31 Best Songs About July
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“Black Day In July” by Gordon Lightfoot
Song year: 1968
Canadian singer-songwriter and guitarist Gordon Lightfoot featured the song “Black Day In July” on his album Did She Mention My Name?
He wrote the lyrics about the Detroit Race Riots that began on July 23, 1967. It was one of the worst riots between primarily black residents and the Detroit Police Department, resulting in 43 deaths.
“Goodbye July” by Shayna Leigh
Song year: 2015
“Goodbye July” is a title track from New York singer Shayna Leigh. She wrote this song to describe the feeling of loss, whether it be romance, friendship, family, or another type.
Despite the despairing subject, Leigh wrote this song about the strength one gains throughout hard times and how it brings you closer to people, passions, and yourself.
“4th of July” by Amy MacDonald
Song year: 2012
Scottish singer-songwriter Amy MacDonald featured the title “4th of July” on her third album, Life In a Beautiful Light. During this song, she nostalgically sings about a childhood trip to New York on July 4th.
She was inspired to write the song after watching the 10th anniversary of 9/11 and wanted to create an upbeat track to celebrate New York.
“4th of July” by Aimee Mann
Song year: 1993
American singer-songwriter Aimee Mann released “4th of July” on her first solo album, Whatever in 1993. Mann is known for her talent for writing about dark subjects.
This song showcases Mann’s soulful songwriting paired with story-like lyrics. She wrote and sang about feeling jaded during the big holiday in America, the fourth of July.
“4th of July” by X
Song year: 1986
“4th of July” by X was written by guitarist Dave Alvin who wrote the song when he was still with his former band, the Blasters. The Blasters did not use it, so it went on the X’s album, sung by vocalist John Doe.
Alvin explained during an interview that he wrote the song about the beauty in the mundane. The lyrics describe hearing downstairs children blasting fireworks, giving the fourth of July feel.
“July” by Breathe Carolina
Song year: 2019
“July” is a song by Breathe Carolina featured on their fifth studio album, Dead: The Album. They released the track with the music video a day before the album’s release.
The lyrics describe the perspective of losing yourself while trying to be and do everything for others. It’s about rebuilding the connection to yourself.
“July” by Ocean Colour Scene
Song year: 1999
English rock band Ocean Colour Scene (OCS) released “July” as a double A-side with “I Am the News.” It hit the top 100 on UK and Ireland Singles Charts.
The song is about needing to get away by any means possible.
“4th of July” by The Beach Boys
Song year: 1993
“4th of July” is a song on The Beach Boys‘ album, Good Vibrations: Thirty Years of The Beach Boys. This box set features their hits along with a few new releases, including “4th of July.”
Rather than their typical easy-going beachy melody, this song covers topics like the Watergate scandal and the resignation of Nixon, amongst other comparable issues.
WHY JULY by Cleopatrick
Song year: 2021
Canadian rock duo Cleopatrick released “WHY JULY”on their BUMMER album in 2021. The lyrics describe the protagonist being in a car with his friends and unable to start the car or hear music.
It’s unclear if the song has a deeper meaning, though some speculate “why July” is their way of saying “why’d you lie.”
“Fourth of July” by Galaxie 500
Song year: 1990
Last but not least, we have “Fourth of July” by Galaxie 500, an American alternative rock band that has since split up.
Like many of their songs, the lyrics are somewhat obtuse. To many, it is a song about feeling happy with the one you love and paying less attention to those that don’t see you for who you are.
Top Songs About July, Final Thoughts
July holds a special place in many Americans’ hearts due to the holiday, Independence day. However, there are so many other qualities to love about this month. You will find the many wonderful and not-so-wonderful aspects in these songs with July in the title.
