10 Songs About Baltimore

As a lifelong Baltimorean, I’ve always felt that music is the heartbeat of our city. From the soulful notes of Billie Holiday echoing through the streets of Sandtown to the electrifying rhythms of the Baltimore Club scene, our musical landscape is as diverse and vibrant as the neighborhoods that make up this unique place. 

Growing up here, I was enveloped by a rich tapestry of sounds that shaped not only my appreciation for music but also my understanding of the city itself.

In this playlist about Baltimore, I want to take you on a journey through the melodies and lyrics that capture the essence of our beloved city. Each song tells a story, reflecting the struggles, joys, and indomitable spirit of Baltimoreans. 

1. “Raining In Baltimore” by Counting Crows

“Raining in Baltimore” is a melancholic track from Counting Crows’ debut album, August and Everything After. Written by lead singer Adam Duritz, the song reflects his personal struggles and feelings of isolation. The lyrics depict a sense of longing and disconnection, with the narrator expressing a need for connection and escape. Duritz’s introspective and poignant lyrics are a hallmark of his songwriting, and this song is no exception. The chorus, with lines like “I need a phone call. I need a raincoat. I need a plane ride. I need a sunburn,” underscores the narrator’s yearning for change and human contact.

2. “Baltimore’s Fireflies” by Woodkid

“Baltimore’s Fireflies” by Woodkid is a haunting and emotional song that captures a sense of nostalgia and loss. The lyrics describe the narrator returning to Baltimore Bay, only to be overwhelmed by memories and emotions. The imagery of fireflies serves as a metaphor for fleeting moments and the passage of time. The song’s melancholic tone and evocative lyrics create a powerful sense of place and memory, making it a poignant tribute to Baltimore.

3. “Good Morning Baltimore” by Nikki Blonsky

“Good Morning Baltimore” is the opening number of the 2002 musical Hairspray, performed by Nikki Blonsky in the 2007 film adaptation. The song introduces the protagonist, Tracy Turnblad, and her optimistic view of her hometown. Despite the city’s grime and less savory aspects, Tracy sees beauty and potential everywhere. The song captures her dreams of becoming a dancer on the Corny Collins Show and her determination to make a difference. With its catchy melody and upbeat tone, “Good Morning Baltimore” sets the stage for the rest of the musical, highlighting Tracy’s infectious optimism and ambition.

4. “Streets of Baltimore” by Gram Parsons

“Streets of Baltimore,” written by Tompall Glaser and Harlan Howard, is a classic country song famously covered by Gram Parsons. The song tells the story of a man who moves to Baltimore to fulfill his wife’s dreams, only to realize that she loves the city’s nightlife more than him. Eventually, he returns to his Tennessee farm alone. Parsons’ version is known for its emotional depth and simplicity, capturing the themes of love, sacrifice, and regret. The song has been covered by numerous artists, each bringing their own interpretation to this poignant tale of unfulfilled dreams and heartache.

5. “Baltimore” by Randy Newman

Randy Newman’s “Baltimore” is a poignant and somewhat controversial song that paints a bleak picture of the city. Released in 1977 on his album Little Criminals, the song describes a city struggling with social and economic issues. Newman wrote the song while looking at pictures of Baltimore from National Geographic, and he captures the city’s hardships through vivid imagery. Lines like “Beat up little seagull on a marble stair” and “Hard times in the city, in a hard town by the sea” reflect the despair and decay he perceived. Despite its critical tone, the song has been covered by various artists, including Nina Simone, who brought her own emotional depth to the piece, turning it into a love song and a protest song simultaneously.

6. “For Baltimore” by All Time Low

“For Baltimore” by All Time Low is an upbeat and heartfelt tribute to the band’s hometown. Featured on their 2012 album Don’t Panic, the song reflects the band’s affection for Baltimore, Maryland, where they grew up and started their musical journey. The lyrics celebrate the city as a place of dreams and memories, with lines like “This city’s sleeping like a soldier trapped inside of an iron lung” and “You were the light in the darkest of days.” The song combines energetic pop-punk melodies with a sense of nostalgia and pride, making it a favorite among fans and a fitting homage to Baltimore.

7. “The Lady Came From Baltimore” by Tim Hardin

“The Lady Came from Baltimore” is a classic folk song written and performed by Tim Hardin, released on his 1967 album Tim Hardin 2. The song was inspired by Hardin’s relationship with his wife, Susan Yardley Morss, who came from a wealthy Baltimore family that disapproved of their marriage. The lyrics tell the story of a man who marries a woman from Baltimore, only to realize that she loves her material possessions more than him. The song’s simple yet evocative melody and heartfelt lyrics have made it a timeless piece, covered by numerous artists, including Bobby Darin, Joan Baez, and Johnny Cash. Cash’s version, released as a single in 1974, reached number 14 on the US Billboard’s country chart.

8. “Baltimore” by Prince

Prince’s “Baltimore” is a powerful protest song written in response to the death of Freddie Gray, a 25-year-old African American man who died in police custody in Baltimore in 2015. The song was recorded at Prince’s Paisley Park Studios and features all instruments played by Prince himself, with additional vocals by Eryn Allen Kane. The lyrics address the broader issues of police brutality and systemic racism, referencing other victims like Michael Brown. With lines like “Does anybody hear us pray? For Michael Brown or Freddie Gray,” Prince calls for justice and peace, emphasizing that “peace is more than the absence of war” and incorporating protest chants like “If there ain’t no justice, then there ain’t no peace!” Despite its heavy subject matter, the song maintains an upbeat, funky rhythm, blending hopeful guitar solos with gospel-choir vocals to create a stirring anthem for social change.

9. “Barefoot in Baltimore” by Strawberry Alarm Clock

“Barefoot in Baltimore” by Strawberry Alarm Clock is a lighthearted, psychedelic pop song from their 1968 album The World in a Sea Shell. The song describes a character named Barefoot and his friends enjoying the vibrant street-party atmosphere of Baltimore and the shores of Chesapeake Bay. The lyrics are whimsical and somewhat nonsensical, depicting various playful scenes like “Fun cooks a meal on the stove while Barefoot strolls around town giggling at the sidewalk.” The chorus, “Barefoot in Baltimore, heel and toe with you,” is repeated throughout the song, adding to its carefree vibe. Despite its cheerful melody and unique structure, the song did not achieve significant commercial success but remains a notable part of the band’s discography.

10. “Shadow People” by Dr. Dog

“Shadow People” by Dr. Dog is a reflective song from their 2010 album Shame, Shame. Written by band member Scott McMicken, the song captures the essence of life in West Philadelphia, where McMicken felt surrounded by a variety of eccentric and challenging characters. The lyrics explore themes of perspective and empathy, encouraging listeners to put themselves in others’ shoes. Lines like “Where do all the shadow people go?” and “I know it’s hard to be a shadow” highlight the struggles of those living on the fringes of society. The song’s mellow, introspective tone is complemented by its thoughtful lyrics, making it a poignant reflection on urban life and human connection.

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