There are many songs about Boston. Maybe it’s the history, the accents, or fans’ loyalty. Boston has always had a special place in the heart of the American people. The many songs about this great city reflect that love.
We have compiled the perfect playlist for songs about Boston. Let’s get started!
Why Are There So Many Songs About Boston?
Boston is a famous city for many reasons. People commonly refer to it as Beantown, a historic town with plenty of character. It’s also a very livable city with excellent food and culture. It’s no surprise that Boston is a popular subject for songs.
There are many songs about Boston because there are many things to love about the city. From the iconic landmarks to the friendly people, there’s much to sing about in Boston.
Of course, there’s also the role that Boston plays in American history. You may visit Boston to explore Beacon Hill or the Paul Revere House, but many come to Boston because of the songs.
Your Perfect Playlist for Songs About Boston
From ‘Sweet Caroline’ to ‘Boston Rag’, there are songs about Boston for every occasion. Whether you’re in the mood to celebrate a victory or commiserate after a loss, there’s a song that will speak to you.
Boston remains one of America’s most popular destinations and has some of the most famous songs. There’s no place like it.
1. ‘Boston’ by Kenny Chesney
Chesney’s character in this song is from Boston. Struggling to find herself, she leaves her old world behind in New England for island life. She creates a home for herself in a new place that is “warm and real.”
She still dons a Red Sox cap and is proud of where’s she’s form, telling all the boys at the bar she’s from Boston. Chesney’s love for the town shines through in ‘Boston.’
“She never really knew how good it would feel to finally find herself in a place so warm and real.”
It’s a song that’s easy to sing along to, and you might feel like you’re from Boston, too.
2. ‘Boston Rag’ by Steely Dan
Released in 1973, this song about Boston is full of melancholy. It’s possibly about old memories and the passing of better times. Steely Dan sings about how life can cut you down.
“Bring back the Boston Rag. Tell all your buddies that it ain’t no drag.”
However, the song suggests that if you can return the perfect music from your past, Boston might become the home you remember. It has instrumentals that combine seamlessly with the lyrics. This Boston song will take hold and not let go, like the city.
Traveler’s Tip: If you’re road tripping to Boston, make sure to swing by Acorn Street and learn why it’s so famous.
3. ‘Where Everybody Knows Your Name’ by Gary Portnoy
You may not know the TV show, but we’re willing to bet you know the song, ‘Where Everybody Knows Your Name.’ The theme song for the well-loved sitcom ‘Cheers,’ which aired for 11 seasons starting in 1982, is a classic that’ll take you back to Boston.
“Making your way in the world today takes everything you’ve got.”
Resonating with many people countrywide, this classic song about Boston is about the hardships of getting through life. Portnoy sings about handling the struggle because you have a place to go where everybody understands, and more importantly, everybody knows your name.
4. ‘Sweet Caroline’ by Neil Diamond
Probably one of the most-played karaoke songs in the nation, Neil Diamond’s ‘Sweet Caroline’ is not only a song to sing along to in a bar full of people. It’s a song that makes you feel connected to everyone there.
“Hands, touching hands. Reaching out, touching me, touching you. Sweet Caroline. Good times never seemed so good.”
The inspiration for the song possibly came from when Diamond saw a cute image of Caroline Kennedy on her horse when she was a 12-year-old. However, speculation goes out the window regarding Red Sox fans. In 1997, an employee at Fenway had a baby and named her Caroline. They played the song for her, which has since become a staple for everyone at Fenway Park.
Boston will make you sing and welcome you home, especially if your name is Caroline.
5. ‘More Than a Feeling’ by Boston
Perhaps this song by Boston isn’t about Boston, but you can’t have this playlist without including the band Boston.
Boston wrote ‘More Than a Feelin’ with memories of lost love in mind. Whether the lost love was fantasy or real doesn’t matter. We all love and lose, and music takes us back to those moments.
“It’s more than a feeling when I hear that old song they used to play, and I begin dreaming.”
That is what Boston wanted ‘More Than a Feelin’ to do. Boston’s first single from 1976 is now a classic sing-along that can immediately whisk you away to a time when love was simple, and things were easy.
6. ‘I’m Shipping Up to Boston’ by Dropkick Murphys
Woody Guthrie originally wrote this song, but Dropkick Murphys released their version in 2005. This song about Boston became popular with Bostonians when Red Sox’s Jonathan Papelbon chose it as his intro song during the 2007 World Series. Since then, it has become the unofficial anthem for Boston’s Irish community.
“Climbing up the top sails. I lost my leg! I’m shipping up to Boston.”
It makes perfect sense, as the Dropkick Murphys are one of the more famous Irish punk bands in the world. While the lyrics are simple, it’s the boot-stomping Irish-style jig that will draw you in and get you moving. If you aren’t Irish, you might feel like it after listening to this song about Boston.
7. ‘Subway’ by Mary Lou Lord
The gentle strumming of the guitar with Mary Lou Lord’s soothing voice instantly carries you to the subways of Boston. It’s as though you are sitting on the subway watching the world go by, daydreaming about your past and the future you could create if you had faith or love.
“It’s all just a dream. I wake up and I’m back. Where the wheels of reality screech down the track… He’d stay but he never has time. Would he stay if he ever had time?”
Foreboding and hopeful, ‘Subway’ tells the stories of those traveling through the subway of life.
8. ‘Homecoming King’ by Guster
Returning to Massachusetts is what ‘Homecoming’ is all about. Guster released it in 2003, and this song says everything about coming home when you were excited to leave.
“On your way to the best years of your life. Everyone’s banging on their gongs. The sooner you leave, the sooner you’re home. Back in Massachusetts.”
With an upbeat yet sometimes mellow sound, you can imagine your college years while always wondering when you’ll head home. No matter how far away you go, home is always waiting for you.
9. ‘Boston’ by Augustana
‘Boston’ comes off of Augustana’s 2005 debut album All the Stars and Boulevards. It starts and ends with an unforgettable piano riff played by lead singer Dan Layus in the music video.
“I think I’ll go to Boston. I think that I’m just tired. I think I need a new town. To leave this all behind.
The lyrics of the song talk about escaping California and heading Boston to start a new life. However, the band’s bassist Jared Palomar described the song meaning as being more broad, stating simply “It’s more the idea of getting away from everything and starting over.”
So turn up the volume and sing along as loud as you can as you imagine what new memories you might make once you find yourself in Boston.
Play These Songs About Boston and Head to Beantown
Isn’t home what music is all about? Music takes you into other worlds, but it always brings you back to where you started. Whether you started in Boston, these songs about Boston may make you think you did.
Crank the tunes and head to Beantown. After all, it is a place “where everybody knows your name.” That sounds like home to me.
What is your favorite song about Boston?
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