Idaho is a fantastic and breathtaking place but it’s never been the most popular state in the union. The majestic scenery of northern Idaho and the overly friendly people who always say hello to strangers on the street are only a few of the things that make Idaho worthy of lyrical splendor. Although the names may not be the most creative here’s a list of better-than-average songs that pay ode to my Ida-home.
Idaho – Josh Ritter
An Idaho native, Josh Ritter’s folky, dulcet tones are worthy of a listen. His storytelling and imagery carry the song: Idaho is a place that’s hard to stay for most career paths, but it’s a place many people wish they could return to.
Idaho – Bodeans
It’s not surprising many of the songs about Idaho have a folky undertone, and this track by Bodeans is no exception.
Idaho – Train
A little bit closer than Jupiter, Train is headed to Idaho because Texas is their friend, Maine is a little too high and Florida a little too low. D.C. is terrifying and Idaho is the place to be. The melodramatic musical accompaniment gives the song an almost unfinished, grungy vibe.
Idaho – Gregory Alan Isakov
Another beautiful indie track — and what do you know — it’s about Idaho. It’s also a love story of times that passed, but that’s beside the point.
Twin Falls – Built to Spill
I’ve never been a huge Built to Spill fan, but when I heard this song I was immediately drawn to the fact that it was about Twin Falls, Idaho. There’s something cool about knowing a place so close to home that also happens to be the name of a song.
Couer d’Alene – The Head and the Heart
The track’s title may be the only explicit mention of Idaho, but the windblown uncertainty of the lyrics make the story that much more intriguing. Not to mention the catchy melody and sing-along lyrics.
Idaho – Yonder Mountain String Band
This song describes the natural beauty of Idaho with banjo-accompaniment. Of all the Idaho songs, it is possibly the most “Idaho.”
Idaho – Afroman
The only five-minute rap that will likely ever be written about Idaho — and the only time Fruitland will earn a mention in a song lyric — Afroman knows what’s up in Idaho. He’s also apparently got a lot of homies in Lewiston and he’d like everyone to know that in Idaho “potatoes ain’t the only thing that they grow.”
Kaitlyn Krasselt can be reached at [email protected]