as a proud American it’s hard to hear this song and not tear up

I'm noticing a lot of different families outside of the US are reacting to this song recently. We were angry Americans when this song was written - we just lost 3000 citizens in an unprovoked attack and those troops in the video were in Afghanistan. The lyrics resonated with every citizen at the time. We were sucker punched and we did light them up like the 4th of July. Make sure to research songs origins to better understand WHY they were written.

This was in response to the attack on 9/11.

This of course came out shortly after 9-11-01. I think he's had multiple trips overseas as part of the USO. This was originally only played for us troops overseas and we requested him to release it on an album since our family members thought we were a little crazy. He wrote this as a tribute to his late father that passed away right before the terrorist attacks on 9-11 as a thank you to his father's service and those in combat zones.

Ya’ll really NEED TO KNOW why this song was written & sung. And why it means so much to Americans. 🇺🇸 ✌🏻 Edit: Oh WOW!!! 🤩 Thank you for the ALL thumbs up. 🇺🇸 Bless Ya’ll ✌🏻

RIP Toby Keith. You made a difference in the lives of so many.

Prayers for Toby Keith fighting stomach cancer. Keep strong Toby! ❤

This song makes me so proud to be an American. I wish Toby wasn't suffering from health problems, praying for a miracle. 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

We have a saying “America doesn’t have a King or Queen, we have a flag.” That’s one of the reasons this is such a big deal. He did a great job with this one.

This song means so much to us ,because he wrote it after 9/11. Once we overcame the shock ,we were angry and this song was perfect.

I have never seen a more British reaction in my life. 😂

I think whoever suggested this should have given you some context. It was written after 9/11. He didn’t just write this kickass banger out of the blue.

I’ve watched so many reaction videos to this song and I’ve never seen LESS emotion 😂

As an Irish American with a bunch of military family members this song always fills my heart and brings a tear to my eye for Ole Glory and the millions of brave souls who fought for our freedom to whine about bs

Toby Keith has provided more than 250,000 troops with a touch of home through performances in 17 countries, including Iraq and Afghanistan, and several ships at sea. That was nearly 300 shows from Afghanistan to Cuba, Djibouti, Guam, Iraq, Kyrgyzstan and points in between. The USO presented him with its Spirit of the USO Award. A really good guy and fellow Oklahoman, he was out of circulation most of last year battling stomach cancer, but has been seen at some of his Oklahoma Sooner sports venues so seems to be much better now.

I have to agree with some of the comments. Knowing the reason for this song is important. He wrote this right after the attacks of 9/11. It was one of the worst days in US History. Many of us felt a vulnerability we had never experienced before. But with the bad came some amazing things. A citizenry more united than ever and a resolve unbreakable. They may have blackened our eye but we came back and lit them up like the forth of July. A rally cry for the American people at a much needed time.

Aidan would be a terrible eyewitness. "No, the guy I saw was wearing a cowboy hat. This guy isn't wearing a cowboy hat , so it can't be the same person." 😁

Toby Keith wrote this song in both honor of his Dad, a veteran, who passed early in 2001 and of course 9/11. America isn't used to being attacked on her soil so as you can imagine, it was not only a shock and a tragedy, it was a call to arms for every American to defend our flag and country once again!! Great reaction! Literally just came across your channel and will be sticking around for more reactions 🙂

This came out shortly after 911. A lot of Americans know where we were when this song hit the radio. I know I sure do!!!

I like viewing this song as a compliment to "Where were you when the world stopped turning" by Alan Jackson. Both about 9/11, but taking different approaches. This song represents the anger people felt, manifesting in a desire for destruction, retribution, and revenge. The Alan Jackson song, on the other hand, is the more sad and contemplative feelings people felt which made you want to be a better person and live a better life because you realized how precious it was. And the thing is that most people probably felt both and would identify with both songs, as difficult as that may be to understand.

