Iraq & I Roll vs. The Angry American

wow, so many wonders to choose from

"where were you..". is the least nasty, i think. it's just kind of sad and bewildered if i recall correctly.

In "Have You forgotten" the rhyming of "bin laden" w/ "have you forgotten" is funny now that everybody more or less has forgotten about bin laden...

"I RAQ AND ROLL"

Words and Music by Clint Black and Hayden Nicholas

YOU CAN WAVE YOUR SIGNS IN PROTEST
AGAINST AMERICA TAKING STANDS
THE STANDS AMERICA'S TAKEN
ARE THE REASON THAT YOU CAN

IF EVERYONE WOULD GO FOR PEACE
THERE'D BE NO NEED FOR WAR
BUT WE CAN'T IGNORE THE DEVIL
HE'LL KEEP COMING BACK FOR MORE

SOME SEE THIS IN BLACK AND WHITE
OTHERS ONLY GRAY
WE'RE NOT BEGGING FOR A FIGHT
NO MATTER WHAT THEY SAY

WE HAVE THE RESOLUTION
THAT SHOULD PUT'EM ALL TO SHAME
BUT IT'S A DIFFERENT KIND OF DEADLINE
WHEN I'M CALLED IN THE GAME

CHORUS
I RAQ, I RACK'EM UP AND I ROLL
I'M BACK AND I'M A HIGH TECH GI JOE
I PRAY FOR PEACE, PREPARE FOR WAR
AND I NEVER WILL FORGET
THERE'S NO PRICE TOO HIGH FOR FREEDOM
SO BE CAREFUL WHERE YOU TREAD

THIS TERROR ISN'T MAN TO MAN
THEY CAN BE NO MORE THAN COWARDS
IF THEY WON'T SHOW US THEIR WEAPONS
WE MIGHT HAVE TO SHOW THEM OURS

IT MIGHT BE A SMART BOMB
THEY FIND STUPID PEOPLE TOO
AND IF YOU STAND WITH THE LIKES OF SADDAM
ONE JUST MIGHT FIND YOU

CHORUS II
I ROCK, I RACK'EM UP AND I ROLL
I'M BACK AND I'M A HIGH TECH GI JOE
I'VE GOT INFRARED, I'VE GOT GPS AND I'VE GOT THAT GOOD OLD FASHIONED LEAD
THERE'S NO PRICE TOO HIGH FOR FREEDOM
SO BE CAREFUL WHERE YOU TREAD

BRIDGE
NOW YOU CAN COME ALONG
OR YOU CAN STAY BEHIND
OR YOU CAN GET OUT OF THE WAY
BUT OUR TROOPS TAKE OUT THE GARBAGE
FOR THE GOOD OLD U.S.A.

I ROCK, I RACK'EM UP AND I ROLL
IN THE USA
I ROCK, I RACK'EM UP AND I ROLL
I'M TALKIN' ABOUT THE USA

I choose the Angry American cause welp sometimes comes a time a man's gotta take care of business and if that means goin to war in the Middle East and blasting those terrorists back to the stone age then so be it. it's gonna be tough and lots of our boys will make the ultimate sacrifice but dammit sometimes americans gotta stand tall and do what's right. lots of people have come up and said Gear, why you say that, we've gotta think things through and I tell em well, actions speak louder than words and we been shoutin at em in Iraq for awhile now, now it's time to use a language they understand over there and put a boot in their ass

The midget's been getting to you again.

I wanna be in a band called The Likes Of Saddam

American Girls and American Guys
We'll always stand up and salute
We'll always recognize
When we see Old Glory Flying
There's a lot of men dead
So we can sleep in peace at night
When we lay down our head

My daddy served in the army
Where he lost his right eye
But he flew a flag out in our yard
Until the day that he died
He wanted my mother, my brother, my sister and me
To grow up and live happy
In the land of the free.

