Let’s Tour America with 50 Songs About States

In perhaps the understatement of the year, the United States is a very big country. With nearly 3.797 million square miles, it’s one of the largest countries in the entire world. All that land makes it a great spot for road tripping. And what goes well with road tripping? Music. To get really creative, why not make a playlist entirely from songs about states? In other words, 50 songs with a state in the title, one for each star on the flag.

Some of these songs you’re like familiar (especially the first one), but I bet you’ll find at least a couple of new gems. Happy listening, and give me a shout with your favorite songs about US states, too. I’d love to hear ’em!

Alabama — “Sweet Home Alabama” by Lynyrd Skynyrd

This might be the most American song on the entire list. I mean, just look at the thumbnail for the official lyric video. It’s got a bald eagle soaring across the American flag. Hard to beat that.

Alaska — “Alaska” by Maggie Rogers

This song is as cool as a summer afternoon in Alaska. I also like that the first two-thirds of the music video are all shot in one go, but then the final third is a bunch of cuts of people dancing. I get it, though, you’ll be just like the folks in the video after hearing this bop.

Arizona — “Arizona” by Mark Lindsay

Mark Lindsay is perhaps better known as the lead singer of Paul Revere & the Raiders, whose song “Kicks” is sadly not about snazzy sneakers. “Arizona” came out in 1970, but I only heard about it within the past decade. Since then, I’ve randomly yelled out the “Arrrr-i-ZO-na” in the chorus at least once per week.

Arkansas — “Arkansas” by Chris Stapleton

I’ve never been to Arkansas, but as Chris Stapleton suggests, I better get on down to there. After all, there’s probably plenty of wacky travel to check out!

California — “California Girls” by The Beach Boys

California is surely the most-named state among all song titles. Katy Perry has the similarly named “California Gurls,” 2Pac has “California Love,” the Mamas and Papas were “California Dreamin'” well before the Red Hot Chili Peppers dreamed of “Californication.” Phantom Planet and Blink-182 both have tracks simply called “California.” Anyway, the Beach Boys were my favorite band growing up and are still among my top dogs, so they get the nod here.

Colorado — “Colorado” by Reneé Rapp

“I think my life might be better if I lived in Colorado” is how Reneé Rapp starts this song off. You might not agree, but I think it’s safe to say your life might be better if you visit Colorado. (Sure, she later says she might hate herself if she lives there, but Colorado’s a wonderful place.)

Connecticut — “Connecticut Steps” by Into It. Over It.

I wonder if Into It. Over It. regrets including so much punctuation in their band name…or maybe they’re over it by now. Anyway, I can picture Connecticutians driving around town on a lovely fall day with this song playing from their cars.

Delaware — “Hot Time in Delaware” by Saves the Day

For a long time, the most memorable Delaware shout-out in media was this scene from Wayne’s World where they’re using a green screen to travel to different states, including being magically whisked away to Delaware. I don’t know if this early Saves the Day song beats Wayne and Garth, but it’s a good head-banger.

Florida — “It Never Snows in Florida” by New Found Glory

We’re on a pop-punk roll here! New Found Glory is one of the quintessential bands of the genre, and growing up in Coral Springs, FL, they gave their home state a shoutout on their debut album. This OG song turns 25 years old this year, and just a few years ago, NFG released a holiday version.

Georgia — “Midnight Train to Georgia” by Gladys Knight & The Pips

I’ve always thought it would be super fun to have a band that did coordinated dancing like in the thumbnail for this picture. I can’t sing as good as Gladys Knight, of course, though that won’t stop me from trying.

Hawaii — “Hawaii Five-O” by The Ventures

I mean, this song is so iconic I had to play it in the high school band. And let me tell you, we made it sound…fine, I guess. Let’s watch it with the corresponding show credits!

Idaho — “Idaho” by BoDEANS

Look, “Private Idaho” by The B-52’s is definitely the most popular song that mentions the state of Idaho. But I don’t care for that song, so we’re going another route here. BoDEANS has a fun name and a classic rock sound. Can’t ask for much more than that.

Illinois — “Come On! Feel the Illinoise!” by Sufjan Stevens

Sufjan Stevens is doing no favors for the people who don’t realize the “s” in Illinois is silent, but oh well. This two-part song has a very airy and pleasant feel to it, and I find it quite soothing. It’s like the exact opposite of a Chicago winter.

Indiana — “Goin’ Back to Indiana”

Most of the songs with “Indiana” in the title are related to the Indiana Jones franchise, so we’ll go the Jackson 5 route here. As someone who grew up in Chicago and visited a grandpa in Ohio, I was often more “goin’ through Indiana,” but I guess if I had a lover in Indiana, like in this song, I might have made more stops.