RIP Toby Keith, you said what most of us felt. We miss you

i saw Toby Keith in iraq in 2005 and 2011. i didn't grow up a country music fan. i grew up listening to heavy metal and rap, but after seeing Toby Keith i started listening to country. it's now one of my favorite genres. i have a lot of respect for Toby Keith.

Yes this was his song in reference to the 911 attacks ❤ Happy St Patrick's Day everyone ☘️🍻

Toby does a lot of work with the USO entertaining troops all over the world. Founded during World War II, the USO sought to be the GI's "home away from home" and began a tradition of entertaining the troops and providing social facilities. Involvement in the USO was one of the many ways in which the nation had come together to support the war effort, with nearly 1.5 million people having volunteered their services in some way. The USO initially disbanded in 1947, but was revived in 1950 for the Korean War, after which it continued, also providing peacetime services. During the Vietnam War, USO social facilities ("USOs") were sometimes located in combat zones. Toby is currently battling stomach cancer.

the patriotic format and him with the troops performing makes more sense knowing he did this song directly after 9/11. 🇺🇸

Rest in loving peace, Toby. You gave all and to me a treasure to all that served. Thank you for the songs, videos, and yourself. God Bless you and your family, Toby. 🙏🏼🕊🇺🇲👍🏽👍🏽

Bob Hope was the one who brought the huge celebrities to the troops during the Vietnam era. And many have done it since.

This song was so powerful when he made it and its still powerful now! No matter what anyone says. This song was out after the 9/11 attack. It helped us Americans be strong throughout that whole depressing year.

Toby Keith did 18 worldwide USO tours. He and the actor Gary Sinese individually and separately have done the most USO tours since the great Bob Hope. Keith’s father lost his right eye in battle. Try Keith’s great “An American Soldier.” God bless and RIP Toby.

daughter , wife and mother of Soldiers and Marines...we still show true emotion every single time we hear this song..20 years later...I guess you had to be here...

Thank you so much for this reaction. So sad he died on 02/05\2024 Toby was a Patriot, a great man, husband, and father who brought us so many songs to remember.

Wow.. when you see that pic you can tell it's Toby's Daddy... they look just alike... Toby writes the songs that he has lived.. some funny, some patriotic, some heartfelt... Pls God let him completely recover from his stomach cancer.. We need men like Toby Keith in this world.

As others have said “a sucker punch came flying in from somewhere in the back” lyric in the song is the 9/11 attacks.

He traveled all of the world singing for the troops for free. One of the most patriotic Americans that ever lived.😢

i did 3 tours in afghanistan and toby came out multiple times with the uso he wrote this song right after 911 he wrote this not only for the troops but for the American people he is a wonderful dude and even with his current health issues he still supports our troops

This unbelievably patriotic song was written to highlight the overwhelming response of the American war machine should she be called into service. If only we can respond equally to the tyranny within before the Republic is lost forever. God bless America. her service members and her children.

A lot of country performers do shows for the troops overseas and here in the states. The shows usually will have a couple singers and a comic and a band.

Love this song, I can hear it 100 times and not get tired of it

It was written for his Dad and after the 9/11 attacks in 2001. GOD BLESS EVERYONE🙏😇❤️🇺🇲

Body language says it all. The smile on moms face watching men do men things, and the kids not getting it.

This video is a compilation of his USO concert performances of this song. Among the things the USO (United Service Organization) does is arrange for celebrities to entertain the troops - especially deployed troops.

It's a decades long tradition to entertain the troops abroad. Take a look at the history of the late American comedian, Bob Hope.

Doesn’t matter how many times I hear this song. Always get goosebumps and teary-eyed. RIP Toby Keith.

In the US the organization is called the United Service Organization (USO) it was started the fourth of February 1941. For nearly fifty years he was the name and face of the USO, that was Bob Hope. From WW2, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Lebanon Civil War, the Iran-Iraq War and the Persian Gulf War. Not bad for something that started as a radio show then morphed into providing "Wholesome Entertainment" for the young troops far away from home, to live shows in all over the world and even conflict areas to this day..

