Playlist “50 Songs About the 50 States” features music courtesy of Glen Campbell, Justin Timberlake, Lil Yachty, Rick Ross, and YUNGBLUD among many others.

“Fifty Nifty United States from 13 original colonies / Shout them, scout them, tell all about them.”  Ah, “Fifty Nifty United States” – takes me back to fifth grade.  Anyways, this playlist is all about the 50 states of the United States.  For each of the 50 states, there a song that is somehow unique to that state, something about that state, or a person who lived in the state.  Yes, some songs are more favorable than others, but I promise there is no vendetta against of the United States.  This is ‘Murica’ after all, sigh. Among the many musicians featured on 50 Songs About the 50 States are Glen Campbell, Justin Timberlake, Lil Yachty, Rick Ross, and YUNGBLUD.

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1. Brad Paisley, “Old Alabama”

Ft. Alabama

This is Country Music • Sony • 2011

State: Alabama

“Now we’re listening to old Alabama / Parked somewhere in Tennessee / A little ‘Dixieland Delight’ and it ‘Feels So Right’ / And it’s ‘Love in the First Degree’.” Brad Paisley isn’t from Alabama – he’s from West Virginia.  Furthermore, he’s not really singing about Alabama the state, but rather country collective Alabama, who appear on “Old Alabama.” At least Alabama are from Bama.

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2.BROCKHAMPTON, “ALASKA”

SATURATION III • EMPIRE • 2017

State: Alaska

BROCKHAMPTON are one of a handful of artists/bands who have written a song about the state of Alaska.  Problem is, much like Brad Paisley ahead of them, “ALASKA” isn’t about the northernmost member of the United States, sigh.  Honestly, the state isn’t even mention on the Cali-based band’s record which focuses on their come-up.

 

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3. Rich Brian, “Arizona”

Ft. AUGUST 08

Amen • 88rising / EMPIRE • 2018

State: Arizona

“Hope is gone, is gone, since I’ve been in Arizona… / Ooh, when the sun comes through the blinds, I know who to call.” “Arizona” is the final cut on Rich Brian’s 2018 debut LP, Amen. Concluding in alluring fashion, AUGUST 08 provides some absolutely stunning vocals.  Within the context of Amen, the production contrasts everything else that precedes it, providing welcome contrast.  Detuned piano, distinct drum programming – excellent.  As for Brian, he caps off things successfully.  Again, the state of Arizona doesn’t really matter here…

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4. Glen Campbell, “Arkansas Farmboy”

Adiós • Universal Music • 2017

State: Arkansas 

Adiós marked the final studio album by the late, great Glen Campbell.  Four songs into this massive list, we finally have a song that truly has some connection to the state it represents.  “Arkansas Farmboy.”  The backstory of the song is interesting; it was inspired by a story Campbell told songwriter Carl Jackson about his grandpa teaching him to play a song on five-dollar guitar. Campbell, of course, grew up poor on a farm in Arkansas.

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5. YUNGBLUD, “California”

21^st Century Liability • Geffen • 2018

State: California

“They tried to put me on Ritalin / Visions of calming me down / They tried to put me on Ritalin / Hopin’ I don’t make a sound.” British newcomer YUNGBLUD (Dominic Harrison) may be a self-described “21^st Century Liability”, but he’s no liability when it making cool music. What stands out about this young artist is how eclectic and truly unique he is.  “California” successfully combines alternative music, the influence of hip-hop, and good ole punk spirit.  On the catchy chorus, he sings about his desire to go to the biggest state of them all and enjoy his youth.

“Maybe I just need to go to California / ‘Cause I am young, don’t wanna die, yet can’t afford it / Maybe I just need to go to California / Swear that when I get old you’ll blow all my brains out.”

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6. Florida Georgia Line, “Colorado”

Florida Georgia Line – Single • Big Machine • 2018

State: Colorado

On “Colorado” country duo Florida Georgia Line gives us a mini-geography lesson.  On the chorus, the bros have friends in Colorado (hence the title) and Tennessee. “Colorado” has little nothing to do with Colorado or Tennessee other than stereotyping both states for weed and whiskey respectively.  Whatever.

