25+ Midwest Memes for Nice Folks Who Say Ope (March 1, 2024)

JR Atkinson • Writer and Editor

Mar 1, 2024 8:00 AM EST

Nobody understands the Midwest quite like Sufjan Stevens. Not only was he born in Detroit, but he created two incredible concept albums about two gems of the Midwest, Illinois and Michigan. His original intention was to make an album for each of the 50 states, but after hitting two of the most important ones, he decided it was enough.

The album Michigan is a tender folk rhapsody about family, spirituality, and the inspiring geography of his home state. What better boosterism for an often overlooked state than a song called "Say Yes! to M!ch!gan!"? Illinois is another ode to another great lake state, full of hyper-specific state history (John Wayne Gacy Jr. is calling) and melancholic laments about a Midwestern holiday (Casimir Pulaski Day, which is coming up soon BTW). Both are near-perfect albums and beautiful swan songs to the region we call home. These memes also make a decent effort.