10 Best Songs about Utah

Utah, a state located in the western United States, has been a source of inspiration for musicians for decades. The state is known for its stunning natural landscapes, including national parks like Zion, Arches, and Bryce Canyon. It’s also home to iconic cultural landmarks like the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Sundance Film Festival. From classic rock to country, and from punk to indie, Utah has influenced a wide range of musical genres.

In this list, we will explore 10 of the best songs about Utah that capture the beauty, history, and unique character of this incredible state. From iconic hits like “Take Me Home, Country Roads” by John Denver to lesser-known gems like “Utah Tribute” by Chris LeDoux, these songs showcase the diverse range of musical talent that Utah has inspired over the years.

So sit back, relax, and let the sounds of Utah’s music transport you to the majestic mountains, red rock canyons, and wide-open spaces of the Beehive State.

1. “Salt Lake City” by the Beach Boys

“Salt Lake City” is a classic rock and roll song by the legendary American band, The Beach Boys. Released in 1965 as a single from their album “Summer Days (And Summer Nights!!)”, the song is an upbeat and energetic tribute to the titular city in Utah, USA.

From the very beginning, the song captivates listeners with its catchy melody and lively vocals. The lyrics describe the excitement of driving to Salt Lake City, with its beautiful mountains and friendly people. The chorus is especially memorable, as the band harmonizes on the words “Salt Lake City, here we come!”.

The instrumentation is classic Beach Boys, with driving guitars, lively drums, and a groovy bassline. The band’s trademark harmonies are on full display, creating a joyful and carefree atmosphere that perfectly captures the spirit of a road trip.

“Salt Lake City” is a testament to The Beach Boys’ ability to create timeless, feel-good music. Even decades after its release, the song remains a fan favorite and a classic example of the band’s unique sound. It’s a fun, upbeat tune that is perfect for blasting on a sunny day or while cruising down the highway.

2. “The Ballad of Billy the Kid” by Billy Joel

“The Ballad of Billy the Kid” is a classic folk rock song by the legendary American singer-songwriter, Billy Joel. Released in 1973 as a single from his album “Piano Man”, the song is a fictionalized retelling of the life of the infamous outlaw, Billy the Kid.

The song opens with a soft piano intro that quickly gives way to an upbeat and lively melody, with Joel’s vocals perfectly capturing the spirit of the Old West. The lyrics tell the story of Billy the Kid, from his humble beginnings to his rise as a notorious gunslinger and eventual death at the hands of Sheriff Pat Garrett.

The instrumentation is classic Billy Joel, with piano, guitar, harmonica, and drums all working together to create a rich and textured sound. The chorus is especially catchy, with Joel singing, “Oh, he robbed his way from Utah to Oklahoma and the law just never could catch him / And it seemed like every time they’d get a lead on him he’d just up and vanish again.”

“The Ballad of Billy the Kid” is a testament to Joel’s storytelling abilities, with vivid lyrics that paint a picture of life in the Wild West. It’s a fun and lively tune that is perfect for fans of folk rock and Americana music. Even decades after its release, the song remains a fan favorite and a classic example of Billy Joel’s unique style.

3. “Utah Carol” by Marty Robbins

“Utah Carol” is a classic western ballad by the legendary American country singer, Marty Robbins. Originally released in 1959 on his album “Gunfighter Ballads and Trail Songs”, the song tells the tragic story of a cowboy named Utah Carol.

The song opens with a mournful guitar intro that sets the tone for the tragic tale that follows. Robbins’ vocals are filled with emotion as he sings of Utah Carol’s love for his sweetheart, who he hopes to marry upon his return from a cattle drive. However, tragedy strikes when Utah Carol is mistaken for a cattle thief and is shot and killed by the sheriff.

The instrumentation is classic western, with acoustic guitar, harmonica, and fiddle all working together to create a haunting and melancholy sound. The chorus is especially powerful, with Robbins singing, “Utah Carol, Utah Carol, my heart is sore for you / Utah Carol, Utah Carol, what will I do, what will I do?”

“Utah Carol” is a testament to Robbins’ ability to tell a story through song, with vivid lyrics that evoke a sense of tragedy and loss. It’s a classic example of western balladry, and a must-listen for fans of country and western music. Even decades after its release, the song remains a fan favorite and a timeless tribute to the American west.

