It’s pretty sad when someone is attacking someone as honorable as Toby Keith, calling him pro-lynching and a flat out racist. This is the guy who sings about how great American soldiers are and visits the Middle East to sing for our troops.
Max Blumenthal of the Huffington Post has obviously interpreted the song, “Beer For My Horses,” incorrectly since Mr. Keith is not pro-lynching nor is his song an ode to lynching. His article makes Toby sound like a member of the KKK, which is way out of line. There is no reference to a race. So, I think we should get the facts straight. This is a verse from Toby’s song that Max cited: "Grandpappy told my pappy: Back in my day, son, / A man had to answer for the wicked that he done / Take all the rope in Texas, find a tall oak tree / Round up all of them bad boys, hang / them high in the street / For all the people to see."
Now, from this perspective it does seem like Toby is supporting lynching of African Americans. However, this is out of context. This is like how in every reality TV show, production can edit someone badly and make him look like an arrogant jerk, because they showed the one time he snapped at someone, even though they aren’t. Max needs to look at the whole picture here. Note this. Toby sings: "Willie man come on, the 6 o'clock news / Said somebody's been shot, somebody's been abused / Somebody blew up a building, somebody stole a car / Somebody got away, somebody / didn't get too far, yeah / They didn't get too far."
Willie Nelson — who Toby sang with — sang in response: "Back in my day, son / A man had to answer for the wicked that he done."
Article comments
— go to most recent comments1 - Ben Gilbert
The biggest problem with Toby Keith, not cited here, is his total lack of intellect. His stupidly ambiguous lyrics probably don't help Mr. Blumenthal to arrive at the conclusion he did. Furthermore, if Mr. Keith's lyrics were aimed at "the terrorists" and Mr. Keith is making loads of money off of his "America Rules" stance, doesn't that make him a war profiteer? Okay, probably not, but it does make him kind of a jerk. At very least, he's a terrible singer making money from people who don't know any better.
2 - Jordan Richardson
I don't know how "honorable" I'd consider Toby Keith after the way he ostracized Natalie Maines for speaking her mind. Saying "I'll bury her" like he's 50 Cent doesn't really add up to a good reputation for the man. And using photoshopped shots of Maines with Saddam Hussein not only shows his ignorance about the war but also about freedom of speech in America.
That doesn't even get into the ridiculous "Courtesy of the Red, White, & Blue," which is one of the dumbest songs I've ever heard.
And it doesn't touch his ignorant comments on Glenn Beck when Keith decided it would be a good idea to suggest that Barack Obama "acts white."
Toby Keith might be a decent country singer, but considering him to be an honourable man takes a lot more than just a little singing to the troops and blind flag-waving, at least where I sit. But shit, I'm a Canadian like Peter Jennings, and we all know Toby Keith's not all that down with that.
3 - Sunni
You did a great job of interpeting that song. Good job.
And to Mr. Blumenthal, I think it is racist of YOU to assume that all the bad people are black that he is referring to. Do you think that people of color are the only ones that commit crimes?
4 - Hannah C
I too, think it is racist of YOU to assume that all the bad people are black that he is referring to.
As for Toby's Angry American song---just ask our troops serving how they feel about it. They love it and that says it all. Those who think its "dumb" probably are not having to fight this thing.
Toby is as honorable of an entertainer as I have ever seen!!!!!!!!!!!!
5 - tk4ever1
Good job Maddy. We know what Toby Keith is all about. You either understand or you don't, and no amount of arguing will change some people's minds. Toby is #1 in my book, as an entertainer and as a human being.
6 - Rebecca
I am so unbelievably sick of people reading into things to find controversy. It is sad when a person of color twists things out of context in order to make someone else look bad. Toby Keith does his part to entertain the troops, supports Farm Aid when he can, is a homegrown, country loving, care-about-what's going on, icon. If you don't like him, don't listen. To those haters of "Angry American", perhaps you aren't American enough to be angry enough about what others are doing to America. And that is not to disclude the small percentage of Americans that are Atheist whom demand we not use God in pledges and remove the Ten Commandments from buildings. In case you have forgotten, those are the basis for which this great country was built. If you don't like living here, you are free to live somewhere else. Iraq, perhaps? Our founding fathers are probably rolling over in their graves.
And Natalie Maines?...please...she's worth getting upset about. Not
Toby Keith's father fought for your right to moan and complain about so much. We are a nation of whiners. Grow up, get some patriotism.
