About the song
“Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue (The Angry American)” by Toby Keith isn’t just a country song; it’s a potent cocktail of patriotism, grief, and defiance. Released in 2002 as the lead single from his album “Unleashed,” the song became a lightning rod for controversy, sparking national conversations and topping the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. More than just a chart-topper, “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue” remains a powerful testament to a nation’s resilience in the face of adversity.
The song’s origins are deeply personal. Written in the wake of both Keith’s father’s death and the September 11th attacks, the song pulsates with raw emotion. Keith initially refused to record it, only performing it live for military audiences. However, the Commandant of the Marine Corps, James L. Jones, recognized the song’s power to uplift and unite. His encouragement, along with the overwhelmingly positive audience reactions, ultimately convinced Keith to record the song.
The song itself is a musical embodiment of righteous anger. The lyrics, laced with defiance, paint a picture of a nation under attack and a people determined to defend their freedom. Lines like “We’ll put a boot in your ass it’s the American way” became rallying cries, while the chorus, a powerful declaration delivered by a chorus of voices, left no doubt about America’s resolve.
“Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue” wasn’t without its critics. The song’s perceived aggression sparked controversy, with some finding its lyrics too inflammatory. This controversy, however, only served to amplify the song’s reach, propelling it into the national spotlight. Keith’s public spats with celebrities like Peter Jennings and the Dixie Chicks further fueled the flames, solidifying the song’s position as a cultural touchstone.
Today, “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue” transcends its controversial past. It serves as a historical marker, a reflection of a nation’s emotions in the aftermath of tragedy. It’s a song that continues to resonate with veterans and patriots, a reminder of the unwavering spirit that defines America. Whether you view it as an anthem of defiance or a product of its time, “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue” remains a powerful song that continues to spark conversation and evoke strong emotions.
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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