Iowa — “Heaven, Iowa” by Fall Out Boy

The state itself doesn’t get named, but a roadway (Mulholland Drive) does, so we’re counting it in the songs about US states. Dropping in the summer of 2023, this is also the newest song on the list. Well done, Iowa.

Kansas — “Kansas” by The Devil Wears Prada

No, we can’t count the band Kansas here. And there are a lot of covers of the R&B song “Kansas City” (made popular by Wilbert Harrison), but that’s about Missouri. So instead, we’re going HEAVIER with a metal song that maybe will inspire you to watch the movie of the same name as the band.

Kentucky — “Kentucky Mud” by Nappy Roots

Nappy Roots was formed after its members met at Bowling Green in Kentucky. Four of the six guys are Kentucky natives, which gives them majority rule in writing a song about their hometown.

Louisiana — “Liza and Louisiana” by The Holy Mess

This song is quick and in your face, just like a trip to New Orleans. But as any Louisianian will tell you, there’s more to the state beyond the debauchery of Bourbon Street.

Maine — “Portland, Maine” by Donovan Woods

Fun fact — did you know Maine is the only state with one syllable? I KNOW. It’s wild. I like this song as Maine’s selection because it also calls out a place that’s also the largest city of another state. That’s what we call flipping the script.

Maryland — “Maryland Summer” by Ballyhoo!

Ballyhoo! deems itself as “Maryland Beach Rock.” If that’s the case, parts of this song will stir up a mosh pit — or is that called a sandstorm if it happens on the beach?

Massachusetts — “The State of Massachusetts” by Dropkick Murphys

One time, I went to a Dropkick Murphys show. For their final song, they invited a bunch of people up onstage. The song features a part where a random woman yells a couple of words, and when that part of the song happened, the singer blindly threw the microphone over his head, a woman who had come up onstage caught the mic, delivered the line, and everyone looked ecstatic. I have no idea if it was planned, but that was very cool.

Michigan — “Especially in Michigan” by Red Hot Chili Peppers

Since we snubbed RHCP in the California section, we can slot ’em in here. “Lions and tigers come running just to steal your luck” is a great reference to the NFL and MLB teams in Detroit, respectively.

Minnesota — “Minnesota Gurls” by The Shackletons

Here’s a trick: If your song has an “ooh, ba ba ba” included somewhere, I’m probably going to dig it. The Shackletons seem to know that trick, and that’s a great feature of this song.

Mississippi — “Mississippi Queen” by Mountain

This song will teach you a lot about guns, which, uh…is a whole other discussion. But oof, that guitar riff is so dang good.

Missouri — “Missouri On My Mind” by Roman Alexander

You know, outside of occasionally picking the Tigers to advance a round or two in March Madness, I don’t think I’ve ever had Missouri on my mind. Roman Alexander has, though — even in a similar sports context! — and he delivers a rocking ballad about that feeling.

Montana — “Montana Sky” by Jonas Brothers

I missed the entire first wave of Jonas Brothers music, but when “Sucker” came out a few years back, I was like, “hot diggity, this is a catchy tune.” Alas, “Sucker” is not the name of any state, so we’re getting this rocker instead.

Nebraska — “Nebraska” by moe.

Looking at just Spotify listeners alone, moe.’s top listeners are in Denver, Chicago, Charlotte, New York City, and Atlanta. You may notice none of those cities are in Nebraska. No matter, it’s still a jam.

Nevada — “Stop in Nevada” by Billy Joel?

Did you know a lot of “Nevada” songs are written by hard rock bands? Something about that state makes people want to RAGE. Anyway, this song is about going to California, but making a stop in Nevada. Many a traveler have done the same.

New Hampshire — “New Hampshire” by Town Meeting

“When I need an answer, I’m going up to New Hampshire.” If you’ve ever seen an autumn day in New Hampshire, you know it’s got everything you need.

New Jersey — “New Jersey Makes, The World Takes” by Senses Fail

There are a ton of New Jersey songs out there, but my band played a show with Senses Fail once. I think that means they win by default. However, I don’t believe they did this song during their performance.

New Mexico — “New Mexico” by Wake Self

I’ve only been to New Mexico one time, and it was during the COVID-19 era. That meant the trip was largely centered around White Sands National Park, which was lovely. But as Wake Self describes the state, I gotta get back there, STAT.

New York — “New York Groove” by Ace Frehley

If the thumbnail of this video didn’t give it away, Ace Frehley was an original member of Kiss, who just disbanded in December 2023 after 50(!) years together. This is a solo song from him, and if it doesn’t get your foot stomping with its…ahem, groove, I don’t know what to tell you. Honorable mentions here to “Welcome to New York” by Taylor Swift, and like half the catalogue of Frank Sinatra.

