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25 Best Songs for the Ultimate Boat Party Playlist

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Last Updated on June 6, 2024 by Boatsetter Team

Boating songs really bring out the best in everyone. There is nothing like having some relaxing music in the background or even blasting from the speakers of your  boat rental . Some songs on this list are true classics, while others might be new to your ears. We’re pretty sure your crew will learn the lyrics fast. Here are 25 of the best songs for your boat party playlist.

• Kokomo – The Beach Boys
• Sailing – Christopher Cross
• It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere – Alan Jackson and Jimmy Buffet
• Margaritaville – Jimmy Buffet
• Boats – Kenny  Chesney
• Banana Boat – Harry Belaforte
• Sloop John B – The Beach Boys
• Rock the Boat – Hues Corporation
• The Dock of the Bay – Otis Redding
• No Shoes, No Shirts, No Problems – Kenny Chesney
• How Deep Is Your Love – The Bee Gees
• Sunshine and Summertime – Faith Hill
• Surfin’ USA – The Beach Boys
• Soak Up the Sun – Sheryl Crow
• Son of a Son of a Sailor – Jimmy Buffet
• And, It Stoned Me – Van Morrison
• Drive – Alan Jackson
• Southern Cross – Crosby, Stills, & Nash
• Into the Mystic – Van Morrison
• The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald – Gordon Lightfoot
• Yellow Submarine – The Beatles
• Come Sail Away – Synx
• Kenny Chesney, Uncle Kracker – When The Sun Goes Down
• David Gray – Sail Away
• Rod Steward – Sailing

Let’s crank the volume up and dive into these songs together.

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1. “Kokomo” by the Beach Boys

You don’t really have to be anywhere near the Florida Keys to enjoy this tune, but it sure helps if you are. Listen to the enticing Caribbean steel drums and lie under the clear sky on your comfortable deck . Forget all your problems and simply enjoy some afternoon delights, cocktails, and the waterview.

2. “Sailing” by Christopher Cross

“And if the wind is right you can sail away and find serenity… oh, the canvas can do miracles/Just you wait and see/Believe me.” This popular and peaceful song from 1980 will certainly take you away from all of your worries and really set the scene for your next sailing vacation.

3. “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere” by Alan Jackson and Jimmy Buffett

Country star Alan Jackson and living legend Jimmy Buffett give you all kinds of reasons to start an early day of drinking. We think you will find that on a boat, it is so much harder to feel any kind of guilt about pouring “something tall and strong”, whenever in the day the mood strikes you.

4. “Margaritaville” by Jimmy Buffett

Another cracking tune by Buffett, this is the song that inspired his massive empire and an entire lifestyle of beach-related fun. Sailors young and old will forever be glad to spend time searching for that lost shaker of salt.

5. “Boats” by Kenny Chesney

Following in the sandy footsteps of Jimmy Buffett, Kenny Chesney is a newer country artist with a lot of summery songs that can go well with boats, including this really relaxing tune about “vessels of freedom.”

6. “Banana Boat (Day-O)” by Harry Belafonte

Way back in 1956, famous Jamaican-American singer Harry Belafonte put out this well-known song about the lives of dockworkers, and by now, almost everyone knows how to sing “day-o!”

7. “Sloop John B” by The Beach Boys

This one was originally a traditional West Indies folk song called “The John B. Sails” that the Beach Boys revised in 1966. The song is about John B., an old sponger boat whose crew often got drunk when they came into port . Not surprisingly, the boat crashed and sunk off the coast of the Bahamas in about 1900.

8. “Rock The Boat” by Hues Corporation

This 1974 disco hit “Rock The Boat” is sometimes considered the first disco song to top the Billboard Top 100 charts. The catchy song compares some of the ups and downs of being in a relationship to time spent on a boat.

9. “(Sittin’ on) the Dock of the Bay” by Otis Redding

Recorded in 1968, this classic dedicated to the dock is ideal for a sunset sailing cruise. Listen closely to the song, and you’ll hear the soothing waves in the background while you are “wasting time.”

READ MORE: Everything You Need to Know About Sandbar Parties

10. “No Shoes, No Shirt, No Problems” by Kenny Chesney

Chesney’s clever play on the popular “no shirt, no shoes, no service” saying might become one of the anthems of your next boat trip. Just don’t take his advice when you pull into port, or you may not get served after all.

11. “How Deep Is Your Love” by The Bee Gees

This soothing and relaxing melody will leave you with long-lasting memories of the blue sky, the water, and a bunch of white sails flapping away in the distance “on a summer breeze”.

12. “Sunshine and Summertime” by Faith Hill

When this song comes on the playlist, you’ll probably think all about the barefoot ladies and people getting crazy on the boulevard. Just pull out your colas and ice-cold beers for a big boat party on the water .

13. “Surfin’ USA” by the Beach Boys 

A popular throwback song that every American can get behind when they can’t wait till June, this famous hit has been the very epitome of summer since the Beach Boys released it in 1963. If you’re going on a boat trip in California , put this tune on while you sail around Alcatraz, beneath the Golden Gate Bridge , and go about.

14. “Soak Up The Sun” by Sheryl Crow

Another thing to soak up is some sun. When there is not a cloud in the sky, just rub on some tropical sunscreen and turn up the volume on this hit from 2002. And if the boating lifestyle doesn’t get everyone in your crew to lay back and relax, sing louder when Sheryl Crow tells “everyone to lighten up.”

15. “Son of a Son of a Sailor” by Jimmy Buffett

Boating skills are often passed down from generation to generation, and Jimmy Buffett sings about that in this catchy song from 1978. Some of the best lines are at the end of the song, with “the sea’s in my veins, my tradition remains.”

16. “And It Stoned Me,” by Van Morrison

This is about two young guys on their way to the county fair. It starts raining, but it doesn’t bother them. They wait it out happily but don’t want it to rain all day. They hitch a ride to the creek for some fishing and swimming, then head home and meet their neighbor for some moonshine.

17. “Drive (For Daddy Gene)” by Alan Jackson

If you are taking a trip to a “little lake across the Alabama line ”, put on Alan Jackson’s 2002 story of a boat “built out of love.” For Jackson, the boat is a “piece of my childhood that’ll never be forgotten.”

18. “Southern Cross” by Crosby, Stills & Nash

According to Crosby, Stills & Nash in 1982, their many years of sailing under the Southern Cross became a really helpful way to get over some of their most difficult relationship problems.

19. “Into the Mystic” by Van Morrison

Simply listen to Van Morrison’s amazing melodies and evocative lyrics to feel like you’re in a movie about boating . Lie back, smell the sea, feel the sky, and let your soul and spirit fly into the mystic.

20. “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald” by Gordon Lightfoot

If you are looking to learn a bit of history while enjoying your music, this song might be just perfect for you on the water. It recounts the sinking of the SS Edmund Fitzgerald freighter, a large ship that came to a watery end during a powerful storm in November 1975.

21. “Yellow Submarine” by The Beatles

This famous song does not actually try to tell a specific story, and some of the lyrics are hard to understand, but the blue skies, a sea of green, and a yellow submarine make this tune the closest thing to a Beatles boating song there is.

22. “Come Sail Away” by Styx

Styx band member Dennis DeYoung wrote the song feeling a little depressed about lower than expected album sales. Over the years, it has reached immense popularity, getting featured on adult cartoons like South Park and Family Guy!

23. Kenny Chesney, Uncle Kracker – When The Sun Goes Down

24. David Gray – Sail Away

25. Rod Steward – Sailing

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Songs about boats

Here are some other great boating songs that will help you keep a great mood while boating. Listen to these songs on a boat and make sure the party keeps on going.

26. Little Big Town – Pontoon

27. Ed Sheeran – Boat

28. Chris Janson – “Buy Me A Boat”

29. Blackjack Billy – The Booze Cruise

30. Luke Bryan – Huntin’, Fishin’, And Lovin’ Every Day

31. Crosby, Stills & Nash – Southern Cross

32. Drunken Sailer – Irish Rovers

33. Where the Boat Leaves From – Zac Brown Band

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The Best Yacht Rock Songs for Your Yacht Party Playlist

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Introduction

Yacht parties are all about great music, good vibes and lasting memories. Yacht rock songs are perfect for setting the atmosphere. Their smooth rhythms and calming melodies create the perfect environment for fun and relaxation.

