Today, many Americans actively display their hatred towards the country in which we live. It gave birth to people like a football star Megan Rapinoe, who shamefully kneeling during the national anthem while representing the United States on the international stage And continuously blows American policies, even though the citizens of the country have ccontributed to Megan’s success at every turn (via employment, endorsements, etc.). Although Rapinoe is far from the majority of Americans, the tendency of Americans hate their own country became most important. So what can we do to revive American patriotism? I think the key themes of country music can show us the way.
A key theme I’ve noticed in country music is gratitude for our veterans. America’s veterans are perhaps the bravest Americans; they selflessly give their all for a higher goal and make countless sacrifices for the sake of the country. The Zac Brown Band’s famous song “Chicken Fried” (2005), which celebrates America, includes a remarkable third verse, in which Zac Brownot sung “I thank God for my life / And for the stars and stripes / Let freedom fly forever, let it ring / Salute those who have died / Those who give their lives. According to Brown, the verse was added just after the September 11 attacks, a moment when Americans came together in a way they arguably haven’t since. Brown added that he realized “how lucky we are to be free” and that “there is a price that other people have paid so that we can…enjoy all the simple things” . I love these words because they sum up what every American should believe and cherish: immense gratitude for the heroes of our country.
A song with a similar theme is “There’s a star-spangled banner flying somewhere,»written by Paul Roberts and Shelby Darrell and sung by Elton Britt. The song was released in 1942 as a patriotic anthem has showing support for American troops stationed overseas during World War II. The song’s lyrics focus on a man who loves his country and wishes to join “Uncle Sam’s great heroes” to fight against the Axis powers, but cannot do so because of his disability. This song is about unity that ran through America’s heartland during World War II, something that should be revived in today’s America. Teaching our history and the values for which veterans have fought and continue to fight is essential to reinvigorating the discourse of American patriotism.
Another theme I extrapolated from country music is friendship and hometown roots, which are core American values. Most of today’s most prominent country artists hail from small towns in the South and Midwest. These artists often sing about their hometown friends and the memories made with them. when they were younger. For example, Morgan Wallen’s song “Still falling» (2020) was describe “a love song to the city that raised him.” In the song, Wallen describes Friday nights in his small hometown and assures the listener that “It’s still happening in the country.” Thomas Rhett explores a similar topic in his song “Country Again” (2021), which depicts the singer wanting to return to his Georgia roots after an extended period of touring. In these songs, Wallen and Rhett both reminisce about the good old days. For me, these songs serve as a commentary not only on life in small-town America, but also on America itself. Spending time with friends, listening to music, and occasionally cracking open a beer symbolize only part of what America should be instead of continually fueling the fire of political division.
I am discouraged by the current division in our great country. The fact that it took three weeks to elect a President of the House, for example, is a metaphor for the broader situation in the country. Country music and the values it represents are a way to put more emphasis on what makes us Americans. Respecting our veterans and embracing small town values is just the beginning. We cannot let political divisions and anti-American rhetoric sever the bonds that bind us as a nation.
