Flag day is almost upon us! This is the day when we commemorate the adoption of our great Star Spangled Banner, as well as the U.S. Army Birthdays.
The week of June 14, is officially designated as our “National Flag Week.” It is during this time that the president will issue a proclamation that urges us to fly the American flag for the duration of the week. It is a constant reminder that we should love our country. It is also a commemoration of all the efforts that our forefathers have done.
Celebrate Flag day with these amazing country tunes! Here are 5 patriotic songs about the American flag!
Johnny Cash’s “Ragged Old Flag”
Johnny Cash is truly one of the most iconic American treasures. He certainly has had multiple songs that would touch our hearts, and one of them is his song ‘Ragged Old Flag.’
With his melodious voice, his spoken word tells more than just the story of a ‘ragged old flag.’ It tells the history of our country and everything we have been through, the people that we’ve encountered and lost, all for the sake of making this country great.
Cash wrote ‘Ragged Old Flag’ during a time of political turbulence – turbulence that had forced the resignation of then-president Richard Nixon during the Watergate scandal. He wrote the song to “reaffirm faith in the country and the goodness of the American people.”
Indeed, we are certainly proud of our “Ragged Old Flag.”
Faith Hill’s “American Heart”
Although this isn’t one of Faith Hill‘s most known songs, it certainly is one of her most meaningful ones. The upbeat melody holds a charm that firmly reminds us that as much as we are diverse on the outside, we still have one American heart.
‘American Heart’ reminds us that through adversity, we are strong and we will prevail. In her own words, Hill describes the song as an inspiring tune. She noted that even though the times get rough, our spirit as Americans will always shine through.
“This song inspires. It grabs a hold of a very special place that we all have in our hearts. Times are hard and people are struggling, but our spirit as Americans always seems to prevail.”
Toby Keith – Courtesy of the Red, White, and Blue (The Angry American)
Toby Keith has built a repertoire of patriotic songs in his long-standing career. So when there’s a list of patriotic songs, it’s a no-brainer that he has to be on the list. One of his most celebrated hits is the 2002 song “Courtesy of the Red White and Blue (The Angry American).”
Inspired by both his father’s death in early 2001, as well as the 9/11 attack on the United States, Keith presented this anthem to uplift the spirits of every American out there. After the attacks, it was no doubt that the country was still reeling from the disaster and everyone was just trying their best to process what happened and, hopefully, try to move on.
The anthem could not have come at a better time. It echoed the sentiments of many people, said in a way where everyone was having difficulty saying it. “Courtesy of the Red White and Blue (The Angry American) was cathartic to many people and it reminded everybody that, as Americans, we are naturally-born resilient.
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Dolly Parton’s “Color Me America”
Many believe that Dolly Parton‘s 2003 album For God and Country is her way of dealing with the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks. Like everybody, the country legend also found ways to cope with the tragedy that hit the country. What better way to do so than to pour everything into an amazing record?
Parton has a lot of patriotic songs on the record. From a wonderful rendition of our national anthem to a song called ‘Color Me America.’ The lyrics are in tune with the grief and sorrow that Parton and a lot of Americans, at that time, may have felt. There is also hope in her lyrics.
Aaron Tippin’s “Where the Stars and Stripes and the Eagle Fly”
At first, Aaron Tippin‘s ‘When the Stars and Stripes and the Eagle Fly’ didn’t make the cut for his 2000 album ‘People Like Us.’ However, when the devastation of the 9/11 attack hit, he knew that the song had a bigger purpose.
Just two days after the fated September 11 attacks, Tippin went straight to Nashville to record the song. The song is patriotic in every sense of the word. The lyrics ring true and it embodies what a true American is.
The song did not only contribute to uplifting the spirits of the American people, but it also helped the Red Cross and its efforts. All the proceeds from the single went to the organization to support its relief efforts for the families who were directly devastated by the attacks. The single raised approximately $250,000.
Honorable Mention: Brooks & Dunn’s “Only in America”
Brooks & Dunn definitely delivered a catchy tune with this one. ‘Only in America’ delivers a glimpse of the lives of the different working class across the United States – a school bus driver, a welder’s son, a banker’s daughter. The song is about the dreams that people have in this country, and that our country is the land of opportunities. ‘Only in America’ isn’t also shy about hinting about the losses, experiences, and lessons that we might have garnered along the way. At its core, the song hints that everyone is living their own version of the so-called ‘American Dream.’
Honorable Mention: Faith Hill’s Stunning Performance of the National Anthem during Super Bowl XXXIV
There are countless times where country artists have slayed singing the Star Spangled Banner. But, one of the most memorable performances comes from Faith Hill herself. Back in 2000, during the Super Bowl XXXIV, a match between the Tennessee Titans and the Los Angeles Rams, she showed everyone just how it’s supposed to be done.
So, there you have it, folks. Have we missed any of your favorite patriotic songs?
Know someone who loves Faith Hill?
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