Here’s a guide to the best yacht rock songs for your party playlist:

• Classics like ‘ Sailing ‘ by Christopher Cross, ‘ What A Fool Believes ‘ by The Doobie Brothers and ‘ Africa ‘ by Toto are must-haves.
• Plus, more modern tunes like Daft Punk’s ‘ Get Lucky ‘ can add a fresh twist.
• You can also include some lesser-known gems like Player’s ‘ Baby Come Back ‘, Hall & Oates’ ‘ Sara Smile ‘ and Pablo Cruise’s ‘ Love Will Find A Way ‘ for a personal touch.

John Mayer’s yacht party is a prime example of yacht rock’s power. He chose iconic yacht rock songs for his playlist and danced with friends until sunrise. He said it was one of his most cherished memories – that truly shows what yacht rock can do!

Don’t be misled by the name, it has nothing to do with sailing but everything to do with smooth jams and some chest hair !

The History of Yacht Rock

Yacht Rock – a sub-genre of soft rock. Originated in Southern California in the late ’70s and early ’80s. Smooth production and sophisticated lyrics.

In its heyday, Yacht Rock was an ode to luxury. Savoured by baby boomers with yachts or who could charter boats. The tunes were perfect for sailing along the picturesque coastline, enjoying cocktails under the sun.

Despite being an acquired taste, Yacht Rock has managed to stay popular. From classics like Christopher Cross’ ‘Sailing’ to recent hits like Whitesnake’s ‘Is This Love’. Fans of the genre feel a sense of nostalgia.

The only way to truly appreciate Yacht Rock is on a boat. So, make a playlist for your next boating adventure! Yacht Rock tunes are the epitome of luxury. Enjoy smooth jams and fancy cocktails as you sail away.

The Best Classic Yacht Rock Songs

Want the ideal playlist for your yacht party? Look no further than these top Classic Yacht Rock Songs . Their smooth tunes and beats are timeless. Add these classics to your playlist:

• “Sailing” by Christopher Cross
• “Brandy (You’re a Fine Girl)” by Looking Glass
• “I Can’t Go for That (No Can Do)” by Hall & Oates
• “Escape (The Piña Colada Song)” by Rupert Holmes

Don’t stop there! Include hits from Steely Dan, Michael McDonald and Kenny Loggins . They are essential for a nautical celebration. To make it special, add themed cocktails and decorations.

Pro Tip: Mix modern pop hits with the classics. This helps cater to a wider audience while giving that yacht rock vibe. Get ready to sail into the 21st century with these yacht rock songs!

The Best Modern Yacht Rock Songs

Yacht parties need the perfect tunes! Nothing sets the scene better than a Yacht Rock song. Here are some of the best modern Yacht Rock songs for your playlist:

• Dirty Work – Steely Dan
• Escape (The Pina Colada Song) – Rupert Holmes
• Baker Street – Gerry Rafferty
• Sailing – Christopher Cross
• Ride Like The Wind – Christopher Cross
• What A Fool Believes – The Doobie Brothers

These songs from the ’70s and ’80s bring back simpler times. Breezy rhythms, soothing harmonies and lots of saxophone solos.

Looking to take your Yacht Rock to the next level? Add “ Hold On Loosely ” by .38 Special. Not traditional Yacht Rock, but sure to get the boat rocking! Enjoy your sailing adventure!

The Perfect Yacht Party Playlist

Creating the perfect playlist for a yacht party? Challenging, but possible! With the right selection of songs, your experience will be elevated and you’ll feel transported. Our top 5 picks? Here they are:

• Yacht Rock Classics. Think “ Sailing ” by Christopher Cross and “ Rosanna ” by Toto.
• Smooth Jazz. Get those saxophone melodies and smooth rhythms from Kenny G and George Benson .
• Island Vibes. Bring the island getaway to your yacht with reggae jams like Bob Marley’s “ Three Little Birds ” or UB40’s cover of Neil Diamond’s “ Red Red Wine .”
• Disco in the Sun. Groove to disco classics like Earth, Wind & Fire’s “ September ” or Donna Summer’s “ Hot Stuff .”
• Modern Hits. Add some contemporary flavor with Daft Punk’s “Get Lucky” or Pharrell Williams’ “Happy.”

Add a new twist with instrumental covers or remixes of popular songs. Check out Spotify playlists curated specifically for yacht parties too.

Pro Tip: Keep the energy at an appropriate level throughout the day. Start off mellow and ascend into upbeat hits as the party progresses. Happy cruising! Make yourself feel like a captain of cool with yacht rock classics.

As your yacht party draws to a close, be sure to end it with the best Yacht Rock songs. These tunes are sure to provide the perfect accompaniment to a fantastic evening. Think Christopher Cross’s ‘Ride Like the Wind’ , Michael McDonald’s ‘Yah Mo B There’ , and Hall & Oates’ ‘Private Eyes’ .

Yacht Rock has a special vibe, transporting you to a simpler time. The likes of Toto’s ‘Africa’ , Kenny Loggins’s ‘This Is It’ and Steely Dan’s ‘Do It Again’ can take your evening from good to great.

Go for something a bit different and try Robbie Dupree’s ‘Steal Away’ . It may not be as well known, but it still has the essence of Yacht Rock. Your guests will love it!

Don’t miss out on the chance to make your party special. Yacht Rock music is a must-have for any Yacht Party. Relax and enjoy the nostalgia, and choose from some of the greatest yacht rock songs out there!

the future of music

Suggestions

30 best boat songs (ultimate boating music playlist).

I’ve picked out the best boat songs, creating an ultimate boating music playlist that captures the freedom and adventure of being on the water.

This article is your soundtrack for sailing, cruising, or simply enjoying the serene beauty of the sea.

Table of Contents

Top boat songs

• “Day O!” by Harry Belafonte
• “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere” by Jimmy Buffett
• “Southern Cross” by Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
• “Rock the Boat” by The Hues Corporation
• “(Sittin’ On) the Dock of the Bay” by Otis Redding
• “Boats” by Kenny Chesney
• “I’m On a Boat” by The Lonely Island
• “The Wreck of The Edmund Fitzgerald” by Gordon Lightfoot
• “Sloop John B” by The Beach Boys
• “Redneck Yacht Club” by Craig Morgan

1. “Day O!” by Harry Belafonte

This classic tune is the perfect boat party song and one of the best boat songs of all time. 

This traditional calypso-style Caribbean folk song is a must-have for your boating playlist, with its upbeat tempo and catchy lyrics that you can’t help but sing along to.

2. “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere” by Jimmy Buffett

This is a great song for anyone looking for an upbeat and lively boat party song. 

It perfectly encapsulates the idea of boating and the feeling of being out on the water: just let go and enjoy the ride. 

Whether you’re boating in the Caribbean, cruising along the coast, or just having fun on the lake, this song will get everyone in the mood for some good boat music.

3. “Southern Cross” by Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young

With its memorable chorus and timeless guitar melody, “Southern Cross” by Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young is sure to be a hit at any boat party or boat cruise.

4. “Rock the Boat” by The Hues Corporation

This 70s funk song is the perfect addition to any boat party playlist. 

The catchy lyrics and easy-to-dance-to-beat make it one of the best boating songs of all time. 

It’s a great choice for those who want to keep the energy up while on the boat and enjoy some upbeat boating music.

5. “(Sittin’ On) the Dock of the Bay” by Otis Redding

When it comes to boating songs, you can’t go wrong with “(Sittin’ On) the Dock of the Bay” by Otis Redding. 

This timeless favorite is a popular choice for boat parties, cruises, and other boating activities. 

The song has a laid-back feel and upbeat melody that make it perfect for setting the mood on the water.

6. “Boats” by Kenny Chesney

If you’re looking for an upbeat boating song that will get your boat party started, look no further than “Boats” by Kenny Chesney. 

This vintage country music hit is one of the best boat songs out there. 

It has a driving beat and catchy melody that will have you dancing around on the deck of your boat while cruising around the lake or ocean.

7. “I’m On a Boat” by The Lonely Island

When you think of boating songs, The Lonely Island’s “I’m On a Boat” probably comes to mind. 

It’s the perfect anthem for anyone who loves to be out on the open water. 

The lyrics are just as fun as the visuals, making it one of the best boat songs ever created. 

From telling tales of being out in the middle of the ocean to taking part in a wild party on a yacht, this track will have everyone singing along in no time.

8. “The Wreck of The Edmund Fitzgerald” by Gordon Lightfoot

The poignant “Wreck of The Edmund Fitzgerald” by the Canadian folk singer-songwriter Gordon Lightfoot is a classic boat song that tells the tragic story of the sinking of an iron ore freighter on Lake Superior in 1976. 

