A playlist of songs called 4th of July

I made this playlist almost a decade ago and always give it an annual listen on ye olde Independence Day.

It’s quality for hanging out alone in the shade by the grill with a cocktail. The Her Space Holiday track alone is a journey. But it’s not a party soundtrack, that’s for sure. These are songs about heartbreak, death, and trauma. I tried to find upbeat songs called “Fourth of July” and came up empty. 

Why are there so many sad songs called “4th of July?” It’s a weird holiday, I guess. One of midsummer fireworks bringing catharsis. Also, I’m shocked there’s no Phoebe Bridgers song. Maybe that would be too on the nose given her past Aimee Mann impressions. Julien Baker’s “Even” has a couple of throwaway lines about July 4th. I don’t think that passage is enough to warrant adding it to the list.

Happy 4th everybody.