Toby Keith is not one to be shy about what he believes. And when it comes to his love for America, Keith is a patriot. That’s why he decided to write a song in honor of the birthday of the United States of America and release it in time for the July 4th holiday. Now, his message about patriotism and the love for all things red, white, and blue has struck a chord with some Americans and has become a talking point.
Although America has become politically divided between Republicans and Democrats, Keith’s song coasts over the divide by making it clear that the country needs some healing to do. The song is a reminder to love all the great things about America. But also to look at it for what it is and be honest about what the country stands for.
“Happy Birthday America” by Country music legend Toby Keith
Happy birthday America
It’s the 4th of July
I get to wake up in your freedom
But sometimes I wonder why
Seems like everybody’s pissin’
On the red, white, and blue
Happy birthday America
Whatever’s left of you
You were the darlin’ when you saved the world
WW I and II
France would just be part of Germany now
If it hadn’t been for you
Now your children want to turn you in
To something other than yourself
They burn your flag in their city streets
More than anybody else
Happy birthday America
It’s the 4th of July
I’ll get to wake up in your freedom
But sometimes I wonder why
Seems like everybody’s pissin’
On the red, white, and blue
Happy birthday America
Whatever’s left of you
Who they gonna count on
When you’re not there to take their call
Will the world keep right on spinnin’
Without the greatest of them all
Without the helping hand of God
Your days are numbered, my old friend
We’re sure gonna miss you, girl
You were the best that’s ever been
Happy birthday America
All the broken-down cities
By the left’s design
And the right can’t seem to get it right
Most of the time
Every time I go to town and vote
I just come home with the blues
The lesser of two evils
All we ever get to choose
Happy birthday America
It’s the 4th of July
I’ll get to wake up in your freedom
But sometimes I wonder why
Seems like everybody’s pissin’
On the red, white, and blue
Happy birthday America
Whatever’s left of you
Happy birthday America
Toby Keith wrote the song while watching the Fourth of July fireworks from a boat in 2020. The song was inspired from a moment with his friend, who said: “Happy Fourth of July, big dog,” to which Keith responded, “Happy birthday, America… whatever’s left of you.”
According to CMT, Keith recalled, “It had been a screwed up 18 months. I was seeing both sides having concern over the end of democracy. We’ve fought and divided almost to the point it’s only about power and winning. Charlie Daniels had a song saying, ‘God save us all from religion.’ And I’m thinking,’ God save us all from politicians.’”
