About the song

Released in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks, Toby Keith’s “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue (The Angry American)” became an instant anthem, capturing the raw emotions and unwavering patriotism of a nation reeling from tragedy. This powerful ballad, with its driving rhythm and Keith’s signature gritty vocals, served as both a rallying cry and a poignant reflection on the sacrifices made by American servicemen and women.

The song’s lyrics are steeped in imagery of American pride and defiance. Keith paints vivid pictures of the American flag waving proudly, the sacrifices of fallen soldiers, and the unwavering spirit of the American people. The title itself, “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue,” is a bold declaration of the freedoms and opportunities afforded to Americans, and a reminder of the sacrifices made to protect those liberties.

“There’s a lot of men dead so we can sleep,” Keith sings, evoking a profound sense of gratitude and respect for those who have served their country. This line, in particular, resonated deeply with listeners, serving as a stark reminder of the cost of freedom. The song’s chorus, “American girls and American guys will always stand up and salute,” further emphasizes the unity and resilience of the American people.

Beyond its patriotic themes, “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue” also tackles more complex issues such as the challenges faced by returning veterans and the importance of supporting the military. Keith’s portrayal of the American soldier is both sympathetic and inspiring, and the song has been praised for its authenticity and honesty.

The song’s release coincided with a surge in patriotic sentiment across the United States, and “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue” quickly became one of the most popular country songs of the early 2000s. Its message of unity, resilience, and gratitude struck a chord with millions of Americans, and the song continues to be a staple at patriotic events and military gatherings.

While some critics have argued that the song’s lyrics are overly simplistic or even jingoistic, there is no denying the power and impact of “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue.” The song has become a cultural touchstone, capturing the spirit of a nation at a pivotal moment in its history. For many Americans, Toby Keith’s “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue” is more than just a song; it is a symbol of patriotism, sacrifice, and the enduring strength of the American spirit.

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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

By tam