Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue (The Angry American)
| Company type | Single |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 2002 |
| Founder | Toby Keith |
| Products | Song |
Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue (The Angry American) is a track composed and performed by American country music artist Toby Keith. Conceived in late 2001, the song draws inspiration from Keith’s father’s passing in March 2001 and the September 11 attacks that occurred later that year. Issued in May 2002, it served as the primary single from the album Unleashed.
Background
At first, Keith was reluctant to record the piece, choosing instead to perform it exclusively at shows for military audiences. The overwhelming positive reaction prompted James L. Jones, then Commandant of the Marine Corps, to urge Keith to officially record it, emphasizing that it was his responsibility to uplift service members’ spirits. Jones remarked, "If you want to serve, that is what you can do."
During a 2003 interview with CBS, Keith elaborated: "This wasn’t intended for everyone. My father was a veteran who instilled in me the value of our freedom. After the attacks on American soil, my anger spilled out through this song. It moved some to tears, gave others chills, and energized many."
Controversy
In 2002, ABC invited Keith to perform "Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue (The Angry American)" on a patriotic television special; however, host Peter Jennings requested he either modify the lyrics or select an alternative song. Keith declined and ultimately did not participate. This disagreement attracted widespread attention, resulting in increased national interviews and performances of the track. In a 60 Minutes segment, Keith humorously referenced Jennings by saying, "Isn't he Canadian?" while contrasting him with Dan Rather.
An ABC spokesperson clarified that Keith was performing in Utah during the broadcast and could only appear as an opening act; they also described the song as "angry" and inconsistent with the tone of the three-hour event.
Keith also engaged in a public dispute with the Dixie Chicks concerning this song and their remarks about President George W. Bush. Lead vocalist Natalie Maines labeled the track "ignorant" and harmful to country music’s reputation. In response, Keith ridiculed Maines’ songwriting abilities and displayed a manipulated image of her alongside Saddam Hussein during his concerts. At the 2003 Academy of Country Music Awards, Maines wore a T-shirt emblazoned with "FUTK," widely interpreted as an offensive message directed at Keith. By August 2003, Keith announced he was ending his feud with Maines to concentrate on more significant issues.
Maines later confirmed that the FUTK shirt was indeed aimed at Keith. The 2006 documentary Dixie Chicks: Shut Up and Sing featured behind-the-scenes footage verifying that FUTK stood for "Fuck You Toby Keith," directly responding to his public criticisms.
Commercial performance
"Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue (The Angry American)" entered the U.S. Billboard Hot Country Songs chart at number 41 for the week of May 25, 2002, eventually climbing to number one on July 20, 2002. Following Toby Keith’s death on February 5, 2024, the single reappeared on the Hot Country Songs chart at number 15 on February 17, 2024—one of five of his songs to re-chart that week. It also resurfaced on charts in July 2025 due to increased digital streaming around Independence Day. The single reached number 25 on the Billboard Hot 100, marking it as his most successful solo entry on that chart at that time.
The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) certified the single Gold on January 3, 2006; Platinum on March 27, 2012; and quadruple Platinum on September 18, 2023. It stands as Keith’s highest-certified single in the United States and has amassed over 70 million views across major streaming services. By July 2019, digital sales had surpassed 1,607,000 copies in the U.S.
Track listing
CD single
- "Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue (The Angry American)" – 3:16
- "Live Introduction by Toby of Single" – 1:30
Weekly charts
Template:Single chartTemplate:Single chart| Chart (2002) | Highest position |
|---|
| Chart (2024) | Highest position |
|---|
| Chart (2025) | Highest position |
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Year-end charts
| Chart (2002) | Rank |
|---|---|
| US Country Songs (Billboard) | 28 |