“Well I got friends from Colorado / I got friends from Tennessee / So, I got something in a bottle / And I got something from a seed / Since you said you didn’t love me / Since hung me out to dry / I’ve been drunk up in the Smokies /On a Rocky Mountain high.”

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7. Apathy, “Connecticut Casual”

Ft. Chris Webby, Kappa Gamma, Anoyd & Hayze

Connecticut Casual • Dirty Version • 2014

State: Connecticut 

“I don’t wanna feel like life’s not real / I flushed a whole bottle full of Xanax you know the deal.” Some states are simply less popular when it comes to having songs dedicated or even referencing them.  For Willimantic, Connecticut rapper Apathy (Chad Bromley), he gives us the first ‘obscurer’, less mainstream number on this state celebratory list.  Notably, “Connecticut Casual” samples Red Hot Chili Peppers (“Under the Bridge”) and finds the rapper painting a picture of his Connecticut upbringing.

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8. Arbour Season, “Delaware”

Delaware – Single • Shane & Emily • 2018

State: Delaware

Much like Connecticut, Delaware doesn’t get much love in the songwriting department.  Indie-folk husband and wife duo Arbour Season are here to save the day on “Delaware.” Do they hail from Delaware? Of course not. Nonetheless, this is an absolutely gorgeous record, particularly the vocal harmonies.

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9. Rick Ross, “Florida Boy”

Ft. T-Pain & Kodak Black

Florida Boy – Single • Epic • 2018

State: Florida 

“It’s hard as hell for a young Florida boy / where we play football and sell dope…” Well, at least Rick Ross is from Florida, so he is indeed a “Florida Boy”.  Throughout the record, he exhibits superb bite and overall energy.  He’s also assisted by an autotune-drenched T-Pain (“Yeah, bitch, I’m a Florida boy / 73s to them AMG’s, now we rolling boy…”) and the distinct sounding, ‘acquired taste,’ Kodak Black.

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10. Leon Bridges, “Georgia to Texas”

Good Thing • Columbia • 2018

State: Florida 

“504 black girl carried me / In her womb to the land of the peach / Her birthing pains brought me low / But she held me high on Peachtree Road.” “Georgia to Texas” is the fantastic closing cut on Good Thing, the sophomore album by throwback, retro-soul artist, Leon Bridges. The authentic, personal nature of the record makes it top-notch.  The jazzy touches, including a saxophone solo by Jeff Dazey, also contribute to the excellence.

“Left ATL for the Texas way / We drove 20 East in my daddy’s ’88.”

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11. Josh Turner, “Hawaiian Girl”

Ft. Ho’okena

Deep South • MCA Nashville • 2017

State: Hawaii 

“My Hawaiian girl, a Polynesian pearl / All I wanna say / Is I love you / Aloha Wau la Oe.” To address the elephant in the room, no, Josh Turner isn’t from Hawaii – he’s from South Carolina. But, that doesn’t stop him from representing the state of Hawaii on this particular playlist, singing about a “Hawaiian Girl.”  Interestingly, the tropically-tinged, old-school country record, featuring Ho’okena, closes out his 2017 album, Deep South.  His bass vocals shine brightly.

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12. Bryan Lanning, “Idaho”

Us • Bryan Lanning • 2017

State: Idaho 

“Kings and queens of Idaho /We have nowhere else to go / This life is all we know / Kings and queens of Idaho / Bow to the royals.” “Idaho” appears on Us, the debut album from YouTube Personality and musician Bryan Lanning. Lanning showcases the pleasantness of his voice, while the record itself is incredibly sincere, coming from a respectable place.  Perhaps a tad bit middle of the road, the inspirational and uplifting vibes are undeniable.

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13. Brett Eldredge, “Illinois”

Illinois • Atlantic • 2015

State: Illinois

“I come from the heart of the heartland / Where picture shows where the corn grows / In rows and rows of summer greens / And winter snows.” Country singer Brett Eldredge is from the state of Illinois.  His sophomore album, is fittingly named after his home state.  Beyond that, there’s also a song titled “Illinois” in which he pays ode to his roots as well as staying grounded (‘remembering where he came from’ essentially).  The chorus evokes the most feels from Eldredge.