Now this nation that I love
Has fallen under attack
A mighty sucker punch came flyin' in
From somewhere in the back
Soon as we could see clearly
Through our big black eye
Man, we lit up your world
Like the 4th of July

Hey Uncle Sam
Put your name at the top of his list
And the Statue of Liberty
Started shakin' her fist
And the eagle will fly
Man, it's gonna be hell
When you hear Mother Freedom
Start ringin' her bell
And it feels like the whole wide world is raining down on you
Brought to you Courtesy of the Red White and Blue

Justice will be served
And the battle will rage
This big dog will fight
When you rattle his cage
And you'll be sorry that you messed with
The U.S. of A.
'Cause we'll put a boot in your ass
It's the American way

Hey Uncle Sam
Put your name at the top of his list
And the Statue of Liberty
Started shakin' her fist
And the eagle will fly
Man, it's gonna be hell
When you hear Mother Freedom
Start ringin' her bell
And it feels like the whole wide world is raining down on you
Brought to you Courtesy of the Red White and Blue

a few years back, i posted a "fake" message to the official clint black message board congratulating him on "i raq and i roll" which also included some hyberbolic jingoist/quasi-genocidal urgings, and black replied affirmatively.

I think "The Angry American" might actually be the best out of all these!

Have You Forgotten?' lyrics
Verse

I hear people saying we don't need this war

I say there's some things worth fighting for

What about our freedom and this piece of ground

We didn't get to keep 'em by backing down

They say we don't realize the mess we're getting in

Before you start your preaching let me ask you this my friend

Chorus

Have you forgotten how it felt that day?

To see your homeland under fire

And her people blown away

Have you forgotten when those towers fell?

We had neighbors still inside going thru a living hell

And you say we shouldn't worry 'bout bin Laden

Have you forgotten?

Verse

They took all the footage off my T.V.

Said it's too disturbing for you and me

It'll just breed anger that's what the experts say

If it was up to me I'd show it everyday

Some say this country's just out looking for a fight

After 9/11 man I'd have to say that's right

Repeat chorus

Bridge

I've been there with the soldiers

Who've gone away to war

And you can bet that they remember

Just what they're fighting for

Chorus 3

Have you forgotten all the people killed?

Some went down like heros in that Pennsylvania field

Have you forgotten about our Pentagon?

All the loved ones that we lost and those left to carry on

Don't you tell me not to worry about bin Laden

Have you forgotten?

Have you forgotten?

Have you forgotten?

do any of these people know anyone in new york city?

that's what i like to hear and sure enough the world come rainin down on those who messed with us. lotta people say to me, why you want to bring war to those people over there? i tell em they brought war to us for no reason, to a country that's the greatest in the world, because they hate our freedon and wish they could be like us. ain't no one like us, i tell em, and they gotta learn that we don't take bein messed with lyin down

"Some say this country's just out looking for a fight
After 9/11 man I'd have to say that's right"

"Angry American" wins by a mile, on the basis of what Frank Kogan calls its homoerotic aspects (i.e.: the boot and your ass, it's the American way). Plus I really like that wacky image of the statue of liberty shaking its fist. Plus it rocks. Plus it is by far the least humorless of these numbers. Plus Toby is the best singer, no contest.

Where were you when the world stopped turning on that September day?
Were you out in the yard with your wife and children
Or working on some stage in L.A.?
Did you stand there in shock at the sight of that black smoke
Rising against that blue sky?
Did you shout out in anger, in fear for your neighbor
Or did you just sit down and cry?

Did you weep for the children who lost their dear loved ones
And pray for the ones who don't know?
Did you rejoice for the people who walked from the rubble
And sob for the ones left below?
Did you burst out in pride for the red, white and blue
And the heroes who died just doin' what they do?
Did you look up to heaven for some kind of answer
And look at yourself and what really matters?

Chorus:
I'm just a singer of simple songs
I'm not a real political man
I watch CNN but I'm not sure I could
Tell you the difference in Iraq and Iran
But I know Jesus and I talk to God
And I remember this from when I was young
Faith, hope and love are some good things He gave us
And the greatest is love

Where were you when the world stopped turning on that September day?
Were you teaching a class full of innocent children
Or driving down some cold interstate?
Did you feel guilty 'cause you're a survivor
In a crowded room did you feel alone?
Did you call up your mother and tell her you loved her?
Did you dust off that Bible at home?

Did you open your eyes, hope it never happened
Close your eyes and not go to sleep?
Did you notice the sunset the first time in ages
Or speak to some stranger on the street?
Did you lay down at night and think of tomorrow
Or go out and buy you a gun?
Did you turn off that violent old movie you're watchin'
And turn on "I Love Lucy" reruns?

Did you go to a church and hold hands with some strangers
Did you stand in line and give your own blood?
Did you just stay home and cling tight to your family
Thank God you had somebody to love?

Repeat Chorus 2x
And the greatest is love.
And the greatest is love.

i don't think homos are really too keen on boots-in-asses but things might have changed since last time i visited christopher st.