The haunting lyrics reflect the ominous circumstances surrounding the accident and the sadness of those left behind.

9. “Sloop John B” by The Beach Boys

The Beach Boys are an iconic American band whose music has been enjoyed by generations of fans.

Another classic song by The Beach Boys is their 1976 single “Sloop John B” 

This song is a cover of a traditional Bahamian folk song that was first recorded in the 1920s. 

The Beach Boys’ version of the song became one of their most popular hits and remains a fan favorite to this day.

10. “Redneck Yacht Club” by Craig Morgan

Country music star Craig Morgan has had a long and successful career and is loved by many fans. 

One of his most beloved songs is “Redneck Yacht Club”. 

The song was released in 2005 and became an instant classic.

The lyrics of the song speak to the idea of a weekend getaway with friends, hitting the open seas on a boat, and forgetting all their cares.

11. “Sailing” by Christopher Cross

Christopher Cross is one of the greatest contemporary songwriters, and his classic track “Sailing” is an iconic boat song. 

The lyrics speak to the joys of freedom out on the open waters and the relaxation that comes with being surrounded by nature.

12. “Son of a Son of a Sailor” by Jimmy Buffett

Boaters and music go hand-in-hand, and no one knows that better than Jimmy Buffett. 

His classic hit, “Son of a Son of a Sailor”, is a must-have on any boat playlist. 

This upbeat track tells the story of a sailor whose love of the sea has been passed down through generations.

13. “Buy Me a Boat” by Chris Janson

Boating enthusiasts of all ages are sure to love the country-rock track “Buy Me a Boat” by Chris Janson.

This upbeat and feel-good song has been featured on the soundtracks of popular films. 

“Buy Me a Boat” is an instant classic that’s sure to bring good vibes to your boating adventures. 

So, put on your best Hawaiian shirt, grab your sunblock, and let “Buy Me a Boat” by Chris Janson provide the soundtrack for your next cruise.

14. “Boat Drinks” by Jimmy Buffett

This amazing tune from Jimmy Buffett is the perfect song for boating. 

With its upbeat, fun-loving vibes and catchy melody, “Boat Drinks” is one of the best boat songs out there. 

It’s perfect for any boat party song or boat cruising song and will get you in the mood to enjoy the water.

15. “I’m On A Boat” by The Lonely Island

The Lonely Island is back with a nautical-inspired banger. 

Released in 2009, “I’m On A Boat” quickly became a fan favorite and established The Lonely Island as one of the most innovative hip-hop acts of the decade. 

With its witty lyrics and upbeat production, “I’m On A Boat” is sure to get your boat rocking.

16. “If I Had a Boat” by Lyle Lovett 

Lyle Lovett brings us a catchy melody and thoughtful lyrics with “If I Had a Boat”. 

Listeners can’t help but be drawn into his musings and imaginings of being free on the water. 

Lyle Lovett’s “If I Had a Boat” is a great addition to any boating playlist.

17. “Sail Away” by David Gray

Get ready to set sail with David Gray’s “Sail Away”. 

This classic single, released in 1998, is the perfect song to kick off your boating playlist. 

The soothing, acoustic guitar is accompanied by Gray’s magical voice, which will leave you in a peaceful state of mind. 

Sing along as he croons about adventure and exploration, and you’ll soon find yourself lost in the beauty of the open seas.

18. “Where The Boat Leaves From” by Zac Brown Band

Released in 2006, Zac Brown Band’s song “Where the Boat Leaves From” is a true country classic and perfect for boating. 

The lyrics capture the feelings of someone coming to terms with heartbreak, and the narrator in the song realizes that the only way forward is to find peace on the boat that leaves his hometown.

19. “I Was on a Boat That Day” by Old Dominion

The song tells the story of someone reminiscing about a day spent boating, describing the beauty of nature and the people on the boat. 

It’s sure to be a hit when added to any boat playlist, as it’s a great choice for music for boating and an ideal addition to any list of best boat songs.

20. “Ship Faced” by The Cadillac Three

The Cadillac Three’s song “Ship Faced” is a great addition to any boating playlist. 

With its classic rock riffs and catchy chorus, it’s sure to get your feet tapping and your head bobbing. 

The lyrics tell a story of an epic day out on the open waters, and the upbeat tempo will have you singing along in no time.

21. “Boat Ride” by Brian Kelley

The song is a mellow track with an infectious melody and lighthearted lyrics that will have you feeling the groove. 

With its smooth-sailing guitar licks and gentle vocal harmonies, it’s sure to get your blood flowing and have you ready for a fun ride in the sun. 

So crank up the volume and get ready to cruise as you listen to this feel-good anthem from Brian Kelley.

22. “Fishin’ In The Dark” by Nitty Gritty Dirt Band 

“Fishin’ In The Dark” by Nitty Gritty Dirt Band is a fun, uplifting tune about a night out on the water, and it was an instant hit when it was released in 1987. 

The song became a number-one hit on the US Country Singles chart and earned Nitty Gritty Dirt Band awards including a Grammy nomination for Best Country Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group.

23. “Sailing” by Rod Stewart

The classic song “Sailing” is a signature hit from the legendary artist Rod Stewart. 

Originally released in 1975, the single topped the charts in multiple countries, including the US and the UK, and earned Stewart his first Grammy Award for Best Pop Vocal Performance. 

It has since become an international anthem of sorts and a timeless classic, immortalized by its relatable lyrics and lighthearted melodies.

24. “Come Sail Away” by Styx

One of the all-time classic boat songs is “Come Sail Away” by the rock band Styx. 

Released in 1977, this song went on to become a No. 8 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and was even inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. 

With its upbeat sound and inspiring lyrics about sailing away to the Caribbean and discovering a new land, “Come Sail Away” is sure to get you in the boating mood.

25. “The Downeaster ‘Alexa’” by Billy Joel

With its upbeat tempo and vivid lyrics about a fishing boat captain’s struggles, this song is perfect for making your ultimate boating playlist. 

It has become an anthem for those who love to go boating, providing a source of music for their boat party or cruising.

26. “Sail On” by Commodores

The Commodores is an American funk and soul band, which was at its peak in the late 1970s and early 1980s. 

They released their classic hit “Sail On” in 1979, and it quickly became a staple of music for boating. 

This song offers a perfect blend of a steady, upbeat rhythm and smooth lyrics that make it a great boat party song and the chorus evokes a sense of adventure.

27. “Boats ‘N Hoes” by Huff ‘N Doback

Huff ‘N Doback are a comedic duo made up of Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly, and “Boats ‘N Hoes” is one of their most well-known songs. 

The song appears in the 2008 comedy Step Brothers, which stars Ferrell and Reilly as two grown men forced to share a bedroom. 

The song was written by Ferrell, Reilly, Andy Samberg, and Jorma Taccone, all of whom also appear in the film.

28. “For A Boat” by Luke Bryan

Released in 2021, it quickly became a hit and earned Luke Bryan multiple awards. 

The song is positive and features lyrics about looking for a carefree life, living off the sea, and spending time with loved ones. 

Whether you are cruising down the river, partying on a boat, or just enjoying good boat music, this song has everything you need to make the most of your boating experience. 

It’s definitely one of the best boat songs around!

29. “Margaritaville” by Jimmy Buffett

This song was released in 1977 and is a testament to Jimmy Buffett’s talent. 

“Margaritaville” has become an anthem for people all over the world who enjoy the laid-back lifestyle of soaking up the sun, having a drink or two, and living in the moment. 

The song was even nominated for two Grammy Awards! If you’re looking for the perfect song to kick off your summer boating playlist, then “Margaritaville” by Jimmy Buffett is an absolute must-have.

30. “Water” by Brad Paisley

Brad Paisley is an American country music singer -songwriter who has achieved immense success in the genre, with over 30 Top 10 singles and 21 No. 1 hits. 

He has won numerous awards for his songwriting, performance, and production, including 3 Grammys and 14 Academy of Country Music Awards. 

“Water,” a song from his 2009 album American Saturday Night , earned him two CMA nominations. 

The song’s positive message of being free and unbounded by life’s troubles resonates to this day.

Whether you’re a fan of country, rock, or anything in between, there’s no denying the importance of having the right music for boating . 

Boating songs can add energy and excitement to your boat party, make a sunset cruise extra special, and turn any boat trip into an unforgettable experience. 

