Paper 4 Revision-Chelsea Banks

Chelsea Banks
Adam Weinstein
Paper 4 Revision

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.

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; and 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 website devoted to providing a plethora of patriotic music, poetry, and gifts, “Courtesy of the Red, White, and Blue” is an anthem for every American. However, we must remember that all people are not patriotic. But what is patriotic? People have different interpretations of patriots. By “Courtesy of the Red, White, and Blue,” we know that being a patriot does not require one to be pro-war; it simply requires one to love and respect one’s country.

As a whole, “Courtesy of the Red, White, and Blue” is a song about extreme dislike of those who hurt the United States of America (terrorists). In response to the attacks on Sep 11, this song states that “justice will be served” (line 33). In the same way, the persona explains 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 the persona is standing firm for the United States and that the country 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).
The persona is an American with a patriotic, pro-war attitude. He is aggressive and shows initiative to take control of the problem: terrorists. Although songs do not necessarily have the same singer and speaker, the persona in “Courtesy of the Red, White, and Blue” is clearly Toby Keith. He sings of childhood memories related to war. 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). One that joins the army is known to be patriotic in the sense that they have a love for their country. The fact that his father was in the army shows that they experienced first-hand what war can do to a family. 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).

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. Whether that love compels them to fight or not, they are patriots. 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.

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. This is clear when he says, “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.

By the specific lyrics of this song, it is clear that the overall purpose of this song is to cause citizens who are hurt by this emotional and physical catastrophe to take a stand. To take a stand for their country. To take a stand against terrorism. Although the country is split between pro-war and anti-war citizens, this song is a motivational melody for any country-loving patriarch. It sparks the emotions, or pathos, of the audience. Those who want to “[stand up, salute, and] always recognize/ when [they] see old glory flying” may do so (lines 2-4). Those who wish to take another action may do so. As long as each American is compelled to do something out of their love for the U. S., patriotism will flourish.

All in all, Toby Keith sings, or speaks, these words with the help from his childhood experiences. This text was formed with the purpose of motivating Americans to be patriotic and getting them ready for action. In essence, it does exactly this. Personally, I want to stand up and salute…and give those who mess with America a boot in the ass.