Michigan is a state that has been the source of inspiration for countless musicians and songwriters over the years. From Motown classics to rock anthems, the state has played a central role in shaping American music. In this article, we’ll take a look at the top 20 songs about Michigan that capture the spirit and essence of this great state.
From the urban landscapes of Detroit to the natural beauty of the Upper Peninsula, Michigan has provided a rich tapestry of sights and sounds that have been immortalized in song. Whether it’s the rock and roll of Bob Seger or the soulful sounds of Stevie Wonder, the music of Michigan reflects the diversity and creativity of the state’s people and culture. So join us as we take a musical journey through the Great Lakes State, exploring the songs that have helped to define the Michigan experience.
1. “Singing Joy to the World” by the Fruit Bats
“Singing Joy to the World” is a joyful, upbeat song by the American indie folk band The Fruit Bats. The song features a mix of acoustic and electric instruments, with a catchy melody and energetic rhythm that inspires listeners to sing along. The lyrics express the feeling of being alive and the joy that comes from simple things in life, like sharing a song with others. The harmonized vocals add to the uplifting spirit of the track, and the overall production creates a sense of warmth and positivity. The song is a celebration of life, and its infectious energy will put a smile on anyone’s face.
2. “Michigan” by The Milk Carton Kids
“Michigan” by The Milk Carton Kids is a hauntingly beautiful song that perfectly captures the essence of Michigan. The song features stunning vocal harmonies and intricate guitar work that combine to create a truly captivating listening experience. The lyrics describe the vast and rugged landscape of Michigan, painting vivid images of its forests, lakes, and rivers. The song also reflects on the beauty of the state’s simplicity and the sense of nostalgia it evokes. Overall, “Michigan” is a moving tribute to the state and a testament to the power of music to capture the essence of a place.
3. “Michicant” by Bon Iver
“Michicant” is a hauntingly beautiful song by indie-folk artist Bon Iver, from his second studio album “Bon Iver, Bon Iver.” The song features his trademark ethereal vocals, combined with lush instrumental arrangements, including soft guitars, strings, and horns. The lyrics speak of love and loss, with themes of forgiveness and moving on. The imagery of the natural world is woven into the lyrics, adding to the song’s dreamlike and contemplative feel. The song’s emotive melody and poetic lyrics create a mesmerizing and unforgettable listening experience, making it one of Bon Iver’s most acclaimed songs.
4. “Kalamazoo” by Ben Folds
“Kalamazoo” is a lively, upbeat song by Ben Folds that pays homage to the city of Kalamazoo, Michigan. The song’s playful lyrics and catchy melody capture the spirit of the town and its residents, with Folds singing about a night out in Kalamazoo with his friends. The piano-driven sound is accompanied by a horn section, providing an energetic and dynamic feel to the song. The song’s chorus, with its repeated refrain of “I don’t need a windshield / I don’t need a windshield / I don’t need a windshield / On my life,” has become a fan favorite, and the song as a whole is a fun and joyful tribute to a beloved city.
5. “Miss Michigan” by Mustard Plug
“Miss Michigan” is a fast-paced punk-ska song by the Michigan-based band Mustard Plug. The song’s lively horns and upbeat rhythm contrast with its lyrics, which describe the narrator’s longing for a woman he met in Michigan. The song is a fun and energetic tribute to the state, with references to popular Michigan destinations like Mackinac Island and Grand Haven. The band’s playful style and catchy melody make “Miss Michigan” a fan favorite, and the song has become an anthem for Michiganders and fans of ska music alike.
6. “All Summer Long” by Kid Rock
“All Summer Long” is a 2008 song by American musician Kid Rock. The song is built on a sample of the classic rock hits “Sweet Home Alabama” by Lynyrd Skynyrd and “Werewolves of London” by Warren Zevon, and features Kid Rock reminiscing about past summer adventures in a catchy and nostalgic manner. The song was a commercial success, reaching the top 5 on the charts in several countries, including the United States, and is often played as a staple of summertime playlists. Its blend of rock, rap, and country elements has made it a popular and enduring crossover hit.
