25 Famous Songs With Countries in The Lyrics
Music, being the universal language, has always bridged boundaries, be it between hearts or countries.
From the mystical allure of Africa to the vibrant streets of Brazil, here are some of the most iconic English songs that paint vivid images of foreign countries.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
The Caribbean in Songs
1.”Kokomo” by The Beach Boys
This 1988 classic paints a relaxing picture of the Caribbean. The song’s catchy chorus takes you through a host of island locations: Aruba, Jamaica, Bermuda, Bahama. The track’s laid-back rhythm and balmy imagery have made it a favorite for many wanting to mentally escape to warmer climates.
2.”Jamaica Farewell” by Harry Belafonte
Belafonte’s melodious voice tells a tale of leaving one’s beloved Jamaica. He sings about the sun setting over the market-place and acknowledges he might never see his love again.
3. “Cuba” by The Gibson Brothers
This disco track from the late ’70s exudes all the vibrancy, colors, and zest of Cuban culture. It’s impossible not to dance when you hear this song.
France
4.”Michelle” by The Beatles
“Michelle, ma belle. These are words that go together well, my Michelle.”
Paul McCartney’s serenade with a mix of English and French gave listeners a unique love story.
5.”Paris” by The Chainsmokers
This more recent hit reminisces about a rebellious love and the dream of escaping to “Paris to get away from your parents”.
Africa
6.”Africa” by Toto
Arguably one of the most recognizable songs about a foreign land, “Africa” by Toto captures the mystery of the continent.
With lyrics speaking of Kilimanjaro rising “like Olympus above the Serengeti”, it’s hard not to get caught up in the magic of Africa.
7.”Under African Skies” by Paul Simon
Paul Simon’s Graceland album, influenced heavily by South African mbaqanga music, is a love letter to the region.
8. “Tripoli” by Matthew Good Band
While not exclusively about the Libyan city, the song is a commentary on Western interventions in foreign lands.
South America
9.”Brazil” by Declan McKenna
While it’s a critique of the social and political issues surrounding the FIFA World Cup held in Brazil, the song beautifully incorporates the vibrant and pulsating rhythm that the country is known for.
10.”Girl from Ipanema” by Stan Getz and João Gilberto
A sultry bossa nova classic, it captures the beauty and essence of Brazil.
Though sung partially in Portuguese, its English verses have made listeners worldwide daydream about the sun-soaked beaches of Ipanema.
Spain
11. “Barcelona” by Freddie Mercury and Montserrat Caballé
Freddie Mercury, the enigmatic frontman of Queen, partnered with soprano Montserrat Caballé to create an anthem dedicated to Spain’s vibrant city of Barcelona.
The song captures the city’s vivacious spirit, and it became an emblematic piece, especially when Barcelona hosted the Olympics.
12. “Spanish Eyes” by U2
U2, the Irish rock giants, gave us “Spanish Eyes” – a love song soaked in Spanish warmth and allure.
Japan
13. “Turning Japanese” by The Vapors
While the song doesn’t actually delve deep into Japanese culture, its title and catchy chorus made it memorable.
“Turning Japanese” is an expression of confusion, which the song captures aptly.
14. “Big in Japan” by Alphaville
Alphaville’s tune, on the surface, seems like it’s about fame in Japan. But delve deeper, and you’ll find a more profound story about two lovers trying to find solace away from their problems, hoping they might be “big in Japan.”
Middle East
15. “Kashmir” by Led Zeppelin
Inspired by Robert Plant’s travels through the Sahara, “Kashmir” might have the name of a region in India, but its spirit is drawn from the vastness and mystery of deserts.
16. “Arabian Nights” from Aladdin
This is a track from the Disney movie, “Arabian Nights.” The song, with its descriptions of the hot desert nights and bazaar, paints a colorful picture of the Middle East.
Australasia
17. “Down Under” by Men at Work
An ode to their homeland, Men at Work’s iconic track is all things Australian. With mentions of Vegemite sandwiches and chunder (Australian slang for vomit), this tune is a playful anthem for Aussies everywhere.
18. “Sydney (I’ll Come Running)” by Brett Dennen
Brett Dennen sings about rushing back to a lover in Sydney.
19. “Fiji Time” by Ashleigh Dallas
“Fiji Time” captures the relaxed, laid-back vibes of Fiji, an archipelago in the heart of the Pacific Ocean.
Canada
20. “Alberta Bound” by Paul Brandt
Paul Brandt’s homage to his home province in Canada captures the picturesque beauty of Alberta.
21. “This Beat Goes On/Switchin’ To Glide” by The Kings
This track by Canadian band The Kings may not be entirely about Canada, but it does mention places like Yonge Street in Toronto.
Europe
22. “Amsterdam” by Coldplay
Coldplay’s track speaks of a deeper emotional experience. Amidst the haunting piano melodies and heartfelt vocals, the song evoke the feeling of being lost in the canal-laden city of Amsterdam.
23. “Zurich Is Stained” by Pavement
This is an indie-rock gem. Its melancholic melodies conjure up images of a cold, reflective Europe.
Asia
24. “Bombay Dreams” by A.R. Rahman featuring Preeya Kalidas & Raza Jaffrey
This song is a title track of the West End musical, which showcases the hopes, dreams, and challenges of people in the bustling Indian metropolis of Mumbai (formerly known as Bombay).
25. “Katmandu” by Bob Seger
In this rock classic, Bob Seger expresses a desire to escape and head to a distant place – in this case, Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal. It’s about the allure of getting away from familiar terrains to find solace.
List of Songs With Countries in The Lyrics
- “Kokomo” by The Beach Boys
- “Jamaica Farewell” by Harry Belafonte
- “Cuba” by The Gibson Brothers
- “Michelle” by The Beatles
- “Paris” by The Chainsmokers
- “Africa” by Toto
- “Under African Skies” by Paul Simon
- “Tripoli” by Matthew Good Band
- “Brazil” by Declan McKenna
- “Girl from Ipanema” by Stan Getz and João Gilberto
- “Barcelona” by Freddie Mercury and Montserrat Caballé
- “Spanish Eyes” by U2
- “Turning Japanese” by The Vapors
- “Big in Japan” by Alphaville
- “Kashmir” by Led Zeppelin
- “Arabian Nights” from Aladdin
- “Down Under” by Men at Work
- “Sydney (I’ll Come Running)” by Brett Dennen
- “Fiji Time” by Ashleigh Dallas
- “Alberta Bound” by Paul Brandt
- “This Beat Goes On/Switchin’ To Glide” by The Kings
- “Amsterdam” by Coldplay
- “Zurich Is Stained” by Pavement
- “Bombay Dreams” by A.R. Rahman featuring Preeya Kalidas & Raza Jaffrey
- “Katmandu” by Bob Seger
