Ohio, a state located in the Midwestern region of the United States, has a rich cultural history that has inspired many musicians over the years. From the bustling cities to the serene countryside, Ohio has been a source of inspiration for various artists, resulting in some of the best songs about Ohio. These songs showcase the diverse musical styles and talents of different artists, capturing the essence of Ohio’s unique culture and spirit. Whether it’s the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland or the Ohio River that flows through the state, Ohio has inspired countless songs that tell the story of its people and their experiences. In this list, we have compiled the ten best songs about Ohio that celebrate the state’s heritage, its people, and the places that make it special. These songs range from classic rock anthems to modern indie tracks, but all share a common thread of love and appreciation for the Buckeye State. So, take a musical journey through the heartland of America and experience the best songs about Ohio that are sure to make you proud to be from this great state.
1. Look at Miss Ohio – Gillian Welsh
“Look at Miss Ohio” is a folk-rock song by American singer-songwriter Gillian Welch, released on her 2003 album “Soul Journey”. The song features Welch’s signature acoustic guitar picking and haunting vocals, accompanied by a simple yet effective drum beat and a subtle electric guitar riff. Lyrically, “Look at Miss Ohio” tells the story of a beauty queen who feels trapped in her glamorous but superficial life and longs for something more authentic and meaningful. The song’s chorus, “Oh me oh my oh, look at Miss Ohio / She’s a-running around with her rag-top down / She says I want to do right but not right now”, captures the sense of restlessness and uncertainty that the narrator and Miss Ohio both share. Musically and lyrically, “Look at Miss Ohio” is a powerful statement about the tension between societal expectations and personal identity, and the struggle to find one’s true calling in life. With its timeless sound and relatable themes, the song has become a fan favorite and a classic in Welch’s extensive catalog.
2. Oh, Cincinnati – The Seedy Seeds
“Oh, Cincinnati” is an indie-pop song by the American band The Seedy Seeds, released on their 2009 album “Verb Noun”. The song features upbeat guitar riffs and catchy sing-along choruses, creating an energetic and playful sound. Lyrically, “Oh, Cincinnati” is a love letter to the city of Cincinnati, Ohio, celebrating its unique quirks and charms. The song references various landmarks and cultural icons of the city, such as the Ohio River, the Cincinnati Reds baseball team, and the chili parlors that the city is famous for. With its infectious melody and enthusiastic lyrics, “Oh, Cincinnati” captures the spirit of hometown pride and the joy of discovering and celebrating the hidden gems of one’s city. The song has become a beloved anthem for Cincinnati residents and fans of The Seedy Seeds alike.
3. Ohio – Over The Rhine
“Ohio” is a hauntingly beautiful song by the American folk duo Over The Rhine, released on their 2003 album of the same name. The song features a stripped-down acoustic arrangement with delicate guitar picking and Karen Bergquist’s ethereal vocals, creating a melancholic and introspective atmosphere. Lyrically, “Ohio” explores the themes of loss, nostalgia, and the search for meaning in life. The song tells the story of a young couple who leave their hometown in Ohio to seek their fortune in the big city, only to be confronted with the harsh realities of urban life and the disillusionment that comes with it. Through the couple’s journey, the song reflects on the universal human experience of longing for a sense of belonging and connection, and the struggle to find one’s place in the world.
4. Return to the Moon – EL VY
“Return to the Moon” is a catchy and upbeat indie rock song by the American band EL VY, which consists of The National’s frontman Matt Berninger and Brent Knopf of Menomena and Ramona Falls. The song was released in 2015 on the band’s debut album of the same name. “Return to the Moon” features a pulsating bassline, catchy hooks, and Berninger’s distinctive baritone vocals, creating a lively and energetic atmosphere that’s sure to get listeners moving. The lyrics are cryptic and abstract, with themes of space travel, existentialism, and the search for meaning in a chaotic world. The song’s chorus is especially memorable, with Berninger singing “It’s a long way to fall / But you wouldn’t want to climb back up the ladder, no”. The chorus captures the sense of resignation and acceptance that pervades the song, as the narrator grapples with his place in the world and the inevitability of life’s ups and downs.
5. Ohio is for Lovers – Hawthorne Heights
“Ohio Is for Lovers” is a song by the American post-hardcore band Hawthorne Heights. It was released in 2004 as the lead single from their debut studio album, “The Silence in Black and White.” The song gained significant popularity in the early 2000s as a staple in the emo and post-hardcore scene. The lyrics describe the feeling of being alone and lost in a world that doesn’t understand the singer. The chorus includes the famous line, “So cut my wrists and black my eyes,” which has become a signature phrase in the emo culture. The song features aggressive guitars, driving drums, and raw, emotional vocals. It perfectly captures the angst and energy of the emo genre and resonated with a generation of disaffected youth.
