Michigan is known for its natural beauty, its automotive industry, and its thriving music scene. The state has produced some of the most celebrated musicians in history, including Madonna, Eminem, and Stevie Wonder. But the musical heritage of Michigan extends far beyond these iconic artists. Many lesser-known musicians have also found inspiration in the state, creating songs that capture its unique character and spirit. In this context, Michigan has become a muse for musicians across genres, from rock and roll to hip hop, from country to folk. Some of the best songs about Michigan celebrate the state’s cities, its landscapes, and its people. For instance, “The Motor City is Burning” by John Lee Hooker is a haunting blues ballad that captures the tumultuous energy of Detroit in the 1960s. Similarly, “Detroit Rock City” by Kiss is a high-octane rock anthem that celebrates the city’s enduring legacy as a hub of music and culture. Meanwhile, “Michigan and Again” by Sufjan Stevens is a folksy tribute to the state’s natural beauty, with vivid lyrics that evoke the changing seasons and the majesty of the Great Lakes. Whether you’re a Michigander or simply a fan of great music, the best songs about Michigan offer a rich and varied portrait of this fascinating state. From the gritty streets of Detroit to the tranquil shores of Lake Michigan, these songs capture the essence of Michigan in all its complexity and glory.
1. “Especially In Michigan” By Red Hot Chili Peppers
“Especially In Michigan” is a track from the 2006 album “Stadium Arcadium” by American rock band Red Hot Chili Peppers. The song is a funky, upbeat number that features the band’s trademark mix of groovy basslines, catchy guitar riffs, and Anthony Kiedis’ distinctive vocals.
The song’s lyrics are a tribute to the state of Michigan, with Kiedis singing about his love for the state’s natural beauty, its people, and its culture. The chorus, in particular, is a catchy and infectious ode to the state: “Especially in Michigan / When the winter comes / It rushes in from the great lakes / And then you start all over again.”
The song’s music video features footage of the band performing the song on a rooftop in Detroit, Michigan, as well as shots of various iconic locations in the city. The video is a fitting tribute to the state and its people, capturing the energy and spirit of both the band and the place they’re singing about.
2. “Lake Michigan” By Rogue Wave
“Lake Michigan” is a song from the 2007 album “Asleep at Heaven’s Gate” by American indie rock band Rogue Wave. The song is a dreamy, atmospheric track that features lush instrumentation, ethereal vocals, and a sense of wistful longing.
The song’s lyrics are a meditation on memory, nostalgia, and the passage of time, with lead singer Zach Schwartz singing about the joys and sorrows of growing older and looking back on past experiences. The chorus, in particular, is a haunting and evocative expression of this theme: “I miss the way that you smell / And I miss the way that it felt / When we would sleep / In the bed that was in your room / By the green and blue light / Of Lake Michigan.”
The song’s music video features footage of the band performing the song in a variety of natural settings, including forests, beaches, and mountains. The video is a visual complement to the song’s themes of memory and nature, capturing the beauty and power of the natural world in a way that resonates with the song’s lyrics.
Overall, “Lake Michigan” is a beautiful and contemplative song that explores themes of memory, nostalgia, and the passing of time, and showcases Rogue Wave’s unique blend of indie rock, folk, and dream pop influences.
3. “Michigan And Again” By The Accidentals
“Michigan And Again” is a song from the 2017 album “Odyssey” by American indie folk band The Accidentals. The song is a jaunty, upbeat number that features lively instrumentation, catchy hooks, and the band’s trademark harmonies.
The song’s lyrics are a celebration of the band’s home state of Michigan, with the members singing about the state’s natural beauty, its vibrant music scene, and its sense of community. The chorus, in particular, is an infectious expression of this theme: “Michigan and again / We’re singing with our friends / And the road ahead / Is winding, open, and just waiting.”
The song’s music video features footage of the band traveling across Michigan, performing in a variety of different locations and interacting with fans and friends along the way. The video is a visual representation of the song’s themes of community, connection, and adventure, capturing the band’s love for their home state and their joy in sharing their music with others.
Overall, “Michigan And Again” is a fun
4. “Detroit Rock City” By Kiss
“Detroit Rock City” is a classic rock anthem by American rock band KISS, released in 1976 on their album “Destroyer.” The song’s driving guitar riffs, pounding drums, and catchy chorus have made it a favorite among KISS fans and rock enthusiasts alike.
The song’s lyrics are a tribute to the city of Detroit and its vibrant music scene, with lead singer Paul Stanley singing about the excitement and energy of attending a KISS concert in the city. The chorus, in particular, is a rousing call to arms for all rock fans: “Get up, everybody’s gonna move their feet / Get down, everybody’s gonna leave their seat / You gotta lose your mind in Detroit Rock City.”
The song’s music video features footage of the band performing the song on a concert stage, intercut with scenes of a group of teenagers driving to a KISS concert in Detroit. The video captures the excitement and energy of both the band and its fans, and showcases the raw power of KISS’s live performances.
Overall, “Detroit Rock City” is a classic rock anthem that celebrates the city of Detroit and its vibrant music scene, and showcases KISS’s unique blend of hard rock, glam, and theatricality.
5. “Roll Me Away” By Bob Seger
“Roll Me Away” is a song by American rock icon Bob Seger, released in 1983 on his album “The Distance.” The song’s soaring melody, evocative lyrics, and driving rhythm have made it a beloved classic rock staple.
