As someone who’s called Delaware home, I can tell you that our small but mighty state has inspired more musical tributes than you might expect. From the rolling hills of New Castle County to the sandy shores of Sussex, the First State’s charm has struck a chord with musicians across genres and generations.
In this playlist, we’ll dive into 10 songs that capture the essence of Delaware – its landscapes, its people, and its unique place in American culture. Some of these tunes might be familiar to locals, while others might surprise even the most devoted Delawarean music buff.
Contents
- 1. “Ocean Front Property” By George Strait
- 2. “Arizona Skies” By Los Lobos
- 3. “Phoner To Arizona” By Gorillaz
- 4. “His Favorite Christmas Story” By Capital Lights
- 5. “Hot Time In Delaware” By Saves The Day
- 6. “Hello, I’m in Delaware” By City And Colour
- 7. “Delaware Slide” by George Thorogood and The Destroyers
- 8. “Is This Thing On?” by The Promise Ring
- 9. “Delaware” by Arbour Season
- 10. “I’m From Delaware” by Todd Chappelle
1. “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.
2. “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.
3. “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.
4. “His Favorite Christmas Story” By Capital Lights
“His Favorite Christmas Story” by Capital Lights is a heartwarming Christmas song that tells a poignant tale of love and serendipity. Set in Delaware in 1937, the song narrates the story of a chance encounter between a man and a woman on Christmas Eve. The man, described as a traveling salesman, musters the courage to ask the woman to dance, and they share a magical moment before parting ways.
The song’s narrative spans decades, following the man’s life as he retells this cherished memory every Christmas. He becomes known as “The Christmas Story-Telling Travelling Man,” sharing his tale with neighborhood children each year. The emotional climax of the song occurs when the elderly man, now in a hospital, asks a nurse to tell him a story. In a touching twist, she turns out to be the woman he danced with all those years ago.
Despite some critiques of its simplistic rhymes and unlikely coincidences, “His Favorite Christmas Story” has a profound emotional impact on many listeners. Its ability to evoke nostalgia, longing, and the bittersweet nature of fleeting moments has made it a powerful addition to Christmas playlists.
5. “Hot Time In Delaware” By Saves The Day
“Hot Time In Delaware” by Saves The Day is an energetic pop-punk anthem that captures the essence of youthful summers in Delaware. The song pulsates with adolescent exuberance, painting a vivid picture of carefree days and nights in the First State.
Saves The Day, known for their high-energy performances and relatable lyrics, use this track to narrate tales of summer adventures, fleeting romances, and the unbridled spirit of youth. The song’s upbeat tempo and catchy melody perfectly complement its themes of freedom and excitement.
While not explicitly detailing specific Delaware landmarks, “Hot Time In Delaware” manages to evoke the feeling of sun-soaked Delaware days, resonating with anyone who has experienced the joy of a youthful summer. The track serves as a musical time capsule, transporting listeners back to their own memories of carefree times and youthful escapades.
6. “Hello, I’m in Delaware” By City And Colour
“Hello, I’m in Delaware” by City And Colour, the musical project of Canadian singer-songwriter Dallas Green, offers a more introspective and melancholic perspective on Delaware. Unlike songs that celebrate the state’s physical attributes, this track uses Delaware as a metaphor for emotional states of separation and longing.
The song’s lyrics are deeply reflective, with lines like “So there goes my life, passing by with every exit sign” conveying a sense of transience and the passage of time. Green’s emotive vocals and the song’s gentle acoustic melody create an atmosphere of introspection and nostalgia.
Rather than focusing on Delaware’s specific features, the song positions the state as a symbolic junction of feelings. It explores themes of distance, both physical and emotional, and the complexities of human relationships. “Hello, I’m in Delaware” resonates with listeners who have experienced feelings of isolation or the bittersweet nature of memories tied to specific places.
The song’s power lies in its ability to use Delaware as a canvas for broader emotional experiences, allowing listeners to project their own feelings and memories onto the lyrics. This approach has made “Hello, I’m in Delaware” a favorite among fans of indie and alternative music, appreciated for its emotional depth and poetic use of place as metaphor.
7. “Delaware Slide” by George Thorogood and The Destroyers
George Thorogood, a native of Wilmington, Delaware, brings his signature raw energy and bluesy style to “Delaware Slide”. This track showcases Thorogood’s gravelly voice and impressive guitar skills, featuring fervent solos that exemplify his musical prowess. The song’s title refers not only to the guitar technique but also serves as a metaphor for the emotional ups and downs of a tumultuous relationship. Thorogood’s local roots add authenticity to the song, making it a powerful representation of Delaware’s musical heritage.
8. “Is This Thing On?” by The Promise Ring
This pop-punk anthem by The Promise Ring has become one of their most famous songs, featured on their successful album “Nothing Feels Good”. The track captures a sense of youthful restlessness and the transient nature of life, using Delaware as a symbolic backdrop. With only four lines of lyrics, the song creates an air of mystery around Delaware, posing questions to the state itself. The track’s connection to Delaware is further strengthened by its alleged inspiration from Jade Tree Records, a label based in Wilmington.
9. “Delaware” by Arbour Season
In contrast to the high-energy tracks, Arbour Season’s “Delaware” offers a gentler, more romantic perspective on the state. This song paints a vivid picture of love blossoming against the backdrop of Delaware’s scenic beauty. With poetic lyrics describing moments shared beneath Delaware’s starry skies, the track invites listeners to explore the state’s serene landscapes and perhaps find their own magical experiences. It’s a tender ode to Delaware’s natural charm and its potential for romantic encounters.
10. “I’m From Delaware” by Todd Chappelle
Todd Chappelle takes a humorous approach in his musical tribute to Delaware. Known for his quick wit and powerful voice, Chappelle has performed at various comedy music festivals, including the New York Funny Songs Festival and the Philadelphia Funny Songs Festival. In “I’m From Delaware,” Chappelle likely employs his comedic talents to highlight quirky aspects of Delaware life, celebrating the state’s unique characteristics in a light-hearted manner. This song offers a fun and entertaining perspective on what it means to be from Delaware, potentially touching on local cultural references and inside jokes that resonate with Delaware residents.
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.