Explore Maryland’s charm, history, and culture through 20 captivating songs. From Baltimore to Chesapeake Bay, let these tunes paint a vivid musical portrait of the Old Line State.
Whether you’re a lifelong Marylander or an intrigued out-of-stater, these songs offer a captivating glimpse into the heart and soul of Maryland. So, tune in, sit back, and let the music guide you through the land of pleasant living.
Contents
- 1. “What’s New in Baltimore” by Frank Zappa
- 2. “Going to Maryland” by The Mountain Goats
- 3. “Six Feet Under the Stars” by All Time Low
- 4. “Baltimore” by Prince
- 5. “Baltimore” by Randy Newman
- 6. “Crabs for Christmas” by David DeBoy
- 7. “Good Morning Baltimore” by Nikki Blonsky
- 8. “Silver Springs” by Fleetwood Mac
- 9. “Raining in Baltimore” by Counting Crows
- 10. “Maryland, My Maryland” by Tennessee Ernie Ford
- 11. “There’s A Girl In The Heart Of Maryland” by Bing Cros, Jimmy Dorsey, and John Scott Trotter and His Orchestra
- 12. “Maryland” by Vonda Shepard
- 13. “Maryland” by Colt Ford
- 14. “Together in Maryland” by Tony Cavallo
- 15. “Maryland” by Jesus Jones
- 16. “Maryland Summer” by Ballyhoo!
- 17. “Maryland Bridge” by John K. Samson
- 18. “Maryland County Road” by Erica Wheeler
- 19. “Barefoot in Baltimore” by Strawberry Alarm Clock
- 20. “It’s a Maryland Thing, You Wouldn’t Understand” by Jimmy Charles
- Final Thoughts
1. “What’s New in Baltimore” by Frank Zappa
Traversing the terrain of musical experimentation, “What’s New in Baltimore” by Frank Zappa captures the essence of the city with an intricate fusion of sounds. The daring harmonies and Zappa’s eccentricity paint a vibrant yet unconventional auditory portrait of Baltimore.
2. “Going to Maryland” by The Mountain Goats
Enveloping listeners in a soothing narrative of hope, The Mountain Goats’ “Going to Maryland” carries the charm of a folktale. The song portrays Maryland as a refuge, a place of new beginnings, beautifully unraveling a story of resilience through warm melodies.
3. “Six Feet Under the Stars” by All Time Low
A pop-punk canvas of youthful rebellion, All Time Low’s “Six Feet Under the Stars” pulses with the heartbeats of the city. Echoing through its lyrics is a love letter to their hometown, Baltimore – a city that, much like the band’s music, is full of energy, angst, and longing.
4. “Baltimore” by Prince
Woven from the threads of social consciousness, “Baltimore” by Prince is a soulful call for unity. The song reverberates with the city’s resilience, Prince’s velvety voice amplifying the plea for peace against a backdrop of social unrest.
5. “Baltimore” by Randy Newman
In “Baltimore,” Randy Newman paints a somber picture of a city grappling with decay. Newman’s poignant storytelling, coupled with melancholic tones, offers a compelling commentary on Baltimore’s struggles and undying spirit.
6. “Crabs for Christmas” by David DeBoy
Basking in the light-heartedness of a Maryland Christmas, David DeBoy’s “Crabs for Christmas” is a delightful holiday number. This quirky tune, infused with local flavor, captures the joyous eccentricity of Maryland’s festive traditions.
7. “Good Morning Baltimore” by Nikki Blonsky
As if capturing the sunrise over the city, Nikki Blonsky’s “Good Morning Baltimore” bursts with optimism. This spirited number from “Hairspray” is a love letter to Baltimore, crafted with dynamic vocals and an infectious rhythm that personifies the city’s charm.
8. “Silver Springs” by Fleetwood Mac
Fleetwood Mac’s “Silver Springs” is a poignant tale of love and loss, echoing with the mystique of Maryland’s natural beauty. Stevie Nicks’ enchanting vocals float over the band’s harmonies, creating a melancholic soundscape that is as captivating as Silver Springs itself.
