Missouri has inspired many songs over the years, with its natural beauty, vibrant culture, and rich history. Here are ten of the best songs about Missouri:“Shovelin’ Coal in Missouri” by Jimmie Rodgers: This classic country song from 1930 captures the hard work and simple pleasures of life in Missouri.“Missouri” by David Nail: This modern country song celebrates the beauty and diversity of Missouri, from the rolling hills to the bustling cities.“Southwest Missouri” by The Mark Chapman Band: This bluegrass tune captures the spirit of small-town Missouri, with its tight-knit communities and love of the outdoors.“Walkin’ to Missouri” by Sammy Kaye: This swinging big band number from the 1940s captures the excitement of traveling to Missouri and experiencing all it has to offer.“California, Missouri” by Kassi Ashton: This country rock song pays tribute to the small town of California, Missouri, and the people who call it home.“Missouri Waltz” by Johnny Cash: This classic folk tune has been a favorite in Missouri for over a century, with its simple melody and heartfelt lyrics.“St. Louis Blues” by W.C. Handy: This iconic blues song, first recorded in 1914, captures the melancholy and longing of life in St. Louis.“Ozark Mountain Jubilee” by Roy Clark: This lively country tune celebrates the music and culture of the Ozarks, with its fiddles, banjos, and square dances.“Joplin Tornado” by Rhett Miller: This haunting ballad tells the story of the devastating tornado that struck Joplin, Missouri in 2011, and the resilience of the people who survived it.“Missouri Moon” by Rhonda Vincent: This bluegrass song celebrates the natural beauty and cultural heritage of Missouri, with its driving banjo, fiddle, and guitar, and heartfelt lyrics about the magic of the Missouri moon.
1. “Songs About Missouri” by Michael Tyler
Music has the power to transport us to different places and evoke a range of emotions. This is especially true when it comes to songs that are written about a specific location. In this article, we will explore three different songs that are all about Missouri – “Songs About Missouri” by Michael Tyler, “Missing Missouri” by Sara Evans, and “Cold Missouri Waters” by James Keelaghan.“Songs About Missouri” by Michael Tyler is a upbeat and catchy country tune that pays homage to the state of Missouri. The song has a lively beat and is full of energy, with lyrics that celebrate the people, culture, and history of the state. Michael Tyler sings about Missouri’s famous landmarks such as the Gateway Arch, the Mark Twain Boyhood Home, and the Katy Trail. The song also touches on some of the state’s traditions such as the Missouri State Fair, Missouri Tigers football games, and floating down the Current River.
The song is not just about the state’s landmarks and traditions but also the people who make up Missouri. Tyler sings about the friendliness and hospitality of Missourians, saying “They’ll take you in like family / And make you feel like you belong / There’s just something ’bout Missouri / That makes you wanna sing a song”. The song is an upbeat and joyous celebration of the state of Missouri, and it is hard not to feel a sense of pride and affection for the state after listening to it.
2. “Missing Missouri” by Sara Evans
“Missing Missouri” by Sara Evans is a melancholic country ballad that is all about homesickness. The song is a heart-wrenching ode to Missouri, as Evans sings about how much she misses her hometown and the people she left behind. The song is full of emotional lyrics that convey a deep sense of longing and sadness, such as “Oh, how I miss those hills of home / And those Missouri nights all alone / How I’d love to see those dogwood trees / And feel that Delta breeze”.The song is not just about missing the physical location of Missouri but also the people who are dear to Evans. She sings about her grandmother, who she misses dearly, and how much she misses the simple pleasures of life in Missouri. The song is a beautiful tribute to the power of home and the deep connections that we have to the places we come from.
3. “Cold Missouri Waters” by James Keelaghan
“Cold Missouri Waters” by James Keelaghan is a haunting and evocative folk song that tells the true story of the Mann Gulch Fire. The song recounts the tragic events that took place in Montana in 1949 when a group of smokejumpers were caught in a raging forest fire. The song describes the bravery of the smokejumpers and the terrible loss that was suffered that day.