“And oh the heart will wander / Beyond that wild yonder / When I get lost in the noise like a whisper I hear the voice of the boy / Oh, from Illinois.”

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14. The Jackson 5, “Goin’ Back to Indiana”

Third Album • Motown • 1971

State: Indiana

“I’m goin’ back to Indiana / Where I started from / Goin’ back to Indiana / Indiana here I come!” “Goin’ Back to Indiana” appears on The Jackson 5’s 1970 album Third Album.  Gary, Indiana is where the Jacksons were originally from, so it makes perfect sense Michael Jackson and company would sing about returning home.  A live version of the song also appears on their 1971 album/soundtrack, Goin’ Back to Indiana.

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15. Exitmusic, “Iowa”

The Recognitions • felte • 2018

State: Iowa

Let’s be honest – the most famous song about the state of Iowa hails from Slipknot.  Fittingly, that song is named “Iowa” and appears on the band’s album which is also titled, Iowa. Slipknot and “Iowa” appeared on a previous 50 states playlist, penned for Starpulse a couple of years ago.  Here, some fresh blood is highlighted.  Exitmusic have been around since 2003, but they pen their own “Iowa” which appears on their 2018 album, The Recognitions.  A mere 17-year age different between the two songs about the state known for its cornfields and plains.

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16. Roy Blair, “Kansas”

Cat Heaven • EMPIRE • 2017

State: Kansas

Much like Iowa, Kansas isn’t the first state that comes to mind when penning songs.  Here, we highlight L.A. alternative artist Roy Blair, an affiliate of BROCKHAMPTON.  Sadly, for those who reside in the state of Kansas, there are not exciting tidbits about the state – no reference to the rivalry between the Jayhawks and Wildcats.  There is reference to sex though, and Blair certainly keeps things honest.  Sorry Kansas…

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17. Wheeler Walker, Jr., “Summers in Kentucky”

Ol’ Wheeler • Pepper Hill • 2017

State: Kentucky

We come to my home state on the list, Kentucky, known for its basketball, bluegrass, bourbon, and thoroughbreds.  The outlandish, country music singer Wheeler Walker Jr. (Ben Hoffman) is actually from Kentucky – Lexington to be exact.  It’s truly debatable whether or not Walker Jr. is a ‘good representation,’ particularly how vulgar he is on “Summers in Kentucky.” No, it’s not as profane as some of the shit that appeared on Redneck Shit (notice the play on words), but “Used to press your pussy up against my mouth / Now you’ve had a couple kids and it’s all stretched out” or “Heard you gained a few, got saggy tits” aren’t the most, um, appropriate or romantic lyrics ever…  Let me apologize to my state as well…

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18. Randy Newman, “Louisiana 1927”

Good Old Boys • Warner Bros. • 1974

State: Louisiana

“The river rose all day – the river rose all night / Some people got lost in the flood / Some people got away alright.” “Louisiana 1927” was penned years after the Great Mississippi Flood of 1927 and gained renewed popularity post-Hurricane Katrina in 2005.  Interestingly, the flood, which affected Louisiana dramatically, has been the source of several songs.  Randy Newman wrote and originally performed the classic, which appears on his 1974 LP, Good Old Boys.  In some respects, the Aaron Neville cover has become the most popular version (It appeared on my original playlist, 50 Songs About Each State to Celebrate The USA). Newman also re-recorded “Louisiana 1927” stripped to its basics on his 2003 album, The Randy Newman Songbook, Vol. 1.

“Louisiana, Louisiana / They’re tryin’ to wash us away / They’re tryin’ to wash us away.”

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19. Spose, “The King of Maine”

Peter Sparker • Preposterously Dank Entertainment • 2013

State: Maine

While the northeastern state of Maine is likely a lovely place, the song selections geared toward the state are scare. Tim McGraw ‘helped a brother out’ on the previous edition of this list, so this time, we look to Spose.  Spose is a rapper who is actually from the state of Maine.  I totally believe him when he asserts he’s “The King of Maine” on his mixtape, Peter Sparker.  The man’s got bars!

“But I’m feeling like the King of Maine, the King of Maine / I wear a seal-skin jersey to the Sea Dogs game / I’m the King of Maine, the King of Maine / Plow truck all gold, never hydroplane.”