7. “America” by Simon and Garfunkel
“America” by Simon and Garfunkel is a folk-rock classic that beautifully captures the disillusionment and restlessness of a generation. It tells the story of two young lovers traveling across America in search of meaning and belonging. The haunting harmonies of Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel combine with the vivid imagery of the lyrics to create a powerful and nostalgic sense of longing for a time and place that may never have existed. The song builds to a soaring crescendo with the iconic line “Counting the cars on the New Jersey Turnpike, they’ve all come to look for America.” It remains a timeless anthem of youthful hope and disillusionment.
8. “I Want to Go Back to Michigan” by Irving Berlin
“I Want to Go Back to Michigan” is a sentimental song written by Irving Berlin in 1914. The song tells the story of a person who is away from their home state and yearning to go back. The lyrics are full of vivid descriptions of Michigan’s beauty and charm, including the Great Lakes and the natural scenery. The melody is simple yet catchy, with a waltz-like rhythm that adds to the nostalgia conveyed in the lyrics. The song has become a classic over the years, often covered by other artists, and continues to be a beloved tribute to the state of Michigan.
9. “Michigan Left” by Arkells
“Michigan Left” is a catchy indie rock song by the Canadian band Arkells. The title is inspired by a unique driving maneuver used in Michigan to make a left turn. The song is about lost love and the emotional baggage that comes with it. The lyrics tell the story of a person who is trying to move on from a past relationship but keeps getting stuck in a cycle of heartbreak and regret. The song has a driving beat, sing-along chorus, and powerful horns that make it an upbeat anthem for anyone who has ever struggled to let go of a past love.
10. “Detroit ‘67” by Sam Roberts
“Detroit ’67” is a song by Canadian rock musician Sam Roberts, released in 2011. The song is a tribute to the city of Detroit, Michigan, and references the Motor City’s rich history of music, including the Motown sound and the MC5. The song has a driving rock sound, with a catchy guitar riff and a strong rhythm section. Roberts sings about the city’s past glories and the struggles it has faced in recent years, with lyrics that celebrate the resilience and spirit of the people who call Detroit home. “Detroit ’67” is a powerful and uplifting ode to a city with a proud and storied musical legacy.
11. “Michigan and Again” by The Accidentals
“Michigan and Again” is a touching folk song by The Accidentals that celebrates the unique beauty of Michigan. The song features lovely harmonies and acoustic instrumentation, including guitar and violin, that create a warm, nostalgic sound. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the state, mentioning its famous cherry trees and unique culture. The song speaks to the joy of returning home after being away, the comfort of familiar surroundings, and the beauty of the state’s natural landscapes. It’s a love letter to Michigan and a reminder of the power of music to evoke emotions and memories of a special place.
12. “Going to Michigan” by The Extra Glenns
“Going to Michigan” by The Extra Glenns is a melancholic yet upbeat song that tells the story of a person going to Michigan to start a new life. The song features a strumming guitar and a lively melody that makes it a perfect road trip song. The lyrics are poetic and introspective, describing the protagonist’s emotions and the changes they are experiencing in their life. The harmonious vocals and the catchy tune create a sense of hope and positivity that leave the listener feeling uplifted. Overall, “Going to Michigan” is a beautiful song that perfectly captures the feelings of new beginnings and the excitement of exploring new horizons.
13. “Lake Michigan” by Rogue Wave
“Lake Michigan” by Rogue Wave is a song from their 2005 album “Descended Like Vultures.” It features gentle guitar strums, dreamy synths, and mellow vocals that create a reflective atmosphere. The song reflects on a person’s desire to escape and start anew, as they sing about driving away from their past and leaving everything behind. The lyrics describe the beauty of Lake Michigan and how it serves as a symbol of hope and the possibility of a fresh start. The song’s melancholic yet uplifting melody, along with its poignant lyrics, make it a perfect track for introspection and self-reflection.
