10 Songs About Maine

As a lifelong Mainer, I’ve always felt that our state has a certain magic that’s hard to put into words. From the rugged coastline dotted with lighthouses to the dense forests and pristine lakes of the north, Maine’s beauty has inspired countless artists over the years. But it’s not just the landscape that makes our state special – it’s the people, the culture, and the unique way of life we’ve cultivated here in the northeast corner of the country.

Here, I’ve put together this list of 10 songs about Maine – each one offering a different perspective on the place I’m proud to call home.

1. “That Jane from Maine” by Doris Day

“That Jane from Maine” is a lively and whimsical song performed by Doris Day, released in 1961 as part of her album Wonderful Day. The song narrates the charm and allure of a woman named Jane from Maine, who captures the hearts of everyone she encounters during her travels across the country. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of Jane’s impact, with engineers and diners all enchanted by her presence. The repetitive “clickety-clack” of the railway track symbolizes the rhythmic journey and the constant admiration Jane receives. The song encapsulates a nostalgic and romanticized view of travel and the magnetic personality of Jane from Maine.

2. “The Reach” by Dan Fogelberg

“The Reach” is a poignant and evocative song by Dan Fogelberg, featured on his 1981 album The Innocent Age. The song is a tribute to the rugged and beautiful coastline of Maine, particularly focusing on the life of lobstermen. Fogelberg’s lyrics describe the autumnal scenery, the hard work of the fishermen, and the bond between father and son as they haul their catch. The “Reach” refers to a coastal area that sings a welcoming song to the returning boats. The song captures the essence of Maine’s maritime culture, the challenges of the sea, and the deep connection to the land and tradition.

3. “Nothing But Time” by Jackson Browne

“Nothing But Time” is a track from Jackson Browne’s 1977 album Running on Empty. The song was uniquely recorded on a tour bus, specifically a Continental Silver Eagle, as Browne traveled from Portland, Maine to New Jersey. The lyrics reflect the transient and often monotonous life of a touring musician, with references to the journey out of Portland and the sense of timelessness on the road. The song’s raw and authentic feel is accentuated by the audible bus engine in the background, making it a genuine piece of Browne’s road experiences. The song captures the essence of being perpetually on the move and the fleeting connections made along the way.

4. “Portland, Maine” by Donovan Woods

“Portland, Maine” is a reflective and melancholic song by Canadian singer-songwriter Donovan Woods, from his 2015 album Hard Settle, Ain’t Troubled. The song deals with the themes of distance and the end of a relationship. Woods sings about the difficulties of maintaining a long-distance relationship, using Portland, Maine as a metaphor for a place that is both distant and unknown. The repeated line “Portland, Maine, I don’t know where that is” underscores the emotional and physical distance between the singer and his partner. The song’s simplicity and heartfelt lyrics resonate with the feelings of longing and acceptance of an inevitable separation.

5. “Long Time Sunshine” by Weezer

“Long Time Sunshine” is a contemplative and mellow track by Weezer, originally intended for their scrapped album Songs From The Black Hole. The song, which was later included in the Pinkerton: Deluxe Edition, reveals a softer side of the band known for their energetic rock style. The lyrics express a longing for a simpler life and a desire to move to the East Coast, specifically mentioning Maine. The song evokes a sense of nostalgia and yearning for tranquility, with lines about building a house with a fireplace and settling down with a good woman. The repeated chorus, “Longtime sunshine upon me,” underscores the wish for peace and contentment in a serene environment like Maine.

6. “The Maine Stein Song” by Rudy Vallée

“The Maine Stein Song” is a historic and iconic song performed by Rudy Vallée, which became the first and only college song to top the charts. Originally the school song of the University of Maine, its lyrics were penned by Lincoln Colcord in 1902 and set to the tune of a march called Opie. Vallée, who attended the University of Maine, popularized the song in 1930, giving it a faster tempo and making slight lyrical changes. The song celebrates camaraderie and toasts to the state of Maine, its students, and their future. Despite its references to drinking, which faced some criticism, the song remains a beloved part of Maine’s musical heritage and a quirky piece of American music history.

7. “The King of Maine” by Spose

“The King of Maine” is a humorous and autobiographical rap song by Spose, a native of Maine. Featured on his The Peter Sparker Mixtape, the song showcases Spose’s pride in his home state through witty and relatable lyrics. He references various aspects of Maine life, from local sports teams like the Sea Dogs to the everyday challenges of living in a state known for its rugged environment. The song’s catchy beat and clever wordplay highlight Spose’s connection to Maine, celebrating the state’s unique culture and his own experiences growing up there. The repeated hook, “I’m the King of Maine,” underscores his affection and pride for his roots.

8. “King of the Road” by Roger Miller

“King of the Road” is a classic country song written and performed by Roger Miller, released in January 1965 as part of his album The Return of Roger Miller. The song narrates the life of a hobo who, despite having very little material wealth, revels in the freedom of his nomadic lifestyle. The lyrics describe the protagonist’s day-to-day existence, with memorable lines such as “Trailers for sale or rent, rooms to let, fifty cents,” and “Destination: Bangor, Maine.” The song’s catchy melody and Miller’s humorous and cynical portrayal of the “king of the road” made it a massive hit, topping the country charts and crossing over to the Billboard Hot 100 and adult contemporary charts. “King of the Road” won five Grammy Awards in 1966, solidifying its place as one of the most successful country songs of all time.

9. “A Tombstone Every Mile” by Dick Curless

“A Tombstone Every Mile” is a gripping truck-driving song by Dick Curless, released in 1965. The song tells the story of a treacherous stretch of road in Maine known as the Haynesville Woods, infamous for its dangerous conditions, especially during winter. The lyrics vividly depict the perilous journey truckers face while hauling goods through this area, with lines like “If they’d buried all them truckers lost in them woods, there’d be a tombstone every mile.” Curless’s deep, booming voice and the song’s haunting melody contribute to its chilling atmosphere. “A Tombstone Every Mile” became Curless’s breakthrough hit, reaching number five on Billboard’s Hot Country Singles chart and cementing his reputation as a prominent figure in the genre of truck-driving songs.

10. “Portland Town” by Schooner Fare

“Portland Town” is a folk song by Schooner Fare, written by Steve Romanoff and first released in 1985 on the album We the People. The song captures the essence of Portland, Maine, through its themes of homecoming and nostalgia. The lyrics describe the singer’s return to Portland Town, evoking the beauty and familiarity of the place with lines like “I see the light across the bay, I see the light not far away.” The song’s folk roots and melodic structure celebrate Maine’s culture and resonate deeply with both locals and visitors. “Portland Town” has become one of Schooner Fare’s signature songs, cherished for its heartfelt portrayal of the state’s coastal charm and the emotional pull of returning home.

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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.