About the song
“Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue (The Angry American)” stands as a poignant anthem in Toby Keith’s discography, born from a convergence of personal loss and national tragedy. Penned in the aftermath of his father’s passing and the profound impact of the September 11, 2001 attacks on America, the song embodies a raw outpouring of patriotism and defiance.
Initially hesitant to record it, Keith’s decision was swayed by the resounding support from military audiences during live performances. The pivotal moment came when the Commandant of the Marine Corps urged him to immortalize the song for its morale-boosting effect on troops—a duty Keith took to heart as both an artist and an American.
Keith’s emotional connection to the song is palpable, rooted in his upbringing with a father who instilled a deep appreciation for freedom and service. This personal ethos fuels the song’s visceral lyrics, which resonate with listeners on multiple levels—from tears shed to fists raised in solidarity. It evokes a range of emotions, from profound sadness to unyielding resolve, making it a touchstone for many in the aftermath of national tragedy.
Not without controversy, “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue” sparked debates about patriotism and artistic freedom. Keith’s refusal to soften its lyrics for a television special led to widespread publicity and heated exchanges, particularly with critics like the Dixie Chicks, underscoring the song’s polarizing impact. Yet, its unapologetic stance struck a chord with a vast audience, propelling it to the top of the charts and earning multiple certifications for its sales and popularity.
Beyond its commercial success, the song’s enduring legacy lies in its ability to encapsulate a pivotal moment in American history, where grief and anger coalesced into a fervent declaration of national pride. It continues to resonate deeply with audiences, its themes of sacrifice, freedom, and resilience serving as a testament to the enduring power of music to capture the spirit of a nation in tumultuous times.
Video
Lyrics
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 head
My 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 clearly
Through our big black eye
Man, we lit up your world
Like the fourth 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 man, it’s gonna be hell
When you hear mother freedom start ringin’ her bell
And it feels like the whole wide world is raining down on you
Oh, brought to you courtesy of the red white and blue
Oh, and 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 it’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