About the song
Toby Keith’s “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue (The Angry American)” stands as one of the most iconic patriotic anthems of modern country music. Released in 2002 as part of his album Unleashed, the song emerged in the wake of the September 11 attacks—a moment in history that reshaped the American psyche and united a grieving nation under a banner of resilience and defiance. Keith’s unapologetic and deeply personal lyrics capture the raw emotions of that era, reflecting not just anger and sorrow, but also an unyielding sense of national pride.
This track holds a unique place in American musical history, blending the personal and the political with remarkable candor. Keith wrote the song as a tribute to his father, a U.S. Army veteran whose patriotism and values profoundly influenced him. The elder Keith had passed away earlier that year, but his legacy resonates in every line of the song. The lyrics are a rallying cry, affirming the strength and resolve of a nation determined to protect its values and respond to those who would challenge its freedom.
Musically, the song is quintessential Toby Keith: rugged, straightforward, and unapologetically country. Its driving rhythm and powerful, no-nonsense delivery complement the lyrics’ bold message. The refrain, with its evocative imagery of the American flag flying high and an unshakable warning to adversaries, is both stirring and defiant. It’s a song that doesn’t shy away from the complexities of patriotism—it embraces them, presenting a perspective that resonates deeply with many Americans, especially those who value the sacrifices made for freedom.
While “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue” garnered widespread acclaim and became a fixture in patriotic celebrations, it also sparked controversy for its directness, particularly the now-famous line, “we’ll put a boot in your ass, it’s the American way.” This blend of pride and aggression underscores the song’s unique ability to provoke reflection and conversation about the nature of patriotism, the cost of freedom, and the collective identity of a nation.
In the end, Toby Keith’s anthem is more than just a song—it’s a time capsule of a pivotal moment in American history, a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, and a tribute to the values that define a people. Whether you approach it as a celebration of national pride, a reflection on loss, or simply a powerful piece of music, “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue” remains a compelling reminder of the enduring power of song to unite, inspire, and heal.
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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
