As someone who has spent countless days exploring the rolling hills, vibrant cities, and charming small towns of Missouri, I can attest to the unique spirit and diverse culture that this state embodies. Missouri, with its rich history and dynamic landscapes, has inspired countless artists and musicians over the years. From the bustling streets of St. Louis to the serene banks of the Missouri River, the state offers a tapestry of experiences that resonate deeply with both residents and visitors alike.
In this playlist, we’ll explore 10 songs that capture the essence of Missouri, each one painting a vivid picture of its people, places, and stories.
Contents
- 1. “Missouri Waltz” by Johnny Cash
- 2. “California, Missouri” by Kassi Ashton
- 3. “Missouri Moon” by Rhonda Vincent
- 4. “Shovelin’ Coal in Missouri” by Jimmie Rodgers
- 5. “Cold Missouri Waters” by James Keelaghan
- 6. “Missing Missouri” by Sara Evans
- 7. “Southwest Missouri” by The Mark Chapman Band
- 8. “Missouri” by David Nail
- 9. “Songs About Missouri” by Michael Tyler
- 10. “Walkin’ To Missouri” by Sammy Kaye
- Submit Your Song to This Playlist
1. “Missouri Waltz” by Johnny Cash
The “Missouri Waltz” is the official state song of Missouri, originally composed by Lee Edgar Settle and arranged by Frederic Knight Logan with lyrics by James Royce Shannon. The song has a rich history, first published in 1914 and gaining popularity through various recordings. It was officially adopted as the state song in 1949. The song’s melody, initially known as the “Graveyard Waltz,” became widely recognized and was even associated with President Harry S. Truman, though he reportedly had mixed feelings about it. Johnny Cash’s rendition of the “Missouri Waltz” adds a classic country touch to this historic tune, maintaining its nostalgic and sentimental feel.
2. “California, Missouri” by Kassi Ashton
“California, Missouri” is a deeply personal song by Kassi Ashton, reflecting her experiences growing up in the small town of California, Missouri. The song captures the duality of her upbringing, combining elements of love and pain. Ashton describes her hometown with a mix of affection and criticism, acknowledging the challenges she faced as an outcast. Her raw and soulful vocals convey the emotional weight of her story, making it a poignant introduction to her music. The song stands out for its honest portrayal of small-town life, contrasting the often romanticized depictions found in other country songs.
3. “Missouri Moon” by Rhonda Vincent
“Missouri Moon” by Rhonda Vincent is a romantic and nostalgic song that reminisces about a past love under the moonlit skies of Missouri. The lyrics evoke a sense of longing and memory, with Vincent’s clear and emotive voice bringing the story to life. The song paints a vivid picture of a beautiful night, with stars shining brightly, reminiscent of the time when the lovers first met. Vincent, known for her bluegrass roots, infuses the song with a heartfelt sincerity that resonates with listeners, making it a touching tribute to the state.
4. “Shovelin’ Coal in Missouri” by Jimmie Rodgers
“Shovelin’ Coal in Missouri” by Jimmie Rodgers is a classic country song that reflects the hard-working spirit of the people in Missouri. Rodgers, often referred to as the “Father of Country Music,” brings his signature yodeling style to this track. The song narrates the life of a coal worker, capturing the toil and perseverance required in such a demanding job. With its straightforward lyrics and traditional country instrumentation, “Shovelin’ Coal in Missouri” offers a glimpse into the working-class life in Missouri, celebrating the resilience and determination of its people.
5. “Cold Missouri Waters” by James Keelaghan
“Cold Missouri Waters” is a hauntingly beautiful song by Canadian singer-songwriter James Keelaghan. The song tells the tragic story of the Mann Gulch fire of 1949, a wildfire in Montana that claimed the lives of 13 firefighters. The narrative is delivered from the perspective of one of the survivors, Wagner Dodge, who recounts the harrowing experience of battling the blaze and the decisions that led to the loss of his comrades. Keelaghan’s poignant lyrics and somber melody capture the emotional weight of the tragedy, making it a powerful tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of those involved. The song’s title references the Missouri River, which played a critical role in the story as the firefighters sought refuge from the flames.