14. “Saginaw, Michigan” by Johnny Cash
“Saginaw, Michigan” is a classic country song written and performed by the legendary Johnny Cash. The track was released in 1964 and became a hit, reaching the top 3 on the country charts. The song tells the story of a man who is forced to leave his love in Saginaw, Michigan to pursue work in another state. Cash’s deep, resonant voice perfectly captures the heartache and longing of the protagonist, and the simple yet memorable melody makes it a timeless classic. Overall, “Saginaw, Michigan” is a poignant and beautifully crafted song that showcases Cash’s talents as both a singer and a songwriter.
15. “Highway Patrolman” by Bruce Springsteen
“Highway Patrolman” is a poignant song by Bruce Springsteen, depicting the story of a state trooper named Joe Roberts who must confront his duty as an officer of the law with his loyalty to his brother Frank, who is a criminal on the run. Set against a country folk melody, the song delves into themes of family loyalty, responsibility, and the complexity of human relationships. Springsteen’s lyrics are detailed and evocative, painting a vivid picture of the characters and their emotions. “Highway Patrolman” is a powerful narrative-driven song that showcases Springsteen’s ability to tell a story through his music.
16. “A Long Time” by Mayer Hawthorne
“A Long Time” is a soulful, upbeat track from American singer Mayer Hawthorne. The song features a funky bassline, groovy drums, and soulful horn arrangements, complemented by Hawthorne’s smooth vocals. Lyrically, the song tells a story of a love that has stood the test of time, celebrating the strength and endurance of a relationship through life’s ups and downs. The catchy chorus and lively instrumentation make this song a perfect choice for a feel-good, danceable tune. Hawthorne’s unique blend of retro-inspired soul and contemporary pop sensibilities make “A Long Time” an enjoyable listen for fans of multiple genres.
17. “Pretty Girl From Michigan” by The Avett Brothers
“Pretty Girl from Michigan” by The Avett Brothers is a sweet and catchy tune that blends elements of country, folk, and rock music. The song features intricate guitar work and harmonies that complement the heartfelt lyrics. The melody is driven by the upbeat rhythm and punctuated by vibrant piano chords, while the lyrics speak of a relationship between two people and the struggles they face. The chorus is especially memorable, with its energetic and infectious call-and-response harmonies. This song is a testament to the Avett Brothers’ ability to write powerful, emotionally resonant music that speaks to people of all ages and backgrounds.
18. “Michigan for the Winter” by Ryan Hurd
“Michigan for the Winter” is a reflective and heartfelt song by country singer-songwriter Ryan Hurd, which tells the story of a couple that falls in love in Michigan but eventually has to move to Nashville. Hurd’s warm vocals are supported by a gentle acoustic guitar, evoking the bittersweet nostalgia and the longing for the snowy and icy landscapes of the Great Lakes State. The song’s poignant lyrics about love and loss are perfectly complemented by the subtle yet effective musical arrangement, creating a beautiful and poignant musical experience that captures the essence of Michigan’s winter landscapes and the memories that they hold.
19. “Especially in Michigan” by Red Hot Chili Peppers
“Especially in Michigan” is a track from the Red Hot Chili Peppers’ 2006 album “Stadium Arcadium.” The song features the band’s signature blend of rock, funk, and alternative sounds, with driving guitar riffs and a catchy chorus. The lyrics speak of the beauty and mystery of the state of Michigan, where the band recorded the album. Vocalist Anthony Kiedis sings about the state’s forests, lakes, and natural wonders, as well as its gritty urban landscapes. The song has been praised for its energetic performance and melodic hooks, which have made it a fan favorite and a staple of the band’s live shows.
20. “One Piece at a Time” by Johnny Cash
“One Piece at a Time” is a classic country song by Johnny Cash that tells a humorous story about a man who works in a car factory and dreams of owning his own Cadillac. The song’s protagonist hatches a plan to steal pieces of a car he is working on over a period of time to build his dream vehicle, with each piece being added as he acquires it. The song’s catchy chorus and upbeat tempo are juxtaposed against the protagonist’s criminal actions, making for an entertaining and amusing tune. The song was a hit for Cash and remains a beloved favorite among country music fans.
Darren Jamison is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
