THE TOP MOST PATRIOTIC COUNTRY SONGS–WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE? by CHERYL PIERSON

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Summer seems like the most patriotic time of the year in general, doesn’t it? We kick off the summer months with Memorial Day in May. Poppies are worn in remembrance of veterans on Memorial Day and on Veterans Day in November.

On June 6, we are reminded of the sacrifices made on a faraway beach in Normandy that resulted in many deaths in WWII, but turned the tide for the Allies and helped us gain victory. June 14th is Flag Day, a fine “tune up” for our huge 4th of July celebration that’s right around the corner.

Is anyone more patriotic than a cowboy? I don’t think so!  So many country and western songs have been written through the years that are a tribute to not only our troops, but to first responders, and to all the “regular” American people who love our country.

Here is my list of top country and western patriotic songs, compiled from several on the internet—all different, but all wonderful—and all with one thing in common: our love for our country. These are in no particular order. I don’t know how anyone could choose one over the other since they all are products of excellent songwriting and musicianship—and heartfelt sentiments about America! And goodness knows, I didn’t list them all here—no room! Like I said, there are a lot of patriots in the country music field, and a huge number of songs to listen to in order to get in the patriotic spirit of things! I’ve included the youtube links in case you want to pop over and give these a listen!

This first one is an odd one, but I just love it. It was recorded by David Ball, who didn’t have that many hits, but this one will stay in your memory when you hear it for the very first time. I get chills every single time I hear it.  A young man buys a ’66 Corvette and discovers a letter in the glove box “My name is Private Andrew Malone, and if you’re reading this I didn’t make it home…” Which always makes me think about so many young men who could have written this following line…“For every dream that’s shattered, another one comes true…”  It’s called RIDING WITH PRIVATE MALONE and it has a very twisty ending you’re sure to love!

 

https://youtu.be/v5dyHPX8Cos

 

Probably the most recognized country song that many call our “unofficial” American anthem was written and performed by Lee Greenwood—GOD BLESS THE U.S.A. Written in 1983, it’s become synonymous with patriotism, and is loved by countless Americans, whether they are typical country and western fans or not. Its simple message is one that grabs you and holds on, and I have to admit, that even after nearly 40 years of hearing it, I still get teary! “I’m proud to be an American, where at least I know I’m free, and I won’t forget the men who died, who gave that right to me—so I’ll gladly stand up next to you and defend her still today, for there ain’t no doubt I love this land—God Bless the U.S.A.!”

 

https://youtu.be/yH61hFsma24

 

Another “oldie but goodie” is Merle Haggard’s THE FIGHTIN’ SIDE OF ME, written in 1970. Oh, goodness. If I had a nickel for every time I’ve heard my husband play and sing that back when we used to have our band…fond memories, and it was a song that was a frequent request, whether we lived in West Virginia or here in Oklahoma. “If you don’t love it, leave it, let this song that I’m singin’ be a warnin’—when you’re runnin’ down my country, hoss, you’re walkin’ on the fightin’ side of me…” I love the sentiment of this song. In true “Merle” fashion, he’s saying that we can disagree on things without trashing our country. I think everyone in the audiences we played to knew the words to this song!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uIxBmyRQlwQ

 

WHERE WERE YOU WHEN THE WORLD STOPPED TURNING? is not a “patriotic” song in the way we’d normally think of one, but it was not written during normal times. Penned by Alan Jackson in 2002 after the horrific events of  9/11/01, this song is packed with emotion and validates the many thoughts and feelings that Americans went through during the aftermath of that day. Each chorus of this song ends with the reminder that God’s greatest gift to us is love—even though we were going through some horrendous times. This song was nothing short of a masterpiece that drew Americans together, gave us hope, and let us know we were not alone in our feelings.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KNsfx_4k-JA

 

In 1974, Johnny Cash wrote RAGGED OLD FLAG, a recitation about all the incidents that happened to “the ragged old flag” that hangs in a little town’s courthouse square as told to a town newcomer by one of the old men who lives there. “She’s been through the fire before, and she can take a whole lot more…on second thought, I guess I do like to brag, cause I’m mighty proud of that ragged old flag!”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-KqrjeScLSI

8TH OF NOVEMBER, another patriotic song written about the Vietnam war, is performed by Big and Rich. It is the true story of a terrible battle in which the 173rd Airborne was engaged. That day, 48 Americans died with very few survivors when they were ambushed by 1200 Viet Cong. “With the fire rainin’ down and the hell all around there were few men left standin’ that day…”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ozpdBvB0hek

 

 

 

There are countless others, in case you want to put together a country and western playlist for your big Independence Day shindig! Take a look!