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20. Prince, “Baltimore”

Ft. Eryn Allen Kane

HITnRUN Phase Two • NPG • 2015

State: Maryland

The quietly released HITnRUN Phase Two would be the final album that Prince released while still alive. On the LP, he left us a song about the state of Maryland – well, specifically, the city of Baltimore.  Like other some of the other songs on the list, the picture painted by the Purple One on “Baltimore” isn’t all sunny.  This song surrounds the loss of black lives due to race and police issues.  Notably, Prince cites two infamous cases of senseless death: Michael Brown and Freddie Gray, whose death actually occurred in Baltimore.

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21. Aaron Lewis, “Massachusetts”

Town Line • Ricky Jimmy • 2011

State: Massachusetts

The versatility of Aaron Lewis is quite interesting.  He’s the frontman of rock band Staind, yet as a solo artist, he opts for country music.  Perhaps versatility isn’t the correct word given some of the critical reviews for his work, including the one-star review that Stephen Thomas Erlewine (AllMusic) awarded him for his 2011 Town Line (EP).  Ouch!  “Massachusetts” hails from the seven-track project, which, run longer than the albums Kanye West produced/released throughout June 2018.  But focusing on the five-minute song at hand, he sings about being home.  Fair enough.

“That I’m home, in Massachusetts / Where my daughters and my wife they wait for me / All alone, but the truth is / It’s where I always am, it’s where I long to be / Because I’m home.”

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22. Mike Posner, “Buried in Detroit”

At Night, Alone. • Island • 2016

State: Michigan

Mike Posner shines on “Buried in Detroit,” an ode to his home state of Michigan, and specifically, the city of Detroit. “Buried in Detroit” is a moving, lush ballad that truly allows for his distinct pipes to shine. Posner is mostly serious throughout, but allows for lighter moments such as, “You see I got fucked up in Stockholm,” following up with the memorable hook, “But I’ll be buried in Detroit.”

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23. Lil Yachty, “Minnesota”

Ft. Quavo, Skippa Da Flippa & Young Thug

Lil Boat • Quality Control Music / Capitol / Motown • 2016

State: Minnesota 

Perhaps Lil Yachty isn’t the representative that the state of Minnesota had in mind, particularly being the home state of the late, great Prince, sigh.  Nonetheless, one of the idiosyncratic rapper’s better songs happens to be named “Minnesota,” and he manages to reference the cold temperatures on the infectious hook.

“Cold like Minnesota, cold like Minnesota / Cold like Minnesota, it get cold like Minnesota / Need to stay up out them streets if you can’t take the heat / You need to stay up out them streets if you can’t take the heat.”

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24. Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, “Tupelo”

The Nashville Sound • Southeastern • 2017

State: Mississippi  

“If I get out of this hole I’m going to Tupelo,” Jason Isbell proclaims on “Tupelo,” a mid-tempo, country-tinged number. Mississippi isn’t the most rousing choice for escapism (no offense Mississippians), but hey, “The Heart Wants What It Wants”, right?

“There is a girl out there that will treat me fair…/ There ain’t no one from here that will follow me there.”

Within the context of the song, Tupelo, the city, can be viewed both literally and figuratively. Ultimately, more trouble would find the singer/songwriter any place he goes, even as he seeks to escape personal hell. I feel like I should apologize to Mississippi…

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25. Anthony BeastMode, “Missouri Made”

Missouri Made • Anthony BeastMode • 2017

State: Missouri

Ah, the distinctly-shaped, midwestern state of Missouri! The first thing that comes to mind when I think of Missouri is the song “Shenandoah,” which references the Missouri River.  Also, formerly of the Big 12, The University of Missouri (Mizzou) became a member of the SEC.  Otherwise, I got nothing. But redneck rapper Anthony BeastMode, being “Missouri Made” should be knowledgeable about his home state.  “Missouri Made” serves as the opener of BeastMode’s 2017 debut album, also titled Missouri Made.