9. “Raining in Baltimore” by Counting Crows
“Raining in Baltimore” by Counting Crows is a stirring portrayal of longing and nostalgia. The haunting melody, coupled with evocative lyrics, frames a rain-soaked Baltimore as a mirror reflecting the song’s emotional depth.
10. “Maryland, My Maryland” by Tennessee Ernie Ford
Tennessee Ernie Ford’s rendition of “Maryland, My Maryland” carries the weight of a patriotic hymn. His rich, resonant voice breathes life into the song, showcasing Maryland’s enduring spirit and stirring history.
11. “There’s A Girl In The Heart Of Maryland” by Bing Cros, Jimmy Dorsey, and John Scott Trotter and His Orchestra
Bing Crosby, Jimmy Dorsey, and John Scott Trotter and His Orchestra take listeners on a nostalgic journey with “There’s A Girl In The Heart Of Maryland”. This melodious declaration of love is as enchanting as the Maryland belle it describes, offering a timeless tribute to love and the state.
12. “Maryland” by Vonda Shepard
Vonda Shepard’s “Maryland” is an intimate exploration of identity and belonging. Her soothing vocals and poignant lyrics weave a narrative that echoes with the unique charm and experiences of Maryland.
13. “Maryland” by Colt Ford
Colt Ford’s “Maryland” is a country-infused ode to the state, capturing its spirit and culture with Ford’s distinctive storytelling. This song is a testament to Maryland’s allure, painted in rustic tones and vibrant melodies.
14. “Together in Maryland” by Tony Cavallo
“Together in Maryland” by Tony Cavallo is a heartwarming anthem of unity. The song blends Cavallo’s emotive voice with uplifting melodies, encapsulating the spirit of togetherness that defines Maryland.
15. “Maryland” by Jesus Jones
“Maryland” by Jesus Jones is an audacious blend of rock and social commentary. Its lyrics, as incisive as they are introspective, strike a chord with listeners, while the band’s raw energy propels the narrative forward, creating a compelling portrait of Maryland in the process.
16. “Maryland Summer” by Ballyhoo!
The song “Maryland Summer” by Ballyhoo! is a vibrant salute to the sunny season in the Old Line State. As refreshing as a cool ocean breeze, the song’s breezy rhythms and warm lyrics transport listeners straight to a carefree summer day on the Chesapeake Bay.
17. “Maryland Bridge” by John K. Samson
John K. Samson’s “Maryland Bridge” is a poetic exploration of life’s intersections. Its lyrics, as sturdy and intricate as the structure it’s named after, carry listeners across a river of emotions, while Samson’s plaintive voice guides them to new understandings of the human experience.
18. “Maryland County Road” by Erica Wheeler
Erica Wheeler paints a picturesque narrative of rural life with “Maryland County Road”. The song, as winding and scenic as the road it honors, is a testament to Wheeler’s songwriting prowess, offering listeners a front-seat view of Maryland’s bucolic charm.
19. “Barefoot in Baltimore” by Strawberry Alarm Clock
With “Barefoot in Baltimore”, Strawberry Alarm Clock delivers a psychedelic trip down memory lane. The song, as whimsical and colorful as the band’s name suggests, is a joyful celebration of youth and freedom in the heart of Maryland’s most iconic city.
20. “It’s a Maryland Thing, You Wouldn’t Understand” by Jimmy Charles
Jimmy Charles’ “It’s a Maryland Thing, You Wouldn’t Understand” is a playful nod to the state’s unique culture. The song’s catchy melody and relatable lyrics weave a tapestry of Maryland’s idiosyncrasies, inviting listeners in on an inside joke only a true Marylander would understand.
Final Thoughts
From the lively streets of Baltimore to the tranquil shores of the Chesapeake, we’ve journeyed through Maryland via the rhythm and lyrics of 20 unforgettable songs.
Each tune encapsulates a piece of the Old Line State’s unique charm, creating a collective melody that resonates with the heart of Maryland. So, whether you’re a local or a visitor, these songs are your passport to experiencing the state’s spirit, one note at a time.