6. “Missing Missouri” by Sara Evans
“Missing Missouri” by Sara Evans is a heartfelt country ballad that reflects the singer’s deep longing for her home state. The song’s lyrics express Evans’ love for her life, family, and career, but also the emotional toll of being away from her roots. She reminisces about the simple pleasures and familiar comforts of Missouri, contrasting them with the hectic and often isolating life on the road. The chorus emphasizes her desire to be with her family, highlighting the emotional pull of home. Evans’ evocative vocals and the song’s nostalgic melody resonate with anyone who has experienced homesickness, making it a touching ode to her Missouri heritage.
7. “Southwest Missouri” by The Mark Chapman Band
“Southwest Missouri” by The Mark Chapman Band is a song that celebrates the band’s regional roots and the unique character of Southwest Missouri. The Mark Chapman Band, known for their strong presence in the local music scene, has built a reputation for their authentic country sound and relatable lyrics. The song likely captures the essence of life in Southwest Missouri, reflecting the band’s personal experiences and connection to the area. With its catchy melody and heartfelt lyrics, “Southwest Missouri” serves as an anthem for those who call this region home. The band’s dedication to their craft and their local fan base is evident in their music, making this song a standout track in their repertoire.
8. “Missouri” by David Nail
“Missouri” is a deeply personal and emotionally charged song by David Nail, a native of southeastern Missouri. The track appears on Nail’s debut album “I’m About To Come Alive” and stands out for its raw honesty and vulnerability. Nail wrote this song during a challenging period in his life, as he explains, “I was in the middle of a two-year bout with depression”.
The song reflects on a tumultuous relationship Nail experienced, lasting about three years. Its lyrics capture the internal struggle of someone grappling with depression while trying to maintain a relationship. The emotional weight of the song is palpable in Nail’s delivery, showcasing his soulful vocals and ability to convey deep, personal experiences through his music.
“Missouri” serves as both a tribute to Nail’s home state and a poignant exploration of his mental health struggles. The song’s introspective nature and connection to Nail’s roots make it a standout track in his repertoire and a meaningful addition to any playlist about Missouri.
9. “Songs About Missouri” by Michael Tyler
Michael Tyler, another Missouri native, pays homage to his home state in “Songs About Missouri.” As a singer-songwriter hailing from Thayer, Missouri, Tyler brings an authentic perspective to his music. The song is a celebration of Missouri’s underrepresented beauty and character in country music.
In the lyrics, Tyler expresses, “If they could’ve seen it through my eyes, there’d be more songs about Missouri”. This line encapsulates the song’s essence – a call for greater recognition of Missouri’s charm and significance. Tyler’s composition likely draws from his personal experiences growing up in the state, offering listeners a genuine portrayal of Missouri life.
The song showcases Tyler’s talent for storytelling and his deep connection to his roots. As a rising star in the country music scene who has penned hits for established artists like Jason Aldean and Dierks Bentley, Tyler’s “Songs About Missouri” brings a fresh, contemporary voice to the catalog of Missouri-themed music.
10. “Walkin’ To Missouri” by Sammy Kaye
“Walkin’ To Missouri” is a novelty song from 1952 by bandleader Sammy Kaye. This lighthearted tune tells the story of a “little robin” who left his Missouri home for the excitement of city life, only to find himself longing to return. The song’s playful lyrics and upbeat melody are characteristic of the novelty songs popular in the 1950s.
The chorus paints a vivid picture:
“Poor little robin walkin’, walkin’, walkin’ to Missouri;
He can’t afford to fly
Got a penny for a poor little robin, walkin’, walkin’, walkin’ to Missouri;
Got a teardrop in his eye.”
While the song may seem whimsical, it touches on themes of homesickness and the allure of one’s roots – common motifs in songs about specific places. “Walkin’ To Missouri” offers a nostalgic, mid-20th century perspective on the state, contrasting the simplicity of Missouri life with the complexities of the wider world.
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.