These 30 best boat songs will make the perfect addition to your boat playlist. 

So turn up the music, get out on the water, and enjoy these upbeat boating songs. 

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The Top 1,659 Boat Songs To Rock Out To

There is no such thing as a boat day that is silent unless fishing is involved, and back in the day we had to curate lists and prepare endlessly for a boat trip. Today, we have Spotify and Pandora, so we can always get the right vibes and set the right tone for a perfect day on the lake.

Music is extremely personal and is the fastest way to set a mood, on or off the water. Party boat songs are in their own class though, and most listeners’ tastes can be categorized into four groups: bangers, country, classic, or yacht rock.

We combed through hundreds of Spotify playlists to share our favorite party boat songs, and the most requested lists from our excursions.

Behold the top 1,659 boat songs to rock out to:

Boat Party 2023: Party Hits

This year’s easiest to grab party boat playlist, these songs are what’s hot this year.

Boat Party Bangers Music 2023

If you plan on hitting up Devil’s Cove and getting loud, this is THE list for that.

From Journey and Diana Ross to Steely Dan, this list has it all and is perfect for a multi-generational outing.

25 of the Best Boating Songs

While it’s the shortest playlist on our list, it’s pretty fricken’ good and just sounds like boating – Jimmy Buffett, Katy Perry, The Beach Boys, and Van Morrison? Yessir.

Boat Party Jamz

Okay look, we’ve invested in our sound systems more than any other fleet on the lake, so we absolutely love bass-heavy music – most systems fall flat, but we can bump so hard your sunglasses fall off.

Boating Country Music

From old to new, this list has it all: Johnny Cash to Jason Aldean and Florida Georgia Line, it invokes the feeling of a hot summer day on the water.

Over 600 Boat Jams

If country music is what you’re looking for while floating on Lake Travis, this is the ultimate list. It’s diverse and classic, and they keep adding songs to it. We love it!

90s/00s Boat Jams

For some of us, a day in the sun isn’t complete without some Nsync and Britney or Ludacris yellin’ about Southern Hospitality (throw them ‘bows!!), so this is where we head on those days.

80s/90s Jams

And for others, the 80s and 90s are the sweet spot for a fun day, so this list is ready to scratch that itch!

Remixes & Mashups 2023

One of the more creative ways to enjoy music on the lake is with a list of remixes and mashups to keep it unexpected yet still familiar.

These are all Spotify playlists, but we also have Pandora on all of our boats, so you can tell us an artist and we can take it from there. But we find that today, most folks have a playlist ready, and we’re equipped for that.

We hope this list of playlists suits all of your needs, or gets you inspired to create your ultimate playlist of boat songs for your next outing on the water!

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Picture this: a day on the water, a full tank of gas in your boat, and vibes set by the perfect soundtrack. Boating songs are a mixed bag — Jimmy Buffett caters toward the lower and slower southern boater, while new tunes from popular country artists can get any party going.

Because boaters come from all walks of life, we’ve separated our list of the best boating songs ever into categories:

Top Summer Boating Songs

Top party boating songs, top country boating songs.

• top-songs-about-boats-and-water

Turn up the volume and set sail with this curated list of the best boating songs.

We’ve crafted a list of five upbeat and energetic songs perfect for setting a lively atmosphere for your summer boating trip.

1. “Soak Up the Sun” – Sheryl Crow

This is a country anthem about enjoying life’s simple pleasures, starting with the summer sun. With uplifting lyrics like “I don't have digital / I don't have diddly squat / It's not having what you want / It's wanting what you've got,” this song is a classic feel-good tune.

2. “Summer” - Calvin Harris

This one is an electrifying dance hit that captures the essence of the season. Something about it carries the euphoria of late summer nights and carefree moments on the dancefloor. Its lyrics are about hitting it off with a summer fling and falling in love “while the leaves turn brown.”

3. “All Summer Long” – Kid Rock

Kid Rock blends rock and country in this nostalgic ode to carefree summers. Its easy melody takes listeners down memory lane of sun-kissed days and youthful adventures.

4. “When the Sun Goes Down” – Kenny Chesney and Uncle Kracker

A slow, laid-back country jam, this tune has breezy melodies and easy sing-along lyrics. “Everything gets hotter when the sun goes down” is a bumper sticker-worthy lyric.

5. “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” – Bob Marley

Bob Marley is known for his soothing lyrics that make you feel like you’re right down in Jamaica with him. There’s nothing better than sitting on a boat, looking out at the horizon, and remembering that all is well.

1. “Sunroof” - Nicky Youre Loud Luxury Remix

Los Angeles-based Nicky Youre writes youthful, romance-filled lyrics in this happy-go-lucky summer song. There’s a reason the song blew up so swiftly - it’s infectiously positive.

2. “Island in the Sun” - Gamper & Dadoni, Conor Byrne

Need a musical escape to paradise? This combination of laid-back beats and tropical sounds creates the perfect summer backdrop to your boating day, whether you’re fishing, partying, or just chilling.

3. “Welcome to Jamrock” - Damian Marley

This classic reggae jam samples an even more well-known hit, “World-a-Reggae” by Ini Kamoze. With an upbeat spin on a timeless throwback, partiers around the world love this jam.

4. “Potion” - Calvin Harris, Dua Lipa

As you drink your potions by the ocean, groove to the sound of energetic beats and intoxicating vocals. Calvin Harris, the master of producing dancefloor-worthy songs, created the perfect “song of the summer” boat party jam with this one. Play it to liven up your bachelorette boat party or to make the most of your Saturday out.

5. “Red Solo Cup” - Toby Keith

Name a better way to bring people together than with the universal red solo cup. As catchy as a nursery rhyme but with lyrics you wouldn’t play around mixed company, “Red Solo Cup” is one of the best party boat songs out there. Play it at your bachelor boat party or a simple weekend get-together.

1. “Pontoon” - Little Big Town

Full of puns and witty lyrics, Pontoon makes you want to drop what you’re doing and rent a pontoon boat with friends. With lyrics like “5 mile an hour with aluminum side

/ Wood paneling with a water slide / Can't beat the heat, so let's take a ride,” it’s a chill country boating song for lower and slower boating days. Pour up your boat drinks and soak up the sun.

2. “No Shoes, No Short, No Problems”- Kenney Chesney

Chesney channels a work hard play harder attitude; we can all relate to wanting to unwind after a long work week, kick back, and chill on the beach. He really said it perfectly: ”Wanna soak up life for a while, and lay back low / No boss no clock no stress, no dress code.”

3. “Buy Me A Boat” - Chris Jansen

Money might not buy happiness, but it can buy a boat…and a truck to pull it. Enjoy your boat ride with a country song that makes you appreciate just being there.

4. “Redneck Yacht Club” - Craig Morgan

Fun is universal and you don’t need a huge, suped-up boat to do it (although yacht rentals can be really fun). This country boating song reminds us that life is what you make it, and it doesn’t matter if you’re boating on rivers, lakes, or oceans - what matters most is being on the water.

5. “Cruise” - Florida Georgia Line

Every boating song playlist needs a sing-songy melody like Florida Georgia Line’s “Cruise.” Whether cruising on a boat or the road with the windows down, this country-pop fusion is infectious.

6. “Where The Boat Leaves From” - Zac Brown Band

Zac Brown Band has mastered the summer boating vibe. This one mixes folk, country, and reggae beats, inviting you to escape the daily grind and embrace the tranquil beauty of seaside retreats.

7. “Somethin' 'Bout a Boat” - Jimmy Buffett

The open waters are, as this song reminds us, calming. “Somethin bout a boat” gives you hope - it can take you home, or take you around the world.

8. “Knee Deep” - Zac Brown Band

Another carefree hit from Zac Brown Band, “Knee Deep” paints a picture of blue waters, sandy beaches, and carefree living. Full of easygoing optimism and mellow sounds, it’s a warm invitation to disconnect and enjoy your day on the water.

9. “Lovely Cruise” - Jimmy Buffett

With deeper undertones than most of Buffett’s vacation-vibed songs, “Lovely Cruise” connects the end of one of life’s chapters with the bitter-sweet ending of a trip at sea. “We'll bid our farewells much too soon / So drink it up, this one's for you / Honey, it's been a lovely cruise.”

10. “Water” - Brad Paisley

As a kid, water means inflatable pools and rope swings. As we get older, our “love affair with water” grows up with us, from “Daytona Beach on spring break” or “driving until the map turns blue.”

Songs About Boats and Water

1. “(sittin' on) the dock of the bay“ - otis redding.