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26. Justin Timberlake, “Montana”

Man of the Woods • RCA • 2018

State: Montana

The first thing that comes to mind when the state of Montana is mentioned? Yellowstone National Park of course.  There are also lots of hate groups, which is disturbing, but we won’t focus on the darker aspects of this beautiful state here. Justin Timberlake provides the soundtrack with “Montana,” which appears on his 2018 album Man of the Woods.  In the context of Man of the Woods, “Montana” returns to the soulful pop we’re accustomed to from Timberlake sans any Americana touches.  Cool, calm, collected, chill, and, smooth, “Montana” is pleasant enough.

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27. Bruce Springsteen, “Nebraska”

Nebraska • Columbia • 1982

State: Nebraska 

One of the most notable albums in the Bruce Springsteen discography is Nebraska, released in 1982.  As Ian Couch writes for The New Yorker in article “The Original Wrecking Ball: Bruce Springsteen’s ‘Nebraska’,” it was unique, thanks to its share of dark material being told from a first-person perspective.  “Nebraska,” the title track, tackles 19-year old spree killer, Charles Starkweather, who murdered 11 people.

“I saw her standing on her front lawn just twirling her baton / Me and her went for a ride, sir, and ten innocent people died / From the town of Lincoln, Nebraska, with a sawed-off .410 on my lap / Through to the badlands of Wyoming I killed everything in my path.”

Starkweather had an accomplice, his girlfriend Caril Ann Fugate, who was just 14. Ultimately, for his crimes, which took place in Wisconsin and Nebraska, Starkweather went to the electric chair.

“The jury brought in a guilty verdict and the judge he sentenced me to death / Midnight in a prison storeroom with leather straps across my chest.”

Sure, “Nebraska” is a dark representation of the state known for a championship-winning college football program, but I dare you to find a better song by a more accomplished artist.

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28. Vicetone, “Nevada”

Ft. Cozi Zuehlsdorff

Nevada – Single • Monstercat • 2016

State: Nevada

“Hey yeah, hey yeah / You’re a wanderer just like me / Hey yeah, hey yeah / Yeah, you better know where you’re going.”  Dutch DJ and production duo Vicetone (Ruben Den Boer and Victor Pool) enlighten us on the state of Nevada with their single “Nevada.” Featuring the vocals of American actress and singer Cozi Zuehlsdorff, the state itself is never mentioned in the song. At least the it gets some love given the song title, sigh.

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29. Sonic Youth, “New Hampshire”

Sonic Nurse • Geffen • 2004

State: New Hampshire

“B.B. King just turns on / The New Hampshire boys / Steve and Joe / Have gone beyond / Doin it for life.” Okay… American rock band Sonic Youth did something that few other musicians have – wrote a song about the state of New Hampshire.  It’s interesting that the state doesn’t get more love – it’s always a key battleground state in presidential elections in predominantly blue area.  “New Hampshire” the song doesn’t discuss politics in the least – it encompasses Aerosmith, B.B. King, and the Martin Scorsese Presents Salute to the Blues Concert that occurred in 2003. 

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30. Senses Fail, “New Jersey Makes, The World Takes”

If There is Light, It Will Find You • Pure Noise • 2018

State: New Jersey

“How’s the weather in Jersey / I bet it’s cold and grey / I heard you’re drinking / Don’t lie to me.” We’ve already used Bruce Springsteen to cover Nebraska, so don’t expect “Jersey Girl.”  Now that that’s out of the way, we move on to another Jersey-bred band, Senses Fail.  On their 2018 album, If There is Light, It Will Find You, the post-hardcore band unveils “New Jersey Makes, The World Takes,” which is excerpted above. The record sheds light on substance abuse and not allowing yourself to fall victim to it. “I found myself / In a place where all my days were numbered / I overcame all my demons / And I know you can too.”

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31. Gin Blossoms, “New Mexico Trouble”

Mixed Reality • Cleopatra • 2018

State: New Mexico 

“New Mexico Trouble” appears on American rock band Gin Blossoms’ sixth studio album, Mixed Reality, released in 2018.  It’s actually awesome timing, considering how few songs there are about New Mexico. Yes, I know what you’re thinking – why not Neil Young? Well, after sneaking Bruce Springsteen/ “Nebraska” in again, I didn’t want to do the same with “Albuquerque,” which also appeared on 50 Songs About Each State to Celebrate The USA. Lyrically, references to the state are limited, but hey, a name-drop and a song title is more than nothing.

