fingerpicking guitar style create an intimate atmosphere that makes listeners feel like he’s sharing something deeply personal and meaningful.
The song was actually written while Taylor was in New York, making the longing he expresses even more authentic and relatable.
North Carolina officially adopted this as a state song in 2010, recognizing how perfectly Taylor captured the state’s spirit.
34. North Dakota: North Dakota by Lyle Lovett
Known for his intelligent lyrics and genre-blending approach, Lovett finds beauty in North Dakota’s simplicity and the quiet dignity of its landscape and people.
The song doesn’t try to make North Dakota something it’s not – instead, Lovett appreciates it for what it actually is.
His warm, conversational vocal delivery makes listeners feel like they’re having a friendly chat about a place that deserves more attention than it typically receives.
North Dakota might not have the flashy appeal of coastal states, but Lovett’s tribute shows that every place has its own story worth telling.
35. Ohio: Ohio by Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
Written in response to the tragic Kent State shootings of 1970, this protest song became one of the most powerful political statements in rock history.
Neil Young’s angry lyrics and the group’s urgent harmonies captured the nation’s shock and grief over National Guard soldiers killing four unarmed students during an anti-war demonstration.
The song was recorded and released incredibly quickly, reaching radio stations within weeks of the tragedy.
Though born from tragedy, the song represents an important moment in both Ohio’s history and American consciousness.
36. Oklahoma: Oklahoma! by Rodgers & Hammerstein
Rodgers & Hammerstein’s 1943 Broadway musical revolutionized American theater while celebrating Oklahoma’s frontier spirit and optimism.
The title song’s rousing melody and enthusiastic lyrics capture the state’s pride and pioneering heritage, making it impossible to sing without feeling uplifted and energized!
The musical tells stories about Oklahoma’s early statehood, exploring themes of community, love, and building something new in challenging circumstances.
Its success helped establish the modern musical theater format where songs advance the plot rather than just providing entertainment breaks.
37. Oregon: Portland, Oregon by Jack White & Loretta Lynn
This unexpected 2004 duet blends White’s garage rock energy with Lynn’s traditional country roots, perfectly matching Portland’s combination of hipster innovation and Pacific Northwest tradition.
The song’s playful lyrics and chemistry between the unlikely duo make it memorable and fun.
White’s production gives Lynn’s voice a fresh context while respecting her legendary status, creating something that appeals to fans of both artists and introducing each to new audiences.
Portland’s reputation for being weird and wonderful gets a musical tribute that’s equally unconventional.
38. Pennsylvania: Philadelphia Freedom by Elton John
Elton John wrote this disco-influenced anthem in 1975 as a tribute to Billie Jean King and her Philadelphia-based tennis team.
The song’s infectious groove and John’s powerful vocals created something that transcends sports to become a celebration of freedom, determination, and Philadelphia’s revolutionary spirit.
Bernie Taupin’s lyrics cleverly connect tennis metaphors with themes of liberation and independence that resonate with Philadelphia’s historical significance.
Though not specifically about Pennsylvania’s largest city, the song has become synonymous with Philadelphia’s identity.
39. Rhode Island: Roadrunner by Jonathan Richman
Though primarily about Massachusetts, Rhode Island gets its moment in this influential song that helped define punk rock’s straightforward, unpretentious approach to songwriting.
Richman’s enthusiasm for ordinary places and everyday experiences makes the song special.
He finds genuine excitement in highway driving and radio music, showing that you don’t need exotic locations to create meaningful art – sometimes home is the most interesting place.
Rhode Island might be America’s smallest state, but getting mentioned in a rock classic that influenced countless bands gives it outsized cultural significance.
40. South Carolina: Carolina by Taylor Swift
Taylor Swift brought her storytelling abilities to South Carolina with this tender ballad.
Swift’s voice and acoustic guitar create an intimate atmosphere that captures both romantic longing and the specific feeling of Southern summers and coastal beauty.
The song showcases Swift’s songwriting talent, using Carolina as a backdrop for a love story that feels both specific and universal.
Her ability to connect place with emotion makes listeners associate South Carolina with the bittersweet feelings she describes so effectively.
41. South Dakota: South Dakota by Chris Stapleton
His blend of country, blues, and southern rock creates the perfect musical vehicle for celebrating South Dakota’s rugged beauty and frontier spirit.
Stapleton has a gift for making every song feel personal and genuine.
His approach to South Dakota avoids clichés while acknowledging the state’s unique character, from the Badlands to the Black Hills, creating a musical portrait that feels both accurate and respectful.
The song demonstrates why Stapleton has become one of country music’s most respected artists.
