It's a scene that's played out innumerable times since 2002 -- and with the 10th anniversary of Sept. 11 here, it will now be executed with even more patriotic fervor and bicep-flexing machismo. Behold, a Stetson-wearing, sleeveless Toby Keith, his American flag-emblazoned guitar gripped like it's a service rifle, delivering the money shot of his "Courtesy of the Red, White, & Blue (The Angry American)" to a roughhouse, flag-toting crowd:
"We'll put a boot in your ass / It's the American way!"
A decade on, the country star's crossover hit has become one of the most well-known pop tunes associated with 9/11. Like other songs that tapped into the nation's raw, collective anger, "Courtesy" was profoundly polarizing. Keith was either articulating thoughts many Americans were afraid to share or merely getting his jingoistic rocks off. Some embraced his cowboy hero persona, particularly during a time when having heroes was vital. Others thought he should stick to writing Cheech & Chong-inspired stoner ditties.