Chelsea Banks
Adam Weinstein
Paper 4

Some songs in our unique era of music clearly have no purpose in the world of modern melodies. Such compositions are “My Humps” by the famous Fergie and “Crank That” by the newly popular Soulja Boy. Although some artists can produce a major hit with no intentions within the text, it is undeniably true that most musical artists have a strategy—a strategy to get their point, or argument, across to the listener. What causes an artist to want to tell us something? The logical explanation as to why they write or sing the words they choose is that they are responding to an experience, an emotion, or a situation at the present time. In our nation today, we face an extremely controversial debate: war or no war. This controversy touches deep into the emotions and attitudes of the American people; therefore, many artists use it in their music. One example is Toby Keith’s “Courtesy of the Red, White, and Blue.” According to CountryGoldUSA.com, a patriotic realm of music, poetry, and gifts, “Courtesy of the Red, White, and Blue” is an anthem for every American. Some anti-war Americans will disagree, however.
As a whole, “Courtesy of the Red, White, and Blue” is a song with stern allegation to those who hurt the United States of America. Due to the attacks on September 11, this song states that “justice will be served” (line 33). In the same way, this song reports what our nation will do to those who mess with our home:

“And [they’ll] be sorry that [they] messed with
The u.s. of a.
Cause we’ll put a boot in [their] ass
It’s the American way” (lines 37-40).

By these four lines, we know that this song is claiming the United States as our own and that it is not to be tampered with. Moreover, the speaker uses the cliché “boot in your ass” to illustrate the painful consequences that are sure to come (line 39).
So who is the persona? Is it a man or a woman? Young or old? The persona is obviously an American with a patriotic, pro-war attitude. He is aggressive and shows initiative to take control of the problem: terrorists. In this certain case, the speaker is undoubtedly Toby Keith. Although songs do not necessarily have the same singer and speaker, “Courtesy of the Red, White, and Blue” simply does. Toby Keith establishes positive ethos because he speaks of his real life experiences with war. Verse two reads:

“My daddy served in the army
Where he lost his right eye
But he flew a flag out in our yard
Until the day that he died
He wanted my mother, my brother, my sister and me
To grow up and live happy
In the land of the free” (lines 8-14).

When Toby declares that his father was a part of the U.S. Army, we as the listeners realize how important patriotism is to him (line 8). He establishes ethos again when he states that his father flew the American flag for the duration of his life (lines 10-11). Toby’s father wanted his family to live in a free country with complete happiness (lines 13-14). With regard to his personal experiences, we know that Toby Keith is the speaker of this text and a credible one at that. His audience will agree with him.
Who is his audience? While some disagree with pro-war values, the audience to which this text pertains is the group of Americans who feel the same way as the persona. The audience is any American, or group of Americans, that shares a love and passion for the U.S. By stating “there’s a lot of men dead,” Toby creates pathos with the audience (line 5). When we Americans think of how many soldiers have been killed, we become emotional of the subject.
Since some Americans could be offended by this strong initiative to take forceful action, Toby’s song could have a negative effect. However, in reference to the speaker’s purpose, Toby is not trying to force aggressive patriotic views on those who are not interested. He simply wants to tell of the strength of our country and the people who are willing to fight for it by saying: “the statue of liberty/ started shaking her fist” (lines 25-26). In result, the audience of this song becomes motivated to do what they can for their country. “Brought to you courtesy of the red, white, and blue” (line 32) refers to the punishment this group of Americans will give to those who interfere with their homeland.
The overall purpose of this song is to rile up the citizens who are hurt by this emotional and physical catastrophe. Although the country is split between pro-war and anti-war citezens, this song is a motivational melody. It sparks the emotions, or pathos, of the audience and creates a proud patriot. Those who want to “[stand up, salute, and] always recognize/ when [they] see old glory flying” may do so (lines 2-4).
Altogether, Toby Keith sings, or speaks, these words with total credibility because of his childhood experiences. This text was formed with the purpose of motivating patriotic Americans and getting them ready for action. In essence, it does exactly this. I want to stand up and salute…and give those who mess with America a boot in the ass.