Songs about Chicago–Because There’s No Place Like Home.
Chicago is a beautiful city that has inspired artists for ages, including musicians. Some artists have written songs as an ode to their hometown, some write tunes about its gorgeous landscape after passing through, and others sing about traveling to the Windy City to find their long lost love. People write songs about tons of other big cities, but there’s something really heartwarming about a Chicago song.
From Lake Michigan to the bright city lights to the notorious wind, there’s so much to love about this city that just makes us want to sing. Here are some famous songs about Chicago that’ll make you proud to be from the best city in the world.
Sweet Home Chicago by The Blues Brothers
Of course, a Blues Brothers tune had to make the list. When the famous crew from the classic film sings, “Baby don’t you wanna go / Back to that same old place / Sweet home Chicago,” it always makes us Chicagoans smile.
Chicago by Frank Sinatra
The legendary leader of the Rat Pack shows his love for Chicago in a song, and even says it’s better than New York. “Bet your bottom dollar you’ll lose the blues in Chicago, Chicago / On State Street that great street I just want to say / They do things that they don’t do on Broadway / Chicago, Chicago that’s my hometown.”
Pulaski at Night by Andrew Bird
Folk rock musician and Illinois native Andrew Bird wrote a mellow ode to a nighttime view of iconic Pulaski Road. “I sent you a postcard, it says, “Pulaski at night” / Greetings from Chicago, city of, city of light.“
Tonight, Tonight by The Smashing Pumpkins
With The Smashing Pumpkins and their iconic lead singer Billy Corgan hailing from Chicago, they obviously deserve a spot on the list. Their romantic song calls on Chicago’s spirit with, “And the embers never fade in your city by the lake.”
Chicago by The Doobie Brothers
Even though these soft rockers of the ’70s hail from the Golden State, they were captivated with Chicago, so much so that they wrote a ballad about it. “I’m headed for bright lights, big city / Chicago.”
Super Bowl Shuffle by The Chicago Bears ’85
Anyone who was around to watch Da Bears during their Superbowl height in the ’80s knows (and probably laughs at) the Super Bowl Shuffle. Even football fans that aren’t from Chicago jammed to this because it’s probably the best song and dance the NFL has ever done!
Homecoming by Kanye West
This anthem by a homesick Kanye personifies Chicago as a girl named “Windy,” with lyrics like “They can come from outta town I like to show her off” and “I guess it’s why last winter she got so cold on me.” When Coldplay’s Chris Martin sings, “Fireworks at Lake Michigan” in the chorus, you know you’re right at home.
Angels by Chance the Rapper
This recent track by Chance the Rapper shows how proud he is of his city, and how proud the city is of him. We can totally agree that in Chicago, we’ve got angels all around us. “I got my city doing front flips / City so damn great, I feel like Alexand’ / I got angels all around me, they keep me surrounded.”
What’s your favorite song about Chicago? Tell us below!
