Introduction
“Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue (The Angry American)” is a patriotic anthem by American country music artist Toby Keith, released in May 2002 as the lead single from his abum Unleashed. Written in late 2001, the song was inspired by Keith’s personal grief over the death of his father, a Korean War veteran, and the national tragedy of the September 11 attacks. Keith penned the lyrics in a brief 20-minute session, initially titling it “The Angry American.” Upon suggestion from his label, he changed the title to the current one, emphasizing the song’s nationalistic themes .
The song quickly gained popularity, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and number 25 on the Billboard Hot 100, marking Keith’s highest-charting solo hit at the time . Its bold lyrics and assertive tone resonated with many Americans, particularly military personnel, though it also sparked controversy. Notably, Keith faced criticism from ABC for performing the song on a patriotic special, leading to a public dispute with the network and its anchor, Peter Jennings . Additionally, the song’s aggressive tone led to a feud with Natalie Maines of The Chicks, who labeled it “ignorant,” a sentiment that Keith publicly rebuffed .
Despite the controversies, “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue” became a significant part of Keith’s legacy, reflecting the post-9/11 sentiment and his personal commitment to honoring American values and military service. The song’s enduring popularity is evident, with over 70 million views on streaming platforms and multiple certifications, including four-times Platinum by the RIAA .