Introduction:
“Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue (The Angry American)” is a patriotic country song by Toby Keith, released in May 2002 as the lead single from his album Unleashed. The song was written in response to the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, and serves as a defiant, emotional reaction to the tragedy, as well as a tribute to the American military. Keith, a well-established figure in the country music scene, was inspired to write the song following the events of 9/11 and after the death of his father, who was a U.S. Army veteran. He originally penned the track privately for military personnel but later decided to release it due to popular demand.
The song falls squarely within the country music genre, but its aggressive tone and theme of patriotic pride distinguish it from many of Keith’s other works. “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue” is characterized by its direct, unapologetic lyrics that reflect the mood of a grieving and angry nation after the attacks. The song’s powerful chorus emphasizes themes of retribution, national pride, and military strength, with lines like “We’ll put a boot in your ass, it’s the American way” resonating deeply with listeners at the time.
Upon its release, the song quickly became a massive hit, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and cementing Toby Keith’s status as a key figure in post-9/11 patriotic music. It also achieved crossover success by reaching No. 25 on the Billboard Hot 100. Although widely embraced by many, the song was not without controversy. Its stark, militaristic tone drew criticism from some, including ABC’s “Good Morning America,” where it was deemed too politically charged for a performance on air. Despite this, the song became an anthem for many Americans, particularly those in the military and their families, during a turbulent period in U.S. history.
“Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue” remains one of Toby Keith’s most iconic songs and is often associated with the wave of patriotic sentiment that followed the 9/11 attacks. The song’s impact extends beyond just the music charts, as it helped define the cultural and emotional response to a national tragedy.
Video:
Lyrics:
Courtesy Of The Red, White And Blue (The Angry American)”
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 headMy 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 freeNow 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 it clearly
Through our big black eye
Man, we lit up your world
Like the 4th of JulyHey, 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
And there’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 BlueOh, 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 wayHey, 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
And there’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