9 Best Songs About Arizona
Arizona! A state known for its vast desert landscapes, the majestic Grand Canyon, and, of course, a unique musical heritage.
Picture yourself on a road trip, windows down, cruising along Route 66, with the cacti silhouette painting the horizon. What’s missing? A playlist of Arizona-inspired tunes.
1. “By The Time I Get to Phoenix” by Glen Campbell
This classic by Glen Campbell tells the tale of a man who leaves his lover and goes on a journey. Phoenix, the bustling capital of Arizona, is a significant stop on his trip.
Campbell’s soulful voice sings of the longing and pain of leaving someone behind.
2. “Take It Easy” by Eagles
When you hear the line, “Standing on a corner in Winslow, Arizona”, you can’t help but feel the sun-soaked vibes of this iconic state. “Take It Easy” is a light-hearted, breezy track that encapsulates the free spirit of the ‘70s.
The mention of Winslow, a small city in Arizona, immortalized the place. So much so, that there’s now a park named “Standin’ On The Corner” in Winslow, paying homage to the song.
3. “Arizona” by Kings of Leon
Kings of Leon, known for their raspy vocals and infectious melodies, brought forth a track that’s both haunting and beautiful.
“Arizona” paints a picture of vast landscapes, echoing emptiness, and a sense of solitude. The mood of the song captures the ethereal desert nights and the raw beauty of Arizona. The haunting chorus echoing “Arizona” feels like a call to the wilderness, beckoning listeners to immerse themselves in the mystique of the desert.
4. “Route 66” by Nat King Cole (and many others)
Arguably one of the most iconic road trip songs ever, “Route 66” is a journey through the famed highway that runs from Chicago to Los Angeles.
And guess what’s a significant stop on this route? Arizona. With lyrics like “Don’t forget Winona, Kingman, Barstow, San Bernardino,” the song captures the essence of these Arizona towns.
Though covered by many artists, Nat King Cole’s version remains a timeless classic.
5. “Willin’” by Little Feat
There’s no way we could leave out a song that starts with the line, “I been warped by the rain, driven by the snow, drunk and dirty, don’t ya know, and I’m still…willin’.”
This tune gives a nod to Tucson, and the narrative touches on the life of a truck driver traveling through the American Southwest.
6. “Tucson Train” by Bruce Springsteen
This song is a narrative about a man who leaves San Francisco for a fresh start, finding work on the railroads of Tucson, Arizona.
The theme revolves around hope, redemption, and love. As the trumpets blare, resembling a train’s horn, Springsteen paints a vivid picture of a life rejuvenated in the heart of Arizona.
Tucson, with its historic rail lines, becomes a symbol of moving forward, making it a key character in this beautiful tale.
7. “Hey Dude” by Kula Shaker
While not strictly about Arizona, this song has a chorus that goes “All I have is all I need, enough for love but not for greed, yeah”.
The video was filmed in the desert, giving those vast, endless Arizona vibes. It’s a tune about finding oneself amidst chaos. And the vastness of the desert in the visual narrative provides the perfect backdrop for introspection.
8. “Arizona Star” by Guy Clark
Guy Clark’s “Arizona Star” is a heartfelt ballad that personifies Arizona in the form of a woman named Arizona Star.
This track is an ode to a fearless, independent spirit, much like the state itself. The lyrics depict Arizona Star as someone who’s “wild as a mink but sweet as soda pop”.
9. “Sedona” by Houndmouth
Named after the beautiful city of Sedona in Arizona, known for its red rock formations, this song is an upbeat indie anthem that captures the magic of the city in the ’70s.
The city, during that time, was a hotspot for films, and the song encapsulates this era with lyrics like “Hey little Hollywood, you’re gone but you’re not forgot”.
