1. Song Information
Title: Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue (The Angry American)
Artist / Writer / Composer: Toby Keith
Producer: James Stroud, Toby Keith
Album: Unleashed
Release Date: May 27, 2002 (lead single)
Genre: Country
Length: 3 minutes 15 seconds
Label: DreamWorks Nashville
Inspiration: Written in late 2001 following the tragic death of Keith’s father in March 2001 and the September 11 terrorist attacks .
Commercial Success:
• #1 on Billboard Hot Country Songs (July 20, 2002)
• Peaked at #25 on the Billboard Hot 100
• Certified 4× Platinum in the U.S. as of September 18, 2023
2. Song Content (~ 200 words)
The song begins with a solemn dedication: “I’ll never forget the man who gave that name to me,” referencing Keith’s father, an Army veteran. He sings of profound heartbreak— “Still there ain’t no doubt, Sharon, Daddy’s a combat vet”—and channels the post-9/11 national outrage. The chorus is defiant and unapologetic:
“I’ll stand up and say, ‘Thank you, boys / ’Cause we’ll put a boot in your ass / It’s the American way.”
The lyrics voice resentment toward those responsible for attacks on America, pledging swift vengeance. Themes of pride, patriotism, and revenge mirror the emotional climate of 2002. Musically, traditional country backed by electric guitar and steady percussion underpins the charged declarations, building tension before surging into a bold chorus. The emotional peaks—anger, sorrow, pride—are evident throughout. The tone becomes confrontational in lines like “If you’re gonna mess with me / You’d better check your size,” making it clear this is not a sentimental ballad but a fiery rallying cry. For fans and military personnel, the track became a tribute; for others, it was a polarizing declaration of an “angry American” spirit.
3. Explanation of Key Controversy (~ 200 words)
The most-discussed lyric is “…we’ll put a boot in your ass,” which incited both patriotic fervor and public backlash. For many supporters—especially military and veterans—the line represented a tough stance and pledge of retribution. The song was initially performed at military events and urged into studio release by the Commandant of the Marine Corps, James L. Jones, who said it was Keith’s duty to boost troop morale
However, the abrasive tone sparked national controversy. ABC removed Keith from its Fourth of July special when anchor Peter Jennings deemed the lyric too aggressive . Senator Zell Miller labeled that decision “a disgrace” on the Senate floor . Natalie Maines of the Dixie Chicks criticized the song as “ignorant” and contributing to negative stereotypes about country music . Keith responded by confronting critics directly in interviews and on stage—most notably, dissing Maines and even displaying a doctored photo of her with Saddam Hussein during concerts
Thus, the lyric became the lightning rod: praised by those who saw it as resolute patriotism, and condemned by others who viewed it as reckless militarism. The resulting cultural clash reflected post-9/11 America—one split between aggressive patriotism and cautious diplomacy. The song sparked debates on freedom of expression, media tone, and national unity.