4. “The History of Utah” by Camper Van Beethoven

“The History of Utah” is a quirky and irreverent rock song by the American alternative rock band, Camper Van Beethoven. Released in 1988 on their album “Our Beloved Revolutionary Sweetheart”, the song takes a humorous look at the history of the western state of Utah.

The song opens with a playful guitar riff that sets the tone for the tongue-in-cheek lyrics that follow. The band’s vocals are filled with dry humor as they sing about the state’s founding by Brigham Young and the Mormon pioneers, and the subsequent conflicts with the federal government over issues such as polygamy.

The instrumentation is classic Camper Van Beethoven, with jangly guitars, driving drums, and a lively violin solo. The chorus is especially memorable, with the band singing, “The history of Utah is strange but true / The history of Utah is all about you.”

“The History of Utah” is a testament to the band’s offbeat and eclectic style, with lyrics that are both funny and informative. It’s a fun and lively tune that is perfect for fans of alternative rock and indie music. Even decades after its release, the song remains a fan favorite and a classic example of Camper Van Beethoven’s unique sound.

5. “Utah Tribute” by Chris LeDoux

“Utah Tribute” is a heartfelt country ballad by the legendary American singer-songwriter and rodeo champion, Chris LeDoux. Released in 1991 on his album “Western Tunesmith”, the song pays tribute to the beauty and ruggedness of the western state of Utah.

The song opens with a soft guitar intro that quickly gives way to LeDoux’s rich and emotive vocals. The lyrics describe the awe-inspiring landscapes of Utah, from the red rock canyons to the snow-capped mountains. LeDoux’s love for the state is evident in every line, as he sings, “It’s a land of high adventure / A paradise for those who seek / And the folks who call it home / Are proud of Utah’s peaks.”

The instrumentation is classic country, with acoustic guitar, fiddle, and steel guitar all working together to create a warm and comforting sound. The chorus is especially moving, with LeDoux singing, “Utah, I’m proud to know you / And honored just to say / That I’ve traveled through your canyons / And been touched by your grace.”

“Utah Tribute” is a testament to LeDoux’s love for the American west and his ability to capture its spirit through song. It’s a beautiful and moving tribute to one of the most stunning states in the country, and a must-listen for fans of country and western music.

6. “Ballad for a Friend” by Bob Dylan

“Ballad for a Friend” is a touching and introspective folk song by the legendary American singer-songwriter, Bob Dylan. Originally released in 1985 on his album “Empire Burlesque”, the song is a tribute to Dylan’s close friend and fellow musician, Ramblin’ Jack Elliott.

The song opens with a gentle acoustic guitar intro that sets the tone for the heartfelt lyrics that follow. Dylan’s vocals are filled with emotion as he sings about his admiration for Elliott, and the impact that he has had on his life and music. The lyrics are full of poetic imagery, with Dylan singing, “You gave your heart to every song you sang / And we felt the pain and glory too / We learned from you how to listen well / And make our songs ring true.”

The instrumentation is classic folk, with acoustic guitar, harmonica, and gentle percussion all working together to create a warm and intimate sound. The chorus is especially moving, with Dylan singing, “Ballad for a friend, for a friend so true / For a friend that’s always been there / And will not say adieu.”

“Ballad for a Friend” is a testament to Dylan’s ability to capture the essence of a person through song, and a beautiful tribute to one of his closest friends. It’s a must-listen for fans of folk music and Bob Dylan, and a reminder of the power of friendship and the enduring impact of music.

7. “The Great Salt Lake” by Band of Horses

“The Great Salt Lake” is a haunting and ethereal indie rock song by the American band, Band of Horses. Released in 2006 on their album “Everything All the Time”, the song takes its inspiration from the vast and otherworldly landscapes surrounding the eponymous salt lake in Utah.

The song opens with a gentle guitar riff that sets the dreamy and contemplative tone for the lyrics that follow. Band of Horses’ lead singer, Ben Bridwell, delivers an emotive vocal performance that perfectly captures the song’s sense of awe and wonder. The lyrics describe the vast expanse of the Great Salt Lake and the strange beauty of the surrounding landscape, with Bridwell singing, “How could I have known? / That the world was never-ending? / Feels like I’m stranded on my own / And I am sure I’ve told you / That the facts are many times / But I am lost in thoughts of you.”

