Intergalactic Playlist from America by Michelle Streed

Ms. Streed: Taron Egerton "I'm Still Standing"

michellestreed1 — 2025-04-07 14:38:24 UTC

This song is originally done by Elton John in the 70s and is brought to life through the character of Johnny. Johnny is a character that wants to perform, yet his father wants him to be in the "family business". So many American families either come to America for a better life for their kids or have been in America and expecting their kids to succeed. However, what success means for parents and their kids can be different. Johnny's performance shows him being true to his desires, and his father's pride demonstrates the hope of young people for their caregivers to see and accept them, exactly as they are.

Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue Toby Keith

2025-04-07 16:01:48 UTC

Every year, communities and the country come together on the 4th of July to remember our freedom. While the United States is far from perfect, the freedoms that we get to have every day are a privilege compared to many other places in the world. The United States takes pride in the people who give up their lives for the freedom of this country. If this is being sent to resemble America, then a song recognizing something so important to the reason that the US gets to be everything that it is today than a song like this is important. This also recognizes a style of music that is very common today and represents people from different backgrounds, beliefs and regions of the United States.

2025-04-08 16:48:38 UTC

"American Idiot" by Green Day represents the struggles Americans deal with regarding consumerism, media manipulation, lack of political awareness, etc. Although this song was released a long time ago, it still resonates with America today.

The Star Spangled Banner

2025-04-08 16:50:16 UTC

The Star-Spangled Banner is perhaps the most well-known song from America, and it is featured at almost every sports game or big event. It also demonstrates the tenacity of Americans, as it was originally written during the War of 1812. The writer, Francis Scott Key, saw the attack on Fort McHery and the U.S. Flag flying strong in the sky and wrote a poem about it, which provided the lyrics of the song. The Star-Spangled Banner is a perfect example of the American spirit.

Take me home, Country roads By John Denver

2025-04-08 16:51:18 UTC

This song shows that you will always have a road to get home. It is showing parts of America that are either untouched or not talked about enough like the countryside and its beauty. The strong connection to nature. It resonates with people everywhere and it shows that no matter where you go in life you will always find your way back home to your roots.

Lady Gaga "Born This Way"

2025-04-08 16:51:33 UTC

I would say this song is a prime example of diversity and culture in general. This song is very important when it comes to inclusion and diversity, and I truly believe that this would be one of if not the best, choices to show the best side of humanity. American culture is not just "American culture." We are a combination of so many other kinds of people, and we should be proud of that. The people who aren't shouldn't be able to call themselves Americans

Take Me Home, Country Road by John Denver

2025-04-08 16:52:10 UTC

The title of this song "Take me home" says that he wants to go home. He is missing home and wants to go back. He is reminiscing of the place where he belongs. All throughout the song he talks about parts of his past that he misses, about the place he grew up in. In it he also talks about missing the countryside, which pretty well describes where we live.

I Will Survive - Gloria Gaynor

2025-04-08 16:53:44 UTC

I chose 'I Will Survive' By Gloria Gaynor because it is a good representation of how no matter what, humans will persevere through struggles and hardships like we have for centuries. Though the song is often interpreted as a break up song, it is also seen as a song used to help people fight from day to day struggles. Gloria is a lovely example of fighting, because she herself had to overcome plethora of challenges as a black lady growing popularity in the 1900s.

Journey: "Don't Stop Believing"

2025-04-08 16:54:52 UTC

This song gives hope and makes people feel that they can be themselves and about how we can all become one and feel free and open minded showing no matter how people look at you or how much they seem to judge your free to feel and be who you want to be there is no limits to getting to the goal you want to achieve there is always a way in the end it may be long and hard to get to but at the end it will all be worth it.

This Cowboy's Hat by Chris LeDoux

2025-04-08 16:58:21 UTC

This song demonstrates a story of how all different cultures should get along through sharing their experiences and 'grapevines'. The song also explains how people will try to bully each other, but in the end, we still become stronger together through sharing our experiences, which is something we should practice more of today in America.

Made in America by Toby Keith

2025-04-08 17:02:02 UTC

This song talks about the American farmer and family. It talks about the way he lives and his beliefs, and also represents being proud of where you come from and not being afraid of being judged by others because of it.

God Bless the USA by Lee Greenwood

2025-04-08 17:06:10 UTC

This song is very patriotic and truly represents how thankful everyone is for the freedom we have because of the brave soldiers who have fought and died for us. Greenwood even states in the song that if he lost all the things he has ever worked for, he wouldn't lose the flag. The flag still stands for freedom and no one can take that away from us. It also talks about how all across America everyone has pride in their hearts and should stand up and never forget the men and women who have died for our freedom.