Toby-keep on rocking and don't look back. You kick "Booty"!
7 - bliffle
At the least, the lyrics seem to advocate vigilantism and lynching. Both illegal.
8 - Dr Dreadful
Rebecca: Toby Keith's father fought for your right to moan and complain about so much. We are a nation of whiners. Grow up, get some patriotism.
It's always puzzled me how this circular argument makes any sense to anybody.
Basically: Toby's Dad fought for our right to complain - so don't complain???
Do you see the teensy tiny problem here?
9 - Jordan Richardson
Rebecca, for the record I don't live in your country. Also, my wife took your advice. She got so fed up with living around rabid "patriots" that told her to, literally, "shut the fuck up and salute the god damn flag" that she moved to Canada. There's nothing wrong with being proud of one's country, but taking something that is essentially a matter of providence to such an extreme level so as to silence ANY criticism is borderline sociopathic behaviour. Leave that bullshit to the religious fanatics.
10 - Rebecca
Dr. Dreadful-Toby's father was one of millions to fight for our right to freedom of speach, freedom of religion and such. It is amazing to me, how people who live in a nation of so many freedoms can have so unbelievably much to bitch about. Millions of people immigrate here for any number of reasons -and I am not anti immigration, so don't read into that- and it makes me as an American proud to live in a country with liberties that others only dream of. However, while you have the right to bitch about anything and everything, do you really need to? Cut it out and start enjoying what you have. (Not you personally, everyone as a nation.)
Mr. Richardson: I am far from being a "rabid patriot", but I do believe in respect. And I assure you I am not a sociopath. I don't wish to silence all criticism, but I do wish more people would speak up against the reverse racism. We have gotten to a point where you can't open your mouth to speak without someone getting mad or "injured feelings" or having your words twisted into something they are not. This is not what our forefathers fought and died for. I appologize on behalf of the people who may have told your wife the ugly things you stated. Not all Americans are like that. I, being one. I am just sick of all the crap people come up with to complain about, I am convinced they do it just to hear themselves talk.
It is hard enough to teach children about respect and responsibility without the people of the nation failing to take responsibility for their own actions. Now more than ever we need to be "one nation, under God" and even abouve that all nations need to remember "united we stand, divided we fall". I am an American, and I am as proud of that as I can be (without being "rabid" or fanatical or over the top in anyway), but I would be so much more proud to be a part of a network of all nations striving for peace.
God bless you all.
11 - Dr Dreadful
Rebecca,
While you're a bit more polite about it than the people who antagonized Jordan's wife, when you strip your comments down you're still basically telling anyone whose views upset you to shut up.
Like it or not, the constitutional guarantee of free speech in this country also protects speech you find disagreeable.
12 - Jordan Richardson
Rebecca,
I agree, fundamentally, that political correctness can and often does go too far. America is, however, becoming more and more infused with multiple cultures and beliefs. It is simply not accurate to suggest that America is a "nation under God" any more than it is accurate to suggest that America is a Christian nation or that Americans all love baseball.
So racism is something that more Americans need to be sensitive about. There are more hate groups today than there was twenty years ago. This is not an issue from the past; this is an issue from the present. So while Toby Keith may not have been referencing anything overtly racist in his song, it is understandable that many may be offended by his rather cavalier reference to lynching (I personally don't see it and have much bigger issues with Toby Keith, as I mentioned).
As the article from the Huffington Post points out, there is a history involving lynching and African Americans that is very fresh in the minds of many. That history is far from ancient, but many Americans are overzealous when it comes to distancing themselves from the ugly past. The fact of the matter is that there are many problems with racism in America and it is as important as ever, with a pluralistic society, to remain sensitive. That doesn't mean getting ridiculous about it, as many are prone to do. But it does mean realizing when something shouldn't be said and realizing when something just might offend somebody else. As my dad used to tell me when I was a mouthy little brat: "It's called tact, son."
So while you talk about unity, Rebecca, I'm afraid that a cavalier attitude towards "injured feelings" isn't the quickest way there. Toby Keith may well celebrate his freedoms by being bold, patriotic, and vibrant. More power to him. But the path of pride isn't the path to unity and as long as many Americans keep touting the "We're #1" attitude to a planet that, frankly, stopped caring, the United States is going to be stuck in "high school mode" for the rest of its existence.