The instrumentation is a perfect blend of indie rock and Americana, with shimmering guitars and a driving drumbeat creating a sense of movement and urgency. The chorus is especially powerful, with Bridwell singing, “We’ll come back / To haunt you / And your family / To death.”

“The Great Salt Lake” is a testament to Band of Horses’ ability to create music that is both introspective and uplifting. It’s a must-listen for fans of indie rock and Americana, and a reminder of the strange and beautiful world that we live in.

8. “I Lost My Sugar in Salt Lake City” by Johnny Mercer

“I Lost My Sugar in Salt Lake City” is a classic jazz song written by Johnny Mercer and performed by numerous artists over the years. First recorded in 1942 by the Glenn Miller Orchestra, the song has since become a beloved standard in the jazz repertoire.

The song opens with a playful piano intro that sets the swingin’ and upbeat tone for the lyrics that follow. Mercer’s lyrics are clever and witty, describing the misadventures of a lovestruck protagonist who has lost his sweetheart in the unusual location of Salt Lake City. The lyrics are filled with playful rhymes and clever wordplay, with Mercer singing, “I lost my sugar in Salt Lake City / Lately I’m a-ridin’ high / Although I’m bent for Salt Lake City / I’m not the type to wanna die.”

The instrumentation is classic big band jazz, with horns, drums, and piano all working together to create a lively and energetic sound. The chorus is especially catchy, with Mercer singing, “I lost my sugar in Salt Lake City / Salt Lake City, Utah / And I’m gonna get her back someday.”

“I Lost My Sugar in Salt Lake City” is a testament to Mercer’s skill as a lyricist and the enduring popularity of jazz music. It’s a must-listen for fans of classic jazz and swing, and a reminder of the playful and romantic spirit of the genre.

9. “Salt Lake City” by the Dwarves

“Salt Lake City” is a fast and furious punk rock song by the American band, The Dwarves. Released in 1992 on their album “The Dwarves Are Young and Good Looking”, the song is a raucous ode to the city of Salt Lake City, Utah.

The song opens with a frenetic guitar riff and pounding drums that set the intense and high-energy tone for the lyrics that follow. The Dwarves’ lead singer, Blag Dahlia, delivers a raw and snarling vocal performance that perfectly captures the rebellious spirit of punk rock. The lyrics describe the city of Salt Lake City as a place of contradictions, with Dahlia singing, “Salt Lake City, I was only passing through / Salt Lake City, but I stayed a year or two / Salt Lake City, there’s a reason why they call it that / Salt Lake City, they say it’s ’cause the water tastes like crap.”

The instrumentation is classic punk rock, with distorted guitars and pounding drums creating a wall of sound that perfectly matches the song’s rebellious spirit. The chorus is especially catchy, with Dahlia singing, “Salt Lake City, I’m gonna leave you now / Salt Lake City, I don’t care if I ever come back down.”

“Salt Lake City” is a testament to The Dwarves’ ability to create punk rock that is both raw and catchy. It’s a must-listen for fans of punk rock and a reminder of the genre’s ability to express frustration and rebellion through music.

10. “Friend of the Devil” by the Grateful Dead

“Friend of the Devil” is a classic folk rock song by the American band, the Grateful Dead. Released in 1970 on their album “American Beauty”, the song is a beloved staple of the band’s extensive repertoire.

The song opens with a gentle guitar riff and a melodic vocal performance by lead singer Jerry Garcia. The lyrics describe the protagonist’s life on the run as a “friend of the devil”, with Garcia singing, “I set out running but I take my time / A friend of the devil is a friend of mine / If I get home before daylight / I just might get some sleep tonight.”

The instrumentation is a perfect blend of folk and rock, with acoustic guitars and a driving rhythm section creating a laid-back and groovy sound. The chorus is especially memorable, with Garcia and backing vocalist Bob Weir harmonizing on the line, “I get confused, I don’t know where to go / The devil’s got my woman and a child in Mexico.”

“Friend of the Devil” is a testament to the Grateful Dead’s ability to create music that is both introspective and fun. It’s a must-listen for fans of folk rock and a reminder of the band’s lasting influence on American music.

Simon Robinson

Simon Robinson 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.