27 Best Songs About Massachusetts
Contents
“This Is the Life” by Angie Miller
Song Year: 2014
This fun indie rock song describes life for a group of youth in Massachusetts. The lyrics echo popular party anthems from the 2010s but transpose the lyrics to the setting of a small town.
Angie Miller creates some striking images that anyone who grew up in a small town can relate to, such as listening to music in parking lots and dreaming of life somewhere else.
“Millworker” by James Taylor
Song Year: 1979
“Millworker” is a song written for the musical Working. It tells the story of a woman who married a millworker from Massachusetts.
Unfortunately, the man died due to alcoholism, and the woman had to take up millwork to support her children. The song shares a strong message about the dehumanization of factory work and the financial hardships single mothers often face.
“American Girl” by LL Cool J
Song Year: 2008
“American Girl” is one of the best rap songs about Massachusetts. It’s an upbeat tune that celebrates American women and mentions different states.
The lyrics create a humorous juxtaposition between American women and the history of the country. LL Cool J references the colonies and Revolutionary War to suggest that historical figures would have appreciated modern American women.
“Fried Hockey Boogie” by Canned Heat
Song Year: 1968
“Fried Hockey Boogie” is a fun experimental track where Canned Heat introduces its members while demonstrating their ability to play an upbeat blues and rock tune.
As the song introduces each band member, we learn their nicknames and where they’re from. The first one, the Blind Owl, is from Boston, MA.
This track is a fun way to celebrate the band members, and it shows how Canned Heat includes members from around the country.
“Dogtown” by Harry Chapin
Song Year: 1972
“Dogtown” is a powerful mix of folk and pop. The song tells the story of a small town in Massachusetts.
The men of the town work as fishermen and leave for months at a time. The women who stay behind call the town Dogtown to reflect their unhappiness.
The title comes from a small village called Dogtown in the Cape Ann area. The village is now abandoned.
“U-Mass” by the Pixies
Song Year: 1991
The Pixies are one of the most famous bands from Boston. Singer Black Francis and guitar player Joey Santiago initially met while attending the University of Massachusetts.
“U-Mass” is a fun and irreverent song that looks back on their college days. The song mentions them partying together but also describes them as idealistic youths.
“Problematic” by Bo Burnham
Song Year: 2021
“Problematic” is a humorous song where comedian Bo Burnham looks back on his background. He describes growing up in a primarily Caucasian area in Massachusetts and talks about getting into comedy.
The main topic of the song is the issue of cultural appropriation. It’s lighthearted, but it asks some interesting questions about growing up in an environment that lacks diversity.
Top Songs About Virginia, Final Thoughts
The songs about Massachusetts celebrate the Bay State, evoke nostalgia, or describe New England as a place that feels unfamiliar. It’s interesting to see how Massachusetts has a different meaning for every artist.
We hope you enjoyed these songs about Massachusetts and discovered some new bands or found some old classics you had forgotten.
