Here in Denver, we’re proud of our Broncos, just as we’re proud of our beautiful mountains, our weed, our steaks, fresh air, beer, nice people, vibrant music scene and all around hearty attitude. So it’s obvious that the songs written about this great state reflect the same attitude. Sure, most of the best Denver songs aren’t what you’d consider pump up music, but a little acoustic guitar and some harmonies and vivid writing about nature fills us with a straight-shot of home state pride.
To cheer the Broncos on their path to the Super Bowl, we put together a list of the best Denver songs. Don’t worry, they’re not all by John Denver (only two are). We dug deep to find everything from local acts, to indie-rock, to country, to folk, hip-hop and even standards like “America the Beautiful.”
Listen to our Super Bowl playlist below or
“Rocky Mountain High” — John Denver: It had to be done. This is our state song. Love it.
“America the Beautiful” — written by Katherine Lee Bates (this Ray Charles version is awesome): Funny, this patriotic standard will be sung at the Super Bowl, and was written about Colorado’s Pikes Peak.
“O.D.’d in Denver” — Hank Williams Jr.: Quite possibly one of the most hard-core country songs. And yes, it takes place in Denver.
“The Peyton Manning Song” — The Sports Band of Denver: The chorus is just “Peyton Manning” over and over.
“Denver City” — Wovenhand: A lo-fi, indie-rock anthem to Denver.
“Colorado” — Grizzly Bear: A tortured and beautiful ode to Ed Droste’s childhood in ski towns.
“Denver (feat. Keem & Rockie)” — Pries: “Mile high till I die.”
“Things to do in Denver When You’re Dead” — Warren Zevon: A 2014 version of this song would be about a half-hour long, and yes, it would include buying legal weed.
“Colorado” — Paper Bird: One of our favorite upcoming local groups writes this love letter to Colorado.
“Warm Days” — Air Dubai: Sure, the winter is great, but sometimes in Colorado we need to see the beach.
“Denver” — Atlas: An atmospheric, electronic-pop track that brings to mind late nights and lights of the city.
“Commerce City Sister” — DeVotchKa: Colorado’s own DeVotchKa spins an emotional, indie-gypsy-folk tale of its home.
“Colorado” — Pavement: We’re not entirely sure what this little interlude is about, but it’s nice to know the iconic indie-rock band had Colorado on the mind while writing it.
“Rocky Mountain Moon” — Louis Armstrong, Bing Crosby: Ah, one of the classic American duets, together signing about gentle Rocky Mountain nights.
“I Guess He’d Rather Be In Colorado” — John Denver: See we did this list with only two John Denver songs. (light applause)
“Rocky Mountain Blues” — Duke Ellington: Even the Duke lent his signature sound to our great mountain range.
“I-25” — Chimney Choir: If you’ve been to Colorado, chances are you’ve taken a spin on our favorite interstate.
“Colorado Girl” — Townes Van Zandt: Just because we couldn’t find the Katy Perry parody “Colorado Gurls” on Spotify. But in all honesty, this is a great little love song, pulling metaphors from our scenic state.
“Jesus Loves Rock N’ Roll” — Colfax Speed Queen: This local band takes its name from the infamous Denver avenue (which Playboy once called, “the longest, wickedest street in America”). And yes they know how to rock.
“Colorado” — Stephen Stills: The great Stephen Stills, of Buffalo Springfield and CSNY, has a fondness for Colorado.
“40 Miles From Denver” — Yonder Mountain String Band: The local boys showcase the state’s fondness for newgrass and jam music out of the Boulder area in this little gem.
“Lucky Denver Mint” — Jimmy Eat World: The pop-rock band reminds you that, yes, any of your money that has a D on it is from here. Also, the Denver Mint is the largest producer of coins in the world.
“Colorado” — Railroad Earth: While not Colorado native, this band has found a passionate following in a jam and bluegrass state that hosts the world-famous Telluride Bluegrass Festival.
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