Toby Keith – Made In America (Official Music Video)

Introduction:

Alright, y’all gather ’round! Today we’re diving headfirst into a bona fide American anthem – Toby Keith’s “Made in America”. Released in 2011 on Keith’s album Clancy’s Tavern, this barn-burner of a song quickly became a chart-topper, resonating deeply with American audiences.

Now, Toby Keith is no stranger to patriotic anthems. This Oklahoma native has carved a niche for himself in country music by celebrating the American spirit, its blue-collar workers, and unwavering pride. But “Made in America” struck a different kind of chord. Released in the throes of a global recession, the song tapped into a potent strain of American sentiment – a yearning for self-reliance and a frustration with dependence on foreign goods.

The music itself is pure Toby Keith. It’s a driving, uptempo country number with a thick layer of electric guitar and a steady backbeat that practically begs you to tap your feet. But it’s the lyrics that truly elevate “Made in America” from a foot-stomper to a cultural phenomenon. Keith, with his signature gruff vocals, tells the story of a weathered farmer, a symbol of American grit and self-sufficiency. This man, most likely inspired by Keith’s own father, is deeply troubled by the influx of foreign-made products. He sees it as a betrayal of American ingenuity, a weakening of the very fabric of the nation.

“Made in America” isn’t just about buying American products, though. It’s a broader commentary on the American work ethic, the pride in building things yourself, and the satisfaction of a job well done. The song throws some playful jabs at the reliance on foreign oil and the growing complexity of modern technology, contrasting it with the simpler times when a man could fix his own car with a wrench and a screwdriver.

It’s important to note that “Made in America” isn’t without its critics. Some see it as overly simplistic and nationalistic, a celebration of isolationism in an increasingly globalized world. But there’s no denying the song’s power. It struck a nerve at a time of economic hardship, reminding listeners of American resilience and the enduring value of self-reliance. Whether you completely agree with its message or not, “Made in America” stands as a powerful snapshot of American sentiment in the early 21st century. So, put on your boots, grab a cold one, and let’s delve into this quintessential Toby Keith anthem.

Video:

Lyrics:

“Made In America”

My old man’s that old man,
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 growHe’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