North Dakota, a state in the northern United States, is known for its vast prairies, rugged Badlands, and charming small towns. While it may not be the most well-known state in the country, it has inspired numerous artists and musicians over the years, resulting in a collection of songs dedicated to the state. From country to folk to rock, the music about North Dakota captures the essence of the state’s unique culture, history, and natural beauty. In this list, we’ve compiled some of the best songs about North Dakota, ranging from classics like Lawrence Welk’s “My North Dakota Home” to more modern tracks like Mako’s “North Dakota.” Each song tells a different story about the state, whether it’s Frank Sinatra’s upbeat ode to the girls of North and South Dakota or Lyle Lovett’s melancholy ballad about a man trying to find his place in the world. With lyrics that mention everything from the Northern Lights to the Missouri River, these songs offer a glimpse into the heart of North Dakota. Whether you’re a North Dakotan looking for some musical inspiration or simply a fan of great music, these songs are sure to entertain and move you. So sit back, relax, and let the music transport you to the land of wide-open skies and endless prairies.
1. “North Dakota” By Tigirlily
“North Dakota” by Tigirlily is a country-pop song that tells the story of two sisters reminiscing about their childhood memories in North Dakota. The song is a nostalgic tribute to the sisters’ roots and the small town they grew up in. The song is written by Tigirlily’s lead singer Krista Slaubaugh and her sister Kendra Slaubaugh, who are also the two sisters referenced in the song. The song begins with a slow and wistful guitar riff that sets the mood for the rest of the song. Krista’s soft and emotive vocals perfectly capture the feeling of longing and nostalgia that permeates the song. As the song progresses, the tempo picks up, and the sisters’ memories come flooding back, painting a vivid picture of the small town they grew up in.
2. “I Gotta Gal I Love (In North And South Dakota)” By Frank Sinatra
“I Gotta Gal I Love (In North And South Dakota)” is a classic swing song performed by the legendary Frank Sinatra. The song was originally recorded in 1940 and has since become a staple of Sinatra’s early repertoire. The song’s upbeat tempo and catchy melody make it a fun and lively tune that captures the essence of the swing era. The song’s lyrics tell the story of a man who has a girlfriend in both North and South Dakota. He sings about the different attributes of each girl, from the sweet personality of his North Dakota gal to the beauty of his South Dakota sweetheart. Despite having two girlfriends in two different states, the singer professes his undying love for both of them.
3. “You’ve Never Been To North Dakota” By Brennen Leigh
“You’ve Never Been to North Dakota” is a country-folk song written and performed by Brennen Leigh. The song tells the story of a woman who has fallen in love with a man who has never been to North Dakota, but she believes that the state’s rugged beauty and wide-open spaces could win him over. Leigh’s performance of the song is characterized by her soulful, expressive voice and her intricate guitar playing. The song’s simple, stripped-down arrangement allows Leigh’s vocals and lyrics to take center stage, conveying a sense of longing and hope that is at the heart of the song. The lyrics of “You’ve Never Been to North Dakota” describe the state’s natural beauty, from the rolling hills to the vast prairies that stretch as far as the eye can see. The woman in the song believes that if her lover could see these sights for himself, he would fall in love with the state just as she has.
4. “Nellie Kane” By Phish
“Nellie Kane” is a bluegrass song performed by the legendary jam band Phish. The song was written by Tim O’Brien and originally recorded by the bluegrass group Hot Rize. Phish’s rendition of the song is characterized by their signature improvisational style, which adds a unique twist to the traditional bluegrass sound. The song’s lyrics tell the story of Nellie Kane, a woman who steals the heart of the singer with her beauty and charm. The singer describes Nellie as a “rambling girl” who is always on the move, but he is willing to follow her wherever she goes.
