The world of country music was shaken earlier this week after news that Toby Keith died at the age of 62 from stomach cancer.
With hits such as “Should’ve Been a Cowboy,” “As Good as I Once Was,” and, of course, “Red Solo Cup,” he will always be remembered as one of the greats. But we should not forget another important part of his musical identity: his unapologetic patriotism.
And given that the notion of patriotism has been intentionally diluted in recent years by leftist self-hatred and anti-Western propaganda, it’s time for conservatives to keep Keith’s message of pro-American patriotism alive through his music.
In “American Soldier,” Keith sings of an Army reservist and explores traits that exemplify what it means to be a member of the U.S. military: duty, courage, and sacrifice.
“When liberty’s in jeopardy, I will always do what’s right.”
In “Made in America,” Keith celebrates domestic patriotism through concepts that have become almost foreign to younger generations, including respect for American manufacturing, the American flag, and the Pledge of Allegiance.
“Spends a little more in the store for a tag in the back that says USA.”
And then there’s perhaps his most famous American anthem, “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue.” Inspired by the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, as well as the death of Keith’s father in March 2001, the song is a call for an unflinching and relentless response in the face of evil.
“Justice will be served and the battle will rage. This big dog will fight when you rattle his cage. And you’ll be sorry that you messed with the U.S. of A. ‘Cause we’ll put a boot in your ass. It’s the American way.”
But here’s the problem: This isn’t the American way anymore. When liberty is in jeopardy, people don’t do what’s right. And they certainly aren’t willing to spend a little more for a tag that says “USA.”
Through the weakening of American resolve under the false prophets of identity politics, intersectionality, toxic masculinity, and any number of DEI offshoots, and combined with the feckless, self-destructive foreign policy of figures such as former President Barack Obama and President Joe Biden, the America portrayed by Toby Keith in songs such as “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue” is almost unrecognizable after just a few short years.
Would that America have abandoned Americans and allies in Afghanistan? Would that America have failed Americans and allies in Israel? Would that America have ignored countless attacks on military positions across the world?
No.
Of course, not every foreign policy crisis can be solved by lighting up your enemy’s world “like the Fourth of July.” But it’s the willingness to do whatever is needed to keep Americans safe — the willingness described by Toby Keith in every one of his patriotic anthems — that is now missing.
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And until that form of patriotism returns, we can only expect those captured memories of America to continue to fade.
Rest in peace, Toby Keith. Let’s hope we can rebuild the America you remembered.
Ian Haworth is a columnist, speaker, and host of Off Limits. You can follow him on X at @ighaworth. You can also find him on Substack.