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32. St. Vincent, “New York”

MASSEDUCTION • Loma Vista • 2017

State: New York 

St. Vincent is chocked-full of energy on the perfect song to soundtrack New York, “New York”. Of course, that energy and personality include a couple of f-bombs, with ‘mother’ preceding them.  Even swearing, Annie Clark sounds cool, calm, and collected. Well-written and enjoyable, she keeps things simple on “New York.”

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33. Petey Pablo, “Raise Up”

Diary of a Sinner: 1^st Entry • Zomba • 2001

State: North Carolina

“This one’s for North Carolina! Come on and raise up / Take your shirt off, twist it ‘round your hand / Spin it like a helicopter.”  North Carolina – the home of three multi-championship basketball programs (Duke, UNC, and NC State).  There’s also those Demon Deacons, though their history is much spottier… Rapper Petey Pablo proudly hails from North Carolina, showcasing his Carolinian pride on his hit single, “Raise Up.” “Who I am I? Petey Pab’ motherfucker! / First to put it down for North Carolina.”

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34. Lyle Lovett, “North Dakota”

Joshua Judges Ruth • Curb • 1992

State: North Dakota

According to country musician Lyle Lovett, “The boys from North Dakota / They drink whiskey for their fun.” Likely some of them do, but beyond that, Lovett doesn’t offer a wealth of info about the state on his song “North Dakota.” Nonetheless, it’s a beautifully performed and beautifully written ballad.  As for North Dakota, one of the smaller states in the U.S., there things to do… supposedly.

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35. Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness, “Ohio”  

Ohio – Single • Fantasy / Concord • 2018

State: Ohio

Ohio – what a state.  University of Cincinnati. ‘The’ Ohio State.  The Cleveland Cavaliers. Andrew McMahon sings about him and his family leaving their home state on his 2018 single, “Ohio.” “As we started the drive / To California / Where it’s warmer / Gonna start a new life / Gonna miss Ohio but this time / We’re gonna get it right.”  McMahon goes on to describe the tears, the memories of old, as well as the trip to “a new life.” At the end he sings, “Everything’s gonna be better on the west coast / Better than the mess that we left back home / In Ohio.”

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36. Rodgers and Hammerstein, “Oklahoma”

Oklahoma (Expanded Edition/Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) • Capitol • 2001

State: Oklahoma

“Oklahoma, where the wind comes sweepin’ down the plain / And the wavin’ wheat, can sure smell sweet / When the wind comes right behind the rain.” There’s no reason whatsoever to ignore it.  The state of Oklahoma was blessed with one of the greatest musicals of all time by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein, sigh.  Therefore, only the title track from Oklahoma seemed fitting to represent the Sooners and the Cowboys of the state.

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37. Drake, “Portland”

Ft. Quavo & Travis Scott

More Life • Cash Money • 2017

State: Oregon 

Quavo and Travis Scott join Drake for “Portland,” among the crème de la crème of More Life. They may not cover the entire state of Oregon, but hey – they cover Portland! Sure, the looped flute synth can annoy quickly, but it does give the record personality.  And think about it folks – doesn’t Portland just scream personality? The Portland Trailblazers… and whatever else is in the city. Naturally, all three rappers brag about their status in the rap game.

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38. Elton John, “Philadelphia Freedom”

Diamonds [Captain Fantastic] • Island • 2017 [1975]

State: Pennsylvania 

“Because I live and breathe this Philadelphia freedom / From the day that I was born I’ve waved the flag.” Pennsylvania itself doesn’t have much of ring to it in regard to being the title of a song.  Hence, there aren’t many songs written explicitly about the state using its lengthy name as a title. However, Elton John and longtime lyricist Bernie Taupin knew that “Philadelphia Freedom” had a ring to it, or at least, superb songwriting, singing, and most of all, the makings of a hit.  The song is a tribute to Billie Jean King, a renowned tennis player who played on the Philadelphia Freedoms.  King, like John, is a member of the LGBTQ community.

