We are what we listen to. That’s the premise of this study of 100 songs that have shaped and defined the American experience, from the Colonial period to the present. * Takes an entertaining approach to understanding the cultural tides in American history * Covers a wide range of songs from the Colonial period through the present to depict political and social perspectives as represented in music * Explores numerous subtopics related to the songs * Engages and educates as it gives historical context and meaning to songs with which readers have long been familiar * Uses a research-based approach to explore the historical and cultural background behind America’s hits