Show Your Colors: 6 Patriotic Country Songs to Learn on Guitar
Country music is fiercely patriotic, expressing exuberant pride and gratitude for one's homeland and an abiding respect for our nation's history. As a result, few singalong anthems are more natural to the repertoire of the typical country-music guitarist than some of the dozen or so patriotic country songs listed below.
Knowing these tunes, being able to strum them and even sing along with others or just by oneself, gets to the heart of the matter for many of us. Each of these song histories is unique, often evoking more emotion and inspiration than other country songs.
'God Bless the USA' by Lee Greenwood
"God Bless the USA" is one of the most familiar patriotic US country songs by country music singer Lee Greenwood – first released on his album 'You've Got a Good Love Coming' (1984) – whose chorus plays during celebrations of US nationality.
Indeed, the song's lyrical force and chorus assert that it is 'Time for reunion and recognition' and to 'Stand up and take back what's our inheritance.' Greenwood's vocal delivery intentionally emphasizes this sense of reverence.
It's a tribute to unyielding patriotism and standing up for the country, encapsulated in the line 'And I won't forget the men who died, who gave that right to me.' Greenwood's appeal to 'stand up, stand up' for their right to pledge allegiance to the flag is crucial to the crowd participation. It's a bravura performance at any Fourth July parade.
Ever since, people have been singing "God Bless the USA" in bars and at Memorial Day and Fourth of July celebrations, remembering and promoting the American spirit of sacrifice for freedom. Easy to play—with a straightforward chord progression and anthemic chorus—the song is a good choice for all budding guitar heroes.
'Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning)' by Alan Jackson
"Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning)" is a poignant country song written and performed by Alan Jackson in response to the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the United States. Its chorus returns with an emphasis on faith in Jesus, an affirmation of hope, and a celebration of love: It began with faith. It begins and ends with love. And in between these lines, all things are possible.
The song's broad appeal made it an anthem of the healing process. Jackson's layman-like rhetoric tapped into the self-affirming, communitarian culture that had sprung up in the US after the attacks. He did not throw out buzzwords; he implied them.
The song 'Where Were You' became a critical success, earning itself a Grammy and a place in the American canon of influential music. It has since been an example of an artist's response to a significant moment in American history. The gentle melody and tender lyrics make it a profound piece for playing on the acoustic guitar.
'American Soldier' by Toby Keith
"American Soldier" is a tribute to members of the United States Armed Forces, written and performed by country music artist Toby Keith. It is the third track on his 2003 album Shock'n Y'all. In his own words, it is a song meant to show respect to the soldier. Keith wrote the song after speaking with a military officer.
The lyrics of "American Soldier" narrate a serviceman's life, balancing his duty to his country with his responsibilities to his family. The song conveys a powerful message of dedication and sacrifice, emphasizing that the soldier does not fight for fame or recognition but out of duty and love for his country. The chorus is uplifting and sad, acknowledging soldiers' hardships while celebrating their courage and resilience.
"American Soldier" resonated strongly with military and civilian audiences, becoming an anthem for American troops and their loved ones. Toby Keith's robust vocal performance and the song's sincere lyrics help to underscore the enduring spirit and sacrifice of those who serve.
The song's moderate tempo and heartfelt lyrics provide a compelling learning piece for guitarists interested in songs that honor the military.
'Only in America' by Brooks & Dunn
The song "Only in America" pays homage to the American dream, to that dance with destiny that would found the United States of America and make its inhabitants scattered all over the world proud to be Americans. The song became prevalent after the and provided a rallying theme for unity for a traumatized nation.
Brooks & Dunn's vibrant and uplifting melody complements the optimistic theme, making "Only in America" a staple at political events and patriotic celebrations. It was even used by presidential campaigns across the political spectrum, illustrating its broad appeal and embodiment of a universally cherished American narrative. The song remains a powerful tribute to the nation's ideals and the diverse stories of its people.
Its uplifting melody and accessible chord progression make it an enjoyable song for guitarists of all skill levels. The song's anthemic and rousing chorus offers an excellent opportunity to practice strumming patterns and dynamics, enhancing a player's rhythmic and expressive capabilities.
'Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue (The Angry American)' by Toby Keith
"Courtesy of the Red, White, and Blue (The Angry American)" is a patriotic country song by Toby Keith. It became widely known for its bold and unapologetic lyrics. Released in 2002, the song serves as a tribute to his father's patriotism and the broader American spirit of resilience and defiance.
The chorus encapsulates the song's theme of national pride and military might. This line, in particular, stirred immense popularity and controversy, embodying the anger and nationalistic fervor of the time.
"Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue" found its audience fairly quickly at US military send-offs and other patriotic spectacles, even if many critics thought its angry tone alienated as many people as it bonded with.
It is hard to deny that "Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue" spoke directly to the passions of the time. Keith's high, raspy voice and steady melody lend the song weight.
'This Land is Your Land' by Woody Guthrie
"This Land is Your Land" is one of America's most famous folk songs, written by Woody Guthrie in 1940 as a response to the overly rosy portrayal of America in Irving Berlin's "God Bless America." Guthrie wanted to highlight the realities of inequality and the everyday struggles of ordinary people, creating a more inclusive and honest anthem about the American experience.
The song's lyrics celebrate the vast and varied landscapes of the United States, from the Redwood Forest to the Gulf Stream waters, asserting that these wonders belong to every American. The chorus, "This land was made for you and me," is a powerful reminder of the democratic ideals of equality and shared ownership of the country's vast beauty and resources.
"This Land is Your Land" was originally written to criticize economic disparities during the Great Depression, although many of its more overtly political verses are often omitted in popular renditions.
The song is still a favorite in American culture because of its happy melody and thought-provoking lyrics. It has inspired people throughout the heart of the USA. It is an excellent song for guitarists as the melody and chord structure are simple.
These songs offer the guitarist material that works both lyrically and philosophically at an intensely personal and national level. Learned and turned into a personal song library, these patriotic country songs offer a lively archive of world-view, heartaches, and resilience, securing reference points in the broader American imagination.
For the guitarist, the opportunity to play these songs for family, a homestead crowd, folks at a picnic or festival, in silent contemplation at home, or for themselves anywhere, presents a way to learn more about who they, their family, their road and their house have been, and might be. It presents an opportunity to share in music what these songs had to teach the originator of the song and to urge the listener toward some lessons for their own lives.
References
https://www.countryliving.com/life/entertainment/g4545/patriotic-country-songs/