What better way to waste time than enjoying a sweet sunset cruise? This song beautifully carries deeper meanings about life, time, and how we spend it.

2. “Son Of A Son Of A Sailor” - Jimmy Buffett

“The sea's in my veins, my tradition remains.” For some of us, boating is in our blood, a family tradition that reminds us where we came from. It’s a lyrical voyage about heritage and freedom.

3. “The Downeaster 'Alexa'” - Billy Joel

Joel’s evocative voice crafts a powerful ode to fishermen’s struggles and resilience. As you set sail toward the horizon, this boat song will provide a motivational and emotional tone.

4. “Sailor’s Lament” – Creedence Clearwater Revival

Inspiring reflection, this song captures a yearning for change. Somewhat somber lyrics with an upbeat classic rock tune make this a good boating song for sailing alone.

5. “Single Handed Sailor” – Dire Straits

The line "Single-handed sailor, go out and get the hidden hoard" evokes a sense of solitary adventure. The song's moody melody and Mark Knopfler's distinctive vocals create a mysterious aura for boat music on the sea.

As you prepare for your day on the water, use these songs about boats and water as a starting point to create your ultimate boating playlist. From upbeat party boat songs to heartfelt melodies of sailors past, our selection embraces the diverse community that makes up the boating world. Happy Boating!

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The 10 best songs for your yachting playlist

Music is the ideal complement to the sound of the wind and the waves whilst sailing or motoring along. But what to listen to? Here is BOAT International 's pick of the 10 best tunes to add to your summer yachting playlist...

Lovely Day – Bill Withers

Kicking things off is the absurdly uplifting Lovely Day . Universally known for its summery groove and life-affirming choruses, the song is an exercise in positivity. The “it’s going to be a lovely day” sentiment certainly holds true when strolling the sun-kissed decks of a superyacht, with nothing to worry about except where your next Long Island Ice Tea is coming from. For those that didn’t know, the 18-second-long note towards the end of the song – “lovely daa-aay” – is the longest-held note in Pop history.

Reelin’ In The Years – Steely Dan

The riff-bending Reelin’ In The Years contains more hooks than most musicians come up with in their entire careers, let alone a single song. Steely Dan’s 1973 hit has a lot going for it, not least the ample opportunity for air-guitar (something best enjoyed a good two metres away from the water’s edge). There’s also something evocative about the reverb drenched solos, perfect for when you’re adventuring miles away from home.

He’s So Shy – The Pointer Sisters

This funk number is everything you could want from a nautical bop. The chorus leaps out at you from the stripped-back verses, and there’s even a synth solo to keep the head nodding. The Pointer Sisters’ “so shy” love interest might be a slight departure from the general perception of superyacht owners, but we’re sure this tune will have you losing your inhibitions on deck when it comes on.

Everywhere – Fleetwood Mac

Does anything trigger a nostalgia trip quicker and more efficiently than Lindsay Buckingham’s sampled Fairlight synthesiser at the start of Everywhere ? A few lines of that glistening backing track and bang, you’re back in the 80s. It might not be the band’s biggest hit, but it’s surely their most enduring, just because it’s so singable . The refrain “I want to be with you everywhere” can be hummed at your partner or superyacht interchangeably, so top marks for that.

What a Fool Believes – The Doobie Brothers

Contrary to their stage name, The Doobie Brothers were all actually rather well-behaved chaps. That said, the harmonies on the What a Fool Believes ’s chorus do have a somewhat transportive effect on the psyche. Even though it’s one of the few songs on this list in a minor key, it definitely won’t stop the party with its stomping rhythm and relentless groove.

Cool Cat – Queen

One of Queen’s lesser-known ditties, this 1982 banger sees the four-piece trade in their fuzzy tones and stadium-rocking vocals for something a bit more relaxed and soulful. If the rumours are true, legendary Queen guitarist Brian May declined to play on the studio version because he hated the ‘new sound’ the song represented. Well Brian, we’re afraid you’re on your own there. Cool Cat sways with playful assuredness and should have everyone on board strutting around with style.

Everybody’s Talkin’ – Harry Nilsson

Part of Midnight Cowboy ’s stunning soundtrack, Everybody’s Talkin’ describes someone’s desire to run away from the city to a more peaceful place. “Sailing on a summer breeze, skipping over the ocean like a stone,” Nilsson, who won a Grammy for this performance, sings. This perspective is one that drives so many to set sail, searching for an easier life among the waves and away from the urban humdrum.

Summer Breeze – The Isley Brothers

Nothing summons that high season excitement quite The Isley Brothers’ rendition of Summer Breeze . The song was originally released in 1972 by Seals & Crofts, but the Isley Brothers’ version two years later just shades it. The mesmerising harmonies that the group launch into, combined with that guitar solo in the tune’s final bars make Summer Breeze a must-have in any playlist worth it's salt.

It’s 5 o’clock Somewhere – Alan Jackson feat. Jimmy Buffet

Lethal in its brilliance, It’s 5 o’clock Somewhere ’s music video sees Alan Jackson strumming a six string on the back of a 24 metre Merritt Boat Works sportfisher named Hullbilly , before joining Jimmy Buffet (proud owner of 15 metre sailing yacht Drifter ) on land for some merriment.

Guilty – Barbara Streisand and Barry Gibb

In the first verse, the great Barbara urges the governing class to “make it a crime to be lonely or sad”. We’re all for that. Anyway, it’s quite difficult to be either of those things when you’re lazing on a foredeck sunpad with the ocean breeze gently rippling both margherita and hair. If you were wondering what happens when two of the 80s’ most recognisable voices come together, well, now you do. Pop magic happens.

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Superyacht MIZU stars in ‘End Game’ music video alongside Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran

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By Katia Damborsky   17 October 2018

Playing host to a star-studded party in Taylor Swift’s ‘End Game’ music video, the 53m/174ft motor yacht MIZU showed off her decadent new interiors and stand-out amenities on location in Miami .

Charter yacht MIZU can now count Taylor Swift among her notable guests after appearing in the glitzy music video for the singer's chart-topping single End Game , featuring Ed Sheeran and rapper Future.

Including stunning shots of the superyacht glittering off the coast of Miami and a closer look at the yacht’s freshly-refitted interiors, it’s easy to see why Swift chose MIZU for the party scenes.

The video opens with Swift and her entourage dancing on the sun deck in front of the illuminated spa pool and marble-topped wet bar. It then takes viewers inside, where the yacht’s luxurious interiors can be admired up close. The frosted wet bar in the main salon makes an appearance, as does the glass-embossed central stairwell where Future and Swift are posed.

In other shots, the pair can be seen on the foredeck against the backdrop of the sparkling Miami coastline. The word ‘Rep’ is lit up behind them, in reference to Swift’s clothing line and an abbreviation of her latest album titled Reputation , on which End Game  features.

Shot across three different locations, Ed Sheeran makes an appearance later in the London and Tokyo portions of the music video.

Launched by Oceanfast in 2004, the motor yacht is a popular charter option with a superb selection of on-board facilities including a private cinema and basketball ring on the main deck.  

Esteemed design firm Sam Sorgiovanni are responsible for the interior and exterior of the yacht, and have used plush carpets, glass furnishings and sophisticated cream tones to create an opulent and elegant on-board ambience. Superyacht MIZU provides accommodation for 10 guests enjoying their yacht charter vacation.

To find more about chartering MIZU, please get in touch with your preferred charter broker .

Alternatively, view all superyachts for charter in Miami .

More Yacht Information:

53m Oceanfast 2004 / 2023

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Steve Aoki and Kenia Os Hit ‘Replay’ on a Pool Party in New Video

By Tomás Mier

Kenia Os is throwing a pool party and she’s tapping the “coolest DJ in the world.” On Thursday, the Mexican pop star released her collaboration with Steve Aoki , “Replay,” and its sexy party video.

“This track represents something big not only for me, but also to put Mexico on the global map,” Kenia said in a press release. “I’ve always been a fan of Steve Aoki and I think we managed to capture that feeling of an endless night.”

“I wanted to give them a different and special song, and what better way to do it than by working with the coolest DJ in the world,” she added.

The Directora Mami-directed video sees Aoki and Kenia hosting a massive poolside party at a mansion.

The new single comes about a month after Kenia released her video for her Villano Antillano collab, “V.I.P.” At the time, she told Rolling Stone that her dream collaborator is Sabrina Carpenter. Both stars have embraced a cutesy, pastel aesthetic in their style and have been compared by fans in the past.

