23 Best Songs About Minnesota
Looking for the perfect playlist to celebrate all things Minnesota? Look no further than this curated list of the best songs about the Land of 10,000 Lakes.
From classic folk tunes to modern hip-hop tracks, these songs about Minnesota capture the spirit and the unique character of its people and the state.
Contents
1. “The Biggest Ball of Twine in Minnesota” by “Weird Al” Yankovic
Song Year: 1989
“The Biggest Ball of Twine in Minnesota” is a comedic song by “Weird Al” Yankovic that tells the story of a family road trip to see the largest ball of twine in Minnesota.
The song details their journey, and the various mishaps along the way, including the kids singing in the back and multiple roadside attractions throughout America.
2. “Minnesota” by Lil Yachty
Song Year: 2016
“Minnesota” by Lil Yachty is a song about his rise to fame and success as a rapper and his experiences with women, drugs, and money.
The title “Minnesota” refers to the cold weather and snow that he associates with the streets, and he uses this as a metaphor for the icy diamonds in his jewelry as well. The song features Lil Yachty's signature auto-tuned vocals and catchy hooks over a trap beat and has been praised for its playful and fun vibe.
3. “Skyway” by The Replacements
Song Year: 1987
“Skyway” by The Replacements is a melancholy ballad about a man who's a down-on-his-luck guy who takes the subway to navigate through his dismal life. Meanwhile, the object of his affection glides above him on the skyway.
The song contrasts the idealized girl floating high above with the narrator's struggles on the street. Ultimately, the one time he decides to take a different route, the girl is now walking down below instead of along the skyway.
4. “Say Shh” by Atmosphere
Song Year: 2003
“Say Shh” features the singer pondering whether his roots in Minneapolis are beneficial, as he compares it to the allure of bigger cities across the country. He refers to Minnesota as his secret garden and states that while some people think his hometown is uninteresting, he still loves it there and is proud of where he's from.
However, he ultimately decides that city living comes with many negative aspects and encourages those from smaller communities to take pride in their hometowns.
5. “Rock ‘n' Roll Is Alive (And It Lives in Minneapolis) by Prince
Song Year: 1995
“Rock ‘n' Roll Is Alive (And It Lives in Minneapolis)” is one of those songs about Minnesota that celebrates the vibrant music scene in Minneapolis. The lyrics describe how the city is a hotbed for rock and roll, with many talented musicians and clubs where they can perform.
Prince proudly declares that Minneapolis is where rock and roll is alive and thriving, making it clear that the city is a force to be reckoned with in the music world.
6. “Good Old Days” by Macklemore ft. Kesha
Song Year: 2017
“Good Old Days” by Macklemore ft. Kesha reflects on the nostalgia for the past and the passage of time. The lyrics describe the youthful memories of the singers, including summers spent in Minnesota.
The song encourages listeners to appreciate their present and not take the good times for granted. It reminds people of the importance of cherishing experiences and relationships while they have them, as the “good old days” won't last forever.
7. “Walls of Red Wing” by Bob Dylan
Song Year: 1991
“Walls of Red Wing” by Bob Dylan is a commentary on the harsh realities of life inside a state prison in Red Wing, Minnesota. The song's lyrics describe the bleak and monotonous routine of prison life, as well as the inhumane treatment and emotional abuse suffered by inmates at the hands of prison staff.
8. “Duluth” by Trampled by Turtles
Song Year: 2008
Trampled by Turtles' “Duluth” is a song about a man deciding not to pursue a love interest, mentioning that the woman will give up on him and he'll give up on her.
He discusses wanting to stay inside where he's at, warm and content. The lyrics suggest he'd have to leave his home of Duluth, where he loves it and wants to stay.
9. “Escapade” by Janet Jackson
Song Year: 1989
“Escapade” describes a sense of adventure and fun while chasing the person you love. The catchy chorus is repeated throughout the song and creates a sense of excitement and freedom.
While the song does not explicitly mention Minnesota, it does give a special shout-out to the city of Minneapolis as Janet sings about going on an escapade.
10. “The Minnesota Song” by Dan & Sandy Adler
Song Year: 2013
“The Minnesota Song” is a lighthearted ode to the state of Minnesota, highlighting the infamous cold weather and winters that Minnesota is known for. The singer says they're not going to live there anymore because it's cold to the core. He says the weather there is merciless!
11. “Uptown” by Prince
Song Year: 1980
Uptown” celebrates the vibrant and diverse Uptown neighborhood in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Prince sings about the local scene, seeing a girl he likes who's somewhat pursuing him and wants to talk.
The lyrics reflect Prince's personal pride in the neighborhood's lively atmosphere. The song's catchy hook and infectious groove have made it a beloved classic.
