Florida is known for its sunny beaches and fantastic vacation spots. Even if you aren’t from Florida, the state’s absolute beauty of the sea will steal your heart. That’s what happened to many musicians and singers, and they sang about how they felt.
Songs about Florida can be an excellent addition to your vacation playlist. It will uplift your mood and give you beachy vibes. So, let’s get going!
Amazing Songs About the Sunshine State, Florida
1. Yellowcard’s “Ocean Avenue”
Yellowcard’s “Ocean Avenue” is an emo, pop-punk song inspired by the band’s experience of living and playing music in the Ocean Avenue area of Santa Monica, California.
The band had moved to Santa Monica from Jacksonville, Florida, and the song reflects the sense of freedom and possibility they felt in their new surroundings, which made the lead singer remember the good times with his teenage love.
2. Less Than Jake’s “State of Florida/City of Gainesville”
“State of Florida/City of Gainesville” was originally released on the band’s 1997 “Hello Rockview” album. The song is a tribute to the band’s hometown of Gainesville, Florida, and the state of Florida in general.
The lyrics portray the life in the area, including the heat, the local music scene, and the beauty of the natural surroundings.
3. Ricky Sylvia’s “The Florida Song”
Ricky Sylvia’s “The Florida Song” is a perfect vacation song dedicated to the sunshine state. In the song, the singer sings about moving to Florida for the beaches, board games, sunbathing, vacation spots, dolphins, and more. Sounds delightful!
4. Jimmy Buffet’s “Trying to Reason With Hurricane Season”
“Trying to Reason With Hurricane Season” features Buffett’s signature country, rock, and Caribbean musical styles. Buffett wrote the song in the aftermath of Hurricane season in 1974, which devastated much of the Gulf Coast of the United States. The lyrics reflect on the power and unpredictability of hurricanes and the challenges of rebuilding and recovering from their impact.
5. The Beach Boys’ “Kokomo”
“Kokomo” ‘s lyrics describe a fictional place called Kokomo, which is thought to be Florida, as the place is portrayed as a paradise with beautiful beaches and romantic attractions. The song features a unique Caribbean-flavored melody.
6. Modest Mouse’s “Florida”
“Florida” by Modest Mouse was released on their 2007 album “We Were Dead Before the Ship Even Sank.” The song was written by Modest Mouse’s lead singer, Isaac Brock, and reflected on the band’s experiences touring in Florida.
The lyrics touch on the beauty and darkness of the state and the complex relationship between nature and humanity.
7. Enrique Iglesias’ “Move to Miami”
The lyrics of “Move to Miami” describe a romantic interest that encourages the singer to move to Miami and embrace the city’s vibrant culture and nightlife.
The song features a mix of Spanish and English lyrics and a lively dance beat that blends Latin pop, electronic dance music, and hip-hop elements.
You can also check: Best Songs for Parodies
8. Lana Del Rey’s “Florida Kilos”
Lana Del Rey’s “Florida Kilos” is inspired by the theme of 1970s drug trafficking in Florida. The song’s title references the slang term “kilo” (meaning kilogram) and the state of Florida, a key location for drug smuggling at the time.
The song features Del Rey’s signature cinematic and nostalgic style, with a dark, moody melody and lyrics that evoke a sense of danger, glamour, and rebellion.
9. Joe Nichols’ “Talk Me Out of Tampa”
“Talk Me Out of Tampa,” tells the story of a man in love with a woman from Tampa, Florida, but he knows that he shouldn’t pursue the relationship because he’s been hurt before. The song features a traditional country sound, a catchy chorus, and an upbeat melody.
10. Eric Clapton’s “Mainline Florida”
“Mainline Florida,” released in 1974, features a bluesy, hard-rock sound with driving guitar riffs and a strong rhythm section. The song’s lyrics describe the narrator’s travels through Florida, highlighting the state’s cultural and musical heritage.
11. Freddy Cannon’s “Tallahassee Lassie”
“Tallahassee Lassie” is a great song to dance to that features a driving beat, catchy guitar riffs, and a memorable chorus. The lyrics tell the story of a girl from Tallahassee, Florida, who becomes the subject of the narrator’s affection.
12. Jimmy Buffet’s “Floridays”
“Floridays” by the singer-songwriter Jimmy Buffett was released on his 1986 album of the same name. The song celebrates Florida’s easygoing and carefree lifestyle with its sun, surf, and sand.
It also features a breezy, tropical sound with steel drums, acoustic guitars, and a catchy chorus that captures the essence of Buffett’s signature “island escapism” style.
A Sunshiny Conclusion
All these songs about Florida state must have convinced you to plan a vacation. The songs have a summer vibe to them, and many of them describe what you can feel and see in Florida. What better songs than these are there for your next vacation? So, add them to your vacation playlist when you are on the way to Florida.