"Under Pressure" by Queen, David Bowie

2025-04-08 17:16:28 UTC

The song "Under Pressure" highlights the pressure that comes with living, and the destruction that comes with it, but also how love and togetherness persists. Everyone experiences pressure, especially now with what's happening in America. There is something new being taken away almost everyday in America, most being related to human rights. Although there is this pressure, people still find a way to combat it, whether that be through things like protests or donations. This love dares people to look outward and care about others. It's the human experience. People live with struggles but still give love a chance and come together.

"The World Will Know" from Newsies

caitlinmontgomery — 2025-04-12 01:48:26 UTC

I feel like this song represents aspects of American culture/life because we are a country that has a tendency to stand up for what we believe in. For the average citizen that means things like protesting, the subject of the song, and is a thing we are guarenteed under freedom of speech and freedom to peaceful assembly (1st amendment). The American Revolution was in part started off of protests like the Boston Tea Party, which led to the formation/independence of the USA. These protests have continued throughout our history, with a few in the modern age being the writer's strike in 2023 and the Amazon worker's strike that ended in late 2024.

The song also gives out the general message of standing up against those mistreating you, specifically those in power, which is also demonstrated throughout U.S. history. The musical the song is from is actually based on a real life protest, the Newsboys' Strike of 1899.

"Warm Glow" by Hippo Campus

2025-04-15 13:44:13 UTC

While this is most likely not what you would expect for a song that portrays America, I think that this song highlights the downtime that exists between the intense patriotism. I think of a quiet countryside, away from the stereotypical suburban "American Dream" away from the standard consumerism, and just quiet and calm. I love that it ends with around two minutes without lyrics, swelling and swirling like an evening. I find it to be the sound more than the lyrics, the more "simple times" which I know makes me sound like a crotchety old man but you have to remember that there are still areas in 'Murica that are rural and away from the intense social media/consumerist/politically polarized America that is represented in most ways. While those regions are most certainly the minority, they still exist and I feel are underrepresented in favor of that optimistic American dream or the pessimistic consumerist reality.

Pink Pony Club

2025-04-15 16:00:19 UTC

This song provides a healing context for those who are struggling with shame and trauma from a hyper-religious environment.

"Party in the USA" - Miley Cyrus

naysayang — 2025-04-15 16:11:03 UTC

I think this song doesn't fully cover everything that America is, but it does describe the better parts of America. It's lively and fun and explains the more exciting cities that we have had developed through important decades.

"Boots Worn Through" by Shayfer James

madisonjahn — 2025-04-15 16:12:46 UTC

This song tells the story of people who persevere to reach a point in their life where they are happy with what they have achieved. This story resonates with the American idea of pushing forward through difficult times and finding success. Also known as the idea of the American Dream. However, the song also tells the tale of others who were unsuccessful, which illustrates the opposing harsh reality in America of people not being able to fulfill their dreams.

Ameriican Requiem

2025-04-15 16:12:50 UTC

I chose this song because it represents how there's still issues in America regarding race and giving credit where credit is due. Cowboy Carter, the album Ameriican Requiem is a part of, is meant to highlight how country music is historically a large part of black culture despite largely being recognized for it's connection to white artists and the South.

"American Oxygen" by Rihanna

2025-04-15 16:14:28 UTC

The song "American Oxygen", 2015, by Rihanna represents the immigrants in the USA focused on hope, struggle, and the ideals of the American Dream--searching for a better life. The song is about the challenges for those who are starting from zero.

Fortunate Son by Creedence Clearwater Revival

2025-04-15 16:15:18 UTC

I chose this song as an example of American Culture, especially during a time where protesting was strong. This song was a protest against the lottery draft, where kids who weren't exactly rooting for the war were the ones forced to fight in the war. This song represents America's past in the Vietnam War, and it still remains popular in the United States today. It has become a song that represents the U.S. military (whether on purpose or not). The song represents the class inequality and the distrust in government. Today, it is also usually known as a rebellious song. It symbolizes a cultural identity that values questioning authority and standing up for fairness.

"Passing Through" by Kaden MacKay

marcusdelemont — 2025-04-15 16:15:29 UTC

It's definitely about America overcoming adversity for sure. Procrastination, factory overworking work grind stuff, dreading deadlines, and the acceptance of change and whatnot.

Living on a Prayer by Bon Jovi

2025-04-15 16:32:57 UTC

The epitome of the working class, Tommy and Gina are struggling to make it through life but they work hard and love each other so they are able to hold on.

Under Pressure by Queen

2025-04-15 16:34:19 UTC

Under pressure by Queen is mostly about the pressures of life and how love can be a source of strength