31 Best Songs About Arizona
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“Tune Out” by The Format
Song Year: 2003
On the band’s album “Interventions + Lullabies” is a song “Tune Out” that references driving through a boring town in Arizona.
Although the song never mentions the town by name, they do talk about driving down Route 51, a prominent highway in the state. The song goes on to reference a tense argument in a relationship and the future of it while driving against the backdrop of Arizona.
“Thumbelina” by The Pretenders
Song Year: 1983
The song “Thumbelina” by The Pretenders is a tale of a new start. The lyrics highlight a person’s journey from a cold weather state to Tuscon, Arizona. Throughout the song, they are reassuring the child in the car that they will love their new life and understand why once they arrive in Tuscon. You can find the song on the band’s album “Learning to Crawl.”
“Surprise, AZ” by Richard Buckner
Song Year: 1994
The album “Bloomed” by Richard Buckner came with another Arizona homage in the form of the song “Surprise, AZ.”
The musician wrote the song after hearing a story in which a mother and son were killed in a car accident, and to transport their bodies home, they were driven in two separate cars right next to each other in Arizona. The lyrics portray the conversation the singer envisioned them having together on their way back home to the town of Surprise.
“American Nights” by Chase Rice
Song Year: 2020
The song “American Nights” by musician Chase Rice depicts a typical life of a high school graduate, partying away the night after receiving his diploma. Living in his parent’s house in Tuscon, Arizona, he is living the way a person first experiencing freedom does, by feeling bigger than life and on the verge of branching out on their own.
“Furnace Fan” by Robert Earl Keen
Song Year: 2003
In 2003 the song “Furnace Fan” was released by Robert Earl Keen. From his album “Farm Fresh Onions,” the song talks about Arizona and how hot it gets, even to where it resembles a furnace fan. While there, he got to know some local people who helped make his stay great. The musician’s time in Arizona was short but made an impact, and he thinks about his time there with fondness.
“Send Me Down to Tucson” by Mel Tillis
Song Year: 1978
Mel Tillis released his own Arizona anthem in the year 1978 from his album “Every Which Way But Loose.” “Send Me Down to Tuscon” talks about a man sent to Tuscon for work when nobody else desires to be there in the summer. He meets a woman with whom he ends up having an affair, saying that while his wife is a good person, she doesn’t satisfy the love inside him.
“God Love Her” by Toby Keith
Song Year: 2008
As a top country artist, Toby Keith is no stranger to the music charts with hit songs. His song “God Love Her,” which he released in 2008 from his album “That Don’t Make Me a Bad Guy,” details a relationship where a Pastor’s daughter runs off with a boy, calling to check in with her parents from a truck stop in Tuscon, Arizona.
“Tucson, Arizona (Gazette)” by Dan Fogelberg
Song Year: 1984
The song “Tucson, Arizona (Gazette)” by Dan Fogelberg is over eight minutes long. It details various elements that relate to Tuscon, adding special insight into the high heat that the city enjoys during the summer months.
In addition, the song covers the death of a central person in the main character’s life. You can find this Arizona-focused song on Fogelberg’s “Windows and Walls” album.
“Sissyneck” by Beck
Song Year: 1996
Beck is an artist that many will recognize from his many top hits. The song “Sissyneck” was released in 1996 and was part of the album “Odelay.”
The song’s meaning is up for interpretation, with some believing it is about a person who spends evenings with friends and days with a woman. The song references Arizona as the state where the aforementioned woman is from.
“Scottsdale” by Chronic Future
Song Year: 1996
As a band from Scottsdale, Arizona, Chronic Future made the decision to release a song honoring their hometown on their self-titled album. With a blend of hip-hop and rock, the band’s music is catchy and upbeat. Their song “Scottsdale” was released in 1996 and talks about the traits that resemble the majority of people in the town.
