13 Songs About Pennsylvania

As a lifelong resident of Pennsylvania, I’ve come to appreciate the rich musical heritage that our state has inspired over the years. From the gritty industrial anthems of the Rust Belt to the soulful folk tunes of the Appalachian mountains, Pennsylvania’s diverse landscapes and communities have provided the backdrop for countless memorable songs.

In this playlist, we’ll explore 13 of the most iconic and influential songs about the Keystone State. These tunes span multiple genres and eras, but they all share a deep connection to the people, places, and experiences that make Pennsylvania unique.

1. “Streets of Philadelphia” by Bruce Springsteen

“Streets of Philadelphia” is a poignant song written and performed by Bruce Springsteen for the 1993 film Philadelphia. The song captures the somber and reflective mood of the movie, which deals with the AIDS crisis and the discrimination faced by the LGBTQ+ community. 

Springsteen’s lyrics convey a deep sense of isolation, sorrow, and loss, reflecting the struggles of a man grappling with his illness and societal rejection. The song’s haunting melody and minimalist arrangement underscore its emotional weight. The music video, directed by Jonathan Demme, features Springsteen walking through the streets of Philadelphia, further emphasizing the themes of loneliness and despair. The song was critically acclaimed and won the Academy Award for Best Original Song, as well as four Grammy Awards, including Song of the Year.

2. “Fall in Philadelphia” by Hall & Oates

“Fall in Philadelphia” is a track by Hall & Oates from their 1972 album Whole Oats. Unlike many songs that celebrate the beauty of a city, this song takes a more critical stance. Written by Daryl Hall, the song describes the harsh realities of living in Philadelphia during the fall season. The lyrics speak to the struggles and challenges faced by the residents, painting a picture of a city that is tough and unforgiving. Despite its critical tone, the song is a testament to the duo’s deep connection to their hometown. It reflects the gritty and resilient spirit of Philadelphia, capturing the essence of the city’s atmosphere during a difficult time.

3. “Philly, Philly” by Eve

“Philly, Philly” is a hip-hop anthem by Eve, featuring Beanie Sigel, that pays homage to the city of Philadelphia. Released in the late 1990s, the song celebrates the city’s culture, resilience, and pride. Eve, a native of Philadelphia, uses her lyrics to highlight the strength and unity of her community. The song’s energetic beat and confident delivery make it a powerful tribute to the city. The repeated chorus, “Philly, Philly,” serves as a rallying cry for the residents, emphasizing their shared identity and determination. The collaboration with Beanie Sigel, another Philadelphia native, adds to the song’s authenticity and local flavor.

4. “Philadelphia Freedom” by Elton John

“Philadelphia Freedom” is a song by Elton John, written in collaboration with Bernie Taupin. Released as a single in 1975, the song was created as a tribute to Elton John’s friend, tennis star Billie Jean King, and her team, the Philadelphia Freedoms. Despite its title, the lyrics do not directly reference tennis or the city of Philadelphia but instead convey a broader message of freedom and resilience. The song features an orchestral arrangement with flutes, horns, and strings, giving it a grand and uplifting feel. “Philadelphia Freedom” became one of Elton John’s biggest hits, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and becoming an anthem of sorts for the American bicentennial celebrations in 1976. The song remains a beloved classic, celebrated for its positive and patriotic themes.

5. “Allentown” by Billy Joel

“Allentown” is a song by American singer Billy Joel, released in 1982 as the lead track on his album The Nylon Curtain. The song addresses the decline of the American manufacturing industry, particularly focusing on the steel industry in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, and the broader economic struggles faced by blue-collar workers. Joel reworked lyrics originally about Levittown, New York, to reflect the challenges in Bethlehem and Allentown. The song’s upbeat melody contrasts with its bleak lyrics, which discuss factory closures and the loss of the American Dream. Despite mixed reactions from residents of Allentown, who felt it portrayed their city negatively, the song became an anthem for the working class and was critically acclaimed for its honest depiction of economic hardship.

6. “Pennsylvania Polka” by Frankie Yankovic

“Pennsylvania Polka” is a lively polka song written by Lester Lee and Zeke Manners in 1942. The song became popular through recordings by The Andrews Sisters and Frankie Yankovic, known as America’s Polka King. The lyrics celebrate the joy and carefree nature of dancing the polka, particularly in Pennsylvania, and mention Scranton as the origin of this dance craze. The song’s cheerful tone and catchy melody made it a favorite at social gatherings and even among Pittsburgh Steelers fans in the 1970s. It was considered for Pennsylvania’s state song and remains a beloved piece of the state’s musical heritage, featuring prominently in films like Groundhog Day and The Polka King.

