July 4th songs about America: Here's 8 from Neil to Miley to Chuck

With July Fourth upon us, here's a look at songs about the United States. A few are patriotic classics while others shed light on how some perceive America in the 21st century.

A collection by Spotify offers a thorough take on contemporary songs about this country as well. Our music-minded journalists across Florida share a few of their own.

This is not a comprehensive or "best of" list but covers various genres and eras.

'My Shot,' Lin-Manuel Miranda

The story of founding father Alexander Hamilton enjoyed a Broadway revival in the last decade.

“Hamilton: An American Musical,” from musical genius Lin-Manuel Miranda, features Miranda portraying Hamilton and singing “My Shot” that captures the spirit of freedom.

It includes lyrics like "I'm just like my country, I’m young, scrappy and hungry and I am not throwing away my shot.” And later, the lyric, “Rise up. When you’re living on your knees you rise up. Tell your brother that he’s gotta rise up. Tell your sister that she’s gotta rise up.” — Dave Osborn, Naples Daily News and The News-Press in Fort Myers

'Party in the U.S.A,' Miley Cyrus

One of the more fun songs about America, Miley Cyrus' 2009 hit "Party in the U.S.A." is great for Fourth of July parties and barbecues because of it upbeat, fun vibe that makes people sing and even dance. — Dave Osborn, Naples Daily News and The News-Press in Fort Myers

'America,' Neil Diamond

This Neil Diamond song is perhaps more timely than ever. This 1981 hit focuses on how immigrants — many of them our ancestors — were "coming to America" for a fresh start "on the boats and on the planes."

A nice string intro sets the perfect mood for the song, followed by an uptempo beat that leads into Diamond singing, "Far, we've been traveling far, without a home, but not without a star."

"America" (also known as "Coming To America" and "They're Coming To America") for me encapsulates the more modern classic patriotic song. Crank it up this holiday and celebrate our freedoms and remember that, despite our differences, we're still a melting pot and our diversity is our strength. — Dave Osborn, Naples Daily News and The News-Press in Fort Myers

'This is America,' Childish Gambino

Consider this a modern-day version of Woody Guthrie's 1940s sarcastic hit "This Land if Your Land," hip-hop artist Childish Gambino (whose real name is Donald Glover) released "This Is America" in 2018.

The son resonates with an entire generation, becoming an anthem for the Black Lives Matter movement with lyrics confronting systemic racism, racial violence, law enforcement in the U.S., mass shootings and more.

The video for "This Is America" ― which depicts two graphically violent acts ― has more than 920 million views on YouTube.

"I think most people would recognize it as a video that protests police brutality," said Lori Brooks, Ph.D., an adjunct assistant professor with Barnard College at Columbia University, about the song during an "Inside Edition" video.

However, she said, the video allows Blacks "to express anger in a way that will be understood by the broader community and not caricatured or demeaned." — Dave Osborn, Naples Daily News and The News-Press in Fort Myers

'U.S. Blues,' the Grateful Dead

Wave that flag, wave it wide and high. The Grateful Dead were perhaps America's greatest counterculture bands and this is the Dead at their high-flying best, particularly on the live version of the song. ― Tom Szaroleta, The Florida Times-Union

'Red, White and Blue,' Lynyrd Skynyrd

This is a latter-day song from Lynyrd Skynyrd, released long after the band made a comeback from a devastating 1977 plane crash. "My hair's turnin' white, my neck's always been red, my collar's still blue" is a heartfelt statement aimed squarely at the band's fanbase. ― Tom Szaroleta, The Florida Times-Union

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'Back in the U.S.A.’, Chuck Berry

You absolutely cannot salute American music without including at least one Chuck Berry song. This one, about an international traveler who just can’t wait to get home, fits the bill. “Did I miss the skyscrapers, did I miss the long freeway? From the coast of California to the shores of Delaware Bay. You can bet your life I did, till I got back to the U.S.A.” ― Tom Szaroleta/The Florida Times-Union

'Independence Day,' Martina McBride

Country star Martina McBride released "Independence Day" in 1994 and ever since became a mainstay this time of year.

With an upbeat tempo, the song builds until the dramatic chorus to "let freedom ring, let the white dove sing," and she sings near the end:

Let the weak be strong, let the right be wrongRoll the stone away, let the guilty payIt's Independence Day

This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: July 4th songs that tell story of America's past, present