Another song for y'all is Aaron Tippon "Where the Stars and Stripes, and the Eagle Flys" came out less than a week after Sept. 11

I literally love this man, sincerely and completely. Lost my son in Afghanistan ❤️🙏🏻🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

this song was for the 9-11 attacks,written by Toby. He used to travel to the military bases, but has now become very ill. Yes, this is an American Patriotic song before our government went left of center.

Thank you everybody who has served, for your service to this great country! ❤❤❤ we love you all!

When my son was stationed in Iraq during Iraqi Freedom, The Charlie Daniels band came to their camp. Joe was on duty so he didn't get to the concert but Charlie and the band came by the hangar where Joe and his squad were working and spent a good half an hour with them, posed for photos and the whole shebang. It meant a great deal to the guys. Remembering how we felt at that time, as Joe's loved ones, although I hadn't heard it at the time, I can well imagine how we'd have loved this song back then. I had a great-nephew there at the time, as well but he was never in a forward area. Joe, otoh, was a tank repairman and he's a slight guy, but superquick. Even though he was the squad leader, when they timed each guy's speed at getting out of their tank and hooking up to a damaged tank with chains and getting back inside their tank, Joe was fastest. He admitted that he did that job most often as he felt it was his duty as the fastest guy. Fortunately, we didn't know that until he was safely home. I can't imagine knowing that when he was over there. He always talked about working in the hangar and so in my Pollyanna mom way, I had this silly little picture of him like the Mr Fixit guy, safely in his hangar waiting for the tanks to be brought to him. As it was, when I learned about this, even though he was safely home by then, I lost a good bit of sleep over it, I can assure you! I remember asking questions about it. like, "So, were there like people shooting at you when you did that?" "Oh, no, mom. Because the tanks always broke down in nice secure places." (Rotten sarcastic kid.)

Love this song! You should watch American Soilder as well. Grateful to all who serve. Have a couple of family \friends who talk about the Brits they served with over seas. Ya'lls military rules too!! Hmm... red, white, and blue best colors for our flags!🇺🇸🇬🇧

Shortly after the 9-11 attack on the United States, many artists in country music came out with songs (not sure about other genres as I only listen to country 99% of the time). Of the many most notable songs that came out IMO the most soul hitting one is by Alan Jackson. Here is the full title to the video on youtube the first time is was ever sang in front of an audience "Alan Jackson - Where Were You (When The World Stopped Turning) (CMA Awards 2001)" And yes that day the world did stop turning, it wasn't just our country who pulled together, many of our allies jumped immediately to defend and help us, THANK YOU to those countries and their citizens!

Most patriotic man. He made numerous visits to our troops.

That song and his performance gives me chills! God bless America!

After 9-1-1, Toby Keith wrote this song to show our anger with the attacks. He also volunteered for several USO tours, donated money from the sales of his song to relief support, and tried to raise the moral of the country. Mission accomplished.

He wrote this in response to 9/11. The whole country needed to uplifted. Especially the troops after the time of the attack. This song is a huge deal to our country

As many mentioned this song was written directly after and because of 9-11, this is a very important song to us. And it reminds us of the one time the country was not divided.. we were all upset and we all came together and everyone agreed that someone was going to pay for what they did. Sad times but also good times since the country was united together

Famous singers across all genres visit military bases especially in times of war as you can see it's a hell of a morale booster. It happens quite frequently. This song in particular came out right after 9/11. So many are away from their families for months and months at a time. My old man fought in two wars, he's a Marine.

This was in response to 9/11 & I can tell you as a New Yorker & a patriot this song gets me emotional every time I hear it

It's a song about 9-11-2001, you should look at "Where were you the Day the World stopped turning, Alan Jackson. ❤ Tody Keith has Cancer, and just strat touring again

The morale of soldiers is fine. It is to show appreciation.

