About the song
Courtesy of the Red, White, and Blue – Toby Keith’s Patriotic Anthem
Toby Keith’s Courtesy of the Red, White, and Blue (The Angry American) is one of the most powerful patriotic songs in country music history. Released in 2002, the song was written as a response to the tragic events of September 11, 2001, and as a tribute to Keith’s father, who was a veteran. It quickly became an anthem of American pride, resilience, and strength.
The song was deeply personal for Toby Keith. His father, a U.S. Army veteran, had passed away in 2001, and the attacks on the Twin Towers that same year inspired him to write this song as a message of unity and defiance. The lyrics express a strong sense of patriotism, honoring the sacrifices made by American soldiers and reminding the world of the country’s unwavering spirit. With lines like “You’ll be sorry that you messed with the U.S. of A.”, the song delivers a firm and emotional response to those who threaten America.
Musically, Courtesy of the Red, White, and Blue is a bold and energetic country-rock track. Keith’s powerful vocals, combined with the song’s steady rhythm and electrifying guitar work, create an atmosphere of both pride and determination. When he first performed it for military audiences, it was met with overwhelming support. Soon after, the song gained national recognition and became one of Keith’s most famous works.
Though the song sparked some controversy due to its strong lyrics, it remains a defining piece of Toby Keith’s career. For many Americans, it serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made for freedom and the resilience of the nation. Whether played at military events or during national celebrations, Courtesy of the Red, White, and Blue continues to inspire and uplift listeners who hold their country close to their hearts.
Video
Lyrics
American girls and American guys
We’ll always stand up and salute
We’ll always recognize
When we see Old Glory flying
There’s a lot of men dead
So we can sleep in peace at night when we lay down our head
My daddy served in the army
Where he lost his right eye but he flew a flag out in our yard
‘Til the day that he died
He wanted my mother, my brother, my sister and me
To grow up and live happy
In the land of the free
Now this nation that I love has fallen under attack
A mighty sucker punch came flyin’ in from somewhere in the back
Soon as we could see clearly
Through our big black eye
Man, we lit up your world
Like the fourth of July
Hey Uncle Sam, put your name at the top of his list
And the Statue of Liberty started shakin’ her fist
And the eagle will fly man, it’s gonna be hell
When you hear mother freedom start ringin’ her bell
And it feels like the whole wide world is raining down on you
Oh, brought to you courtesy of the red white and blue
Oh, and justice will be served and the battle will rage
This big dog will fight when you rattle his cage
And you’ll be sorry that you messed with
The U.S. of A.
‘Cause we’ll put a boot in your ass
It’s the American way
Hey Uncle Sam, put your name at the top of his list
And the Statue of Liberty started shakin’ her fist
And the eagle will fly it’s gonna be hell
When you hear mother freedom start ringin’ her bell
And it’ll feel like the whole wide world is raining down on you
Oh, brought to you courtesy of the red white and blue
Oh-oh, of the red, white and blue
Oh-oh, of my red, white and blue