So if you're afraid to say something because you have a feeling it might hurt someone's feelings, it's probably best not to say it unless there's a really good reason to do so. The forgotten notion of thinking before speaking needs to make a bigger comeback than any "one nation under God" nonsense.
13 - Mark Saleski
Now more than ever we need to be "one nation, under God"
which god would that be? just curious.
14 - El Bicho
"It is sad when a person of color twists things out of context in order to make someone else look bad."
Max Blumenthal, the author in question, is white. Rebecca, why do you presume that a person who "twists things out of context in order to make someone else look bad" would be a person of color?
"Our founding fathers are probably rolling over in their graves."
Over what? Using God in pledges, the Ten Commandments in buildings, or the invasion of Iraq? I don't think they would approve of any of it.
"Now more than ever we need to be 'one nation, under God'"
Since we're not and not likely to be, "you are free to live somewhere else. Iraq, perhaps?"
15 - Rebecca
Umm you don't need to talk to me about being sensitive to racism. Have I mentioned I am half black? Apparently not, as there was no need. We are talking about about music, people, music. If you don't like it, change the channel, but "Like it or not, the constitutional guarantee of free speech in this country also protects speech you find disagreeable".
While I completely agree that some people have no tact and don't know when to shut their mouths for the sake of everyone, I am not one of them. I would never say something to intentionally hurt someone. I live by the motto, "If you have nothing nice to say, don't say anything at all", however, I also say "A person can only take so much crap from others. You never ever hit first. But if someone hits you, you better hit back, twice as hard." I don't completely agree with the war, nor do I completely disagree. They hit us in 2001 and we needed to hit back. HOWEVER, I believe that this has gone on far, far too long.
Mark Saleski: To whatever God you feel guides you in the direction of living a good, honest life.
El Bicho: I am a person of some color and I see it every single day. ::our founding fathers rolling in their graves:: "Over what? Using God in pledges, the Ten Commandments in buildings, or the invasion of Iraq? I don't think they would approve of any of it." Over the fact that they built this country on the fundementals of a higher God, and that no one seems to give a rip. Having religion and doing what is right seems to be an act of convenience for many. When it works for them. And, yes, now more than ever, we need to be one nation, under God (whichever God guides you in living a good and honest life) because, going back to the original posting, we are not likely to be one nation with everyone bitching and unhappy about petty little crap. Like song lyrics. "Grandpappy told my pappy, back in my day son...." that does indicate three generations back, now doesn't it....son? And one more thing before I go; a person should answer for the wicked they've done, now don't you think? Or maybe we should just let everyone get away with whatever they please.
May your God bless you. It is heartfelt, but is it politically correct enough? I don't care, I do hope your God, whomever she or he may be, does truely bless you.
16 - Jordan Richardson
We are talking about about music, people, music. If you don't like it, change the channel, but "Like it or not, the constitutional guarantee of free speech in this country also protects speech you find disagreeable".
Which means people are allowed to object to the content, right? This circle goes on forever, Rebecca.
"A person can only take so much crap from others. You never ever hit first. But if someone hits you, you better hit back, twice as hard."
Yes, very Christlike. Well done.
They hit us in 2001 and we needed to hit back.
People still believe this crap?
17 - Carol
To Jordan Richardson: Natalie Maines picked a fight with Toby Keith. SHE instigated that entire thing by saying that a song written by Toby was "ignorant," she added that she hated it. She is entitled to hate it if she wishes but she shouldn't insult him or his song writing talent. Toby had every reason to respond to her, she picked the fight, she wore a shirt that said F.U.T.K. on an award show and disgraced herself yet again. Than she lied about it for months before admitting it. She's a real piece of crap and deserves everything she got. Toby ended it when he saw how silly it was, his friend had a child dying of cancer. That was more important to Toby that Natalie Mange or her stupid mouth.
18 - Jordan Richardson
Carol,
I'm afraid I can't possibly agree with your assessment of the situation.
Maines stated that she thought the Toby Keith song "Courtesy of the Red, White, and Blue (The Angry American)" was ignorant: "I hate it. It's ignorant, and it makes country music sound ignorant. It targets an entire culture - and not just the bad people who did bad things. You've got to have some tact. Anybody can write, 'We'll put a boot in your ass.' But a lot of people agree with it. The kinds of songs I prefer on the subject are like Bruce Springsteen's new songs."
