17 Best Songs About Indiana

Out in the Midwest is the beautiful state of Indiana. This gorgeous and peaceful state has been an inspiration for songwriters for generations. The songs written about The Hoosier State generally are about the small towns, the feeling of home, and other similar themes. Here are the best songs about Indiana.

“Going Back To Indiana” By Jackson 5

Song Year: 1970

Even though the Jackson 5 didn't write “Going Back To Indiana,” it's still one of their best songs and the best about the Hoosier State. Much like the other Jackson 5 songs, Michael Jackson was the lead singer on this track, even though he was only 11 years old at the time they recorded it.

This song is special to the Jackson 5 and is all about how they grew up in Indiana. Many lyrics are about how much they miss the beautiful state's rivers, landscapes, and unique cities. Overall, the song's a celebration of all the best parts of Indiana and about going home.

“Indiana Wants Me” By R. Dean Taylor

Song Year: 1970

“Indiana Wants Me” is a very different song from the others on our list. Unlike the other songs that praise everything there is to love about the state, this R. Dean Taylor song tells a story about someone who fled the state because they killed someone for insulting their partner.

The story is fictional at heart, but it is all about how the state of Indiana has this person as a wanted man, hence the song's title. Fictional songs can still be fun to listen to, so if you prefer fictional storytelling, then you need to give this song a listen when you have some time.

“Springtime Indiana” By Sandra McCracken

Song Year: 2001

Sandra McCracken wrote a beautiful song that's all about falling in love while spending time in Indiana. “Springtime Indiana” is a folk song with gentle music that came out on her second album, which she released about two years after graduating from college.

The song is about how she took a road trip and made a quick stop in Indiana. She met someone and never intended to fall in love. Much of the song is about how it was supposed to be a quick stop on her road trip and never a permanent fixture in her life. Not only did she fall in love with someone in Indiana, but the state.

“Gary, Indiana” By Meredith Willson

Song Year: 1962

“Gary, Indiana” is not just a city, but it's a great song that comes from the 1957 musical, The Music Man. The Broadway musical is set in a small town in Iowa and is about a traveling con artist from Indiana.

In the musical, this song is an ode to everything there is to love about the traveling con artist's hometown of Gary, Indiana. Even though the song is in a fictional story, the lyrics that talk about how unique and special Gary is are all based on the real town in Indiana. It's all about the love of small-town life and is worth listening to even if you don't watch the show. 

“Can't Get Indiana Off My Mind” By Bing Crosby

Song Year: 1940

A calm and beautiful song about Indiana is “Can't Get Indiana Off My Mind” by Bing Crosby. The song initially came from Hoagy Carmichael and Robert De Leon in 1940, but Bing Crosby's version, which was released in the same year, is one of the best out there.

As you listen to the song, you'll hear how the singer states how much they miss Indiana. They miss everything about the state, like the landscapes, the Wabash River, the friendly people, and more. Anyone who's ever been homesick or missed a place intensely will relate to this beautiful song about Indiana.

“Back To Indiana” By The Elms

Song Year: 2009

Anyone who's ever been away from the one they love for a prolonged period of time can relate to “Back To Indiana” by The Elms. The song is about how a man is leaving New Orleans to return to Indiana to see the one they love.

They mention how they miss their love, the beauty of Indiana, and how they're bringing them a bouquet of flowers to surprise them when they arrive.

“Indiana Christmas” By Straight No Chaser

Song Year: 2008

“Indiana Christmas” is a non-classic Christmas song by Straight No Chaser. The song is about how Indiana sees beautiful white Christmases every year and how the lead singer will return there during the holidays like they do every year.

The rest of the lyrics talk about popular things to do in the winter and during Christmas, like making fires, opening presents, decorating, and more. If you need a new holiday song, then this one about Indiana is sure to please you.

“Small Town” by John Mellencamp

Song Year: 1985

Indiana is home to many small towns, and John Mellencamp capitalized on his experience growing up in them and his appreciation for how they shaped him into the person he is today. It's arguably one of his most famous roots-rock songs and one of the best about Indiana.

The song features towns in Indiana like Seymour, Bloomington, and Vincennes. These are the towns he spent most of his early childhood in. The rest of the lyrics talk about the things he used to do in these towns that he wouldn't have been able to do had he lived in a large city.

“Jim Dean of Indiana” by Phil Ochs

Song Year: 1970

Jim Dean is a famous actor and singer from America, and Phil Ochs wrote a song about a small-town boy who essentially was, as the name tells, the “Jim Dean of Indiana.” Phil Ochs sings about the little boy and how he grew up playing in the fields and telling stories rather than being interested in farm chores like Indiana kids.

The lyrics mention how he was born to be an actor and get out of Indiana when he grew up. He eventually left the state and lived fast, traveling around and not staying in one place for very long.