Today’s Song of the Day is “Fourth of July” by Shooter Jennings.
I know — picking a song called “Fourth of July” on the 4th of July might seem a little on the nose, but hear me out. This one isn’t just a holiday tie-in — it’s a song that’s permanently stitched into my memory, and for good reason.
Years ago and not long after I’d left the Army, I made my first trip back to Fort Bragg. It was approaching Independence Day, and Shooter Jennings had just dropped this song. I remember it was all the rage during that summer. He opened for Toby Keith and many of my fellow soldiers were able to make the trip to Raleigh and see the show.
That weekend was the last time I got to really hang out with some of those guys. Every time I hear Shooter’s “4th of July,” I’m right back there: young, free for the moment, surrounded by people I’d spent so much of my younger adult years alongside.
Production-wise, this track still holds up. Shooter, the son of the legendary Waylon Jennings, could’ve easily coasted on his outlaw-country heritage. Instead, he brought a rock edge that set him apart from Nashville’s mainstream at the time. There’s this raw, indie-leaning vibe to the whole album — more folk-rock than straight-up country, and a breath of fresh air back then.
Lyrically, it’s an anthem. It’s got that sing-along chorus you can’t help but scream. It’s a little rebellious, a little nostalgic, and exactly the kind of song that captures summer nights and fireworks and memories you can’t quite put into words.
So today, I’m throwing this one on repeat — not just because it’s the 4th of July, but because it reminds me of where I’ve been and the people I was lucky enough to serve with.
Check it out if you haven’t heard it!
