Independence Day is one of the most revered holidays in the United States because it memorializes the day the U.S. declared independence from Great Britain by adopting the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776.

We celebrate this monumental day by joining together as a nation and expressing our patriotism through parades, barbecues, and fireworks.

To aid in the festivities, we’ve created a list of the Top Ten Songs About Freedom & Lovin’ The American Life.

10. Beyonce, “Proud To Be An American”

Doing a modern R&B pop take on Lee Greenwood’s heart-warming lyrics of unwavering patriotism, Beyoncé makes us proud that we can claim this vocally talented Houston girl as our own.

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9. Lady Gaga, “Americano”

Lady Gaga’s Born This Way album has many Americana musical tributes within her normally uber-poppy songs. In a way, “Americano” is Lady Gaga’s great American standard.

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8.  Taylor Swift, “American Girl”

Taylor Swift is the epitome of the All-American girl-next-door. By definition, Taylor Swift’s music is America: young, creatively fertile, brimming with hope, and representative of many different types of people.

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7. Aimee Mann, “4th of July”

The symbolism of the Fourth of July doesn’t go unchecked–or unnoticed when one is going through a tough time, like Aimee Mann with her love crisis in “4th of July.”

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6. David Cook, “America The Beautiful”

Ex-American Idol veteran David Cook is very popular around America and we have a feeling that he will be even more popular after you hear his rendition of “America The Beautiful.”

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5. Solange, “Freedom”

Many people forget that Beyoncé has an equally talented and beautiful sister named Solange Knowles. When Knowles talks about freedom in her song called, well, “Freedom,” we can tell that she is grateful to live n a country where she make the decision to follow her will:

So I’ll live to survive and to be real/And I’ll give my story as long as my will…/I’ll be free of all the living boundaries set for me/And I’ll see whatever this world offers for freedom

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4. Mariah Carey, “Fourth of July”

When it come to singing songs about holidays, Mariah Carey might be the queen. She takes no exception to “Fourth Of July,” by essentially channeling the whole spirit of the day:

It was twilight/On the Fourth of July/Sparkling colors were/Strewn across the sky/And we sat close enough/That we just barely touched/While roman candles/Went soaring above us and baby

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3. Madonna, “Freedom”

As an American, we are free to express ourselves as freely as humanly possible: Madonna is a great representation of this and reminds us of this blessing in her song “Freedom.”

‘Cause “no” is just a word/That people say when they are lost/And if you say “no” to me/Then I will fight you till I’m free/Say freedom, brotherhood/Justice, just say “yes”/Freedom, brotherhood/Justice, just say “yes”

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2. Katy Perry, “Firework”

Katy Perry’s song “Firework” might not be about the Fourth Of July per se, but it does talk about being free to be who you are. And, of course, the obvious usage of the firework metaphor is what makes it such a strong contender on our Fourth of July list.

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1. Jason Mraz, “Freedom Song”

Jason Mraz’s ode to the life of leisure, sunshine, happiness, and freedom evokes the energy of a Fourth of July picnic. He even talks about “fried food.”

I see birds fly across the sky/And everyone’s heart flies together/Food is frying and people smiling/Like there is no other way to feel good/And when I feel good, I sing/And the joy it brings makes me feel good/Cos when I feel good, I sing/Of the joy it brings

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CBS Radio Digital Team