Toby Keith – Made In America

Introduction:

In the heart of the summer of 2011, country music star Toby Keith unleashed a song that would resonate deeply with American audiences. Titled “Made in America”, the track became an instant anthem, celebrating American values, work ethic, and the spirit of self-reliance.

Keith, a vocalist known for his strong baritone and his unwavering patriotism, wasn’t new to crafting songs that resonated with a sense of national pride. Tracks like “Courtesy of the Red, White, and Blue (The Angry American)” and “Put You in Your Place” had already established him as a voice for a certain segment of American society. However, “Made in America” took a more nuanced approach, focusing not just on military might but on the everyday aspects of American life.

Released as the lead single from his album Clancy’s Tavern, “Made in America” was co-written by Keith alongside Bobby Pinson and Scott Reeves. The song quickly climbed the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, peaking at number two. It also reached a respectable number 16 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, demonstrating its crossover appeal.

The success of “Made in America” wasn’t limited to chart numbers. The song struck a chord with a nation still grappling with the aftereffects of the Great Recession. The lyrics, while not explicitly mentioning the economic downturn, celebrated the American spirit of hard work and perseverance – qualities many believed were essential for overcoming economic hardship.

“Made in America” also resonated with a growing sentiment of concern about the decline of American manufacturing. The song championed American-made goods and the blue-collar jobs associated with their production. This theme resonated with listeners who felt that American jobs were being shipped overseas.

The impact of “Made in America” wasn’t limited to the music world. The song became a popular choice for political rallies and sporting events, further solidifying its status as a patriotic anthem.

While “Made in America” may not be Toby Keith’s most critically acclaimed song, its cultural impact is undeniable. It captured a specific moment in American history, giving voice to the anxieties and aspirations of a nation in flux.

Video:

Lyrics:

My old man’s that old man,
Spent his life livin’ off the land,
Dirty hands, and a clean soul.
It breaks his heart seein’ foreign cars,
Filled with fuel that isn’t ours
And wearin’ cotton we didn’t grow

He’s got the red, white, and blue flyin’ high on the farm
“Semper Fi” tattooed on his left arm
Spend a little more in the store for a tag in the back that says ‘USA’
He won’t buy nothin’ that he can’t fix,
With WD-40 and a Craftsman wrench
He ain’t prejudiced, he’s just made in America

He loves his wife and she’s that wife
That decorates on the Fourth of July
But says ‘Every day’s Independence Day’
She’s golden rule, teaches school,
Some folks say it isn’t cool
But she says the Pledge of Allegiance anyway.

He’s got the red, white, and blue flyin’ high on the farm
“Semper Fi” tattooed on his left arm
Spend a little more in the store for a tag in the back that says ‘USA’
He won’t buy nothin’ that he can’t fix,
With WD-40 and a Craftsman wrench
He ain’t prejudiced, he’s just made in America

Born in the Heartland, raised up a family
Of King James and Uncle Sam

He’s got the red, white, and blue flyin’ high on the farm
“Semper Fi” tattooed on his left arm
Spend a little more in the store for a tag in the back that says ‘USA’
He won’t buy nothin’ that he can’t fix,
With WD-40 and a Craftsman wrench
He ain’t prejudiced, he’s just made in America
Made in America
Made in America

My old man’s that old man,
Made in America