“Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue (The Angry American)” is a song by American country music artist Toby Keith. It was released in 2002 as the lead single from his seventh studio album, “Unleashed”. The song was written in response to the September 11 attacks and expresses Keith’s anger and pride as an American.
The lyrics talk about standing up for freedom and justice, and the chorus prominently features the phrase “And the eagle will fly, and it’s gonna be hell, when you hear Mother Freedom start ringin’ her bell.” The song became a patriotic anthem for many Americans following its release.
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“Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue (The Angry American)” was written by Toby Keith himself as a response to the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States. The song was not only a reflection of the anger and patriotism felt by many Americans in the aftermath of the attacks but also a tribute to the resilience of the nation.
Upon its release in May 2002, the song quickly gained popularity, reaching the top of the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart. It also peaked at number 25 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song’s powerful lyrics and anthemic chorus struck a chord with audiences, making it one of Toby Keith’s most iconic and enduring hits.
The music video for “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue” features footage of American military personnel, scenes of the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks, as well as images of patriotism and American symbols. The video further emphasized the song’s message of pride, resilience, and unity in the face of adversity.
Despite its success, the song also sparked controversy due to its aggressive and vengeful lyrics, particularly the lines that mention putting “a boot in your ass, it’s the American way.” Some critics argued that the song promoted militarism and revenge rather than fostering understanding and healing. However, supporters of the song viewed it as a rallying cry for national pride and defiance against terrorism.
Overall, “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue” remains one of Toby Keith’s signature songs and continues to be embraced as a patriotic anthem by many Americans. Its impact extends beyond its initial release, as it continues to be played at events honoring military service members and in contexts celebrating American identity and resilience.