SONGS OF AMERICA provides a mixture of in-depth history lessons and summaries of historical events that shaped the United States against the backdrop of music and the specific songs that served as either rallying cries or laments during those events. Jon Meacham writes the history portions of the book, delving into the actual song lyrics and authorship (if known), while Tim McGraw adds musical context and personal asides from his perspective as a musician. This combination is successful, though readers may get bogged down in some of the historical details and wish for more of McGraw’s commentary.

One highlight of the book is the endpapers and the beautiful photos and illustrations that accompany the text. Music is the heart and soul of the United States, from its foundation to modern-day elections, where politicians are chastised by musicians for using their songs as rallying cries for political campaigns when the artists do not support that particular candidate. From early songs such as “The Star-Spangled Banner” and “My Country, ’Tis of Thee,” to civil rights anthems “A Change is Gonna Come” and “Blowin’ in the Wind,” to more recent tunes like “Only in America” and “Born in the U.S.A.,” the political movements and cultural focus of the U.S. and its citizens can be tracked through music.

"McGraw’s insights and comments regarding the impact that music, specifically and generally, had on the history of the United States are the standout parts of SONGS OF AMERICA."

In light of today’s cultural and distinct political schism, the most relevant and intriguing section of SONGS OF AMERICA addresses the role of music and musicians in this great divide. While in the news today there is a lot of talk that the split is more recent, the authors show that the issue is actually long-standing by quoting Bruce Springsteen (referencing the Springsteen-President Reagan spat over the latter’s use of “Born in the U.S.A.”), who said in 1984: “There’s really something dangerous happening to us out there. We’re slowly getting split into two different Americas.” The book also addresses the Dixie Chicks and their battle with George W. Bush, and then ultimately the country music industry, which highlights the same concern --- that this split began a while ago and just continues to become further exacerbated today.

Current issues such as women’s empowerment and sexual identity are touched upon with songs that have landed on the pop charts listed. There is also a nod to Brandi Carlile’s “The Joke,” which addresses growing up gay and winning a Grammy in 2019, which would have been unthinkable even a decade ago.

McGraw’s insights and comments regarding the impact that music, specifically and generally, had on the history of the United States are the standout parts of SONGS OF AMERICA. While he presents numerous fabulous thoughts, his most important statement focuses on Woody Guthrie but applies to many other artists mentioned: “he knows…. that all is not perfect and may never be. His music is a testament to the work we all have to do, whether it’s with a guitar or with the ballot.”