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The new track is the first taste of music from Kenia since releasing her album Pink Aura in April. Kenia is set to tour the United States later this year with stops in Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, and New York. “I hope to come back with more cities but this year we focused on doing just a couple of shows because we were working on the next album,” Kenia said. “2025 already looks very promising.”

For his part, Aoki dropped the album Paragon in late June, which featured collaborations with Kiddo, Ne-Yo, Raphaella, and Lil Jon.

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Lil Yachty Continues His Run with "Sorry Not Sorry" Featuring Veeze

Following up “let’s get on dey ass” and “hate me.”.

The past month has seen another consistent compilation of solo releases from Lil Yachty . After he dropped off “Let’s Get on Dey Ass” in mid-July, Boat followed it up with “Hate Me” and today, he reminded us that he isn’t done with the run quiet yet, now unleashing “Sorry Not Sorry.”

Featuring Veeze , the just-over two-minute track came as a surprise when Veeze revealed its imminent release a few hours prior.  “sorry not sorry – me & twin out now,” Yachty wrote on Instagram; Boat also appears on Jean Dawson ‘s “Die For Me” this week.

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Keep Dreaming (@veezeworst)

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Kid Rock Threw the Party. MAGA Faithful Brought the Joy, Rage and Smirnoff Ice.

A music festival headlined by the pro-Trump musician offered a snapshot of a maturing American subculture, with a mash-up of hedonism, rebellion and beer-guzzling pursuit of happiness.

A mechanical bull at Kid Rock’s Rock the Country festival in Anderson, S.C., in July. Credit... Nicole Craine for The New York Times

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By Richard Fausset

Reporting from Anderson, S.C.

• Aug. 11, 2024

Alan Jeanetti, a 73-year-old retired barber, was tailgating with friends before Rock the Country, a touring music festival headlined by the pro-Trump musician Kid Rock. Mr. Jeanetti’s head was wrapped in a star-spangled bandanna. His T-shirt declared, “I Don’t Care.”

Mr. Jeanetti actually cares about many things, including the toll that his political leanings have taken on his personal life. “I have lost so many friends because I was a Trump lover,” he said. “I wouldn’t do that to them.”

On this broiling July day in Anderson, S.C., however, Mr. Jeanetti had a safe space. A tribe. All around him were fellow fans of former President Donald J. Trump, many with big trucks lining the green fields around the outdoor concert venue. Trump flags fluttered above R.V.s and tents, alongside American flags and a few of the Confederate variety.

Some 22,500 people would come on this first day of the two-day festival, according to the local sheriff’s office, drawn by Kid Rock and an abundance of country performers. “It’s going to be another Woodstock One,” Mr. Jeanetti said.

Starting in April in Gonzales, La., and stopping in six other midsize Southern cities through late July, Rock the Country offered a vision of the MAGA movement in pure party mode.

The shows felt like Trump rallies without the former president, unburdened by policy talk, speeches from lesser-known G.O.P. players, and the buzz-kill tendencies of Mr. Trump himself, who tends to noodle at the lectern like a jam-band soloist.

What remained was a snapshot of a maturing American subculture, with unwritten conventions rivaling those of Deadheads or Swifties, and a dizzying mash-up of hedonism and piety, angry rebellion and beer-guzzling pursuit of happiness.

It was also more evidence that Kid Rock, the 53-year-old Michigan entertainer and festival co-owner whose real name is Robert James Ritchie, has emerged as a chief cultural standard-bearer of Trumpism. At the Republican National Convention in July, Mr. Ritchie, who says he golfs regularly with Mr. Trump, performed shortly before the former president’s speech accepting the nomination, leading the crowd in chants of “Fight! Fight!” and setting a defiantly salty tone with his anthem, “American Bad Ass.”

In a phone interview last week, Mr. Ritchie said that Rock the Country had been designed to appeal to the conservative demographic that had made TV shows like “Duck Dynasty” and “Yellowstone” so popular.

Mr. Ritchie, who began his career as a rather apolitical party rapper, has not only ridden the wave of working-class anger that propels the MAGA movement, but he has also done much to shape it. His 2023 protest of Bud Light, after the beer brand partnered with a transgender influencer, sent its sales plummeting.

After the November election, Mr. Ritchie said, he would try to “lower the tone” politically, “and go back to trying to make good music that anybody can enjoy.” But for now, he said, “I’m going to go hard in the paint through this election for my guy, because I believe in his policies.”

At one point in the conversation, he was asked about prominent conservatives who have raised doubts about Mr. Trump’s fitness for office. Mr. Ritchie, chuckling, referred to those doubters with a homophobic slur; two days later, he texted The New York Times to note that his comment was a line from the 1982 film “Fast Times at Ridgemont High.”

In South Carolina, Kid Rock was the biggest act on the first day of the festival, with the country star Jason Aldean headlining on the second. By late afternoon on Day 1, thousands of people — young and old, overwhelmingly white — had crowded into the open field in front of the stage. Young women clopped across the grass in cherry-red cowgirl boots and Daisy Dukes. Men tried to outdo each other with T-shirts with politically incorrect remarks (“Taxes are Gay”; “Ammosexual”; “I’m voting CONVICTED FELON 2024”).

It had been five days since President Biden announced he would not seek re-election and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris to be the Democratic nominee — too soon, it seemed, for the rollout of anti-Harris shirts.

It had also been two weeks since a gunman had tried to assassinate Mr. Trump in Pennsylvania, and one shirt seemed to set the tone more than others: It showed Mr. Trump raising his middle fingers, with the words “YOU MISSED,” followed by an expletive.

The conservative movement once proudly defined itself in opposition to the recreational drug use of the leftist counterculture. At Rock the Country, a cannabis tent did a brisk business in prerolled joints and Delta-9 space pops. Another company sold gummies containing a “proprietary mushroom and nootropics” blend, the packaging said, for a “mind-bending experience.” Bud Light was the conspicuous sponsor of a two-story outdoor bar.

A lighting rig facing the stage had been designed, an organizer told the crowd, to resemble a cross, a reminder that “the true hope for the United States is Jesus Christ.”

Taking it all in from a picnic table were Margie Guden, 58, a supervisor at a fast-food restaurant from Zirconia, N.C., and her husband William, 62, who works at a farm supply store. “There’s no Biden fans here,” Ms. Guden said. “Fantastic!”

The Gudens said they identified with neither political party. They said they would like to see everyone currently in office voted out, and Mr. Trump voted in to cleanse a corrupt system. They also thought he could rein in inflation.

“There ain’t no such thing as balancing a budget no more, when you go to work and you’re making, let’s say, $10 to $15 an hour, and it costs you $22 an hour to live where you are,” Mr. Guden said. “How do you make up and adjust for that cost of living? Credit card.”

Mr. Jeanetti, a North Carolina resident, spoke over a happy din that mounted as the parking lot filled and his friends sipped from cans of Smirnoff Ice.

Mr. Trump, he said, bore some responsibility for the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. But Mr. Jeanetti added that practical issues took precedence when it came to his vote: “The bottom line is called the economy.”

Faith in Mr. Trump seemed to paper over some serious disagreements among the concertgoers. Mr. Jeanetti said he was staunchly in favor of abortion rights. “I grew up in the ’70s,” he said. “Who the hell are you to say I have to have this baby?”

But a few yards away, Jeremy Morey, 47, a plumber from Boyne Falls, Mich., said he believed that liberals’ support for abortion was proof they had aligned themselves with satanic forces when there were “actual angels and demons fighting right now for the soul of this country.”

Others were split on whether the MAGA movement was on the cusp of open rebellion. Edwin Poteet Black Jr., a longtime Kid Rock fan from Michigan with convictions for robbery, assaulting a police officer and other crimes, said that it was time for conservatives to rise up in a civil war against liberals. “We are to the point our forefathers would have already been out in the streets, shooting,” said Mr. Black, whose grandson had given him tickets to the festival for his 60th birthday.

Through the spring and summer, the Rock the Country shows mixed and matched performers, but most were from the world of country — a genre wide enough to encompass all manner of politics, both “ rednecks and bluenecks, ” as the writer Chris Willman once put it, but one that often aligns with conservative ideals.

In South Carolina, warm-up acts for Kid Rock repurposed recent rock sounds, from grunge to metal. But they mostly stuck to traditional country themes: patriotism, love and lust, God and family, trucks and beer.

