Toby Keith, the Oklahoma-born country music powerhouse, built a career on a foundation of heartfelt storytelling and unapologetic patriotism. Emerging in the early 1990s, Keith quickly garnered attention with hits like “Should’ve Been a Cowboy,” solidifying his position as a major force in the genre. Over the years, he amassed a staggering collection of awards, including multiple Academy of Country Music and Country Music Association awards, and topped the Billboard charts repeatedly. His music often explores themes of love, loss, and the American spirit, resonating deeply with a broad audience.
In 2002, amidst the national grief and anger following the 9/11 terrorist attacks, Keith released “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue (The Angry American).” The song, an explicitly patriotic and defiant anthem, expresses a raw, visceral reaction to the attacks, vowing retribution and a fierce defense of American values. Lines like “American girls and American guys, we’ll always stand up and we’ll always survive” and the now-infamous “We’ll put a boot in your ass, it’s the American way” captured the prevailing mood of a nation seeking comfort and strength.
“Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue” rocketed to the top of the charts, becoming one of Keith’s most commercially successful and culturally impactful songs. However, it also sparked considerable controversy. While many hailed it as a powerful expression of patriotism and national unity, others criticized its jingoistic tone and perceived call for violence. The song ignited debates about the role of country music in times of national crisis and the responsibility of artists to express complex emotions. Despite the polarizing reception, “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue” remains a defining song of the post-9/11 era, reflecting the complex and often contradictory feelings of a nation grappling with tragedy and a renewed sense of national identity.