The song is full of powerful imagery that transports the listener to the scene of the disaster. Keelaghan sings about the “walls of flame a hundred feet tall” and the “mighty sound like the ocean’s roar” as the fire consumed the land. The song is a poignant tribute to the bravery of those who put their lives on the line to protect others, and it is a reminder of the danger that can come with living and working in the wilderness.
In conclusion, these three songs demonstrate the power of music to connect us to a specific place and to evoke a range of emotions. “Songs About Missouri” by Michael Tyler is a joyous celebration of the state, while “Missing Missouri” by Sara Evans is a melancholic tribute to the power of home. “Cold Missouri Waters” by James Keelaghan is a haunting reminder of the dangers that can come with living and working in the wilderness. Together, these three songs paint a rich and diverse picture of the state of Missouri, and they demonstrate the power of music to capture the essence of a place and its people.
4. “Shovelin’ Coal in Missouri” by Jimmie Rodger
Missouri is a state in the Midwestern United States known for its diverse geography, rich culture, and musical heritage. The state has been home to many influential musicians and songwriters over the years, and three songs that pay tribute to this great state are “Shovelin’ Coal in Missouri” by Jimmie Rodgers, “Missouri” by David Nail, and “Southwest Missouri” by The Mark Chapman Band.“Shovelin’ Coal in Missouri” was written and recorded by Jimmie Rodgers in 1930. Rodgers, known as the “Father of Country Music,” was one of the pioneers of country music, and his style combined elements of blues, jazz, and folk music. In “Shovelin’ Coal in Missouri,” Rodgers sings about the hard work and toil of working in the coal mines in the state of Missouri. The song has a bluesy feel to it, with a repetitive guitar riff and a catchy chorus that repeats the title phrase. Rodgers’ voice is smooth and soulful, conveying the exhaustion and weariness of the coal miners he sings about. The song captures a sense of the grit and determination of the people who worked in the coal mines, as well as the importance of the coal industry to the state of Missouri.
5. “Missouri” by David Nail
“Missouri” is a more recent tribute to the state, written and recorded by David Nail in 2011. The song has a more contemporary country sound, with a driving beat and twangy guitar riffs. Nail’s voice is powerful and emotional, conveying the sense of pride he has for his home state. In the song, Nail sings about the beauty and diversity of Missouri, from the rolling hills of the Ozarks to the bustling cities of St. Louis and Kansas City. He also touches on the state’s history, from the Lewis and Clark expedition to the Civil War, and the way that Missouri has played a role in shaping the history of the United States. The song is a celebration of Missouri and all that it has to offer, from its natural beauty to its rich cultural heritage.
6. “Southwest Missouri” by The Mark Chapman Band
“Southwest Missouri” by The Mark Chapman Band is a more personal tribute to the state, written by a group of musicians who hail from the southwestern part of Missouri. The song has a laid-back, country rock vibe, with a driving beat and catchy guitar riffs. The lyrics are all about the beauty and charm of the small towns and rural areas of southwestern Missouri, from the rolling hills to the winding rivers. The song paints a picture of a slower, simpler way of life, where people know their neighbors and take pride in their community. The chorus repeats the phrase “Southwest Missouri” like a mantra, capturing the pride that the band members have for their home region. The song is a love letter to a part of the state that is often overlooked or forgotten, and it showcases the unique culture and spirit of this part of Missouri.Taken together, these three songs paint a picture of Missouri that is rich, diverse, and full of history and culture. From the hardworking coal miners of Jimmie Rodgers’ time to the contemporary country sound of David Nail, these songs capture the spirit and character of this great state. Whether it’s the natural beauty of the Ozarks, the bustling cities of St. Louis and Kansas City, or the small towns and rural areas that make up so much of Missouri, these songs celebrate all that makes Missouri a special and unique place. If you’ve never been to Missouri, listening to these songs might just inspire you to pack your bags and head out to the Show-Me State to experience it all for yourself.
