In my 4th grade civics class the big controversy was that America was not actually a melting pot. “Think of it more like a mixed salad,” my teacher said. “Every part maintains its own individuality, but contributes to the collective dish.”

I prefer the metaphor of a mix tape. Since I get sentimental around election season, the way that some people get sentimental around Christmas, I made a mix tape for you, my fellow Americans, of the songs I think most describe who we are: the glory of our electoral process, the eternal fight for our pleasures, the tragedies of injustice, and the rocking hard work of civic collective action.

1. New American Language, Dan Bern
2. Tis’ of Thee, Ani Difranco
3. Government Center, The Modern Lovers
4. Democracy, Leonard Cohen
5. Fight for Your Right, Beastie Boys
6. Kurt, Dan Bern
7. Little Plastic Castle, Ani Difranco
8. Cure for AIDS, Dan Bern
9. America the Beautiful, Keb’ Mo’