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39. Grim Singmuf, “Rhode Island Rebels”

Ft. Cua

401 (EP) • Grim Singmuf • 2018

State: Rhode Island

Let’s just be honest.  This is arguably the most difficult state to find music specifically tailored to/associated with it.  Thanks for being so difficult Rhode Island. Grim Singmuf, it’s your lucky day.  You and Cua can be “Rhode Island Rebels” until your heart’s content.

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40. Dan + Shay, “19 You + Me”

Where it All Began • Warner Music Nashville • 2014

State: South Carolina

With the state of South Carolina, there are both bright and darker illustrations that can represented through song.  Since we tapped country duo Dan + Shay (Dan Smyers and Shay Mooney), we’ll keeps things happy and optimistic.  The duo sings about a famous vacation spot within the state, Myrtle Beach, on the song, “19 You + Me.” “It was our first week / At Myrtle Beach / Where it all began / It was 102 / Nothin’ to do / man it was hot / So we jumped in.” Interestingly, while Myrtle Beach is mentioned, South Carolina isn’t explicitly, while California is (“You were California beautiful”).

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41. Bee Gees, “South Dakota Morning”

Life in a Tin Can • Capitol • 1973

State: South Dakota

“The sun shines down on a South Dakota morning / And I can see their faces in my eyes.” Thanks to Bee Gees, South Dakota has a solid song to represent it! Years before the Saturday Night Fever craze, “South Dakota Morning” appeared as the third song the band’s 1973 album, Life in a Tin Can.  Short but sweet, the Gibb brothers paint a beautiful portrait of the state with poetic lyrics…to an extent.  The Gibb bros also reference enemies, killing, and “sadness in my town.” Hmm, yeah, it’s not all happy…

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42. Yelawolf, “Tennessee Love”

Love Story • Interscope • 2015

State: Tennessee 

Tennessee previously got some love from Florida Georgia Line on “Colorado.” Still, only fitting that the home of various universities – including the University of Tennessee and it’s women’s basketball program, Pidgeon Forge, Dollywood, and country music in general – gets it own song. On “Tennessee Love,” southern, country/rock-infused rapper Yelawolf shows off his romantic side. “I’d never let someone straight up disrespect you / I’d never let someone call you out your name…” – in other words, Yelawolf is going to hold down.  Need more proof? “Can I put this ring on your finger? Let you know that I’m serious, marry me now.”

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43. Keith Urban, “Texas Time”

Graffiti U • Capitol Nashville • 2018

State: Texas

Everything is bigger in Texas, right? “Texas Time” is the second longest song on Graffiti U, the 2018 studio album by Keith Urban. Ultimately, “Texas Time” gives Urban one of the album’s best moments. It embraces country music yet has appeal beyond the base.  Perhaps it’s the throwback, vintage pop/rock vibes, not to mention the throwback to the country of old.  Still, “Texas Time” incorporates vocoder, which is definitely not part of the country script in any decade.

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44. Hawthorne Heights, “Starlighter (Echo, Utah)”

Bad Frequencies • Pure Noise • 2018

State: Utah

Ah, things that come to mind with the state of Utah: Salt Lake City, the LDS church, and BYU.   There are lot of members of the Mormon church within the state, that’s a fact. On the song “Starlighter (Echo, Utah),” Hawthorne Heights focus on a very small town within the state, Echo. What’s the inspiration for the record? At least partially, a bad, snowy driving experience in Utah. Lyrically, it gets a bit more dramatic, of course: “I spent last summer falling apart / I felt the windows open and the rain did fall / I slept with the lights on in my clothes / I blurred lines like a picture that’s overexposed / Saw myself in the mirror and I froze.”

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45. fail better, heal faster, “Vermont”

Fail better, heal faster • fail better, heal faster • 2017

State: Vermont

“I wanna move to Vermont, where I don’t know anyone / Stick my head in the sand / And wait for the planet to explode or take me instead.” Cutting straight to the chase, Vermont is seriously lacking the songs department.  That’s good news for fail better, heal faster, an alternative band that blends indie, jazz, and punk brilliantly on “Vermont.” If you were asleep before listening to “Vermont,” or trying your best to come up with something interesting to characterize the state (like me), fail better, heal faster are sure to get you WOKE.

