About the song
“Courtesy Of The Red, White And Blue (The Angry American).” Released in 2002, in the aftermath of the September 11th attacks, this track wasn’t just a hit; it became a defining statement for many, soaring to number one on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart and achieving significant crossover success. It’s far more than just a popular single; it’s a raw, passionate expression of national pride, anger, and a defiant call for retribution that resonated deeply with a specific segment of the American populace.
The lyrics of “Courtesy Of The Red, White And Blue” are an unfiltered declaration of patriotic resolve, expressing profound grief over the attacks on American soil and a resolute demand for justice. It speaks directly to the emotional climate of the time, channeling widespread feelings of anger, loss, and a fierce desire for a strong response. Phrases like “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” and “And the brave souls that died that day / Are still gettin’ their pay / Courtesy of the Red, White And Blue” perfectly capture the song’s unapologetic, confrontational stance. It’s a narrative that appeals to a sense of traditional, hard-line American justice, where strength is met with strength and those who inflict harm will face severe consequences. While certainly polarizing for some, its blunt message provided a powerful emotional outlet for others, serving as a rallying cry in a period of national shock and uncertainty.
Toby Keith’s vocal performance on “Courtesy Of The Red, White And Blue” is quintessential Keith – gruff, powerful, and utterly unwavering. His voice, with its distinctive baritone and confident delivery, perfectly embodies the song’s no-nonsense, resolute spirit. He delivers the lyrics with an almost palpable anger and a fierce patriotism, making every word feel like a direct challenge and a promise of action. There’s an undeniable conviction in his phrasing, an authenticity that makes the song resonate deeply with listeners who shared his sentiments. Keith’s brilliance lies in his ability to articulate widely felt, often complex, emotions with such directness, connecting with audiences on a visceral, almost guttural level, whether they agreed with the message or not.
The musical arrangement of “Courtesy Of The Red, White And Blue” is a driving, anthemic country-rock track, perfectly suited to the song’s powerful message. It features a prominent, aggressive electric guitar riff that sets an immediate, defiant tone, a strong, martial drum beat, and a powerful bass line that gives it immense gravitas. The instrumentation is full and impactful, designed to create a sense of unwavering determination and force. The production is clean, crisp, and robust, ensuring that every element contributes to the song’s overall powerful and unyielding presence. It’s an arrangement that feels both contemporary for its time and perfectly in line with the directness of its message.
“Courtesy Of The Red, White And Blue” resonated deeply with audiences in the aftermath of 9/11 because its themes of patriotism, justice, and national defiance spoke directly to the raw emotions of a grieving nation. It became one of Toby Keith’s most iconic and defining songs, solidifying his status as a voice for a particular brand of American pride. It remains a powerful and unforgettable track, a stark reminder of a difficult period in history and the emotional force delivered “Courtesy Of The Red, White And Blue.”
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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
