10 Songs About Arizona

As someone who has experienced the breathtaking beauty and diverse landscapes of Arizona, I can tell you that this state has a way of inspiring artists and musicians like no other. From the majestic Grand Canyon to the red rocks of Sedona, and from the bustling streets of Phoenix to the quiet corners of small desert towns, Arizona’s essence has been captured in countless melodies and lyrics.

In this playlist, we’ll explore 10 songs that pay homage to the Grand Canyon State. These tracks aren’t just about geography; they’re about the spirit of Arizona – its people, its history, and the unique energy that flows through this southwestern gem. Whether you’re a lifelong resident, a frequent visitor, or someone who’s only dreamed of experiencing Arizona’s charms, these songs will take you on a musical journey through the heart and soul of our beloved state.

1. “Arizona” by Kings of Leon

“Arizona” is a track from Kings of Leon’s third studio album, “Because of the Times.” The song, written by lead vocalist Caleb Followill, is a poignant narrative inspired by a real-life encounter in Arizona.

The song’s emotional core revolves around Followill’s experience of seeing a beautiful woman in a brothel. This encounter left him pondering the circumstances that led her to such a situation. The lyrics explore themes of love, loss, and the duality of human nature.

Musically, “Arizona” opens with a simple yet elegant guitar riff that sets a contemplative mood. As the song progresses, it builds in intensity, mirroring the emotional journey of the lyrics.

2. “There Is No Arizona” by Jamie O’Neal

Released in 2000 as Jamie O’Neal’s debut single, “There Is No Arizona” became a significant hit, reaching number one on the U.S. Billboard Hot Country Songs chart.

The song tells the story of a woman whose partner leaves her with promises of a better life in Arizona. As time passes, she receives only one postcard with no return address. Eventually, she realizes that the dream of reuniting with her lover in Arizona will never materialize.

The lyrics cleverly use Arizona’s famous landmarks, such as the Painted Desert, Sedona, the Grand Canyon, and Tombstone, to symbolize the unfulfilled promises and shattered dreams.

3. “The Ballad of Boot Hill” by Johnny Cash

Written by Carl Perkins and recorded by Johnny Cash in 1959, “The Ballad of Boot Hill” is a classic country western ballad that recounts a significant event in Arizona’s history.

The song focuses on the infamous 1881 Gunfight at the O.K. Corral in Tombstone, Arizona. It specifically mentions that three gunmen were killed by Doc Holliday during this confrontation.

“The Ballad of Boot Hill” appeared on several Johnny Cash albums, including “Sings the Ballads of the True West” (1965) and “The Essential Johnny Cash 1955-1983” (1992). The song’s enduring popularity is evident in its numerous cover versions by various artists over the years.

Cash’s powerful delivery and the song’s vivid storytelling bring to life the rugged history of the American West, with Arizona serving as the backdrop for this legendary tale.

4. “Ocean Front Property” By George Strait

“Ocean Front Property” by George Strait is a clever country song that uses humor and irony to explore the theme of heartbreak. Released in 1986 as the lead single from his album of the same name, the song was written by Dean Dillon, Hank Cochran, and Royce Porter.

The song’s narrative revolves around a man who claims he won’t miss his ex-lover and has no intention of taking her back. However, the brilliance of the song lies in its use of a metaphor that compares the impossibility of moving on from the relationship to the absurdity of having oceanfront property in Arizona, a landlocked state.

George Strait’s smooth vocal delivery adds authenticity to the seemingly heartless assertions made by the narrator. The song’s arrangement features classic country elements, including twangy guitar, which complements the deceptive simplicity of the lyrics.

“Ocean Front Property” is more than just a breakup song; it’s a commentary on emotional denial and the human heart’s resilience. The humor in the lyrics serves as a defense mechanism, masking the narrator’s true feelings of vulnerability and pain.

5. “Arizona Skies” By Los Lobos

“Arizona Skies” by Los Lobos is a folk rock song that tells a poignant story of leaving one’s home behind. The song narrates the journey of a man who departs from Arizona in search of a better life in California.

The lyrics of “Arizona Skies” paint a vivid picture of the beauty of Arizona’s landscape, particularly focusing on the state’s expansive skies. This imagery serves to heighten the sense of nostalgia and longing that the protagonist feels for his home.

Los Lobos’ musical arrangement for this song features a melancholy melody that perfectly complements the wistful tone of the lyrics. The plaintive vocals add depth to the emotional narrative, effectively conveying the struggle of leaving one’s roots behind.

“Arizona Skies” resonates with listeners as it captures the universal experience of homesickness and the bittersweet nature of pursuing new opportunities at the cost of leaving familiar surroundings. The song serves as a tribute to Arizona and the deep connection people often feel to their home state.

6. “Phoner To Arizona” By Gorillaz

“Phoner To Arizona” is the opening track from Gorillaz’s fourth studio album, “The Fall,” released in 2010. This unique piece stands out for its experimental nature and the unconventional method of its creation.

The song is primarily an instrumental track featuring distorted vocals. What makes “Phoner To Arizona” particularly interesting is that it was recorded entirely on an iPad by Gorillaz co-founder Damon Albarn during the American leg of the band’s Escape to Plastic Beach World Tour in October 2010.

