10 Songs About Utah

As a native Utahn who’s spent countless days exploring the red rock canyons, skiing the Greatest Snow on Earth, and marveling at the Salt Lake Valley’s stunning sunsets, I’ve always felt our state deserved more recognition in popular music. Sure, we’re not New York or California, but Utah’s diverse landscapes and unique culture have inspired more than a few talented musicians over the years.

From the towering Wasatch Mountains to the vast salt flats, from pioneer heritage to modern-day quirkiness, the Beehive State has a lot to offer – and these songs capture it all. 

Whether you’re a fellow Utahn looking to feel some state pride or an outsider curious about what makes Utah tick, this list of 10 songs about Utah will take you on a musical journey through the state I call home.

1. “The Great Salt Lake” by Band of Horses

Released in August 2006, “The Great Salt Lake” is the second single from Band of Horses’ debut album “Everything All the Time”. Despite its title, the song isn’t actually about Utah’s Great Salt Lake. Instead, it draws inspiration from Lake Murray in South Carolina, the home state of the band’s frontman Ben Bridwell. The lyrics blend imagery from South Carolina with anecdotes about “hilarious fuck-ups” from Salt Lake City, creating an intriguing narrative that connects two disparate locations.

The song has become one of Band of Horses’ most popular tracks, ranking as their third most performed song in live shows. Its indie rock sound and evocative lyrics have resonated with audiences, even though it didn’t chart as a single. The song’s connection to Utah, while indirect, adds an interesting layer to its meaning and makes it a unique addition to a Utah-themed playlist.

2. “Salt Lake City” by the Dwarves

In stark contrast to the other songs on this list, “Salt Lake City” by the Dwarves takes a decidedly negative stance towards Utah’s capital. Released on their 2004 album “The Dwarves Must Die,” this punk rock track is characterized by its rebellious and confrontational lyrics. The song’s narrator repeatedly declares their refusal to visit Salt Lake City, emphasizing this point with the recurring line “I’m not going to Salt Lake City.”

The lyrics make references to Mormon culture, mentioning the “Osmond crew” and alluding to the Church of Latter-day Saints. The song paints Salt Lake City as a place the narrator wants to avoid at all costs, even if it means disappointing someone they care about. This negative portrayal offers a counterpoint to the more positive depictions in other songs, adding diversity to the playlist’s perspectives on Utah.

3. “Utah Carol” by Marty Robbins

“Utah Carol” is a classic folk song performed by Marty Robbins on his 1959 album “Gunfighter Ballads and Trail Songs”. This narrative ballad tells the tragic tale of Utah Carol, a cowboy who sacrifices his life to save his friend Lenore during a cattle stampede. The song is set against the backdrop of the Old West, with Utah serving as both the protagonist’s name and, presumably, the setting of the story.

The lyrics paint a vivid picture of life on the range, describing the camaraderie between cowboys and the dangers they faced. While not explicitly about Utah as a place, the song’s title and protagonist’s name connect it to the state, making it a poignant addition to a Utah-themed playlist. Its folk style and narrative structure offer a different musical and lyrical approach compared to the other songs in this selection.

4. “Salt Lake City” by the Beach Boys

Released in 1965 on their album “Summer Days (And Summer Nights!!)”, “Salt Lake City” by the Beach Boys is a upbeat rock song that celebrates Utah’s capital. The song was written by Brian Wilson and Mike Love as a tribute to the band’s significant fan base in Salt Lake City. It highlights various attractions of northern Utah, including summer sun, winter skiing, local girls, and the Lagoon amusement park.

The Beach Boys had a strong connection to Salt Lake City, performing at least twelve times at Utah’s Lagoon Amusement Park’s Patio Gardens between 1963 and 1973. The song’s lyrics reflect this affection, describing Salt Lake City as having “the grooviest kids” and praising the local radio station for making “the town really swing”.

While some critics have described the song as a “throwback” or “subpar effort,” it remains a notable part of the Beach Boys’ catalog and a unique tribute to Salt Lake City. Its upbeat melody and positive lyrics offer a stark contrast to the Dwarves’ take on the same city, providing a more tourist-friendly perspective of Utah’s capital.

5. “The Ballad of Billy the Kid” by Billy Joel

Released in 1973 on Billy Joel’s album “Piano Man,” “The Ballad of Billy the Kid” is a fictionalized account of the infamous outlaw’s life. While the song mentions Utah, it’s important to note that it takes significant artistic liberties with historical facts.

The song’s narrative style draws inspiration from American folk ballads, blending elements of Western film scores and classical music. Its instrumentation has been compared to the works of Aaron Copland and Ennio Morricone, creating a cinematic feel that complements the storytelling.

Joel’s lyrics paint a romanticized picture of Billy the Kid, describing his exploits “from Utah to Oklahoma.” However, the song’s historical inaccuracies are intentional. Joel himself has admitted that the song was “an experiment with an impressionist type of lyric” and “historically totally inaccurate as a story”.

Interestingly, the final verse shifts to a more contemporary setting, mentioning “a boy with a six-pack in his hand” from Oyster Bay, Long Island. While some have interpreted this as a reference to Joel himself, the songwriter has clarified that it refers to a local bartender named Billy Nastri.

