Introduction:
“Made in America” by Toby Keith is a patriotic anthem that celebrates American pride and the values of hard work and self-reliance. Released in June 2011 as the lead single from Keith’s album Clancy’s Tavern, the song quickly resonated with country music fans. Co-written by Toby Keith, Bobby Pinson, and Scott Reeves, the song reflects Keith’s personal pride in his country, drawing inspiration from his father, a veteran whom Keith described as “made in America.”
The song reached number one on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart in October 2011, marking Keith’s 20th chart-topping single. It also crossed over to the mainstream Billboard Hot 100, peaking at number 40. The song’s success was boosted by its relatable message and the timing of its release, coming during a period when many Americans were focused on national pride and economic struggles. Its strong message about supporting American-made products and honoring those who work hard for the country struck a chord with many listeners.
The music video, directed by Michael Salomon, was filmed during an Independence Day parade in Cedarburg, Wisconsin, and also includes footage from Keith’s performance at Summerfest in Milwaukee. “Made in America” became a defining patriotic anthem for Keith, aligning with other similar themes in his discography.
Certified Platinum by the RIAA, the song’s appeal was amplified by Toby Keith’s long-standing reputation for producing music that reflects his personal values and beliefs, particularly regarding patriotism.
Video:
Lyrics:
“Made In America”
Spent his life livin’ off the land,
Dirty hands, and a clean soul.
It breaks his heart seein’ foreign cars,
Filled with fuel that isn’t ours
And wearin’ cotton we didn’t grow
He’s got the red, white, and blue flyin’ high on the farm
“Semper Fi” tattooed on his left arm
Spend a little more in the store for a tag in the back that says ‘USA’
He won’t buy nothin’ that he can’t fix,
With WD-40 and a Craftsman wrench
He ain’t prejudiced, he’s just made in America
He loves his wife and she’s that wife
That decorates on the Fourth of July
But says ‘Every day’s Independence Day’
She’s golden rule, teaches school,
Some folks say it isn’t cool
But she says the Pledge of Allegiance anyway.
He’s got the red, white, and blue flyin’ high on the farm
“Semper Fi” tattooed on his left arm
Spend a little more in the store for a tag in the back that says ‘USA’
He won’t buy nothin’ that he can’t fix,
With WD-40 and a Craftsman wrench
He ain’t prejudiced, he’s just made in America
Born in the Heartland, raised up a family
Of King James and Uncle Sam
He’s got the red, white, and blue flyin’ high on the farm
“Semper Fi” tattooed on his left arm
Spend a little more in the store for a tag in the back that says ‘USA’
He won’t buy nothin’ that he can’t fix,
With WD-40 and a Craftsman wrench
He ain’t prejudiced, he’s just made in America
Made in America
Made in America
My old man’s that old man,
Made in America