10 Best Songs about Washington

Washington state is known for its stunning natural beauty, bustling cities, and rich cultural heritage. From the rugged mountains to the rugged coastline, Washington has been a source of inspiration for many musicians over the years. As a result, there are many songs that pay tribute to this great state.

In this article, we’ll explore the 10 best songs about Washington, spanning multiple genres and eras. These songs capture the essence of Washington’s unique character, from its vibrant music scene to its breathtaking landscapes. Whether you’re a Washingtonian yourself or just a music lover looking for some new tunes, this list is sure to have something for everyone.

So, without further ado, let’s dive into the top 10 songs about Washington!

1. “Aurora” By Foo Fighters

“Aurora” is a powerful rock track by the American band Foo Fighters, released in 2005 as part of their album “In Your Honor”. The song is named after the city of Aurora, Illinois, and features the band’s trademark hard-hitting guitars, driving rhythms, and soaring vocals.

The lyrics are filled with vivid imagery and metaphors, as lead singer Dave Grohl sings about a powerful and mysterious force that he compares to the Northern Lights. He describes this force as a beacon of hope and inspiration, a source of light that shines through the darkness and gives us the strength to keep moving forward.

The song’s dynamic shifts and explosive guitar solos add to its emotional intensity, creating a sense of power and catharsis that is characteristic of the Foo Fighters’ music. “Aurora” quickly became a fan favorite, earning critical acclaim for its memorable hooks, raw energy, and deeply emotional message.

Today, “Aurora” remains a beloved classic, celebrated for its timeless message of hope and resilience in the face of adversity. The song serves as a testament to the enduring power of rock music to inspire and uplift, and continues to inspire new generations of music lovers around the world.

2. “Posse On Broadway” By Sir-Mix-A-Lot

“Posse On Broadway” is a classic hip-hop track by the American rapper Sir-Mix-A-Lot, released in 1988. The song pays homage to the vibrant nightlife of Seattle’s Broadway Avenue, a bustling street filled with clubs, bars, and restaurants. The upbeat and energetic beat, with its funky basslines and catchy melody, perfectly captures the electric atmosphere of the city’s nightlife scene.

The song features Sir-Mix-A-Lot’s signature playful and humorous lyrics, as he raps about cruising down the street in his Cadillac with his posse, admiring the flashy cars and beautiful women that line the avenue. He brags about his wealth, his fashion sense, and his skills as a rapper, all while celebrating the unique culture and community of his hometown.

“Posse On Broadway” quickly became a hit, propelling Sir-Mix-A-Lot to national fame and cementing his reputation as a pioneer of the hip-hop genre. The song’s catchy chorus, “Posse on Broadway, we’re gonna rock the town,” became an anthem for Seattle’s youth culture, inspiring a new generation of artists and musicians.

Decades later, “Posse On Broadway” remains a beloved classic, celebrated for its infectious energy, clever wordplay, and vibrant portrayal of a dynamic and diverse city.

3. “Hello Seattle” By Owl City

“Hello Seattle” is a dreamy, synth-pop track by the American electronic musician Owl City, released in 2007. The song is an ode to the city of Seattle, with its lush forests, rainy weather, and vibrant culture. The wistful and introspective lyrics, combined with the song’s ethereal melodies and electronic beats, create a dreamlike atmosphere that perfectly captures the beauty and melancholy of the Pacific Northwest.

The song features Adam Young’s signature airy vocals, as he sings about his love for the city’s natural beauty and his desire to escape the monotony of everyday life. The lyrics are filled with vivid imagery, from the “sapphire skyline” to the “misty air” that hangs over the city, painting a portrait of Seattle as a place of both wonder and longing.

“Hello Seattle” quickly became a hit, propelling Owl City to international fame and earning critical acclaim for its unique blend of electronic and indie pop. The song’s catchy chorus, “Hello Seattle, I am a mountaineer,” became an anthem for Seattle’s youth culture, inspiring a new generation of artists and musicians.

Today, “Hello Seattle” remains a beloved classic, celebrated for its evocative lyrics, dreamy soundscapes, and heartfelt message of hope and wonder. The song continues to inspire listeners around the world, encouraging them to embrace the beauty and mystery of the world around them.

4. “My Oh My” By Macklemore & Ryan Lewis

“My Oh My” is a heartfelt tribute by the American rapper Macklemore and producer Ryan Lewis to the legendary Seattle Mariners broadcaster Dave Niehaus, who passed away in 2010. The song, released in 2011, pays homage to Niehaus’ iconic voice and his role in shaping the identity and culture of Seattle sports.

The song features Macklemore’s signature introspective lyrics, as he reflects on the impact that Niehaus had on his life and the lives of Seattle sports fans. He recounts memories of listening to Niehaus’ broadcasts as a child, and expresses his gratitude for the broadcaster’s ability to capture the excitement and emotion of the game.

The song’s somber piano chords and melancholy melody add to its emotional intensity, creating a sense of nostalgia and longing for a time gone by. The chorus, with its catchy refrain of “My oh my,” serves as a reminder of the passion and joy that Niehaus brought to the game, and the enduring legacy that he left behind.

“My Oh My” quickly became a fan favorite, earning critical acclaim for its poignant lyrics and heartfelt tribute to a beloved Seattle icon. The song continues to be celebrated by sports fans and music lovers alike, serving as a testament to the power of music to capture the spirit and essence of a city and its culture.

5. “This Place Is A Prison” By The Postal Service

This Place Is A Prison” is a hauntingly beautiful track by the American indie pop band The Postal Service, released in 2003 as part of their album “Give Up”. The song features lead singer Ben Gibbard’s signature introspective lyrics, as he paints a vivid picture of a world filled with oppression, despair, and loneliness.