 

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46. Alan Menken & Stephen Schwartz, “The Virginia Company”

Pocahontas (An Original Walt Disney Records Soundtrack) •  Disney • 1995

State: Virginia

How about a little Disney for the soundtrack of the state of Virginia? “In 1607 / We sail the open sea / For glory, God, and gold / And the Virginia Company.” The excerpted lyrics hail from “The Virginia Company,” one of the many wonderful songs from the original motion picture soundtrack for Pocahontas, released in 1995. Maybe “The Virginia Company” doesn’t accurately describe present day Virginia (and we know the film took plenty of liberties), but the lyrics, plus the Disney nostalgia make you pictures the early days of America.

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47. Aaron Carter, “Seattle TideZ”

LøVë • Sony • 2018

State: Washington 

The first city that comes to mind when the state of Washington comes to mind? While it wouldn’t be horrible is Spokane was mentioned due to the success of the Gonzaga men’s basketball team, the most sensible answer is Seattle. Aaron Carter covers us with “Seattle TideZ,” from his comeback album, LøVë. Carter relates the weather of Seattle, Washington to a relationship: “Seattle tides / Seattle tides / This storm isn’t letting up / The currents too strong for us.”

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48. Huey Mack, “West Virginia to Worldwide”

Things Change • Huey Mack LLC • 2015

State: West Virginia 

West Virginia is definitely NOT associated with rap music – let’s just keep it 100.  When I think of West Virginia, coal mines, hard-working people, and the West Virginia Mountaineers come to mind.  I guess I’m over the 2010 Elite Eight loss the Mountaineers gave to my beloved Kentucky Wildcats – we’ve beat them a couple of times since, including a 83-76 victory in Morgantown in 2018. But let’s stay focused on the rap thing. Huey Mack is a rapper who happens to be from Morgantown. On “West Virginia to Worldwide,” he depicts his come-up, which is definitely fitting given a state like West Virginia.

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 49. Kesha, “Cannibal”

Cannibal • RCA • 2010

State: Wisconsin

I hate to do it to you Wisconsin – maybe it’s because the University of Wisconsin gave the University of Kentucky it’s only loss of the 2014-15 season. Yeah, I still have sour grapes. That said, if I’m being totally honest, serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer (1960 – 1994) is considered one of the most despicable human beings to ever walk the earth and committed the majority of murders in the Cheese state, plain and simple. But to make it at least a bit more lighthearted, we’ll go with a Kesha song, “Cannibal,” a perfect example of her own knack for living on the edge.   

“I eat boys up / Breakfast and lunch / Then when I’m thirsty, I drink their blood / Carnivore, animal, I am a cannibal / I eat boys up / You better run.” 

The parallels between Dahmer and “Cannibal” run rampant. Dahmer abused his victims sexually as also, ate them.  Kesha doesn’t literally eat her victims – also boys – but she adapts his repulsiveness lyrically. The lyrics are incredibly creepy. The first verse is incredibly suggestive, lining up too perfectly with Dahmer’s crimes.

 

“I have a heart, I swear I do / But just not baby, when it comes to you / I get so hungry when you say you love me… / You’re the kind of guy I’d stalk in school / But now that I’m famous, you’re up my anus / Now I’m gonna eat you fool.”

Again, Kesha is portraying herself as a maneater. Reminder: Dahmer was literally a maneater.  Also, one questions if anus reference coincidentally plays into Dahmer’s homosexuality. Beyond that specific reference, how many of the lyrics are coincidental? Kesha even asserts “I’ll pull a Jeffrey Dahmer.”  In reality, during high school, Dahmer was known for his practical jokes. According to Gawker, he died because of them. Wisconsin, I apologize wholeheartedly.

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50. Neil Young, “The Emperor of Wyoming”

Neil Young • Reprise • 2009

State: Wyoming 

Sometimes, the music just speaks for itself.  That is literally the case on our soundtrack for Wyoming, the Neil Young classic, “The Emperor of Wyoming.” There are no words as the record is completely instrumental.  Listening to “The Emperor of Wyoming,” it’s incredibly easy paint a vivid portrait of a Wyoming cowboy scene. Of course, The University of Wyoming mascot is the cowboy.

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