10 Songs About Wisconsin

As a native Wisconsinite, I can tell you there’s something special about our state that inspires musicians to put pen to paper and create melodies that capture its essence. From the rolling hills of the Driftless Area to the bustling streets of Milwaukee, from the serene shores of Lake Michigan to the cheese-filled aisles of our local markets, Wisconsin has a charm that’s hard to resist.

In this playlist, I’ll take you on a musical journey through 10 songs that pay homage to the Badger State. Some might make you nostalgic, others might make you chuckle, but all of them capture a piece of what makes Wisconsin so dear to those of us who call it home. 

1. “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald” by Gordon Lightfoot

“The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald” is a haunting ballad by Canadian singer-songwriter Gordon Lightfoot, released in 1976. The song recounts the tragic sinking of the SS Edmund Fitzgerald, an American Great Lakes freighter, which sank in Lake Superior on November 10, 1975. The ship was en route from Superior, Wisconsin, to a steel mill near Detroit, Michigan, when it encountered a severe storm and sank, resulting in the loss of all 29 crew members. Lightfoot’s lyrics vividly describe the ship’s final journey, the storm’s ferocity, and the sorrow of the families left behind. The song has become one of Lightfoot’s most famous works and a poignant tribute to maritime history and the Great Lakes shipping industry.

2. “Milwaukee, Here I Come” by George Jones and Brenda Carter

“Milwaukee, Here I Come” is a country song performed by George Jones and Brenda Carter, released in 1968. The song is a lively duet that tells the story of a man eagerly anticipating a trip to Milwaukee to reunite with his lover. The lyrics express excitement and longing, capturing the anticipation of being together again. The song highlights Milwaukee as a place of personal significance and joy, contributing to its charm and appeal. The upbeat tempo and harmonious vocals of Jones and Carter make it a memorable and enjoyable track in the country music genre.

3. “Milwaukee” by The Both

“Milwaukee” is a song by The Both, a musical duo consisting of Aimee Mann and Ted Leo, from their self-titled debut album released in 2014. The song is a tribute to the city of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where Mann and Leo first met and decided to form their band. The lyrics reflect their experiences and the sense of joy they felt during their time in the city. The song is characterized by its hook-laden rock sound, blending Mann’s solid melodies with Leo’s tight harmonies. The inspiration for the song came from an unexpected encounter with a bronze statue of Arthur Fonzerelli, or ‘The Fonz,’ during a soundcheck in Milwaukee, which sparked the idea for their collaboration.

4. “Alcohol” by Brad Paisley

“Alcohol” is a song by American country music artist Brad Paisley, released in 2005. The song is a humorous and insightful take on the effects of alcohol, personified as a character that influences people’s behavior and decisions. While not specifically about Wisconsin, the song’s themes resonate with the state’s well-known beer culture and brewing history, particularly in cities like Milwaukee, which is famous for its breweries. The lyrics explore the social and personal impacts of alcohol, highlighting both its positive and negative aspects. Paisley’s witty writing and catchy melody make “Alcohol” a standout track that has become a favorite in his repertoire.

5. “What’s Made Milwaukee Famous (Has Made a Fool Out of Me)” by Jerry Lee Lewis

Released in 1968, “What’s Made Milwaukee Famous (Has Made a Fool Out of Me)” is a classic country song by Jerry Lee Lewis. Written by Glenn Sutton, the song narrates the story of a man whose excessive drinking has led to personal and relational downfall. The title references Milwaukee’s renowned brewing industry, symbolizing how alcohol has negatively impacted the protagonist’s life. The lyrics convey a sense of regret and sorrow as the man reflects on how his love for the nightlife and drinking has caused him to lose his partner. The song’s melancholic tone and honky-tonk style make it a poignant reflection on the consequences of indulgence.

6. “Jump Around” by House of Pain

“Jump Around” by House of Pain, released in 1992, is an iconic hip-hop track known for its high-energy beats and infectious chorus. While not explicitly about Wisconsin, the song has become a staple at sporting events, particularly at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where it is famously played during Badgers football games at Camp Randall Stadium. The song’s upbeat tempo and commanding lyrics, such as “Jump up, jump up and get down,” create an electrifying atmosphere that encourages crowd participation. Its association with Wisconsin sports has cemented its place in the state’s cultural fabric, making it a de facto anthem for Wisconsin fans.

7. “Man From Milwaukee” by Hanson

“Man From Milwaukee” is a quirky and whimsical song by Hanson, featured on their 1998 live album Live From Albertane. The song tells the story of a peculiar encounter at a bus stop with a man who claims to be from Milwaukee but exhibits strange behavior, such as talking to Mars on a yellow walkie-talkie. The lyrics blend humor with a sense of curiosity, painting a vivid picture of this eccentric character. The song’s playful narrative and catchy melody make it a standout track that adds a touch of light-heartedness to the playlist. Despite its fantastical elements, the song’s title and setting provide a nod to the city of Milwaukee.

8. “My Cousin in Milwaukee” by Ella Fitzgerald

“My Cousin in Milwaukee” is a jazz standard composed by George Gershwin with lyrics by Ira Gershwin. The song was introduced in the 1932 musical Pardon My English and later recorded by Ella Fitzgerald for her 1959 album Ella Fitzgerald Sings the George and Ira Gershwin Songbook. The lyrics tell a whimsical story about the singer’s cousin in Milwaukee, who is a sensation despite her unconventional singing style. The cousin’s unique voice and captivating performances make her popular with the men in town. The song is light-hearted and humorous, showcasing Fitzgerald’s vocal prowess and playful interpretation of the Gershwin brothers’ work.

9. “On, Wisconsin” by William T. Purdy

“On, Wisconsin” is the fight song of the University of Wisconsin–Madison and the official state song of Wisconsin. Composed by William T. Purdy in 1909, the song was initially intended for a University of Minnesota contest but was repurposed for Wisconsin thanks to the persuasion of Carl Beck, a former Wisconsin student. The lyrics were rewritten in 1913 to reflect state pride and were officially adopted as the state song in 1959. The song is renowned for its rousing melody and spirited lyrics, which encourage loyalty and enthusiasm for the state and its university. It is widely recognized as one of the finest college marching songs and is performed at various sporting events and official state functions.

10. “Wisconsin” by Bon Iver

“Wisconsin” is a song by indie folk band Bon Iver, led by singer-songwriter Justin Vernon. It appears as a bonus track on the iTunes release of their 2008 debut album For Emma, Forever Ago. The song reflects Vernon’s deep connection to his home state, encapsulating themes of love, loss, and the harsh Wisconsin winters. The lyrics are introspective and melancholic, accompanied by a muted guitar that enhances the song’s solemn atmosphere. “Wisconsin” stands out for its emotional depth and the way it captures the essence of the state’s cold, reflective landscape, making it a fitting tribute to Vernon’s roots.

Submit Your Song to This Playlist

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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.