As someone who called Kansas home for a few years, I can tell you there’s something magical about the Sunflower State that inspires musicians across genres. From the endless prairies to the small-town charm, Kansas has a way of capturing hearts and sparking creativity. During my time there, I came to appreciate the state’s natural beauty, rich history, and down-to-earth spirit – all of which are reflected in the songs I’m about to share.
Here, I’ve compiled 10 songs that celebrate Kansas in all its glory. Some are well-known classics that have stood the test of time, while others are hidden gems waiting to be discovered.
Contents
- 1. “Wichita Lineman” by Glen Campbell
- 2. “Wichita Skyline” by Shawn Colvin
- 3. “Sunflower” by Russ Morgan
- 4. “You’re Not in Kansas Anymore” by Jo Dee Messina
- 5. “Kansas Rain” by John Stewart
- 6. “Ringing in the Year” by Turnpike Troubadours
- 7. “Belexes” by Kansas
- 8. “One’s On The Way” by Loretta Lynn
- 9. “Home on the Range” by Roy Rogers
- 10. “On The Atchison, Topeka and the Santa Fe” by Judy Garland
- Submit Your Song to This Playlist
1. “Wichita Lineman” by Glen Campbell
“Wichita Lineman” is a classic 1968 song written by Jimmy Webb and performed by Glen Campbell. The song is often described as the first “existential country song” and is notable for its poignant and evocative lyrics. Webb was inspired to write the song after seeing a solitary lineman working on a telephone pole in the Oklahoma panhandle. The song captures the loneliness and dedication of the lineman, who is imagined speaking to his girlfriend while working. The orchestral arrangements by Al De Lory, including the use of high-pitched violins and a Morse code-like keyboard motif, enhance the song’s atmospheric quality. “Wichita Lineman” has been widely covered and remains a beloved piece of American music history.
2. “Wichita Skyline” by Shawn Colvin
“Wichita Skyline” is a song by Shawn Colvin from her 1996 album A Few Small Repairs. The song uses the imagery of the Wichita skyline to convey a sense of longing and introspection. The lyrics describe the narrator’s realization that leaving Wichita was perhaps a mistake, as they feel a deep connection to the flat, expansive landscape of Kansas. The song’s verses paint a vivid picture of the Kansas scenery, with references to trains to Independence, black clouds rolling in, and the vast, open sky. Colvin’s reflective tone and the song’s melancholic melody underscore the theme of searching for identity and belonging.
3. “Sunflower” by Russ Morgan
“Sunflower” is a cheerful and nostalgic song performed by Russ Morgan and his orchestra. The lyrics celebrate the singer’s deep-rooted connection to Kansas, expressing pride in being born, bred, and eventually married in the state. The song highlights the simple joys of life in Kansas, including the promise of a “true blue gal” who will be wed in Kansas. The repetitive and catchy chorus reinforces the singer’s affection for his home state, making “Sunflower” a heartfelt tribute to Kansas life and love.
4. “You’re Not in Kansas Anymore” by Jo Dee Messina
“You’re Not in Kansas Anymore” is a 1996 country song by Jo Dee Messina, written by Tim Nichols and Zack Turner. The song tells the story of a young man from Wichita who moves to Southern California in search of new opportunities. The lyrics contrast his rural upbringing with the fast-paced, glamorous life of Los Angeles. The chorus serves as a warning and a reminder that he is far from the familiar comforts of Kansas. The song’s upbeat tempo and catchy hook contributed to its success, reaching number 7 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. The title is a nod to the famous line from The Wizard of Oz, symbolizing a stark change in surroundings and experiences.
5. “Kansas Rain” by John Stewart
“Kansas Rain” is a folk song released in 1972 as part of John Stewart’s album Sunstorm. As a former member of the Kingston Trio, Stewart brings his folk sensibilities to this track about Kansas. The song likely paints a vivid picture of the state’s landscape, with the rain serving as a metaphor for the emotions and experiences tied to Kansas. Stewart’s acoustic guitar work and emotive vocals are hallmarks of his style, which probably feature prominently in this track. The song’s placement as the opening track on Sunstorm suggests its significance in setting the tone for the album.
