We can probably all name a dozen (or more) songs about Los Angeles, NYC, or Nashville — but what about Indianapolis?
We might not be making the Billboard 100, but there are plenty of bops about the Circle City. Here are a few you should add to your jam session.
“Broadripple Is Burning” by Margot & the Nuclear So and So’s
It doesn’t get more local than this song, which also mentions Fountain Square in its lyrics — but ultimately reached listeners far beyond Indy thanks to an appearance on Season 15 of “American Idol.” Learn about its backstory from the band’s former members.
“Can’t Get Indiana Off My Mind” By Bing Crosby
This song was written by Hoagy Carmichael, who was born in Bloomington in 1899 and moved to Indy as a teenager. Ironically, Carmichael’s most famous song is a similar tribute to another state: “Georgia On My Mind.”
“Mary Jane’s Last Dance” By Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers
While Tom Petty was born and raised in Florida, one of his greatest hits is set in Indiana. “Sometimes I think I just live to play that song here,” he said after performing it at Ruoff Music Center in 2010.
“Indiana Christmas” by Straight No Chaser
According to this song, Indiana is “where Christmas will always be real.” The a capella group originally formed in 1996 at Indiana University.
“Indiana” by Jon McLaughlin
The Anderson native penned this song for his debut album of the same name in 2007. Fun fact: Even though she was living in California, this was one of Editor Shea’s favorite songs in high school.
“Indianapolis Talking Blues” by Modern Life Is War
This dark spoken word piece centers around witnessing a murder at a specific Indianapolis intersection.
INDYtoday readers shouted out these additional songs:
- “‘Carmel Woman’ by Gordon Bonham — no words but a great jazz/blues tune!” — Sally J.
- “None better than ‘Indianapolis’ by The Bottle Rockets.” — Joseph W.
- “‘Indianapolis Indeed!’ by Sandy Patti. Written 37 years ago to promote Indy, still a gorgeous song!” — Linda P., Jackie H., and John M.
- “‘Little Green Apples’ by O.C. Smith. He was not from Indianapolis, but it was one of my mother’s favorite songs. The hook of the song was, ‘it don’t rain in Indianapolis in the summertime.’” — Marvin C.
- “‘Fountain Square Time’ by J. Elliott.” — Tim C.
- “This song isn’t about the city, but about our state: ‘Going Back to Indiana’ by The Jackson 5.” — Amelia S.
Know of another song about Indianapolis? It’d be music to our ears if you share it with us. While you’re at it, check out our list of musicians from Indy.