7 of the greatest songs every veteran knows

No matter the setting, there's always a song or two that can get the party going in the right direction. Military parties are no different. These songs are so full of energy and easy to sing along with that they'll help you get a bar full of military folks nodding their heads and singing and drinking immediately. Here are the top seven greatest songs every veteran knows. 

'God Bless the USA' by Lee Greenwood

Every veteran knows "God Bless the USA" by Lee Greenwood. This song is so patriotic that it's often played at military events and gatherings. It's regularly selected as one of the closing songs of Tops in Blue, the Air Force's premier entertainment troupe. This song — well, at least the chorus of it — will get all the mugs raised.

'Friends in Low Places' by Garth Brooks

An almost-universal drinking song. Think of this one as military/drinking gospel that we're sure every veteran knows. 

'Bodies' by Drowning Pool

Okay, this one is a little "newer" but we're pretty sure that every veteran at least knows the opening lines. This song is the soundtrack to this generation's war memoirs. It's safe to say that 80% or more of the deployment videos made in the last 15 years have this one somewhere in the mix.

'Welcome to the Jungle' by Guns N' Roses

Adrenaline pumping from the very first note... it just feels good to hear these guitar riffs and drum lines. This is also the famed ballad that kicked off Monday Night Football for years and years. . He also wrote and performed the song that opened Monday Night Football for years.

'Born to Be Wild' by Steppenwolf

A military anthem from yesteryear, this ballad has never and will likely never get old, even though the song itself is almost a senior citizen. For the comic nerds out there, know that this band actually pre-dates the DC supervillain of the same name. These folk created the king of all bar songs.

'Sweet Home Alabama' by Lynyrd Skynyrd

Just play this one. No matter where you are, no matter who is around, play this song and you'll understand exactly why it's here. No need for Southern allegiance, this song will get it going no matter where you are.