21 Best Songs About South Carolina
Contents
12. “South Carolina” by Archers of Loaf
Song Year: 2012
From the grunge rock band Archers of Loaf comes one of the best songs about South Carolina of all time.
The song is about a man who finds himself trapped in South Carolina. He tries to find a way to leave but finds he cannot.
Archers of Loaf is an indie rock band with a grungy, punkish sound. The band members include Eric Bachmann, Eric Johnson, and Mark Price, though they have since broken up.
13. “Carolina in My Mind” by James Taylor
Song Year: 1968
James Taylor is a best-selling singer and guitarist from Boston. He has won six Grammy awards and was officially inducted into the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame at the turn of the century.
His song, Carolina in My Mind, is about a man who returns to South Carolina after an extended stay away from home.
The tune is mournful but quite beautiful, and it will almost certainly remind you of home.
14. “Waltz for a Girl in South Carolina” by Brett Shady
Song Year: 2010
This song is the quintessential South Carolina love song.
It touches on the reflective wisdom that accompanies age. The singer laments the loss of a woman he loves in South Carolina and vows to return.
Brett Shady is a gospel and country singer in the band, The Golden Shoulders.
15. “South Carolina” by Tennis
Song Year: 2010
Tennis is an indie pop band from Denver, Colorado. The band is one of few husband-and-wife duos, consisting of Patrick Riley and Alaina Moore. Their first album, Cape Dory, received considerable attention upon its release.
This song is the perfect combination of indie, dream pop, and surf pop, and its lyrics discuss the beauty of South Carolina in all its splendor. No matter where the protagonist goes, she remembers her home and longs to return.
16. “Carolina in the Morning” by Jim Gibson
Song Year: 1996
Although lesser-known, Jim Gibson was one of the founding members of three different Grammy-award-winning bands, including the Bill Gaither Trio, B.J. Thomas, and Lionel Hampton Orchestra.
His song, Carolina in the Morning, discusses his love for the South and his desire to return. He lamented the loss of mornings in South Carolina when he used to wander through the natural beauty with the woman he loved.
17. “Charleston, South Carolina” by Lovie Austen & Her Blue Serenade
Song Year: 1925
Lovie Austen was an American Chicago bandleader and singer from the 1920s. She is known as one of the best female jazz pianists alongside Lil Hardin Armstrong.
This song is recognized for its classic 1920s sound and creative jazz solos, and it features Austen’s piano playing.
The song’s lyrics discuss dancing the song, and the singer maintains her love for classical dance.
18. “South Carolina” by The Flirtations
Song Year: 1969
This song is about a young woman having a dream about South Carolina. She dreams that she is waking up to see the mailman show up at her door, but when she awakes, she isn’t back in South Carolina.
The Flirtations were an R&B and soul band active in the 1960s and 1970s. Its members include Ernestine Pearce, Shirley Pearce, and Viola Billups. The band remains active to this day.
19. “South Carolina Blues” by Junior League Band
Song Year: 2016
The Junior League is an old-timey rock band inspired by the music of the South. The band consists of members Lissy Rosemont on vocals, Devin McGaughey on drums, Dale Manning on mandolin and fiddle, William Waikart on drums, and Sadie Dingfelder on fiddle.
Their song, South Carolina Blues, touches on the melancholy that descends upon her in the evening. It’s a classic blues-and-banjo tune that sounds just like the music of yore with a modern twist.
20. “South Carolina On My Mind” by Allison Krauss and Jerry Douglass
Song Year: 2008
Allison Krauss is a well-known country and bluegrass singer and fiddle player. She released her debut album in 1987 and has been active since then.
Jerry Douglass is a lap steel guitar and Dobro player known for his skill and prolific discography.
Together, they performed the best version of California’s state anthem.
This song is about a person who has lived in South Carolina all their life and never plans to leave. Krauss’s vocals and Douglass’s guitar blend perfectly to create a unique sound.
21. “South Carolina” by Colt Ford
Song Year: 2009
This song is a rallying cry for South Carolina football. It describes a tailgate party where many people are gathered to watch the game.
Colt Ford, otherwise known as Jason Farris Brown, is an American rapper, singer, and former professional golfer.
He is recognized for his unique blend of rap and country music, and this song, South Carolina, released in 2009, is among his best.
22. “Carolina” by Harry Styles
Song Year: 2017
Although Harry Styles is not from South Carolina, he’s written one of the best songs about this great state.
This song is about a young woman whom the protagonist is in love with. She tells him that he reminds him of South Carolina, her hometown. He writes the song to let her know how much he loves her.
Harry Styles is the former frontman of the famous pop band, One Direction. He now performs as a solo act, and he is frequently touring around the world. Styles was inspired to write this song when he first visited the Palmetto State and was amazed by its beauty.
Top Songs About South Carolina, Final Thoughts
This list includes the very best songs about the Palmetto State.
From the South Carolina state anthem to a modern indie-pop song by Harry Styles, the music on this list will surely make the perfect playlist for your favorite Carolinian.
Hopefully, you’ve found just the song you need to remind you of the best state in the nation.