5. “North Dakota” By Mako
“North Dakota” by Mako is an electronic dance music (EDM) song that incorporates elements of pop and house music. The song’s driving beat and catchy melody make it a perfect dance floor anthem, while its lyrics pay tribute to the beauty and solitude of North Dakota’s vast open spaces. The song’s opening verse sets the tone for the rest of the track, with the singer describing the beauty of the North Dakota landscape, from the rolling hills to the endless fields of wheat. The chorus is a soaring and uplifting refrain that celebrates the freedom and majesty of the open road. Mako’s production on the song is characterized by its intricate layers of synths, percussion, and vocals, which create a rich and immersive soundscape that is perfectly suited for the club or festival setting. The song’s dynamic structure and infectious groove make it a perfect addition to any EDM playlist.
6. “My North Dakota Home” By Lawrence Welk
“My North Dakota Home” is a classic American folk song that has been performed by many artists over the years, but is perhaps best known for the rendition by bandleader Lawrence Welk. The song’s lyrics describe the singer’s fond memories of their childhood home in North Dakota, where they roamed the fields and played by the river. Welk’s performance of the song is characterized by his smooth, easy-going vocal style and his skillful accordion playing, which provides a gentle accompaniment to the song’s simple melody. The song’s arrangement is stripped-down and traditional, evoking the simplicity and nostalgia of the rural North Dakota landscape.
7. “North Dakota” By Lyle Lovett
“North Dakota” is a country song written and performed by Lyle Lovett. The song’s lyrics describe the singer’s travels across the country and his eventual arrival in North Dakota, where he finds a sense of peace and belonging in the wide open spaces and quiet solitude of the prairie. Lovett’s performance of the song is characterized by his soulful, expressive vocals and his skillful guitar playing. The song’s arrangement is simple and stripped-down, allowing Lovett’s voice and lyrics to take center stage. The lyrics of “North Dakota” paint a vivid picture of the state’s natural beauty, from the rugged Badlands to the sweeping prairies that stretch as far as the eye can see. The singer finds solace in the quiet and the solitude of the landscape, as he reflects on his journey and his place in the world.
8. “Highway Headin’ South” By Dolly Parton
“Highway Headin’ South” is a classic country song performed by Dolly Parton. The song’s lyrics describe the singer’s journey southward on a highway, leaving behind her home in North Dakota and her memories of a lost love. Parton’s performance of the song is characterized by her powerful, emotive vocals and her skillful guitar playing. The song’s arrangement is traditional country, with twangy guitar licks and a steady drumbeat creating a backdrop for Parton’s voice. The lyrics of “Highway Headin’ South” paint a picture of a woman on the move, leaving behind the familiar sights and sounds of home in search of something new. The singer reflects on the memories she is leaving behind, from the fields of wheat to the sound of the wind blowing through the prairie.
9. “North Dakota Hymn” By James Foley
“North Dakota Hymn” is a spiritual song written and performed by James Foley. The song’s lyrics describe the beauty of North Dakota’s natural landscape and the sense of connection and belonging that can be found in the state’s small towns and rural communities. Foley’s performance of the song is characterized by his gentle, soothing vocals and his skillful guitar playing. The song’s arrangement is traditional and stripped-down, evoking the simplicity and spirituality of the hymns of old. The lyrics of “North Dakota Hymn” paint a picture of a landscape that is both majestic and intimate, with the prairie stretching out to the horizon and the small towns and farms providing a sense of community and belonging. The singer finds solace in the natural beauty of the state and the warmth of its people, singing of the peace that can be found in the quiet of the countryside.
10. “North Dakota Boy” By Doc Walker
“North Dakota Boy” is a country song performed by Canadian band Doc Walker. The song’s lyrics describe the singer’s pride in his North Dakota roots and the values instilled in him by his upbringing in the state. Doc Walker’s performance of the song is characterized by its upbeat tempo, catchy chorus, and twangy guitar riffs. The song’s arrangement is classic country, with a lively rhythm section and the occasional fiddle solo. The lyrics of “North Dakota Boy” paint a picture of a young man who is proud of where he comes from and the values that have shaped him. The singer reflects on the hard work and resilience that he learned growing up in North Dakota, and how those qualities have served him well in his life’s journey.
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.