Elvie Shane, a singer-songwriter from Kentucky, kicked off the show with “Forgotten Man,” a booming song about the pride and travails of the working life that segued into a cover of Bruce Springsteen’s “Born in the U.S.A.” In between songs, he sounded a rare note of concern about the way Americans seemed to have turned on each other.

“I feel like we’re just so divided these days. I know y’all ain’t,” he said with a laugh that seemed to acknowledge the crowd’s unified politics. He encouraged them to reach out to friends or family who might be on the other side of the political divide. “If you love them, you be the bigger man — you make the phone call and say, ‘Hey look, I know we disagree. But I still love you.’”

Before Kid Rock’s set, Shane Quick, one of the festival organizers, took the stage and asked the fans to join him in prayer. He thanked God for the military, the police, barbecue and Southeastern Conference football. “Dear God,” he said, “we thank you that just a few days ago, you kept the future president Donald Trump safe from the assassination attempt.”

The crowd went wild. Moments later, Kid Rock took the stage, flanked by dancers who gyrated on poles topped with American flags. He danced and rapped about his rough and rowdy ways. He performed his signature song, “Cowboy,” with its provocative line, “I can smell a pig from a mile away.” At one point he sang in a bluesman’s voice about the nefarious cultural imports of soccer and tofu .

Late in the show, Mr. Trump’s face hovered above the stage in a prerecorded video. He told the crowd they were the “true backbone” of the country.

“Let’s make America rock again,” Mr. Trump said in the video.

Mr. Ritchie said that he hopes Rock the Country will become a regular fixture on the American festival calendar, and predicted that Trumpism would live on as a cultural phenomenon beyond Mr. Trump’s time in politics, like Grateful Dead fans after Jerry Garcia died.

“I think the MAGA movement is probably bigger than Trump at the end of the day,” he said. “Whatever this is, I think it will continue without him.”

Richard Fausset, based in Atlanta, writes about the American South, focusing on politics, culture, race, poverty and criminal justice. More about Richard Fausset

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As 2024 Democratic National Convention kicks off, here are 4 things to watch

While Vice President Kamala Harris and her running-mate Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz already won the party’s nomination in an early virtual roll-call, this year’s Democratic National Convention is an opportunity for the party to rally around its new presidential ticket.

Convention festivities will take place over the course of a week, and will culminate in Harris’ ceremonial acceptance speech Thursday night.

This year’s convention is already historic. President Joe Biden dropped out of the race last month with 107 days to go until the election. Kamala Harris will be the first Black woman and first Asian American to lead a major party’s presidential ticket.

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Minyon Moore, the DNC chair, wrote an op-ed for theGrio that Harris has “worked day and night” to earn her endorsement from President Joe Biden.

Moore, a former White House political director under Bill Clinton and a consultant for Hillary Clinton’s 2016 presidential campaign, underscored the significance of Harris’ nomination.

“We’re standing on the precipice of something truly historic — electing the first woman president of the United States and showing the world what is possible when we come together as a country,” she wrote.

Here are four things to be on the lookout for as the convention gets underway.

1. What case will Harris make to voters?

Vice President Harris speaks at a 2024 campaign event on prescription drug prices, on august 15, 2024. Photo by Andrew Leyden/NurPhoto via Getty Images

The DNC will be one of the first major opportunities for Harris to re-introduce herself to the country, make her policy platform clear, and to talk up her bona fides. This week, the vice president unveiled an economic policy plan that focused on expanding child tax credits, banning price gouging and lowering prescription drug costs.

The convention is a place for Harris to build on her vision for presidency, despite the fact that the Democratic Party platform still names Biden as the nominee.

Last month, PBS News heard from several voters in swing states who took part in focus groups organized by Republican strategist Sarah Longwell. Some felt they didn’t know enough about Harris’ record, despite being unenthusiastic about voting for her opponent, former President Donald Trump. Wendy, a voter from Pennsylvania who voted for Donald Trump in 2016 and Joe Biden in 2020, felt Kamala Harris was still unknown. “She hasn’t been very visible for most of Biden’s presidency,” she said. “She was elected vice president, and then she just kind of disappeared.”

2. Bright lights, big names

Each night, leading names in politics will take the DNC stage.

Biden will kick off the weeklong festivities Monday. Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is also set to speak on the opening night of the convention. Former presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton will address delegates on Tuesday and Wednesday, respectively.

Overall, the convention is set to be a more star-studded affair than its Republican counterpart, with smatterings of daytime and evening events with celebrity guests. Actor and comedian Julia Louis-Dreyfus will host a panel with female Democratic governors. Dreyfus played the fictional and sardonic Vice President Selina Meyer on HBO’s “Veep,” and social media timelines have been flooded with the life-imitates-art memes since Harris formally secured the Democratic nomination in early August.

Singer-songwriter John Legend will headline a party hosted by billionaire Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker on Wednesday.

3. Protests in the background

The anger at the Biden administration over its handling of the Israel-Hamas war is expected to play a role at this year’s DNC. There will be 30 “uncommitted” delegates present, the result of coordinated protest votes in primary elections this year.

Cook County, Illinois, which includes Chicago, is home to the largest Palestinian population in the U.S., and more than 150 coalition groups, comprising thousands of demonstrators, are expected to protest the war in Gaza.

The “March on the DNC” will take place on various days throughout the week of the convention. Pro-Palestinian groups will be joined by ally groups protesting for LGBTQ+ rights, access to reproductive care, among other demands.

Deanna Othman, a member of American Muslims for Palestine in Chicago, which is organizing one of the protests in the city, told PBS News that “the Democratic party has been complicit and needs to change policy.” She hopes that planned demonstrations will get national attention to demand more than “empty promises” from lawmakers.

“Vice President Harris not being Donald Trump is not enough to get votes,” she added. “The Democratic party has been in charge, and bears the responsibility of what has befallen the people of Gaza.”

4. The influencer convention

In a DNC first, the entire week will be streamed using vertical video on TikTok, Instagram and YouTube.

By broadcasting in a format native to social media, the committee hopes to attract younger viewers who primarily get their news through these apps. Organizers have also credentialed more than 200 social media content creators to this year’s convention, offering them dedicated workspace and the opportunity to go live directly from the convention floor.

Several popular TikTokers like Johnny Palmadessa , Elizabeth Booker Houston , and Jeremy Jacobowitz are all expected to be in attendance.

The convention committee will also be rolling out a “blue carpet” for surrogates to walk and be interviewed by online creators. Comedian Matt Friend, best known for his Trump impression , will be Snapchat’s “blue carpet” correspondent.

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Fact-checking the latest campaign trail claims from Trump and Harris

Politics Aug 15

The beats go on: Trump keeps dancing as artists get outraged over his use of their songs

Former president donald trump continues to be threatened with lawsuits and cease-and-desist notices due to the republican presidential nominee using copyright protected songs at rallies..

The Village People's "YMCA" can be heard blaring at Donald Trump's rallies causing attendees to dance. Still, while the disco group has not voiced irritation for using their hit song, other artists have not been shy about condemning their music being played on the former president's 2024 campaign trail.

Issac Hayes' estate threatened to sue Trump over the Republican presidential nominee using Sam & Dave's "Hold On, I'm Comin," a song that the singer helped write. Hayes' son, Isaac Hayes III, shared a copy of a copyright infringement notice, filed by attorney James Walker and issued to Trump, demanding his campaign pay $3 million in licensing fees.

"Donald Trump epitomizes a lack of integrity and class, not only through his continuous use of my father's music without permission but also through his history of sexual abuse against women and his racist rhetoric," Hayes III first wrote on Instagram Saturday. "This behavior will no longer be tolerated, and we will take swift action to put an end to it."

Hayes is not the only musical artist who has threatened or pursued legal action against Trump for using their songs at his rallies without permission, as Celine Dion and Sinéad O'Connor's estate have also criticized the 78-year-old. Others, including "God Bless the USA" singer Lee Greenwood and "All Summer Long" singer Kid Rock, have been supporters of Trump and have seemingly allowed the former president to play their music.

Here are some of the songs that have created issues for Trump on the campaign trail, and how music copyright laws impact these claims.

Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.

Is Trump violating copyright laws?

To use a musical artist's songs legally, an individual could go about it three different ways, according to the U.S. Copyright Office .