6. In Ohio On Some Steps – Limbeck
“In Ohio on Some Steps” is a song by the American rock band Limbeck. It was released in 2005 as a part of their album, “Let Me Come Home.” The song has a catchy and upbeat melody, driven by jangly guitars and lively percussion. The lyrics describe a moment of quiet reflection on the steps of a building in Ohio. The singer observes the passing scenery, ponders life’s uncertainties, and contemplates the future. The song has a sense of nostalgia and longing, as the singer remembers a simpler time when life seemed less complicated. The lyrics suggest a desire to escape the pressures of the present and return to a more carefree existence. “In Ohio on Some Steps” is a standout track on “Let Me Come Home” and is a fan favorite among Limbeck’s followers. The song has a timeless quality, and its themes of reflection and introspection are relatable to listeners of all ages. It’s a testament to the power of a great melody and lyrics that speak to the human experience.
7. Carry Me Ohio – Sun Kil Moon
“Carry Me Ohio” is a haunting and melancholic song by Sun Kil Moon, the moniker of American singer-songwriter Mark Kozelek. The track was released in 2003 on Sun Kil Moon’s debut album “Ghosts of the Great Highway”. The song features Kozelek’s signature hushed vocals and intricate fingerpicking on the guitar, creating a delicate and intimate atmosphere that draws the listener in. The lyrics of “Carry Me Ohio” are introspective and deeply personal, reflecting on the narrator’s struggles with loneliness, isolation, and the passing of time. The song’s title is a reference to the state of Ohio, but the lyrics are more concerned with the emotional landscape of the narrator than with any particular place. The refrain “Carry me Ohio, into your arms” captures the sense of longing and yearning that runs throughout the song, as the narrator seeks comfort and connection in the face of his own mortality.
8. Bloodbuzz Ohio – The National
“Bloodbuzz Ohio” is a song by American indie rock band The National. Released in 2010 as the lead single from their album High Violet, the song is a slow-burning and melancholic track that delves into themes of loneliness, alienation, and nostalgia. The lyrics are deeply introspective, with lead singer Matt Berninger’s baritone vocals painting a picture of a person struggling to find their place in the world. The song’s title “Bloodbuzz Ohio” refers to a feeling of euphoria that Berninger has experienced while driving through the state of Ohio. The track’s instrumentation is stripped down and minimalistic, with a simple yet haunting melody that is supported by the band’s trademark atmospheric soundscapes. The track’s emotional intensity builds slowly, with the bridge and chorus showcasing Berninger’s emotive delivery as he sings “I still owe money to the money to the money I owe / The floors are falling out from everybody I know.”
9. Cincinnati Harmony – The Dopamines
“Cincinnati Harmony” is a punk rock song by The Dopamines that was released in 2010. The song is about feeling disconnected and longing for a sense of belonging in a city that can feel isolating. The lyrics describe the singer’s search for meaning in his life and how he struggles to find it in the city of Cincinnati. The song’s title refers to the idea that music can bring people together and create a sense of harmony. The chorus repeats the line “I need some Cincinnati harmony” as the singer yearns for a sense of community and connection. The fast-paced, energetic music captures the urgency of the singer’s search. The song is part of The Dopamines’ album “Expect the Worst,” which was praised for its catchy, upbeat punk rock sound and introspective lyrics. “Cincinnati Harmony” is a standout track that showcases the band’s ability to write songs that are both fun and thought-provoking. It is a relatable anthem for anyone who has felt lost in a big city and longed for a sense of belonging.
10. Sleepless in Cincinnati – Close to Home
“Sleepless in Cincinnati” is a rock song by the American band Close to Home. It was released in 2011 as a part of their album “Never Back Down”. The song’s lyrics depict the emotional turmoil of being away from a loved one and not being able to sleep in their absence. The singer expresses his longing to be with his lover and feels lost without their presence. The song has a catchy melody with a driving rhythm section and energetic guitar riffs that complement the angst-filled lyrics. The chorus is particularly memorable with its sing-along quality and the repetition of the phrase “I can’t sleep without you here.” The song’s upbeat tempo and relatable lyrics make it a crowd favorite during live performances.
Jared Parker 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.