This song was originally made for the troops, alone. Until a military general encouraged him to release it as a single, saying it would unite everyone. And it did. It was his response to the September, 11th 2001 attack on the U.S.

The entertainments for the troops is typically put on by USO. The oldest memories I recall were with Bob Hope & many others. The USO travels everywhere in the world for the troops. Bob Hope once said the performances would occur in either inactive zones or where lulls in the war were apparent but that there were times when fighting would break out and the shows would go on as long as it appeared safe. As Toby said in the beginning there men & women dying so we could rest peacefully in our beds. Entertaining the troops is the least we can do. Those that go out to entertain the troops have done so without pay.

This song is about the USA response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks as well as a tribute to his father who died in March of 2001 in a car accident. His father was a Vietnam Veteran who was proud of his country. Toby Keith really looked up to his father and wanted to honor him and his service to this country. Toby Keith never actually served in the military but is very supportive of the US Military. At first Toby Keith didn't intend to record this song on a CD but the commandant of the Marine Corps persuaded Toby to record this song. What finally persuaded him to record it was so that it can be played for the military troops when he wasn't there to sing it for them. He wanted to initially keep the song for just the troops but people ended up hearing it and loved it. People wanted to be able to listen to it when ever they want to so he finally released it to the public as well.

Thank you and your children for playing that song as it represents our response at a time when our Country came under attack and we kicked the asses of the terrorists. 9/11/2001.

We don't really need anything to keep our moral up. We are 100% Red White and Blue all of the time. To all of our allies, THANK YOU. Espescially NZ, I know that you feel slighted. I was friends with a gal from NZ for years... She always said that they weren't recoginized enough. I Agree. You are a VERY important part of the Allies, also. We deeply appreciate ALL of you! Thank You!

Horrible horrible time that i will never ever forget. I was in tears for days after the towers fell. To see the jumpers jumping out of the building they the dozens falling to their death, this song was written in response of to the 9/11 attacks.

Another of his patriotic songs is "American Soldier". He also has some pretty funny videos you should watch: I Ain't As Good As I Once Was, I Love This Bar, I Wanna Talk About Me, How Do You Like Me Now and of course, Red Solo Cup. He is a great person and patriot and we all wish him a speedy recovery from stomach cancer! Love him!

I think this was the first song that came out after 9/11 and I still rock this song to this day. I love this song.

I’m American and I can’t hear this song even today without crying. I’m also from Oklahoma one town over from where Toby grew up and still lives. He wrote this song in response to 911 and you don’t realize what it meant to us over here in helping us heal after that horrible day. ❤️🇺🇸

Goosebumps every time this plays

Yeah it's a uso tour. Uso is a great organization.

Prayers for Toby he is fighting cancer at the moment 🇺🇸 🤠

So glad y’all did this one 💪🏻

Love Toby, he's been really sick 😢 This Tennessee girl loves Country Music. Here's one for Mrs.Bloke Chris Stapleton, COLD at the CMA'S it's the best !

I watch every reactor that does this song. I'm happy you guys like it. ❤

After 9/11 the Queen had our national anthem played. I watched people from the UK crying for America and while I was crying for my country it brought me comfort.

I wish y’all had the context of why the song was written before you watched this. 9/11 was horrific. Some Americans lost so much, and many more Americans were afraid or angry. I believe there are some videos made explaining what happened on 9/11 that are worth a watch to help understand happened that day.

