Every year, as the 4th of July rolls around, I find myself reflecting on what it really means to celebrate this country. It’s more than fireworks and cookouts—though, don’t get me wrong, I love both. It’s about community, tradition, and that shared sense of belonging that brings neighbors and strangers together under the summer sky.
This year, those thoughts found their way into a song: "Happy Red White and Blue."
Where It All Started
The idea sparked during a small-town parade here in Massachusetts. You know the kind—the courthouse lawn lined with flags, kids running around with popsicles, old veterans tipping their hats, and families camped out with lawn chairs and picnic blankets. It’s classic Americana, and there’s something beautiful in its simplicity.
I’ve always loved how bluegrass music captures that down-home, timeless spirit. The sound of fiddles and banjos feels like it’s woven into the fabric of these celebrations. So I thought, why not write a song that feels like it belongs right there—in the middle of the BBQ smoke and firework glow?
Writing the Song
The lyrics came together like snapshots from memory: firecrackers popping, sparklers lighting up the night, flags waving high, and the stories passed around backyard grills. I wanted every line to feel familiar, like something you’ve seen or lived yourself on the 4th of July.
The chorus is really the heart of it—raising a cheer for the land of the free, for the rivers and the shining sea. It’s a simple, honest reminder that despite all our differences, there’s still pride in where we come from and hope in where we’re going.
In the Studio
Recording "Happy Red White and Blue" was a pure joy. We leaned into that upbeat bluegrass vibe with lively fiddle lines, bright banjo picking, and steady rhythm guitar. I wanted it to feel like a song you’d hear on a courthouse lawn stage or around a bonfire after the fireworks.
There’s an energy to bluegrass that feels alive, communal, and celebratory—perfect for a song like this. And every note of it reminds me why I love making music that brings people together.
A Song for the Summer
"Happy Red White and Blue" isn’t just for the 4th of July—it’s for backyard gatherings, summer nights, and those quiet moments when you look around and feel grateful to be part of something bigger. I hope it brings a little pride, joy, and nostalgia to your holiday celebrations this year.
If you haven’t heard it yet, give it a listen here: Happy Red White and Blue. And wherever you’re celebrating, I hope it’s filled with music, good company, and plenty of red, white, and blue.