7. “Harrisburg” by Josh Ritter

“Harrisburg” is a song by singer-songwriter Josh Ritter from his 2002 album Golden Age of Radio. The song tells the story of a man named Romero, who is struggling and on a journey to Harrisburg, the capital of Pennsylvania, in search of a better life. Ritter, who was inspired by his childhood impressions of Harrisburg and his father’s stories of Allentown, uses the city as a symbol of hope and aspiration. The song’s narrative style and evocative lyrics paint a vivid picture of a person’s desperate quest for improvement amidst challenging circumstances. “Harrisburg” reflects Ritter’s talent for storytelling and his ability to capture the essence of American life and struggles.

8. “Camptown Races” by Stephen Foster

“Camptown Races,” written by Stephen Foster in 1850, is a minstrel song that has become one of the most enduring pieces of American folk music. The song, also known as “Gwine to Run All Night,” was inspired by Foster’s travels through the village of Camptown, Pennsylvania, and captures the spirit of horse racing in the mid-19th century. The lyrics, written in African American Vernacular English, tell the story of people in a transient community betting on horse races to make money. Despite its origins in the minstrel tradition, which is widely considered racist today, “Camptown Races” has remained a staple in the American musical repertoire. The song has been featured in numerous films, TV shows, and recordings, making it a significant part of American cultural history.

9. “South Street” by The Orlons

“South Street” is a 1963 hit song by The Orlons, a Philadelphia-based R&B vocal group. Written by Dave Appell and Kal Mann, the song celebrates South Street in Philadelphia, describing it as “the hippest street in town”. The Orlons, formed at Overbrook High School in West Philadelphia, became known for their tight harmonies and engaging performances. “South Street” reached number three on the U.S. pop chart and number four on the U.S. R&B chart, reflecting its widespread popularity. The song captures the vibrant countercultural scene that emerged on South Street in the 1960s, a time when the area became a haven for artists, musicians, and bohemians due to declining property values and the threat of demolition for a proposed expressway. The song’s lively beat and catchy lyrics made it a favorite at dances and a key part of Philadelphia’s musical legacy.

10. “Motownphilly” by Boyz II Men

“Motownphilly” is a 1991 single by Boyz II Men, released as the lead track from their debut album Cooleyhighharmony. The song, co-written and produced by Dallas Austin, blends the sounds of 1960s Motown with 1970s Philly soul, reflecting the group’s musical influences. The title itself is a portmanteau of “Motown” and “Philly,” symbolizing this fusion. “Motownphilly” was a commercial success, peaking at number three on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100. The song’s music video, filmed in various locations around Philadelphia, features appearances by other new jack swing groups like Another Bad Creation and Bell Biv DeVoe, as well as a cameo by Questlove. The song’s upbeat tempo, smooth harmonies, and nostalgic references to the group’s early days in Philadelphia make it a standout track that celebrates the city’s rich musical heritage.

11. “Pittsburgh Town” by Pete Seeger

“Pittsburgh Town,” also known as “Pittsburgh” or “Pittsburgh is a Great Old Town,” is a folk song written by Woody Guthrie and originally recorded by Pete Seeger. The song was created during a stop in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on an Almanac Singers’ tour in 1941. It reflects the labor and environmental challenges faced by the city at the time. The lyrics describe Pittsburgh as a “smoky ol’ town,” highlighting the pollution from the steel industry and the labor disputes involving steelworkers. The song’s verses alternate between addressing the environmental degradation and the struggles of the working class, making it a poignant commentary on the industrial era’s impact on the city and its residents. Seeger’s recordings of the song, both studio and live, have cemented it as a significant piece of American folk music that captures the historical essence of Pittsburgh.

12. “30,000 Pounds of Bananas” by Harry Chapin

“30,000 Pounds of Bananas” is a folk rock song by Harry Chapin, featured on his 1974 album Verities & Balderdash. The song is based on a true story about a tragic truck accident in Scranton, Pennsylvania, in 1965. A young truck driver, Eugene Sesky, lost control of his truck while hauling 30,000 pounds of bananas, resulting in a catastrophic crash that caused significant damage and led to his death. Chapin’s song narrates this event with a mix of humor and tragedy, capturing the tension and chaos of the accident. The song became a crowd favorite at Chapin’s concerts, where he often presented multiple endings, adding a light-hearted twist to the otherwise somber story. Despite some criticism for its humorous treatment of a tragic event, the song remains a memorable and unique piece in Chapin’s repertoire, illustrating the unpredictable nature of life and the human condition.

13. “Pittsburgh” by The Lemonheads

“Pittsburgh” is a song by The Lemonheads, featured on their 2006 album The Lemonheads. The song, written by frontman Evan Dando, is a reflective and melancholic track that captures the emotional landscape of the city. While the lyrics do not delve deeply into specific historical or cultural references, they evoke a sense of longing and introspection, often associated with the experiences of life in Pittsburgh. The song’s mood and tone resonate with the city’s industrial past and its impact on the lives of its inhabitants. The Lemonheads’ alternative rock style, combined with Dando’s evocative songwriting, makes “Pittsburgh” a fitting tribute to the city’s complex and multifaceted character.

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.