The song’s lyrics are a poetic meditation on freedom, travel, and the search for meaning, with Seger singing about a motorcycle ride through the American West as a metaphor for the journey of life. The chorus, in particular, is a powerful expression of this theme: “Roll me away, won’t you roll me away tonight? / I too am lost, I feel double-crossed / And I’m sick of what’s wrong and what’s right.”
The song’s music video features footage of Seger performing the song live in concert, intercut with scenes of a lone motorcyclist riding through the desert. The video captures the song’s sense of freedom and adventure, and showcases Seger’s passionate and heartfelt performance.
Overall, “Roll Me Away” is a classic rock ballad that celebrates the power of the open road and the search for meaning in life, and showcases Seger’s unique blend of heartland rock, folk, and blues influences.
6. “Panic In Detroit” By David Bowie
“Panic In Detroit” is a song by British rock icon David Bowie, released in 1979 on his album “Aladdin Sane.” The song’s driving rhythm, menacing guitar riffs, and evocative lyrics have made it a fan favorite and a classic rock staple.
The song’s lyrics are a dark and dystopian vision of urban decay and social unrest, with Bowie singing about a city on the brink of collapse and the chaos and violence that ensues. The chorus, in particular, is a haunting and evocative expression of this theme: “He looked a lot like Che Guevara, drove a diesel van / Kept his gun in quiet seclusion, such a humble man / The only survivor of the National People’s Gang / Panic in Detroit, I asked for an autograph.”
The song’s music video features footage of Bowie performing the song live on stage, intercut with scenes of a post-apocalyptic cityscape. The video captures the song’s sense of unease and paranoia, and showcases Bowie’s intense and dramatic performance.
Overall, “Panic In Detroit” is a powerful and provocative song that explores themes of urban decay, social unrest, and
7. “Going To Michigan” By The Extra Lens
“Going to Michigan” is a song by indie rock duo The Extra Lens, originally released in 2002 on their album “Undercard.” The song’s bouncy, upbeat melody and witty lyrics have made it a fan favorite among indie rock fans.
The song’s lyrics are a humorous and wry commentary on the experience of traveling to Michigan, with singer John Darnielle singing about the quirks and idiosyncrasies of the state and its people. The chorus, in particular, is a catchy and infectious expression of this theme: “Going to Michigan, Michigan’s a place / Going to Michigan, see you in my face.”
The song’s music video features footage of the band performing the song live on stage, intercut with scenes of the Michigan countryside and its various attractions. The video captures the song’s sense of humor and whimsy, and showcases The Extra Lens’s unique blend of indie rock and folk influences.
8. “The Big Three Killed My Baby” By The White Stripes
“The Big Three Killed My Baby” is a song by American rock duo The White Stripes, released in 1999 on their debut album “The White Stripes.” The song’s raw, distorted guitar riffs and pounding drums have made it a favorite among garage rock fans.
The song’s lyrics are a scathing indictment of the American auto industry and its role in environmental degradation and social decay. Singer Jack White sings about the devastating effects of pollution and corporate greed, with the chorus expressing his frustration and anger: “The big three killed my baby, no money in my hand again / The big three killed my baby, nobody’s coming to my rescue.”
The song’s music video features footage of the band performing the song live on stage, intercut with scenes of urban decay and environmental destruction. The video captures the song’s sense of anger and frustration, and showcases The White Stripes’s unique blend of punk, blues, and garage rock influences.
Overall, “The Big Three Killed My Baby” is a powerful and provocative song that critiques the destructive effects of industrial capitalism and corporate greed.
9. “Michicant” By Bon Iver
“Michicant” is a song by American indie folk band Bon Iver, released in 2011 on their album “Bon Iver, Bon Iver.” The song’s haunting, ethereal melody and poetic lyrics have made it a fan favorite among indie folk fans.
The song’s lyrics are a surreal and dreamlike meditation on loss and transformation, with singer Justin Vernon singing about a mysterious figure named “Michicant” and the transformative power of nature. The chorus, in particular, is a haunting and evocative expression of this theme: “And at once I knew I was not magnificent / High above the highway aisle / Jagged vacance, thick with ice / I could see for miles, miles, miles.”
The song’s music video features footage of the band performing the song live on stage, intercut with scenes of the Michigan countryside and its various landmarks. The video captures the song’s sense of beauty and wonder, and showcases Bon Iver’s unique blend of indie folk, experimental, and electronic influences.
Overall, “Michicant” is a poetic and introspective song that explores themes of loss, transformation, and the beauty of nature.
10. “Detroit ‘67” By Sam Roberts
“Detroit ’67” is a song by Canadian rock musician Sam Roberts, released in 2011 on his album “Collider.” The song’s driving rhythm and catchy melody have made it a fan favorite among rock fans.
The song’s lyrics are a nostalgic tribute to the city of Detroit and its rich musical heritage, with Roberts singing about the city’s legendary Motown sound and its influence on his own music. The chorus, in particular, is a powerful expression of this theme: “I got soul in my bones, I got a home in Detroit ’67.”
The song’s music video features footage of Roberts performing the song live on stage, intercut with scenes of the city of Detroit and its various landmarks. The video captures the song’s sense of energy and excitement, and showcases Roberts’s dynamic stage presence and powerful vocals.
Overall, “Detroit ’67” is a spirited and celebratory song that pays tribute to the musical legacy of Detroit and its influence on contemporary rock music.
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.
