Introduction:
“Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue (The Angry American)” by Toby Keith was written in response to the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Deeply influenced by both the attack and the recent passing of his father, a veteran who lost an eye in military service, Keith penned the song as an emotional and patriotic response. He initially wrote it quickly, driven by anger and frustration at the attacks and inspired by memories of his father’s dedication to America.
Keith shared that the song took on a life of its own after he performed it for troops at the Pentagon. A commanding officer who heard the song urged him to release it, calling it a powerful “battle song.” Although he anticipated the song would stir controversy due to its confrontational and direct lyrics, Keith decided to release it out of respect for American service members and the patriotic spirit it captured.
Upon its release in 2002, “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue” became a defining anthem of post-9/11 patriotism, resonating with many Americans but also sparking debate. The song’s blunt language led to disputes, most notably with Natalie Maines of the Dixie Chicks, who criticized its aggressive tone. Keith also faced resistance from Canadian broadcaster Peter Jennings, who reportedly refused to air the song without softened lyrics. Despite the criticism, the song remains one of Keith’s most iconic tracks, symbolizing his belief in resilience and patriotism.
Video:
Lyrics:
“Courtesy Of The Red, White And Blue (The Angry American)”
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 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 it clearly
Through our big black eye
Man, we lit up your world
Like the 4th 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
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, 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
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