42. Tennessee: Rocky Top by The Osborne Brothers
The Osborne Brothers’ 1967 recording features lightning-fast banjo picking and harmonies that capture Tennessee’s musical heritage and the beauty of its mountain landscapes in under three minutes of pure joy.
The song celebrates simple mountain life with lyrics that romanticize Tennessee’s rural past.
Its upbeat tempo and sing-along chorus made it a favorite at University of Tennessee sporting events, where it’s played so often that many people assume it’s the official fight song.
Tennessee eventually recognized “Rocky Top” as one of its official state songs in 1982.
43. Texas: Deep in the Heart of Texas
This 1941 standard has been recorded by countless artists and remains the most recognizable song about the Lone Star State.
The famous hand-clapping break makes it impossible to hear without participating, creating an instant connection between performers and audiences that transcends generations and musical styles.
The song captures Texas pride in its purest form, celebrating the state’s size, beauty, and distinctive character without irony or reservation.
Whether performed by big bands, country artists, or elementary school choirs, the song never loses its charm.
44. Utah: Salt Lake City by The Beach Boys
The song demonstrates the band’s ability to celebrate different American locations while maintaining their distinctive sound and positive, upbeat approach to songwriting.
Brian Wilson’s production genius shines through even on this lesser-known track.
The Beach Boys’ layered vocals and melodic sensibility make Salt Lake City sound like the most exciting place in America, proving great music can make any location interesting and appealing.
Utah might seem like an odd subject for California’s most famous surf band, but that’s what makes the song special.
45. Vermont: Moonlight in Vermont
This jazz standard from 1944 has been recorded by everyone from Frank Sinatra to Willie Nelson, each bringing their own interpretation to Vermont’s romantic appeal.
The song’s unusual structure and poetic lyrics create a dreamy atmosphere that captures Vermont’s natural beauty and peaceful character perfectly.
Karl Suessdorf and John Blackburn wrote lyrics that paint vivid pictures of Vermont’s landscape without using a single rhyme.
This unconventional approach makes the song feel more like spoken poetry set to music, creating something sophisticated and memorable that stands apart from typical state tributes.
46. Virginia: Virginia by Gin Blossoms
Virginia became the backdrop for a jangly alternative rock track by Gin Blossoms, highlighting the band’s knack for melodic, guitar-driven songs with real emotional pull.
Their approach gives Virginia a modern musical identity beyond historical references and traditional tributes.
The band’s signature sound – mixing melancholy lyrics with upbeat instrumentation – creates an interesting tension that makes the song memorable.
47. Washington: Seattle by Perry Como
Perry Como’s smooth, easy-listening style might seem like an unlikely match for Seattle, but his 1969 recording created a charming tribute to the Emerald City.
Como’s relaxed vocal delivery and the song’s gentle arrangement present Seattle as a welcoming, beautiful place worth visiting and remembering.
The song predates Seattle’s grunge revolution by decades, offering a different perspective on the city before it became synonymous with alternative rock.
Though not as edgy as later Seattle anthems, Como’s tribute has its own appeal.
48. West Virginia: Take Me Home, Country Roads by John Denver
John Denver created what might be America’s most beloved state song with this 1971 folk-pop masterpiece.
Despite Denver never actually living in West Virginia, his heartfelt lyrics and memorable melody captured the state’s spirit so perfectly that it became West Virginia’s official state song and an international symbol of home and belonging.
The song’s opening lines are instantly recognizable to people worldwide, transcending West Virginia to represent anyone’s longing for home.
Denver’s clear voice and simple acoustic arrangement let the lyrics shine, creating something that feels both specific to West Virginia and universally relatable to everyone.
49. Wisconsin: On Wisconsin
Originally written as a fight song for the University of Wisconsin in 1909, this rousing march became the official state song in 1959.
Its energetic brass arrangements and triumphant melody capture Wisconsin’s spirited character and pride, making it perfect for everything from sporting events to state celebrations.
William T. Purdy composed the music with lyrics by Carl Beck that celebrate Wisconsin’s natural beauty and the determination of its people.
The song’s marching tempo and bold harmonies create an atmosphere of confidence and enthusiasm that represents Wisconsin’s can-do attitude perfectly.
50. Wyoming: Wyoming by Benjamin Tod
Benjamin Tod brings modern folk sensibility to Wyoming with this heartfelt acoustic ballad.
His raw, emotional vocal style and sparse instrumentation create an intimate portrait of Wyoming that focuses on the state’s vast emptiness and the kind of freedom that comes from wide-open spaces.
Tod’s approach is refreshingly honest, avoiding romanticized cowboy clichés while still respecting Wyoming’s Western heritage.
His songwriting captures the loneliness and beauty of the least-populated state, creating something that feels authentic rather than manufactured for tourists or outsiders.
