These 15 Songs About Idaho Will Touch Your Soul

 This may come as a surprise, but there aren't too many mainstream songs out there written about our beautiful state. Apparently, everyone's exes live in Texas or something like that... Not that we mind! The fewer people who know about our slice of paradise, the better, right? Regardless, when a good song about Idaho comes on the radio or personal playlist, we can't help but wax a little nostalgic. Today, we've been able to dig up 15 tunes that capture the spirit of Idaho in their own unique way. Have a listen!

1. "Idaho" - Reckless Kelly (2013)

Album cover featuring four silhouetted figures on horseback against a blue background, titled "Reckless Kelly: Somewhere in Time."

"Because he's an Idaho cowboy/no

Tennessee plow-boy /

He's wild as the Rockies he rides."

This popular alternative country group made every heart melt with this song. It sure does capture the spirit of the mountain-loving Idahoan, doesn't it?

2. "Idaho" - Feeder (2012)

A cowboy in a hat performs on stage, with a spotlight highlighting the scene in a dimly lit venue.

"I may find a better view, find a better... view /

Idaho."

Feeder is a British (Welsh) rock band that has been cranking out hits since 1992. "Idaho" is a heartfelt acoustic-style track on their album Generation Freakshow. While not truly about Idaho, the idea of our state being a place to start fresh rings true.

3. "Private Idaho" - B-52's (1978)

A colorful band performs on stage with a vibrant geometric backdrop, featuring a singer, guitarist, drummer, and keyboardist.

"Living in your own private Idaho /

Underground like a wild potato."

If nothing else, you know The B-52's by their iconic single "Love Shack," which has been remixed and parodied in dozens of movies and television shows since it hit the airwaves in 1989. Their call-and-response summer groove style is just awesome to listen to! Plus...potatoes.

4. "Idaho" - Buddy Rich & Gene Krupa (1960)

Album cover featuring Gene Krupa and Buddy Rich in a drum battle, with bold yellow and black design.

No lyrics here, just some sweet, sweet jazz! Light, swinging, and featuring two of jazz music's greatest drummers, "Idaho" features the sassy sounds of Willie Smith on the alto sax floating easily over the drum battle carried on in the background.

5. "Idaho" - Yonder Mountain String Band (2001)

A scenic view of mountains and forest in Idaho, with the word "IDAHO" prominently displayed in white.

"This place has captured me / Wild flowers I can see / There ain't no place I'd rather be."

Don't you agree? #Idahome

6. "Idaho" - Train (1998)

A stylized figure wearing a crown against a yellow background, with the word "train" partially visible.

Texas is a scary place. Florida will probably kill you (if the tourists don't first), but Idaho is where it's at. Can't argue with that!

7. "Meet Me in McCall" - Brenn Hill (2007)

A man in a cowboy hat stands against a blurred background, with the text "Brenn Hill - What a Man's Got to Do."

We agree, Brenn. McCall is pretty beautiful in the fall! And winter...and spring...

8. "Idaho (Where I'm From)" - Equaleyes (2015)

Album cover featuring a city skyline silhouette with colorful dot patterns and the title "Heartbeat" by Equaleyes.

"Well, I don't know / if there's another place that I could call my home."

This peppy road trip tune reminds us that no matter where we visit on our travels, Idaho will always be home.

9. "Idaho" - BoDeans (1993)

A live band performs on stage with guitars, drums, and keyboards in a dimly lit venue.

10. "Idaho" - Ray Anthony & His Orchestra (1952)

A bronze statue of a man playing a lute, seated outdoors near a building.

The last surviving member of the Glenn Miller orchestra and said to be the original composer behind the Hokey Pokey (no joke), Ray Anthony's Orchestra made numerous headlines in the 1950s.

11. "Idaho" - Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons (1969)

Album cover featuring four men in tuxedos, promoting the music of Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons.

"Idaho /

Rain or sleet or snow /

You'll be in my heart /

I love you so / Just

thought you'd like to know."

Repeatedly named as the most popular vocal group in the world before the Beatles, The Four Seasons are one of the best-selling groups of all time.

12. "Nowhere in Idaho" - Rednex (1995)

A group of people wearing hats and coats walking through a forested area, with a vintage, sepia-toned effect.

While "Idaho" never became nearly as popular as their hit "Cotton-Eye Joe," there's no doubt that this Swedish bluegrass band is catchy.

13. "Idaho" - Josh Ritter (2006)

A musician with curly hair sings into a microphone while playing an acoustic guitar on stage.

Josh Ritter was actually born and raised in Moscow, so you can bet that this soulful tune came straight from the heart.

14. "Idaho State Fair" - Johnny Granger (1951)

A smiling man in a cowboy hat holds a guitar, wearing a decorated shirt with "Johnny Granger" written on it.

Labelled New Zealand's "Yodeling Drover," Johnny Granger was a true singing cowboy, although it doesn't appear that this country gent ever made it to Idaho. But what he lacks in experience, he makes up for with yodeling gusto and genuine "Western opera" appeal.

15. "What's Your Name?" - Lynyrd Skynyrd (1977)

A group of musicians posing together in a rustic setting, with guitars and a vintage vibe.

Other than the first line, there's not a whole lot that this song screams "Idaho." But when Lynyrd Skynyrd references Boise, the world listens! As it turns out, the original first line of this song was changed from, "It's 8 o'clock and boys it's time to go" to "It's 8 o'clock in Boise, Idaho" after lead singer Ronnie Van Zant found out that his brother, Donnie, was opening his first national tour with his own band Boise. That's some brotherly love right there!

Bonus: "Here We Have Idaho" - Idaho State Song (1915)

Image of the Idaho state seal on a blue background, with an American flag in the background and text reading "And here we have Idaho."

Originally titled "Garden of Paradise," the 1915 music we all know and love went through several verse additions over the years before it was officially labeled Idaho's state song in 1931.

Some of these songs have Idaho in the lyrics, while others manage to capture the spirit of our great state. All are worth a listen! Are any of these going to be on your next road trip playlist? What other songs about Idaho should we listen to?

You might be feeling some extra nostalgia after listening to these Idaho songs! For another trip back in time, check out these historic photos that show Gem State life as it used to be. 

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