Celebrating America’s 250th Anniversary Through Music

As the 250th anniversary of America approaches, it’s essential to acknowledge the vital role of art, culture, and storytelling. In a special initiative, we connected with talented songwriters and artists in Nashville, encouraging them to create original songs that capture their feelings about the country. The acoustic performance featured here is the first time these artists have shared their work publicly. Together with SiriusXM, we’re thrilled to announce a forthcoming broadcast where all these songs will be presented, coinciding with the July 4th celebrations. We’re excited to introduce what we’re calling the “American Soundtrack.”

Nashville is often known for its tough music scene—many writers and artists wait a decade to make their mark. However, for 23-year-old Kaylin Roberson from Carolina, it took her just three years to secure a publishing deal with Peer Music. She’s already shared the stage with some big names, including Bailey Zimmerman and Michael Ray. Not only does she write well, but she also has a magnetic stage presence, having opened for artists like Chris Janson and Jon Pardi.

Her song for the “American Soundtrack” expresses a deep respect for military service—a sentiment that might not resonate as strongly with younger generations today. Roberson shared that she’d been contemplating the idea for over a year but hadn’t yet developed it. With her father being a Marine, she felt a strong duty “not to mess it up.” When she learned about the timing of the project, she realized it was time to complete the song. “It felt like everything fell into place,” she expressed, adding, “I just want to thank those who’ve fought for our freedom for all these years. It’s really significant.”

There’s a real authenticity in her work, and it’s clear that she carries a sense of pride and responsibility in her music. As she navigates her career, we hope you’ll support her—she’s undoubtedly on an extraordinary path.

Lyrics Excerpt: “So There Was No Need for That”

Missing time away from home,
Spending holidays alone,
Writing letters from the moon,
Something felt unnecessary.

Dreams put on hold,
Like her father, born to fight.
Packing all she knew,
Leaving the life behind,
Something felt unnecessary.

They gave everything,
For stars and stripes,
Bleeding red, white, and blue.
Thanks to them, I can be myself,
They battled until victory,
Sacrificing for us,
Doing what needed to be done.

Reaching home without his friend,
Doctors saying he may never walk again.
Imagining the sadness,
Something felt unnecessary.