20 Songs About Michigan

Michigan has a rich history and culture, which has been celebrated in some tracks. From folk ballads to modern pop songs, this beautiful state has been the subject of many memorable tunes. Here are just a few of the best songs about Michigan.

1. “Lake Michigan” by Rogue Wave

Starting off the list is a indie rock tune by Rogue Wave. “Lake Michigan” is a beautiful track that reflects on the singer’s memories of growing up near the Great Lake.

The song has a nostalgic feel, and the lyrics capture the simplicity of life in Michigan. You can find it on their Asleep at Heaven’s Gate album.

2. “One Piece at a Time” by Johnny Cash

Johnny Cash is a legend, and “One Piece at a Time” is one of his most famous songs. The track tells the story of a man who worked at an auto plant in Michigan and decided to steal a car piece by piece.

It’s a light-hearted song with a great sense of humor. It was released in 1976 as part of his album of the same title.

3. “Kalamazoo” by Ben Folds

“Kalamazoo” is a song by Ben Folds about, you guessed it, the city of Kalamazoo. The track is upbeat and catchy, with clever lyrics that paint a picture of the city.

It’s a great ode to Michigan, and it’s sure to put a smile on your face. You can find it on his Brick. The Songs Of Ben Folds 1994-2012 album.

4. “Michicant” by Bon Iver

From Bon Iver’s self-titled album, “Michicant” is a haunting track that reflects on the singer’s time spent in Michigan.

The song has a feeling of loss and nostalgia, and the lyrics are both beautiful and heartbreaking. It’s one of Bon Iver’s best tracks, and it perfectly captures the feeling of homesickness.

5. “Michigan” by The Milk Carton Kids

Next on the list is “Michigan” by The Milk Carton Kids. This track is a beautiful folk song that captures the feeling of longing for home.

The lyrics are simple and honest, and the melody is both catchy and memorable. You can find it on their album Prologue, which was released in 2011.

6. “Singing Joy to the World” by the Fruit Bats

The Fruit Bats is an indie rock band, and “Singing Joy to the World” is one of their most popular tracks. The lyrics mentions Michigan, where a girl was being unfaithful to her boyfriend while he was away.

The song has a feeling of loss, and it’s a great reflection on young love. You can find it on their album The Ruminant Band, which was released in 2009.

7. “Michigan and Again” by The Accidentals

This next song is something new, “Michigan and Again” by The Accidentals. This track is a beautiful folk song that will make you feel nostalgic about home, especially if you’re from Michigan. It was released this year, 2022, as part of their Reimagined album.

8. “Saginaw, Michigan” by Johnny Cash

Here’s another track by Johnny Cash, and this one is about the city of Saginaw. The song is a folk ballad that tells the story of a man who is down on his luck. The lyrics are both sad and beautiful, and it’s a great example of Cash’s storytelling abilities. You can find it on his album Personal File.

9. “Pretty Girl From Michigan” by The Avett Brothers

The Avett Brothers are a popular folk rock band, and “Pretty Girl From Michigan” is one of their most well-known tracks. The song is about a girl who the singer is in love with, but he knows she’ll never love him back.

It’s a sad song, but it’s also incredibly catchy and will stay stuck in your head for days. You can find it on their album The Carpenter, which was released in 2012.

10. “Miss Michigan” by Mustard Plug

“Miss Michigan” is a ska song by Mustard Plug, and it’s about a girl who the singer is in love with. The lyrics are light-hearted and fun, and the track is catchy.

It’s a great example of the band’s signature sound, and it’s sure to get your feet moving. It was released in 1997 as part of the Evildoers Beware! album.

11. “Especially in Michigan” by Red Hot Chili Peppers

Next on the list is “Especially in Michigan” by the Red Hot Chili Peppers. The song is off of their 2006 album Stadium Arcadium and it’s a great track that really captures the feeling of being home.

It’s a great song for anyone who’s ever felt homesick for their home state. You can stream this track on all music platforms out there.

12. “America” by Simon and Garfunkel

“America” is a song by Simon and Garfunkel that was released in 1968. The song is all about traveling across America and it includes references to several states, including Michigan.

It’s a great track for anyone who loves road trips or has ever dreamed of seeing the country. You can find it on their Bookends album.

13. “Going to Michigan” by The Extra Glenns

The Extra Glenns’ “Going to Michigan” is a great track for anyone who’s ever been homesick for the Wolverine State. The song is all about the longing for home and it’s a great way to get nostalgic for Michigan. You can find it on their album Martial Arts Weekend released in 2002.

14. “Michigan for the Winter” by Ryan Hurd

This next song is “Michigan for the Winter” by Ryan Hurd. This track is all about wanting to spend the cold season in Michigan and letting the person you love know where you’re going just in case she wants to see you.

It’s a great song for anyone who loves the winter or is missing Michigan. You can find it on Hurd’s album To a T which was released in 2019.

15. “Michigan Left” by Arkells

Arkells is a Canadian rock band and their song “Michigan Left” is all about driving to work in Detroit.

The song is off of their album of the same title released in 2011 and it’s a great track for anyone who’s ever been stuck in traffic on I-94. You can find the song on all major music platforms.

16. “I Want to Go Back to Michigan” by Irving Berlin

From the movie Easter Parade, “I Want to Go Back to Michigan” is a classic track that was sung by Irving Berlin in 1914.

The song is all about being homesick for the state of Michigan and it’s a great way to get nostalgic for the Wolverine State. It’s an old track but can still be streamed on major music platforms today.

17. “Highway Patrolman” by Bruce Springsteen

Next on the list is “Highway Patrolman” by Bruce Springsteen. The song is off of his 1982 album Nebraska and it’s about the life of a Michigan state trooper.

It’s a great song for anyone who loves Bruce Springsteen or has ever dreamed of being a state trooper. You can find it on all major music platforms.

18. “All Summer Long” by Kid Rock

“All Summer Long” by Kid Rock is a great song for anyone who loves summertime. The song is all about spending the summer months in Michigan and it’s a great way to get nostalgic for the warmer months. You can find it on his album Rock n Roll Jesus released in 2007.

19. “Detroit ‘67” by Sam Roberts

Sam Roberts is a Canadian singer and his song “Detroit ‘67” is all about the 1967 Detroit riots. The song is off of his album  Love at the End of the World released in 2008 and it’s a great track for anyone who’s interested in the history of Detroit. You can find it on all major music platforms.

20. “A Long Time” by Mayer Hawthorne

Wrapping up the list is “A Long Time” by Mayer Hawthorne. The song is all about staying motivated and being reminded that you’ll make it one day. You can find it on his album How Do You Do released in 2011.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re from Michigan or just love the state, these songs are sure to get you in in the mood for a road trip. There are so many great songs about Michigan, and we hope we’ve included some of your favorites. Thanks for reading!