SOME GAVE ALL by Billy Ray Cyrus

LETTERS FROM HOME by John Michael Montgomery

HAVE YOU FORGOTTEN? by Darryl Worley

IF YOU’RE READING THIS by Tim McGraw

HOME by Dierks Bentley

I DRIVE YOUR TRUCK by Lee Brice

FOR YOU by Keith Urban

IT’S AMERICA by Rodney Atkins

FLYOVER STATES by Jason Aldean

COURTESY OF THE RED, WHITE, AND BLUE (THE ANGRY AMERICAN) by Toby Keith

WHERE THE STARS AND STRIPES AND THE EAGLE FLY by Aaron Tippin

AMERICAN SOLDIER by Toby Keith

THE BALLAD OF IRA HAYES by Johnny Cash

This isn’t all of them, either! Hope you all have a very happy 4th of July (though it’s still a couple of weeks away!) with family, friends, and loved ones. What’s your favorite country and western patriotic song, and why? It’s hard to pick just one!

44 thoughts on “THE TOP MOST PATRIOTIC COUNTRY SONGS–WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE? by CHERYL PIERSON”

  1. Every one of these songs touch my heart every time I hear them but I guess God Bless the USA is my favorite.

  2. I love all these songs. Every one you highlighted and most you listed I have. I really enjoy listening to patriotic music. I can’t choose a favorite, there are too many. There are many times I’d like to play others to take to heart these songs. Lately I’ve been thinking about “Have You Forgotten”, “God Bless the USA”, and “Ragged Old Flag”. I have a patriotic family and I’ve been a first responder. I think many people may not realize the cost of their freedom and first world problems. I know I could think about it more often and show my gratitude.

    • Kristen, wouldn’t it be great if Time/Life would put together one of those collections like they do for all these great patriotic songs? I bet they’d sell a million sets of those! It would be wonderful to have them all in one place like they are always advertising for their other sets, wouldn’t it? I totally agree with you–many people have forgotten the cost of freedom. God bless you for your time as a first responder–I know that had to be tough–I was a 911 operator for a while, and I understand. Take care and have a very Happy 4th of July and enjoy this patriotic time of year!

    • Teresa, I love them all, too. When I first heard Private Malone, it was on the radio. I had to find that song and hear it again! I couldn’t get it out of my mind. All of these songs have different meanings, but an overarching patriotic theme that I just love! Have a wonderful summer!

    • Estella! Great response! I guess I am like you–I love every single one of them, and boy, are we lucky to live in a time where we can have our faves at our fingertips and the ability to listen to them again and again. Have a great summer!

  6. Welcome today. You are right there are so many songs out there. I have always loved Johnny Cash’s songs.
    quilting dash lady at comcast dot net

    • Hi Lori! I used to have a little Sun Records 45 of Johnny Cash’s “Ballad of a Teenage Queen” when I was about 3 or 4 years old that I would play on my little red record player over and over and I remember my mom would be cooking in the kitchen and she’d finally holler, “CHERYL! PLAY SOMETHING ELSE!” LOLLOL There is just something about his voice that I’ve always loved!

    • Probably mine too, if I had to pick only one. That was such a wonderful combination of words and music, and there is no way you can listen to that and not be moved by it!

  8. Love all the songs!
    Would have to say Fightin’ side out of the songs listed.
    But one of My all time favorites is North America Jackpot by Reckless Kelly. I think it’s patriotic

    • Tia, thanks for telling me about North America Jackpot! I have not ever heard of it, but will be jumping over to listen to it. I love Fightin’ Side, too–well, truth be told, I love everything Merle Haggard ever did! I hope you have a great summer! Thanks for coming by today!

