About the song
“Ragged Old Flag.” Released in 1974 on the album of the same name, this spoken-word piece, accompanied by a sparse yet powerful musical backing, stands as one of Cash’s most significant and beloved patriotic statements. It’s far more than just a popular song; it’s a solemn, heartfelt reflection on the sacrifices, struggles, and triumphs that have shaped a country, all embodied in the tattered fabric of its national symbol.
The lyrics of “Ragged Old Flag,” penned solely by Johnny Cash himself, present a vivid personification of the American flag. Cash tells the story of an old man in a small town who, upon seeing a tattered, worn flag, explains its condition by recounting various historical conflicts and struggles. Each rip and faded color is attributed to a specific moment of national trial or sacrifice, from the Revolutionary War to the Civil Rights movement. Phrases like “On second thought, I guess I wouldn’t / ‘Cause I’m mighty proud of that ragged old flag” and “She’s been through the fire before / And I believe she can take a whole lot more” perfectly capture this blend of solemn reverence and resilient optimism. The song speaks to the universal human experience of collective identity, the pride in a shared history, and the understanding that true strength often comes from enduring hardship. It’s about recognizing that national symbols are not pristine objects, but living testaments to the struggles and growth of a people. It resonates deeply with anyone who understands that patriotism isn’t just about triumphs, but about acknowledging and learning from the scars of the past, seeing enduring strength in imperfection.
Johnny Cash’s vocal performance on “Ragged Old Flag” is absolutely iconic and central to its profound impact. His distinctive voice, with its deep, resonant baritone and his signature phrasing, delivers the lyrics with an almost sermonic gravitas and unwavering conviction. He doesn’t just sing (or rather, speak) the words; he embodies the wise old man, making the listener feel every ounce of the history and reverence he conveys. There’s a perfect blend of a weathered storyteller’s sincerity and a patriotic prophet’s solemnity in his delivery, an emotional resonance that makes the song incredibly poignant and universally profound for those who share in its sentiment. Cash’s brilliance lies in his unparalleled ability to infuse such a deeply patriotic narrative with authentic feeling and raw, unvarnished honesty, connecting with audiences on a visceral and empathetic level through his pure charisma and a voice that sounded like it had witnessed every struggle it described. It is a masterclass in conveying profound national sentiment with dignity and truth.
The musical arrangement of “Ragged Old Flag” is characteristically stark and powerful, perfectly crafted to allow Cash’s spoken word delivery to take center stage. It typically features a simple, resonant acoustic guitar providing a steady, almost march-like rhythm, complemented by a subtle, mournful electric guitar or bass line that adds depth and a touch of solemnity. The instrumentation is kept minimal, creating an atmosphere that feels both intimate and grand, allowing the weight of the lyrics to fully land. The production is clean, crisp, and remarkably clear, ensuring that every nuance of Cash’s voice and the stark instrumentation are heard with pristine clarity, enhancing the song’s profound emotional impact and its undeniable accessibility. It’s an arrangement that feels like a quiet, respectful backdrop to a powerful history lesson, perfectly suited for a song that encourages deep reflection.
“Ragged Old Flag” resonated profoundly with audiences because its themes of national history, resilience, and the symbolic power of enduring through adversity are deeply understood and intensely felt. It became one of Johnny Cash’s most iconic and beloved patriotic statements, a true signature piece that continues to speak to the heart of American identity and its complex, yet ultimately enduring, spirit. It remains a timeless classic, a powerful and exhilarating reminder that sometimes, the greatest pride is found in a Ragged Old Flag.
Video
Lyrics
I walked through a county courthouse square
On a park bench an old man was sitting there
I said, your old courthouse is kinda run down
He said, naw, it’ll do for our little town
I said, your old flagpole has leaned a little bit
And that’s a ragged old flag you got hanging on it
He said, have a seat, and I sat down
Is this the first time you’ve been to our little town?
I said, I think it is
He said, I don’t like to brag
But we’re kinda proud of that ragged old flag
You see, we got a little hole in that flag there when
Washington took it across the Delaware
And it got powder-burned the night Francis Scott Key
Sat watching it writing say can you see
And it got a bad rip in New Orleans
With Packingham and Jackson tuggin’ at its seams
And it almost fell at the Alamo
Beside the texas flag, but she waved on though
She got cut with a sword at Chancellorsville
And she got cut again at Shiloh Hill
There was Robert E. Lee, Beauregard, and Bragg
And the south wind blew hard on that ragged old flag
On Flanders field in World War one
She got a big hole from a Bertha gun
She turned blood red in World War Two
She hung limp and low a time or two
She was in Korea and Vietnam
She went where she was sent by Uncle Sam
She waved from our ships upon the Briny foam
And now they’ve about quit waving her back here at home
In her own good land here she’s been abused
She’s been burned, dishonored, denied, and refused
And the government for which she stands
Is scandalized throughout the land
And she’s getting threadbare and wearing thin
But she’s in good shape for the shape she’s in
‘Cause she’s been through the fire before
And I believe she can take a whole lot more
So we raise her up every morning
We take her down every night
We don’t let her touch the ground and we fold her up right
On second thought, I do like to brag
‘Cause I’m mighty proud of that ragged old flag