Despite its historical inaccuracies, “The Ballad of Billy the Kid” remains a fan favorite and concert staple, showcasing Joel’s storytelling abilities and his knack for blending various musical styles.

6. “The History of Utah” by Camper Van Beethoven

Released in 1986 on Camper Van Beethoven’s self-titled album, “The History of Utah” is an eclectic and surreal take on Utah’s history and culture. The song’s unconventional narrative and abstract lyrics are typical of the band’s alternative rock style.

The song begins with the recurring motif of “the river boat gambler” and “the son of the chief of police,” creating an immediate sense of contradiction and intrigue. It then delves into a bizarre narrative involving “old Joe,” who “took all the shopping carts from the mall and took ’em to Utah, which was Zion”.

The lyrics touch on various aspects of Utah’s history and mythology, including references to the Mormon settlement (“He built an empire out of the desert”), Native American relations, and even UFO sightings (“But now and then I dream of the flying saucers / And they’re coming to take us away”).

Camper Van Beethoven’s approach to storytelling in this song is non-linear and often absurdist, mixing historical allusions with surreal imagery. This style reflects the band’s reputation for blending different musical genres and unconventional songwriting techniques.

7. “I Lost My Sugar in Salt Lake City” by Johnny Mercer

Originally recorded in 1942 by Johnny Mercer with Freddie Slack and His Orchestra, “I Lost My Sugar in Salt Lake City” is a classic jazz standard that has been covered by numerous artists over the years.

The song tells the story of a heartbroken narrator who laments losing their “sugar” (a term of endearment for a romantic partner) in Salt Lake City. The lyrics express regret and longing: “I lost my sugar in Salt Lake City / Oh, why did I go there / I should have stayed down in New Orleans / And never gone nowhere”.

Despite its melancholic theme, the song typically features an upbeat, swinging jazz arrangement that contrasts with the sorrowful lyrics. This juxtaposition is a common feature in many jazz standards of the era.

The song’s reference to Salt Lake City adds a unique geographical element to the typical love-lost narrative of jazz ballads. It plays on the idea of Salt Lake City as an unexpected place for romantic misfortune, perhaps alluding to its reputation as a conservative, predominantly Mormon city.

“I Lost My Sugar in Salt Lake City” has endured as a popular jazz standard, with notable covers by artists such as Peggy Lee, Louis Armstrong, and Julie London. Its inclusion in a Utah-themed playlist offers a classic jazz perspective on the state’s capital city.

8. “Ballad for a Friend” by Bob Dylan

“Ballad for a Friend” is a lesser-known song by Bob Dylan, originally recorded in 1962 but not officially released until 2010 as part of The Bootleg Series Vol. 9: The Witmark Demos: 1962-1964. The song is a poignant narrative about loss and friendship, set against the backdrop of a tragic event in Utah.

The lyrics tell the story of a close friend who met an untimely death on a Utah road. Dylan’s storytelling is vivid and emotional, capturing the sorrow of the narrator who reflects on the past and the moments shared with his friend. The song’s verses describe the narrator sitting on a railroad track, reminiscing about the times they spent together and the unfortunate accident involving a diesel truck that claimed his friend’s life.

Musically, the song features Dylan’s signature folk style, with simple yet evocative guitar accompaniment that underscores the melancholic tone of the lyrics. “Ballad for a Friend” showcases Dylan’s early songwriting prowess and his ability to convey deep emotion through his music.

9. “Utah Tribute” by Chris LeDoux

“Utah Tribute” is a heartfelt song by Chris LeDoux, featured on his 1988 album Chris LeDoux and The Saddle Boogie Band. The song is a tribute to LeDoux’s fans in Utah, reflecting on his experiences performing in the state and the support he received throughout his career.

The lyrics recount LeDoux’s journey from a young cowboy writing songs on a cheap guitar to performing at notable venues like the Terrace Ballroom and Symphony Hall. He expresses gratitude for the fans who helped him grow as an artist, highlighting the connection he felt with the people of Utah. The song paints a vivid picture of the lively atmosphere at his concerts, with “wild and woolly cowboys” dancing and cheering, and the “Utah ladies” waltzing beneath the spotlight.

“Utah Tribute” is characterized by its country sound, with melodies that are both rough and heartfelt, reflecting LeDoux’s genuine appreciation for his audience. The song stands as a testament to the strong bond between the artist and his Utah fans, making it a fitting addition to a playlist celebrating the state.

10. “Friend of the Devil” by the Grateful Dead

“Friend of the Devil” is one of the Grateful Dead’s most beloved songs, appearing on their 1970 album American Beauty. Co-written by Jerry Garcia, John Dawson, and Robert Hunter, the song is a staple of the band’s repertoire and a favorite among fans.

The song’s narrative follows a fugitive on the run from the law, who encounters various characters along the way, including the devil. The lyrics mention Utah in the line, “Ran into the devil, babe, he loaned me twenty bills / I spent the night in Utah in a cave up in the hills.” This reference adds a sense of adventure and the rugged landscape of Utah to the story.

Musically, “Friend of the Devil” is known for its intricate acoustic guitar work and harmonious vocals. The song blends elements of folk, bluegrass, and rock, creating a sound that is quintessentially Grateful Dead. Its catchy melody and storytelling lyrics have made it a timeless classic.

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