Here at the City Paper, we love our country even more than we love consuming toxic amounts of grilled meat and blowing up Chinese imports. That’s why we declared this week’s edition The Patriot Issue and packed it full of columns and features about what it means to be a true lover of liberty. It’s also why we sat around the office yesterday coming up with the ultimate 4th of July playlist.

So here you go: The City Paper‘s favorite songs about the good ol’ U.S. of A. You’ll notice Toby Keith appears nowhere on this list. You might also notice that the songs don’t all lavish glowing praise on the Land of the Free. That’s because being a true patriot means fighting to make this country live up to its lofty ideals. Rock on, America.


Stay cool. Support City Paper.

City Paper has been bringing the best news, food, arts, music and event coverage to the Holy City since 1997. Support our continued efforts to highlight the best of Charleston with a one-time donation or become a member of the City Paper Club.