Top 13 July 4th Piano Bar Requests

With July 4th mere days away, it's time for our next top request list -

This time, we're focusing on those flag-waving, heart-tugging, red white & blue songs that remind us of this time of year, and all things American...so here is our all-American Piano Bar countdown...

#13 - COMING TO AMERICA - Neil Diamond

The immigrant experience, bottled in a nifty four-minute package. And a reminder to all piano bar patrons that Neil recorded more than SWEET CAROLINE.

#12 - LIVING IN AMERICA - James Brown

From the most patriotic movie of the 80s (or at least, the most Reagan-ific, lets-show-those-commies movie that didn't feature Rambo...), this is James Brown's salute to the working class across the nation. At least, we think that's what he's saying...it's James Brown...honestly, we can't make out half the lyrics.

#11 - WE'RE AN AMERICAN BAND - Grand Funk Railroad

A groovin' record telling the story of this 70's rock band. And the groupies who love them. And the booze they all consume. And the hotels they trash. And then going to the next town.

#10 - AMERICA, F*CK YEAH! - Team America, World Police

So much patriotism that no mere mortal could sing it. It took a cast of marionettes to bring this epic smackdown of uber-testosterone to the multiplex. And not so surprisingly, it lives on in piano bars right alongside SCOTTY DOESN'T KNOW and THE DRACULA SONG as the movie songs that no piano bar player ever thought they would need to learn.

#9 - AMERICAN SOLDIER/COURTESY OF THE RED, WHITE & BLUE - Toby Keith

This one is a tie between two songs from country music's resident patriot. AMERICAN SOLDIER is the more reverent tribute to our nation's armed forces, while COURTESY is the amped up warning to those who would provoke them. Think of them as the Jekyll & Hyde of patriot rock.

#8 - AMERICAN WOMAN - Guess Who/ Lenny Kravitz

This song has had two recordings in the rock era. And the sum total of chords in both versions is...one. And honestly, aside from the works of Bo Diddley or George Thorogood, there aren't many songs that can be really solid with such limiting musical range. Just ask Justin Bieber.

#7 - PHILADELPHIA FREEDOM - Elton John

See? Even Brits can write a rousing American song. This madman across the water offers his anthem for the colonies-that-got-away.

#6 - BORN IN THE U.S.A. - Bruce Springsteen

Not every "american" song is all patriotism and apple pie. This rougher, anti-anthem has been appropriated by many politicians who clearly never listened to the words of this biting criticism of the treatment of Vets and the lack of economic opportunity. But then again, after a few trays of shots, most piano bar fans just shout the chorus too...

#5 - AMERICAN GIRL - Tom Petty

With the signature drum beat and the chorus of OH YEA and ALL RIGHT, this one is a Dueling Piano Bar mainstay. And extra points for anyone who can sing the guitar part in the bridge while reading this...chick-a-bow-bow-bow.

#4 - PARTY IN THE USA - Miley Cyrus

Do not attempt to adjust your picture. We are in control.

Yes, that's a Miley Cyrus song on our countdown.

Hey - this song gets requested EVERY WEEK.

So I put my hands up...

And just like that, the earworm is planted.

#3 - R.O.C.K. IN THE U.S.A. -John Mellencamp

For this one, there were alot of options - JACK & DIANE, PINK HOUSES...heck, the entire Mellencamp-o-rama is one big heaping slice of America. But this song adds that rundown of the great American artists upon whose shoulders John stands. And that's just cool.

#2 - GOD BLESS THE U.S.A. (Proud to Be An American) - Lee Greenwood

This is the go-to song anytime a member of the Armed Forces is at the show. Or a first-responder. Inevitably this song finds it's way into the show, and the whole room jumps to their feet and sings along. And buys rounds of shots for all of those who work the frontlines, precinct, firehouse or hospital. And it's then we're glad we don't have to be at the local ER anytime the next day.

And, at #1 -

AMERICAN PIE - Don McLean

Could there be any other?

One of the most popular choruses in any piano bar song, this is the story of American rock n roll, told with such cryptic clues that it takes deciphering to unravel its full meaning (enjoy the video, which does exactly that for you...). And there are so many piano player-rewrites of this song gathered over the years, that you are guaranteed to hear different jokes accompanying this song in every piano bar you visit...And the three men I admire the most...Fonzie, Richie and Donny Most...

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