6. “Ringing in the Year” by Turnpike Troubadours
While not explicitly about Kansas, “Ringing in the Year” by Turnpike Troubadours touches on themes that resonate with the Midwestern experience. The song explores feelings of longing and nostalgia, particularly in the context of New Year’s celebrations. The lyrics paint a poignant picture of missing someone: “The way that I’ve been missin’ you this fall? And cheap champagne don’t dull the pain of ringing’ in the year. Wond’rin’ if you think of me at all”. This sentiment could easily apply to someone reflecting on their time in Kansas or missing the state itself. The mention of “cheap champagne” and the inability to dull the pain suggests a bittersweet celebration, perhaps echoing the complex emotions often associated with one’s homeland.
7. “Belexes” by Kansas
“Belexes” is a hard rock track from Kansas’s self-titled debut album released in 1974. While not lyrically about Kansas, the song represents the state through the band’s identity and musical style. “Belexes” showcases Kansas’s early progressive rock influences, featuring dynamic instrumentation and complex arrangements. The song is noted for its energetic performance and clear influences from other rock giants of the era. It includes Purple-style guitar work, vocal harmonies reminiscent of Uriah Heep, and keyboard passages that evoke comparisons to Emerson, Lake and Palmer.
The track is characterized by its forceful rhythms, intricate keyboard work, and powerful vocal harmonies. The bass is prominently featured, adding depth to the overall sound. “Belexes” serves as an excellent introduction to Kansas’s musical prowess, demonstrating their ability to blend hard rock elements with progressive structures. While it may not directly reference the state in its lyrics, the song’s intensity and musical complexity reflect the band’s Midwestern roots and their ambition to stand out in the progressive rock scene of the 1970s.
8. “One’s On The Way” by Loretta Lynn
“One’s On The Way” is a humorous and poignant country song by Loretta Lynn, released in 1971. Written by Shel Silverstein, the song centers on a housewife in Topeka, Kansas, who is overwhelmed by her busy life with multiple children and another on the way. The lyrics contrast her hectic domestic life with the glamorous lives of celebrities like Debbie Reynolds and Elizabeth Taylor, as well as First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy. The song humorously captures the everyday struggles and societal expectations of women during that era, making it a relatable anthem for many. It became one of Lynn’s best-known hits and reached number one on the U.S. Billboard Hot Country Singles chart.
9. “Home on the Range” by Roy Rogers
“Home on the Range” is a quintessential cowboy song performed by Roy Rogers. Originally written by Brewster Higley with music by Daniel E. Kelley in 1876, the song romanticizes the American West, depicting an idealized vision of life on the range. It became one of the earliest cowboy songs and was officially adopted as the state song of Kansas in 1947. Rogers’ rendition is iconic, capturing the song’s nostalgic and serene imagery of wide-open spaces, gentle breezes, and wildlife. The song has endured as a symbol of the American frontier and the pioneer spirit.
10. “On The Atchison, Topeka and the Santa Fe” by Judy Garland
“On The Atchison, Topeka and the Santa Fe” is a lively and memorable song written by Harry Warren and Johnny Mercer for the 1946 film The Harvey Girls. Performed by Judy Garland in the film, the song celebrates the arrival of the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railway in the Southwestern United States. The lyrics convey the excitement and anticipation of the train’s arrival, which brought new opportunities and connections to the region.
The song won the Academy Award for Best Original Song in 1946 and became a staple in Garland’s repertoire. Its upbeat tempo and catchy melody make it a timeless classic that evokes the spirit of American rail travel.
Submit Your Song to This Playlist
Do you have a track or song you’d like to feature on this playlist? If so, please fill out the form below for our evaluation.

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.