Ragged old Flag by johnny cash goes very well with this song

Another good one to react to from that same time period is Alan Jackson’s “Where Were You”

Yes! Not only Toby Keith went to visit the troops, many Amazing, award winning singing artists, flew out to visit the troops!❤

The black and white pics ar the veginning are his Dad while he served.... He tours with the USO and visits our troops in many places... we have many performers who volunteer their time to go out and entertain the troops....He is an inspiration and puts life to feelings many of us feel and cant put into words....he's one of our treasures .....prayers for him as he goes through his health battle. ❤❤❤

It really should be our National Anthem. This brilliant musician has entertained our troops for years. He has been fighting stomach cancer. I’ve spoken with him. He’s hanging in there. He mentioned all our national symbols in this song. (The eagle, the freedom bell, the Statue of Liberty and “Old Glory,” our flag.) ♥️💕♥️

Toby is a big supporter of the USO and goes all over entertaining the troops.

The black eye was 9/11 sneak attack. We lit up their country with bombs like 4th of July. Gives me chills

Unfortunately Toby Keith is fighting stomach cancer now. 😢

I miss the patriotic heart we all had as American's after 9-11. God rest those souls. Felt some of it return when 45 was in office. You 3 look like a sweet family. Thank you for playing To be Keith's song. ❤

It was for his dad but also the troops. Toby loved our country and our service men and women. The man wasa gem, may he rest in peace.

Glad to see you reacting to a great American singer, filming many scenes overseas in combat zones. I wish you'd all hop on a plane and come visit the States, preferably a southern State like Texas. It'd open your eyes to what this is all about and you'd get to have some mighty-fine food in the process! Come visit us sometime, you won't regret it! As a Veteran, I never saw Toby Keith while he was on tour, but we all rocked his songs regardless. Take care, and have an awesome day over there in the UK!

Toby Keith has a rather extensive catalog of patriotic music. His work with the USO is a great way to relieve a bit of stress for our troops deployed and a way to remind them what they are fighting for and that despite the garbage that gets put on the news Americans support them and are truly thankful for their service. I wish we had a USO stop on board when I was in the Navy.

A song that will live in infamy, that’s Patriotism Y’all, God Bless Toby and watch over him through his difficult times.

Yes, he goes to Army bases. The intent is to boost moral. These music, comedic, and NFL Cheerleader tours are sponsored Moral, Welfare and Recreation (MWR).

This song is talking about the after effect of 9/11.

He made that song in reference to 9-11

The fact that British are watching and liking this song, is hilarious to me😂I mean, 1776 was one hell of a time🇺🇲💪😂

Toby Keith does a lot of shows for the United Services Organization (USO) and travels around to do shows for the troops. This is his answer to the 9/11 attacks, originally titled, The Angry American.

As an American, I feel the same way as Toby! I tear up when I drive down a street and flags are waving on both sides of the street. We're in a political slump right now, but as soon as we get Biden/Harris out of office...we'll be back better than ever...IT'S THE AMERICAN WAY! We don't bow down and we don't give up!!!

With all due respect to your work on Office Blokes, Daz, your family does not seem the least bit interested in being KZfaqrs. I've watched dozens of their reactions, and they are just not into it.

I don't think people understand what it means to be American. When 9/11 happened, my grandma kept me home from school. I was about 12 or 13. Very few are actively patriotic but when something bad happens, we are truly the United States of America (gives me chills). I wasn't patriotic, but I remember shedding tears for that event; it's almost innate. I'm 34 now, I've had phases of anti-patriotism, and I've come full circle. Our country isn't perfect, but we have a strong foundation built on sound values and good people. Just like I'd happily help my neighbor, I'd happily help any human who needs help. Call it a hero complex if you want, but you should always do the right thing, even at the expense of your own happiness.

Watching your reaction to this now makes me the Angry American. My husband is buried at Arlington National Cemetery. I spent time counseling victims and families of 9-11 at the Pentagon. I worked with military members as they were leaving for the Gulf War not knowing if they'd be coming home alive. This song summed up all the emotions we were feeling then and was such a needed way for these soldiers to express what they felt. You're reaction to our tragedy is callous and hurtful as you laugh through a very painful time.

Why is he on this channel. He acts like he's bored. The whole time he's on. Or annoyed. On every video. So why would anyone subscribe. Or like. With him acting like. He don't even want to be there. William s