About the song
Good evening, everyone. Tonight, we’re going to delve into a song that, while undeniably a massive hit, also became a cultural touchstone and, for some, a lightning rod for debate. We’re talking about Toby Keith and his undeniably powerful, and at times provocative, anthem: “Courtesy Of The Red, White And Blue (The Angry American).”
Now, for those of us who have followed country music for a while, Toby Keith was, and remains, a figure larger than life. He was a songwriter and performer who never shied away from expressing his convictions, often with a directness that was both refreshing and, occasionally, challenging. “Courtesy Of The Red, White And Blue,” released in 2002, epitomized this aspect of his artistry perhaps more than any other song in his extensive catalog.
This track emerged in a very specific and highly charged moment in American history – in the wake of the September 11th attacks. The nation was reeling, a sense of unity was palpable, and a fierce, protective patriotism surged through many communities. It was into this emotional landscape that Keith unleashed this song, and its immediate impact was undeniable. It resonated deeply with a significant portion of the American public, particularly those who felt a profound sense of anger and a desire for retribution in the face of such an horrific act.
What made “Courtesy Of The Red, White And Blue” so impactful was its unvarnished, almost visceral expression of defiance and resolve. Keith didn’t mince words. He wasn’t subtle. Instead, he delivered a stark, resolute message, articulating a sentiment that many felt but perhaps couldn’t articulate themselves with such potent force. The lyrics, while certainly straightforward, tapped into a primal response to aggression, promising a decisive and uncompromising retaliation against those who would threaten the nation.
For some, it was a cathartic release, an embodiment of the strength and resilience they felt. For others, it sparked discomfort, raising questions about the role of music in national sentiment and the nuances of international relations. Regardless of where one stood on the song’s message, its power to provoke thought and conversation was undeniable. It became more than just a hit; it became a focal point in the broader discussion about patriotism, justice, and the American spirit in a time of crisis.
Toby Keith, in his characteristic fashion, stood firm behind the song, asserting his right to express what he believed to be the sentiments of many everyday Americans. And in doing so, he cemented “Courtesy Of The Red, White And Blue” as an indelible part of our collective memory, a song that, for better or worse, perfectly captured a specific mood and moment in American history. It remains a powerful testament to the artist’s willingness to speak his mind, and to the enduring capacity of music to reflect, and sometimes even shape, our national consciousness.
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
