Introduction:
Ah, yes, Courtesy Of The Red, White And Blue (The Angry American) by Toby Keith. Now that’s a song that evokes a very specific time and place in American music history. Released in 2002, smack dab in the post-9/11 world, this country anthem became an instant phenomenon, a lightning rod for a nation grappling with grief, patriotism, and a thirst for justice.
Keith, a vocalist known for his gruff charm and unabashed American pride, wasn’t one for subtlety. Unleashed, the album this track belonged to, was a celebration of all things red, white, and blue, and Courtesy Of The Red, White And Blue was its undisputed crown jewel.
The song wasn’t just another country ballad. It was a cultural touchstone. Co-written by Keith with Scotty Emerick, it captured a wellspring of emotions coursing through the American heart in those raw months following the terrorist attacks. It wasn’t a love song, a drinking anthem, or a story about a lost dog. It was a statement, a clenched fist raised high in defiance.
Produced by Keith along with Don Cook, the music was powerful and direct. Guitars blared, drums pounded a relentless rhythm, and Keith’s voice, a touch weathered and worn, boomed with righteous anger. The lyrics, though simple and direct, resonated deeply. They spoke of sacrifice, of remembering those lost, and of an unwavering commitment to American ideals. Lines like “We’ll put a boot in your ass it’s the American way” became rallying cries, not for blind hatred, but for a fierce protectiveness of the nation and its values.
Courtesy Of The Red, White And Blue wasn’t without its critics. Some found the song jingoistic and overly simplistic. But for many Americans, it was a powerful catharsis, a way to channel their anger and grief into a sense of unity and purpose. The song became a staple on country radio, topped the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, and even garnered CMA and ACM award nominations.
Looking back, the song stands as a time capsule of a specific era. It’s a reminder of the emotions that gripped America in the aftermath of 9/11, a testament to the unifying power of music, and a showcase for Toby Keith’s ability to connect with his audience on a deeply personal level. Whether you love it or loathe it, Courtesy Of The Red, White And Blue (The Angry American) remains an undeniable landmark in American country music.
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