12. “Minnesota Girls” by The Shackletons
Song Year: 2017
In “Minnesota Girls,” the band sings an ode to the girls of Minnesota, essentially saying they're glad to be in the cold state where they can barely feel their toes, all for the Minnesota girls.
The singer tells his friend that he was wrong and questions why can't all women be like Minnesota girls. The song invites listeners to join in their admiration of the state's lovely women.
13. “Cold Like Minnesota” by Yung Scrappy
Song Year: 2016
“Cold Like Minnesota” is about his experiences living in Minnesota. The lyrics describe the harsh winter climate, the struggle to make it in the music industry, and the dangers of street life in the state. Scrappy references iconic challenges and dangers of growing up in a harsh environment.
14. “Minneapolis” by Lucinda Williams
Song Year: 2003
In “Minneapolis,” Lucinda Williams sings about a cold and bitter night when the person she loves left her. She talks about the haunting memories and how she wished she had never met the man that hurt her. Throughout the song, there are many mentions of the cold and freezing winters in Minnesota.
15. “Minnesota March” by Mac Irv
Song Year: 2017
“Minnesota March” is a song written specifically for the University of Minnesota. The school's marching band regularly performs this song at various school ceremonies and athletic events. It's a cry for the sports team to succeed, and it serves as a sort of anthem.
16. “Minnesota is a Place That Exists” by Glaive
Song Year: 2022
“Minnesota is a Place That Exists” discusses the singer's struggles with smoking cigarettes and his love life. The lyrics imply that the singer feels like his partner isn't emotionally there for him, and the relationship is falling apart.
He's beginning to resent her and even thinks about killing her, but ultimately he just tells his family that she left and went to Minnesota.
17. “I Like It in Duluth” by Father Hennepin
Song Year: 2001
“I Like It in Duluth” is an upbeat and catchy song that celebrates the city of Duluth, Minnesota. The lyrics talk about the singer having been able to travel around the world but still preferring to stay in Duluth. The chorus repeats “I like it in Duluth” several times, emphasizing the singer's love for the city.
18. “Lake Street Is for Lovers” by Lifter Puller
Song Year: 2000
“Lake Street Is for Lovers,” according to the lead singer of the band, Craig Finn, refers to Lake Street, which goes throughout Minneapolis.
It goes from the very rundown parts to the nice sections of the city as well. He says the song was somewhat of a joke, serving as a tongue-in-cheek ode to the famous tourism campaign, “Virginia is for Lovers.”
19. “My Minnesota State Fair” by Ann Reed
Song Year: 2008
“My Minnesota State Fair” is a tribute to the annual Minnesota State Fair. Reed sings about the various attractions and traditions of the fair.
There's also a sense of community and shared experience that comes with attending the fair, highlighting its role in bringing people together.
20. “Minnesota Burning” by Mr. L
Song Year: 2020
The song “Minnesota Burning” by Mr. L tells a story of racial tension, injustice, and rebellion in Minnesota. Mr. L vividly describes the frustration and anger felt by many members of the Black community towards the police and the government.
The song references historical events such as the killing of Philando Castile and the riots that followed. The song is a powerful expression of the pain and trauma experienced by many people in Minnesota because of racism.
21. “Minnesota Swag” by MoFre$h
Song Year: 2020
The song “Minnesota Swag” celebrates the unique cultural identity and style of the state. The lyrics describe various aspects of Minnesota, such as the cold weather, the Mall of America, and the Vikings football team, and how they contribute to the state's distinct “swag.”
The song also touches on themes of success, hard work, and self-confidence as MoFre$h raps about his own rise to fame and his belief in himself and his abilities.
22. “Girl From the North Country” by Bob Dylan
Song Year: 1963
“Girl From the North Country” is a classic folk ballad from 1963 that tells the story of a man who is reminiscing about a former lover he had in the north country. Bob Dylan reflects on their time together and the girl's natural beauty, painting a picture of a nostalgic and romantic memory.
Through the lyrics, the listener can feel the emotional depth of the singer's longing for this woman and the fond memories they shared in the north country.
23. “I'm from Minnesota” by Alex Frecon
Song Year: 2018
The song “I'm from Minnesota” celebrates the state's culture, landmarks, and people. Frecon references the sweet corn, barns, pigs, and other things that make the state a special place to live.
He says that Minnesota is a beautiful place, but no one really knows it except the people that are from there. The lyrics depict a friendly and proud community full of local quirks and traditions.
Top Songs About Minnesota, Final Thoughts
Minnesota has inspired countless musicians to write songs that capture the essence of the state. Whether it's the beauty of the North Woods, the energy of Minneapolis, or the pride of being a Minnesotan, these songs about Minnesota offer a unique perspective on what makes this state so special.
