About the song
Toby Keith’s Courtesy Of The Red, White And Blue (The Angry American) is more than just a country song; it’s a cultural touchstone that ignited passionate debates and solidified Keith’s place in the pantheon of patriotic country artists. Released in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks, this track tapped into the raw emotions of a nation grappling with fear, anger, and a profound sense of unity.
At its core, “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue” is a patriotic anthem that celebrates America and those who serve to protect it. Keith paints a vivid picture of the American way of life, from backyard barbecues to the sacrifices made by our military. The song’s lyrics are steeped in Americana, referencing iconic symbols such as the bald eagle, the Stars and Stripes, and small-town values.
The title itself, Courtesy Of The Red, White And Blue (The Angry American), is a bold statement. It encapsulates the song’s message of American pride and defiance in the face of adversity. The phrase “Angry American” has been interpreted in various ways, from a righteous indignation against those who would harm the nation to a more general expression of frustration with the state of the world.
One of the most striking aspects of the song is its raw emotion. Keith’s vocals convey a sense of urgency and intensity, reflecting the turbulent times in which the song was written. The lyrics are direct and to the point, leaving little room for ambiguity. This straightforward approach resonated with many listeners who were seeking a simple, yet powerful expression of their feelings.
Musically, “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue” is a classic country rock tune, featuring driving guitars, a catchy chorus, and a soaring melody. The production is polished, yet it retains a rough-around-the-edges quality that adds to the song’s authenticity. The instrumentation and arrangement perfectly complement the lyrics, creating a powerful and memorable listening experience.
The song’s release coincided with a surge in patriotic sentiment across the United States. As the nation mourned the loss of thousands of lives and sought to make sense of the attacks, “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue” provided a much-needed outlet for these emotions. The song quickly became a staple of country radio and was embraced by fans of all ages.
However, the song’s popularity was not without controversy. Some critics argued that it was too simplistic and that it promoted a narrow-minded view of patriotism. Others felt that the song’s message of anger and vengeance was divisive and counterproductive. Despite these criticisms, “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue” remains one of the most iconic country songs of the 21st century.
In conclusion, Toby Keith’s Courtesy Of The Red, White And Blue (The Angry American) is a complex and multifaceted song that has left an enduring legacy. It is a testament to the power of music to connect people on a deep emotional level and to shape cultural conversations. Whether you agree with the song’s message or not, there is no denying its impact on American music and culture.
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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