Toby Keith responded by saying, in December 2002: "I’ll bury her. She has never written anything that’s been a hit."
Keith took a critique on a song and responded with a personal attack, as you can see. He continued along these lines, criticizing her songwriting abilities and so on. All fine by me, in fact. A simple squabble between country singers.
But after Maines made her famous comments about the Iraq War and George W. Bush (March 2003), Toby Keith shot back by using a backdrop on his Shock'n Y'all Tour that featured Maines with Saddam Hussein. In response to that, in May of 2003, Maines wore the FUTK shirt.
You'll notice that Maines claimed that anyone can write the "boot in your ass" crap, but Keith fired back and insulted Maines for her songwriting. The feud, at best, went both ways and Toby Keith is far from an innocent party, regardless of who you believe "started it."
You'll notice that they're now appearing in global warming commercials together, by the way, on the same couch.
19 - Jean
It's funny how Natalie can dish it out but can't take it when someone comes back at her. Same with her fans, they can say what they want but cry when someone says something back at them. And people complaining about Toby complaining about the song, why don't you get off your asses and go overseas on your time and money and see how the troops feel.
20 - Jordan Richardson
Um, this whole feud is based on the fact that Natalie Maines gave as good as she got. Nobody's "crying" about what Toby Keith says. The only objection I have to this whole thing is the continued insistence by Toby Keith fans that he's as innocent as Baby Jesus and that he's this "honorable" man when he's proven he's not.
And people complaining about Toby complaining about the song, why don't you get off your asses and go overseas on your time and money and see how the troops feel.
So anybody objecting to the ignorant "boot up your ass" bullshit coming from Keith needs to "go overseas on your time and money and see how the troops feel?" I'm not really sure how this works, can you explain it to me?
From most reports out of Iraq, most of the troops don't even know why the fuck they're even there to begin with and they want to come home to be with their families. Surely the cowboy justice nonsense of Toby Keith isn't echoed by many of the honourable men and women in the United States Armed Forces and, if it is, I'd question their fucking sanity.
21 - Jordan Richardson
And let me just add that the whole reason this Toby Keith nonsense is a problem at all is because he's using the troops, patriotism, and mindless Americana to further his career and to add accents to a "feud" that was really just about music. Painting Natalie Maines as friends with Saddam Hussein is further evidence of that, which was why the backdrop was so telling as to Keith's mindset. He was willing to say that Maines wasn't a patriot because she didn't like the stupid song and because she didn't support the president's war.
22 - Katelynn Phillips
Good job Maddy! I think Toby Keith's a great song writer, and a great man. For someone to blast him like that is just absurd. I wonder any believed that guy anyway. He sounds like the raciest one.
Once again, great article!
Katelynn
23 - Jean
Jordan that is BS. He is not doing anything agains Natalie, he doesn't even talk about Natalie, get a life. He made tons of money before COTRWB and tons after wards. Isn't it funny how she can say what she wants and you don't say a word. Get over it, they have, they were both wrong. Like I said, he only showed it at his concerts, her FUTK (which she lied about the meaning of) on national television. He at least didn't stoop that low. A lot of performers didn't like it either. Who cares what you think anyway, you just like to babble on like you know so much and don't know anything. His songs get played BECAUSE HIS FANS WANT THEM PLAYED. He only did 2 patriotic songs and the TROOPS LOVE THEM, that is who the song was for. And Toby's Fans are still behind him and he is still in the picture. Where is Natalie? The only time you hear about her is when someone brings up the fued and that makes her and that person look dumb all over again. It's sad when people live in the past.
24 - Jordan Richardson
Jean,
You say:
Get over it, they have, they were both wrong.
I said in #18:
The feud, at best, went both ways and Toby Keith is far from an innocent party, regardless of who you believe "started it."
And I also added:
You'll notice that they're now appearing in global warming commercials together, by the way, on the same couch.
The rest of your post is so bloody ironic and silly that it doesn't deserve to be addressed.
25 - Jean
Yeah Jordan but it's the true. As far as the commercial there is no commercial. They couldn't agree on a date. Truth hurts Don't it. Natalie drove her fans away, Toby hasn't done anything to drive his fans away. He has never said ANYTHING against his fans. He doesn't care if they don't agree with him. Natalie bad mouthed her fans and that's why they left.