7. “Walkin’ To Missouri” by Sammy Kaye
Missouri, a state located in the Midwest region of the United States, has been a source of inspiration for musicians over the years. Three songs that showcase the musical legacy of Missouri are “Walkin’ To Missouri” by Sammy Kaye, “California, Missouri” by Kassi Ashton, and “Missouri Waltz” by Johnny Cash.“Walkin’ To Missouri” was written and recorded by Sammy Kaye in 1952. The song has a big band sound, with lush strings and a swinging rhythm. Kaye’s voice is smooth and confident, as he sings about his journey to Missouri. The lyrics describe the beauty of the countryside, from the hills and valleys to the rivers and streams. The song also touches on the friendliness of the people in Missouri, and the warm welcome that Kaye receives as he walks into town. The song captures the sense of excitement and anticipation that comes with traveling to a new place, and the joy of discovering all that it has to offer.
8“California, Missouri” by Kassi Ashton
“California, Missouri” is a more contemporary song, written and recorded by Kassi Ashton in 2019. The song has a rootsy, Americana sound, with acoustic guitar and fiddle. Ashton’s voice is soulful and emotive, as she sings about her hometown of California, Missouri. The lyrics describe the small-town feel of the place, where everyone knows each other and life moves at a slower pace. Ashton sings about the memories she has of growing up in Missouri, from fishing in the river to playing music with her friends. The song captures the nostalgia and affection that Ashton has for her hometown, and it celebrates the simple pleasures of life in rural Missouri.
9. “Missouri Waltz” by Johnny Cash
“Missouri Waltz” is a classic song that has been covered by many artists over the years, including Johnny Cash. The song was written by Frederick Knight Logan and James Royce Shannon in 1914 and adopted as the state song of Missouri in 1949. The song has a waltz tempo, with a slow, romantic feel. Cash’s version of the song is stripped-down and spare, with just his voice and an acoustic guitar. The lyrics describe the beauty of Missouri, from the shining rivers to the rolling hills. The song also touches on the love that the singer has for his sweetheart, and the sense of longing that he feels when he is away from her. The song captures the romance and nostalgia of Missouri, and it has become a beloved anthem for the state.
Taken together, these three songs showcase the diversity and depth of the musical heritage of Missouri. From the swinging big band sound of Sammy Kaye to the rootsy Americana of Kassi Ashton and the classic country sound of Johnny Cash, these songs capture the spirit and character of Missouri in different ways. Whether it’s the excitement of discovering a new place, the warmth of small-town life, or the romance and nostalgia of the state itself, these songs offer a glimpse into the heart of Missouri.One common theme that runs through these songs is the sense of pride that people feel for their home state. Whether it’s Sammy Kaye walking into Missouri with a sense of anticipation, Kassi Ashton celebrating the simple pleasures of life in rural Missouri, or Johnny Cash singing about the beauty and romance of the state, these artists all share a deep love for the place they call home. Their songs offer a window into the rich cultural heritage and natural beauty of Missouri, and they remind us of the important role that music plays in capturing and expressing the spirit of a place.
10. “Missouri Moon” by Rhonda Vincent
“Missouri Moon” is a bluegrass song performed by Rhonda Vincent, a Grammy-nominated singer and mandolin player from Missouri. The song has a lively, upbeat tempo, with driving banjo, fiddle, and guitar. Vincent’s voice is clear and strong, as she sings about the beauty of the Missouri moon and the memories that it evokes.
The lyrics describe the magic of the Missouri moon, from the way it shines down on the Ozark hills to the way it illuminates the fields of corn and wheat. Vincent sings about the way the moonlight casts a spell on her, filling her heart with love and nostalgia. She also sings about the way the moon connects her to her ancestors, who looked up at the same moon and felt the same sense of wonder and awe.“Missouri Moon” is a celebration of the natural beauty and cultural heritage of Missouri. It captures the sense of connection that people feel to the land and to their ancestors, and it reminds us of the power of music to express our deepest emotions and experiences. Whether you are a native Missourian or just passing through, this song is sure to inspire a sense of appreciation for the unique spirit of Missouri and all that it represents.
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.
