These "patriotic" songs are anything but, from protest songs to singalong favorites with dark messages.

On the eve of America's 250th birthday, NPR's Juana Summers talks with NPR Music's Stephen Thompson and Sheldon Pearce about songs that reflect the country's complex identity.

We asked 25 people to tell us about a song that captures the sound of the present, speaks to where American culture is going, or otherwise evokes this moment in time. Here are their answers, including ...