North Carolina — “North Carolina” Breakdown by Michael Cleveland

Man, I love a good bluegrass tune. And I like the idea of featuring someone with the name of Cleveland for a song about North Carolina. Luckily, Michael Cleveland happens to be one of the coolest fiddlers out there, and this is a quick ditty, but a tremendous one.

North Dakota — “North Dakota” by Roger Weeks

This song has such an eerie, yet serene feel to it. It’s a wonderful cure for any winter blues you might be feeling. Now go out and make some snow angels.

Ohio — “Ohio Is For Lovers” by Hawthorne Heights

Hawthorne Heights is another band I missed during their peak, but luckily, playing in a rock band ends up introducing me to all kinds of other music. And as a bonus, the music video features microphones hanging from the ceiling. I always enjoy that.

Oklahoma — “Oklahoma Smokeshow” by Zach Bryan

Sometimes, you just need volume. Zach Bryan has “Oklahoma Smokeshow” AND “Oklahoma City,” so he was bound to be the Oklahoman representative here. Side note: The book Boom Town by Sam Anderson is about the history of Oklahoma City, and it is FASCINATING.

Oregon — “Coming Home (Oregon)” by Mat Kearney

Not only do you get an anthemic song about going back to the place you love, but you also get a look at the Oregon school mascot. You lucky duck.

Pennsylvania — “Pennsylvania 6-5000” by Glenn Miller

Let’s get some big band action up in here! Glenn Miller always delivers with the brass, and this tune is no exception. I’m just picturing dancing at home on a Sunday night while making dinner. What a joy.

Rhode Island — “Rhode Island Is Famous For You” by Blossom Dearie

This song is barely two minutes long, but Blossom Dearie manages to get mentions of dozens of states into the lyrics. That includes the way more enjoyable pronunciations of “Missoura” and silly wordplay of vests coming from “Vest Virginia” and coats coming from “Da-coat-a.” How charming!

South Carolina — “South Carolina” by The Poets of Rhythm

What’s more fitting than a German band singing about South Carolina? I also want to give a nod to Cole Swindell, who has a song called “She Had Me At Heads Carolina,” which is about a woman flipping a coin to decide where to live (“tails” means going to California). He never specifies which Carolina, though, so he’s covering multiple states. Well done!

South Dakota — “South Dakota” by JORDY

JORDY’s bio says he’s “makin songs that sound like cotton candy.” I ate SO MUCH cotton candy as a kid, but now I can’t really stand it. So, I suppose I’d rather hear cotton candy than eat it. And yes, that description is accurate for this song.

Tennessee — “Tennessee River Run” by Darryl Worley

When I was in college, a group of friends introduced me to a line-dancing bar like 45 minutes away from campus. This song played every single time I went there. I think I still know all of the steps.

Texas — “Ohio (Come Back to Texas)” by Bowling for Soup

The first verse of this song pays homage to some cool things about Ohio (notably the Cleveland area). But then it’s all about the charms of the Lone Star State. Sadly, Marfa doesn’t get a mention. I’ve also seen this song performed several times at karaoke bars in Texas — it’s either INCREDIBLY well-received, or nobody knows it at all.

Utah — “Utah” by Arbour Season and The Riverside

Arbour Season is a husband and wife indie-folk duo, and I imagine they wrote this song while looking at a red-sky Utah evening. Even if that’s not accurate, Utah has some of the most beautiful natural scenery I’ve ever seen.

Vermont — “Vermont” by Cruiserweight

This song takes me right back to the early to mid 2000s. Now I just need to find one of those long chains and spike my hair to absurd heights.

Virginia — “Virginia (Wind In The Night)” by The Head And The Heart

What a nostalgic track. Even if a town (or state) doesn’t feel like it used to, you’ve got plenty of good memories to look back on.

Washington — “Washington” by The Dead Daisies

Washington is a tricky state. A lot of options are about Washington, D.C., or Washington Square Park in New York. So, neither one would technically apply for a songs about states list. Luckily, The Dead Daisies come through with this groovy track.

West Virginia — “West Virginia and These Cigarettes” by Skrizzly Adams

Easily the most famous “West Virginia” song is “Country Roads” by John Denver (and covered by approximately 853 other artists) but, as we’ve learned by now, the jam has to have the name of the state in the title! So here’s Skrizzly Adams to save the day.

Wisconsin — “Green Bay, Wisconsin” by The Mighty Mighty Bosstones

As with many a Mighty Mighty Bosstones song, this tune will probably get you skanking, a la the classic days of ska. It gets brownie points for rhyming “destroy her” with “employer.”

Wyoming — “What Happened in Wyoming” by Envoi

I’ve never asked this question before, but Envoi is looking for ANSWERS. This song reminds me of early Paramore, and that ain’t never a bad thing.

There you have it! 50 songs about states. Did I miss any of your favorites? That’s what the comments section is for! Hit me with other songs with a state in the title.