      • It’s a good one!
        Same for me Merle haggard, The highwaymen (together or any of them on there own)

        Oh, And I just remembered
        Arron Lewis’s “God and Guns”
        Is a is awesome!

        When ya start taking Pro America or country music I’m all over it. If only more gen Z was like that.

      • Tia, yes, there are so many wonderful C&W songs, past and present. I think songs have to be the hardest things to write–more than short stories, or even books! I mean, if they are written well, and have the write music to go with the lyrics, and so on. Though not on the “patriotic” topic, just generally speaking, I absolutely loved Bobbie Gentry’s songwriting. SO MUCH TALENT!

        I agree with you about The Highwaymen. Collectively or individually, just an AWESOME amount of wonderful talent there!

  9. I would have to say “The Battle Hymn of the Republic” There are many wonderful and poignant songs regarding freedom and honoring our flag. So hard to choose.

    • Oh, Judy, YES! Back to my little red record player when I was a kid–I had a 45 record of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir singing The Battle Hymn and I loved that so much. I think I knew every verse of that song! I used to get on my swing set and swing as high as I could and belt it out in the back yard. LOL

  10. I agree with the ones you picked! I’d also add the Ballad of the Green Berets by Sgt Barry Sadler, and Arlington by Trace Adkins.

    • Yes to both of those, Trudy! Both great songs. I don’t think Sgt. Barry Sadler knew how that song would change his life! He became a star–I remember seeing him to television performances of his song when I was a youngster. I loved it and also Arlington by Trace Adkins is wonderful. There are so many good ones.

    • Shanna, I SO AGREE. I cannot listen to that song without getting teary– EVERY SINGLE TIME! I am sooo sentimental! LOL I know you are having a very busy summer! Take care, my friend!

  12. I love everyone of the songs you listed because the words to these songs are so true. Like you, I could pick more too but I will not only give these men & women respect, admiration but they have a lot courage and pride for the people and country they fight for freedom for.
    I really like he patriotic song by Toby Keith called Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue AKA The Angry American. Why? The way this song goes is so true and yes rings so true and I understand subtitled it The Angry American.

    • Crystal, yes! I think there are a lot of “angry Americans” right now, no matter their political leanings, because this is a very different American than we knew even just a few years ago. I love me some Toby Keith. He is never afraid to sing the songs he writes from his heart and I appreciate how hard that can be!

  13. There’s also “In America” by Charlie Daniels and “God Bless America, Again” by Bobby Bare.

    I’m going with “Ragged Old Flag “

  15. I’ve got a playlist of nearly 80 songs, including all of the ones mentioned.

    From it, to your “don’t miss” list I’d add:
    Trace Adkins’ “Semper Fi” (because Daddy was a Marine)
    Chris LeDoux’s “I Believe in America”
    Dennis Agajanian’s “Lord, Give Us America”

    Craig Morgan’s “If Not Me”
    Trace Adkins’ “Still A Soldier”
    Jerrod Niemann’s “Old Glory”
    Dean Brody’s “Brothers” (Have tissues handy for this one and the next)
    Aaron Lewis’ “Folded Flag”

    And, not country, but still cool:
    Michael W. Smith’s “There She Stands”
    3 Doors Down’s “Citizen Soldier”
    Kid Rock’s “Warrior”

    • Oh Mary Ellen! What a great thing to have–I need to make one of those, too. EIGHTY! That’s a lot of wonderful music! You added a lot of songs I don’t know and will be looking up to listen to! THANK YOU!

    • Alicia, I love them all, too. Such wonderful, heartfelt sentiments that mean so much. I wish the same for you and your family–a VERY blessed 4th of July!

  17. These are great songs. Last year at this time I created a playlist that I named “America,” and many of the songs here are on it. One song I love is “Arlington” by Trace Adkins. It brings me to tears every time I hear it.

    • I love that song, too. I think so many of these resonate with all of us, and feel so lucky to have been born in this country. I hope you have a wonderful 4th of July!

    • Sarah, it’s hard to pick just one, isn’t it? They are all great and it depends on your mood as to which one “fits” at the time, but all have a message that is heartfelt and stirs a kinship in us with other Americans when we listen to them. I hope you have a wonderful 4th of July!

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