"America" by Waylon Jennings
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Sammy Johns wrote this one, but Waylon made it famous. It’s one of the first songs to pay tribute to Native Americans, who were the first Americans! “It don’t matter where I may roam / Tell you people that it’s home sweet home / America, America.”
"Ragged Old Flag" by Johnny Cash
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This was the title track to Johnny Cash’s 47th studio album. When this song was released in 1974, a lot of Americans were feeling discouraged and needed a patriotic boost, because of the Watergate scandal. “Ragged Old Flag” was so important to Cash, that it was the only track from the album to be released as a single. “So we raise her up every morning, take her down every night / We don’t let her touch the ground, and we fold her up right / On second thought, I do like to brag / ‘Cause I’m mighty proud of the ragged old flag.”
"Only in America" by Brooks & Dunn
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This song celebrates the opportunities Americans have, to pursue their dreams. It wasn’t meant to be pro-veteran or anti-terrorism, but after 9/11, it took on a special meaning. “Sun coming up over New York City / School bus driver in a traffic jam / Staring out at the faces in a rear view mirror / Lookin’ at the promise of the Promised Land.”
"If You're Reading This" by Tim McGraw
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This song is dedicated to military men and women who paid the ultimate sacrifice. Inspired by an article, this song is written in form of a letter from a soldier who died in the line of duty. “If you're reading this / My Momma’s sittin’ there / Looks like I only got a one way ticket over here / Sure wish I could give you one more kiss / And war was just a game we played when we were kids.”
"Arlington" by Trace Adkins
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This is one of the powerful songs ever written about those who paid the ultimate price for their country. “I’m proud to be on this peaceful piece of property / I’m on sacred ground, and I’m in the best of company / I’m thankful for those thankful for the things I’ve done / I can rest in peace, I’m one of the chosen ones / I made it to Arlington.”
"I Come From America" by Grant Maloy Smith
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During the 1930s, great walls of blinding dirt blew across the Southern Plains, blanketing farms and communities, destroying crops and killing livestock. The so-called Dust Bowl forced hundreds of thousands of people to migrate to other parts of the country, in search of jobs. “I Come From America,” from Grant Maloy Smith’s album “Dust Bowl: American Stories,” pays tribute to their diversity and courage. “Can you hear the pilgrim in my voice? / Blown ashore by unforgiving winds / Beggars can’t be choosers / But we choose to still be men."
"In America" by Charlie Daniels
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Nobody in Nashville is more outspoken about his political views than Charlie Daniels. The "long-haired country boy" has written several great patriotic songs, but one of the best in “In America.” This great song was written in response to the 1979 Iran hostage crisis, when Iranian militants took over the American embassy in Tehran, burning the American flag. Charlie’s musical response spoke for all Americans: “We’ll all stick together, and you can take that to the bank / That’s the cowboys and the hippies, Rebels and the Yanks.”
"American Soldier" by Toby Keith
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Toby Keith is one of many country artists who have entertained troops overseas. He has said that “American Soldier” was inspired by “all the times that I get to meet the troops on these USO tours… this is my support for the American fighting men and women.” "When liberty's in jeopardy / I will always do what's right / I'm out here on the front lines / So you can sleep in peace tonight / American soldier, I'm an American."
"God Bless the USA" by Lee Greenwood
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No list of patriotic country songs would be complete without “God Bless the USA.” Lee Greenwood wrote it in 1983, but it became a hit after Desert Storm in 1991 and then again, after 9/11. It is so powerful, some people even suggested that it replace “The Star Spangled Banner” as the national anthem! “I gladly stand up, next to you and defend her still today / ‘Cause there ain’t no doubt I love this land / God bless the USA.”
"This Land is Your Land" by Woody Guthrie
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Some people think protesters are un-American, but what could be more patriotic than exercising your First Amendment rights, to try to make America better? Woody Guthrie spent his life speaking out for the downtrodden. “This Land is Your Land” is a reminder that America truly belongs to everyone, not just the rich and those friends in high places. Today, it is one of the best-known songs about our country. In fact, in 2003, it was one of 50 songs added by the Library of Congress to the National Recording Registry. "This land is your land, this land is my land / From California to the New York Island / From the Redwood Forest, to the Gulf stream waters / This land was made for you and me."
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