The song’s melancholy melody and slow, deliberate rhythms add to its emotional intensity, creating a sense of isolation and claustrophobia that perfectly captures the song’s central theme. Gibbard sings about the many ways in which the world can feel like a prison, from the daily grind of work and routine to the emotional and psychological toll of social isolation and disconnection.

Despite its somber tone, “This Place Is A Prison” is ultimately a song of hope and resilience. The chorus, with its plaintive refrain of “I will wait for you,” serves as a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always a glimmer of hope, a reason to keep pushing forward.

The song quickly became a fan favorite, earning critical acclaim for its evocative lyrics, haunting melodies, and deeply emotional message. Today, “This Place Is A Prison” remains a beloved classic, celebrated for its timeless themes of love, loss, and the human spirit’s enduring ability to persevere in the face of adversity.

6. “Frances Farmer Will Have Her Revenge On Seattle” By Nirvana

“Frances Farmer Will Have Her Revenge On Seattle” is a powerful and intense track by the American grunge band Nirvana, released in 1993 as part of their album “In Utero”. The song features frontman Kurt Cobain’s signature raw vocals and heavy guitar riffs, creating a sense of aggression and angst that perfectly captures the song’s theme of betrayal and revenge.

The lyrics are inspired by the tragic life of Frances Farmer, a Hollywood actress who suffered from mental illness and was eventually committed to a psychiatric hospital against her will. The song’s title is a reference to Farmer’s desire for justice and retribution, as she famously declared, “I have a burning desire to set fire to these institutions and destroy them.”

The song’s thunderous drumbeats and distorted guitars add to its emotional intensity, creating a sense of anger and frustration that is characteristic of Nirvana’s music. Cobain’s lyrics are both poignant and unsettling, expressing a sense of pain and disillusionment with the world.

“Frances Farmer Will Have Her Revenge On Seattle” quickly became a fan favorite, earning critical acclaim for its raw power, raw emotion, and its willingness to confront difficult and uncomfortable themes head-on. Today, the song remains a beloved classic of the grunge era, a testament to the enduring legacy of one of rock’s most influential and iconic bands.

7. “Seattle” By Perry Como

Seattle” is a classic song performed by the legendary crooner Perry Como, released in 1969. The song features Como’s smooth vocals and a catchy, upbeat melody that perfectly captures the spirit of the city.

The lyrics paint a picture of Seattle as a vibrant, bustling city, filled with energy and excitement. Como sings about the many attractions that Seattle has to offer, from its famous Space Needle to its picturesque waterfront.

The song’s upbeat tempo and infectious chorus make it an instant classic, capturing the optimism and enthusiasm of the 1960s. Despite being written over fifty years ago, “Seattle” remains a beloved anthem of the city, celebrated for its timeless appeal and its ability to capture the essence of one of America’s most dynamic and fascinating cities.

With its soaring melodies, catchy hooks, and unforgettable chorus, “Seattle” is a song that will continue to inspire and uplift listeners for generations to come, a testament to the enduring power of music to connect us all and celebrate the things that make our world a beautiful and exciting place.

8. “Sunny In Seattle” By Blake Shelton

“Sunny In Seattle” is a song by Blake Shelton, an American country music singer and songwriter. The song was released in 2004 as a single from his album “Blake Shelton’s Barn & Grill.”

The song tells the story of a man who is missing his lover, who is away in Seattle. He describes the rainy weather in Seattle and contrasts it with the sunny weather in his hometown. He sings about how much he wishes his lover was with him, so they could enjoy the sunshine and each other’s company.

Overall, the song is a classic country ballad that captures the heartache of being apart from a loved one and the longing to be reunited with them.

9. “The Shadow Of Seattle” By Marcy Playground

“The Shadow of Seattle” is a hauntingly beautiful track by the American alternative rock band Marcy Playground, released in 1999 as part of their album “Shapeshifter”. The song features lead singer John Wozniak’s signature introspective lyrics, as he explores themes of love, loss, and the human condition.

The song’s ethereal melody and dreamlike rhythms add to its emotional intensity, creating a sense of longing and nostalgia that perfectly captures the song’s central theme. Wozniak sings about the many ways in which the shadow of Seattle – a metaphor for the city’s dark and mysterious past – can linger in our memories and shape our perceptions of the world around us.

Despite its melancholy tone, “The Shadow of Seattle” is ultimately a song of hope and redemption. The chorus, with its uplifting refrain of “It’s a long road, but it’s a beautiful one,” serves as a reminder that even in the midst of life’s darkest moments, there is always a reason to keep moving forward.

The song quickly became a fan favorite, earning critical acclaim for its evocative lyrics, haunting melodies, and deeply emotional message. Today, “The Shadow of Seattle” remains a beloved classic, celebrated for its timeless themes of love, loss, and the power of music to inspire and uplift the human spirit.

10. “Working Titles” By Damien Jurado

“Working Titles” is a song by Damien Jurado, an American singer-songwriter. The song was released in 2012 as a single from his album “Maraqopa.”

The song is a reflective piece about the creative process and the struggle to find the right words and inspiration. It explores the idea of “working titles,” temporary names given to creative works before they are finalized. Jurado sings about the many working titles he has come up with for his songs, and how they often change as he continues to work on them.

The song is introspective and melancholic, with a gentle guitar melody and Jurado’s soft, introspective vocals. It’s a poignant reflection on the creative process and the struggle to capture elusive thoughts and emotions in words.

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.