Classified under the techno genre, “Phoner To Arizona” has a runtime of 4 minutes and 14 seconds. The track showcases Albarn’s vocals, though they are heavily distorted, contributing to the song’s avant-garde feel.

To promote the album, a video for “Phoner To Arizona” was released on YouTube on December 22, 2010. The video is a compilation of footage and images taken from the tour and the current phase of the band’s virtual narrative.

While the exact inspiration for the song’s title and content remains somewhat mysterious, it’s clear that “Phoner To Arizona” represents Gorillaz’s willingness to push boundaries in both their musical style and production techniques.

7. “By The Time I Get To Arizona” By Public Enemy

“By The Time I Get To Arizona” is a politically charged rap song released by Public Enemy in 1991 as part of their album “Apocalypse 91… The Enemy Strikes Black.” The track was written in response to Arizona’s refusal to recognize Martin Luther King Jr. Day as a paid holiday.

The song’s lyrics are a scathing critique of Arizona’s political stance, with Chuck D delivering powerful verses that call out the state’s leadership and policies. The track’s aggressive tone is matched by its intense, sample-heavy production, featuring Public Enemy’s signature use of layered sounds and hard-hitting beats.

Public Enemy’s approach in this song goes beyond mere criticism; it serves as a call to action, urging listeners to stand up against perceived injustice. The track gained significant attention and controversy upon its release, further cementing Public Enemy’s reputation as one of hip-hop’s most politically outspoken groups.

8. “Big Iron” By Marty Robbins

“Big Iron” is a classic country western ballad written and performed by Marty Robbins, released in 1959 as part of his album “Gunfighter Ballads and Trail Songs.” The song tells the story of an Arizona Ranger’s confrontation with an outlaw named Texas Red in the town of Agua Fria.

The narrative unfolds like a classic western, detailing the tension and anticipation leading up to the climactic gunfight. Robbins’ storytelling is vivid and engaging, painting a clear picture of the characters and setting. The song’s chorus focuses on the ranger’s weapon, the “big iron on his hip,” which becomes a symbol of justice throughout the tale.

Musically, “Big Iron” features Robbins’ smooth vocals accompanied by a simple yet effective arrangement of guitars and minimal percussion. The song’s melody is catchy and memorable, contributing to its enduring popularity.

“Big Iron” has become a cultural touchstone, inspiring covers by numerous artists and finding new audiences through its inclusion in popular media, such as the video game “Fallout: New Vegas.”

9. “Take It Easy” By Eagles

“Take It Easy” is a iconic rock song co-written by Jackson Browne and Glenn Frey, and performed by the Eagles. Released in 1972 as the band’s debut single, it quickly became one of their signature tracks.

The song’s lyrics paint a vivid picture of a man standing on a corner in Winslow, Arizona, a small town along historic Route 66. This imagery has since become so famous that Winslow erected a statue and mural commemorating the song, turning it into a popular tourist attraction.

Musically, “Take It Easy” exemplifies the Eagles’ country-rock sound, featuring harmonious vocals, twangy guitars, and a laid-back, easy-going rhythm that perfectly matches the song’s carefree message. The track’s instrumentation and arrangement showcase the band’s musical prowess and their ability to blend country and rock elements seamlessly.

The song’s theme of relaxation and not taking life too seriously resonated with listeners, helping to establish the Eagles as one of the defining bands of the 1970s. “Take It Easy” not only put the Eagles on the map but also cemented Arizona’s place in rock music history.

10. “By The Time I Get To Phoenix” By Glen Campbell

“By The Time I Get To Phoenix” is a poignant ballad written by Jimmy Webb and popularized by Glen Campbell in 1967. The song tells the story of a man leaving his lover, chronicling his journey from Phoenix to Albuquerque and finally to Oklahoma.

Campbell’s smooth, emotive vocals bring depth to the narrator’s internal struggle as he imagines his lover’s reactions to his departure at different points in the day. The song’s arrangement, featuring lush orchestration and a gentle, country-tinged melody, perfectly complements the melancholic narrative.

“By The Time I Get To Phoenix” was a major hit for Campbell, earning him two Grammy Awards and cementing his place as a country-pop crossover star. The song’s success also established Jimmy Webb as one of the premier songwriters of his generation.

The track’s impact on popular music is significant. It has been covered by numerous artists across various genres and is often cited as one of the greatest songs of all time. Frank Sinatra even called it “the greatest torch song ever written.”

While Phoenix serves more as a starting point than a focus in the lyrics, the song has become inextricably linked with the city, contributing to its musical legacy and cultural significance.

Serena Whitfield

Serena Whitfield is the founder of PlaylistCurator.org. She’s a musician who writes songs for bands. She studied music at the University of Oxford and graduated with distinction. With her expertise, she knows how to review songs and understand what makes good and bad music. Every playlist on our platform is approved by her before publishing to maintain top-notch quality. If you want her to check out your song and maybe get featured on our playlist, submit your song for Serena to evaluate.