• Use a musical work that is already in the public domain. If a song is in the public domain, either it was never protected by copyright or its term of protection has expired. All copyright protection has a limited time, per the U.S. Constitution. If new contributions were made to a work in the public domain then it may be copyright protected.
• Get permission from the copyright holder directly, or license the work according to the terms set by the licensing contract. Federal copyright protection for sound recordings began on February 15, 1972. The Music Modernization Act gives certain protections, and exceptions to those protections, to pre-1972 sound recordings.
• Rely on a statutory limitation or exception, such as fair use or the Section 115 license for musical works , which requires copyright owners to give exclusive rights to anyone who wants to make or distribute phonorecords of their works.

If Trump or anyone else does not obtain the rights to use a song, the copyright holder has the "right to pursue legal action," the U.S. Copyright Office says. Copyright lawsuits are also generally decided in federal court, the government office added.

Celine Dion

Song title: "My Heart Will Go On"

What happened: Trump got in hot water earlier this month with Celine Dion after he used her song "My Heart Will Go On" from the movie 'Titanic." Dion shared a statement on her Instagram, saying that her management team and her record label, Sony Music Entertainment Canada Inc., "became aware of the unauthorized usage of the video, recording, musical performance, and likeness" of the song at the rally.

"In no way is this use authorized, and Celine Dion does not endorse this or any similar use…And really, THAT song?" the statement continued.

Sinead O'Connor

Song title: "Nothing Compares 2 U"

What happened: Sinéad O'Connor's estate demanded in March that Trump stop using her song during his rallies in Maryland and North Carolina, also saying in a statement how it is "no exaggeration to say that Sinéad would have been disgusted, hurt, and insulted."

"As the guardians of her legacy, we demand that Donald Trump and his associates desist from using her music immediately," the statement continued. "Throughout her life, it is well known that Sinéad O'Connor lived by a fierce moral code defined by honesty, kindness, fairness and decency towards her fellow human beings."

Song title: "Purple Rain"

What happened: While campaigning for the 2020 presidential election, Trump got slammed by Prince's estate for using the singer's song "Purple Rain" during a campaign rally in Minneapolis in October 2019. His use of the song came a year after he promised to stop using the deceased singer's works.

"President Trump played Prince’s 'Purple Rain' tonight at a campaign event in Minneapolis despite confirming a year ago that the campaign would not use Prince’s music," according to a post shared by Prince's official X account at the time. "The Prince Estate will never give permission to President Trump to use Prince’s songs."

Song title: "I Won't Back Down"

What happened: The family of singer Tom Petty sent Trump a cease-and-desist notice in June 2020 after he used the song "I Won't Back Down" during a rally in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

"Trump was in no way authorized to use this song to further a campaign that leaves too many Americans and common sense behind," reads a statement on Petty's X account , signed by daughters Adria and Annakim along with his widow Dana Petty and ex-wife Jane Benyo.

"Both the late Tom Petty and his family firmly stand against racism and discrimination of any kind. Tom Petty would never want a song of his used for a campaign of hate. He liked to bring people together. Tom wrote this song for the underdog, for the common man and for EVERYONE... the Petty family doesn't stand for this."

Song title: "Please, Please, Please, Let Me Get What I Want"

What happened: Johnny Marr, former guitarist for The Smiths , asked Trump to stop using the rock band's songs during rallies. Marr voiced concern after seeing a video showing Trump using the band's song "Please, Please, Please, Let Me Get What I Want" at a rally in South Dakota in 2023.

"Ahh…right…OK. I never in a million years would’ve thought this could come to pass," the British rocker wrote on X Wednesday. "Consider this shut right down right now."

Linkin Park

Song title: "In the End"

What happened: Linkin Park sent a cease-and-desist letter to Trump after his team shared a video post on X using the rock band's song "In the End." Trump removed the video, which had the song layered over a recording of his inauguration speech, from his X account.

"Linkin Park did not and does not endorse Trump, nor authorize his organization to use any of our music. A cease and desist has been issued," the band shared in an X post on July 2020 .

Creedence Clearwater Revival

Song title: "Fortunate Son"

What happened: John Fogerty , former frontman for Creedence Clearwater Revival, denounced Trump's unauthorized use of the band's song "Fortunate Son" in October 2020. Trump played the rock band's 1969 hit at his campaign events, including a September rally in Freeland, Michigan.

"I object to the President using my song, 'Fortunate Son' in any way for his campaign," Fogerty wrote in a statement posted to X. "He is using my words and my voice to portray a message that I do not endorse."

Fogerty added that he is "issuing a ‘cease and desist’ order."

Song titles: "Rockin’ in the Free World” and “Devil’s Sidewalk”

What happened: Neil Young posted a lawsuit against Trump on his archives website in August 2020, claiming that the politician violated copyright laws when he played “Rockin’ in the Free World” and “Devil’s Sidewalk” at rallies and other events. 

"Imagine what it feels like to hear ‘Rockin’ in the Free World’ after this president speaks, like it is his theme song," Young wrote on his website. "I did not write it for that."

Pharrell Williams

Song title: "Happy"

What happened: Pharrell Williams sent a cease-and-desist letter to Trump in October 2018 after he played the songwriter's 2014 smash hit "Happy" at a political event in the Midwest.

Song title: "Livin’ on the Edge”

What happened: Steven Tyler , frontman for Aerosmith, sent Trump a cease-and-desist letter in August 2018 after he played the rock band's song “Livin’ on the Edge” at a rally in Charleston, West Virginia.

“Mr. Trump is creating the false impression that our client has given his consent for the use of his music, and even that he endorses the presidency of Mr. Trump,” Tyler’s legal team said in a letter. "What makes this violation even more egregious is that Mr. Trump’s use of our client’s music was previously shut down, not once, but two times, during his campaign for presidency in 2015."

Rolling Stones

Song title: "You Can't Always Get What You Want"

What happened: The Rolling Stones threatened to sue Trump in June 2020 after he used their song "You Can't Always Get What You Want" as his walk-off music on numerous occasions, Reuters reported.

"This could be the last time President Donald Trump uses Stones songs," a news release sent out by the Stones' reps said, per Reuters. "Despite cease & desist directives to Donald Trump in the past, the Rolling Stones are taking further steps to exclude him using their songs at any of his future political campaigning... If Donald Trump disregards the exclusion and persists, then he would face a lawsuit for breaking the embargo and playing music that has not been licensed.”

Phil Collins

Song title: "In the Air Tonight"

What happened: Phil Collins' team served Trump a cease-and-desist order he played "In the Air Tonight" during an Iowa rally on October 14, 2020, according to Billboard .

Panic! At The Disco

Song title: "High Hopes"

What happened: Brendon Urie, frontman for Panic! At The Disco , told Trump in an X post to stop playing the band's music after he played the song "High Hopes" while walking on stage at a 2020 rally in Phoenix, Arizona.

"Dear Trump Campaign, (expletive) you," the singer posted on X in June 2020 . "You're not invited. Stop playing my song."

Song title: "Don't Stop the Music"

What happened: Rihanna sent out a cease-and-desist notice to Trump after learning he played her song "Don't Stop the Music" during a rally in Chattanooga, Tennessee in November 2018, Rolling Stone reported.

"Me nor my people would ever be at or around one of those tragic rallies," Rihanna wrote in an X post in November 2018 .

Guns N' Roses

Song title:  "Sweet Child O' Mine" 

What happened: Axl Rose of Guns N' Roses requested in 2018 that Trump not use the rock band's music anymore after "Sweet Child O' Mine" was played during a political event.

"Unfortunately the Trump campaign is using loopholes in the various venues’ blanket performance licenses which were not intended for such craven political purposes, without the songwriters’ consent," Rose wrote in an X post in November 2018.

Song titles: “Everybody Hurts” and “Losing My Religion.”

What happened: Michael Stipe, the frontman for R.E.M., said the band sent Trump a cease-and-desist notice in January 2020 after he used their songs “Everybody Hurts” and “Losing My Religion" at his campaign rallies, CNN reported.

“We are exploring all legal avenues to prevent this, but if that’s not possible please know that we do not condone the use of our music by this fraud and con man,” Mike Mills wrote in an X post .

Song titles: "Rocket Man" and "Tiny Dancer"

What happened: Elton John said in 2016 that he did not want his songs played at political events, including at Trump's rallies, the Guardian reported. Trump played "Rocket Man" and "Tiny Dancer" as warm-up music in 2016 for his rallies.

"I don't really want my music to be involved in anything to do with an American election campaign. I'm British. I've met Donald Trump, he was very nice to me, it's nothing personal, his political views are his own, mine are very different, I'm not a Republican in a million years," John told the Guardian.