But what about:

The Taliban Song Lyrics

(Send Toby Keith polyphonic ringtone to your cell phone)

-------------
I'm just a middle-aged middle-eastern camel-herdin' man
I got a little two-bedroom cave here in North Afghanistan
Things used to be real nice and they got out of hand
Since they moved in
They call themselves the Taliban
Oooh, oooh the Taliban, baby

Now I ain't seen my wife's face since they came here
They make her wear a scarf over her head
That covers her from ear to ear
She loves the desert and the hot white sand
But man she's just like me
No she can't stand the Taliban
Oooh, oooh the Taliban, baby

But you know someday soon we're both gonna sadle up
And it'll be ride camel ride
My old lady she'll be here with me
Just smilin' right by my side
We should do just fine out around Palestine
Or maybe Turkmenistan
We'll bid a fair adieu and flip the finger to
The Taliban

I know where your coming from brother.
This is a patriotic love song, so ya'll feel free to salute if you want to, I'll give you permission!

Now they attacked New York City
'Cause they thought they could win
Said they would stand and fight until the very bloody end
Mr. Bush got on the phone with Iraq and Iran and said
Now you sons-of-bitches you better not be doing any business
with that Taliban

So we prayed to Allah with all of our might
Until those big U.S. jets came flying in one night
And they dropped little bombs all over their holy land
Man you should have seen them run like rabbits they ran
The Taliban

But you know someday soon we're both gonna saddle up
And it'll be ride camel ride
My old lady she'll be here with me
Just smilin' right by my side
We should do just fine out around Palestine
Or maybe Turkmenistan
We'll bid a fair adieu and flip a couple fingers to
The Taliban

And we'll bid a fair adieu and give a big boner to
The Taliban
Taliban

yeah what did lady liberty do with her torch when she was shaking her fist? did she have to tuck it under her other arm? did she have to put down her clipboard or whatever it is in her other hand? is that why no-one's allowed in her head anymore?

She lit the flames of freedom

that taliban song doesn't make any sense

And what about:

Alan Jackson, "Iran & I Roll"

('cause he can't tell the difference, get it?)

or even:

Alan Jackson feat. A Flock of Seaguls "Iran & I Roll (So Far Away)"

she done poured gasoline over iraq and tossed the torch onto the puddle and then shook her fist if i recollect correct

also what is it about the "living in caves" thing that resonates with pro-war folks so much?

sometimes it's trotted out as evidence of how easy the war will be to win ("we're talking about people who live in caves here!") and sometimes it's evidence of how wily and difficult to pin down the unseen enemy is ("we're talking about people who live in caves here!") etc.

A boot in your ass, it's the American way:

"Shiny, shiny, shiny boots of leather
Whiplash girlchild in the dark
Clubs and bells, your servant, don’t forsake him
Strike, dear mistress, and cure his heart"

she actually just lit the book of justice (the one tucked under her arm) with the torch and then dumped the remains into the hudson.

livin' in caves = more homoeroticism obv

is there "hot white sand" in North Afghanistan? I thought it was a fairly mountainous region

ohh wait she loves the "hot white sand" like Liz Phair loves the...got it

it's very shocking blue-esque, that hot sand stuff

>that taliban song doesn't make any sense <

yeah, especially the boner at the end. (though I guess that's keeping with the Tobester's homoerotic side.) His mouth shore does since "Turkmenistan" purty, though.

sing, I mean

Fritz, I think the caves in this song exist as a convenience, so that the lyrics won't have to deal with the strong possibility that these two innocent civilians will get/would have gotten their heads blown off by the loving bombs that were exploding for their freedom.

By the way, do people in what we call the Middle East refer to their own region of the world as the Middle East? (Serious question - I really don't know. Maybe they do, but it struck me as odd.)

"Toby Does Turkmenistan" might already be available at your local video store.

time for someone to cover this:
e Dawn of Correction
The Spokesmen
- written by Raymond J. Gilmore, John Madara and David White (The Spokesmen)
- David White was formerly with Danny & The Juniors
- as recorded by The Spokesmen (released September 18, 1965)
- entered the Billboard Top 40 the week of October 9, 1965 and
stayed for 3 weeks, peaking at #36 the week of October 16, 1965
- answer song to Barry McGuire's "Eve of Destruction"

The western world has a common dedication
To keep free people from Red domination
And maybe you can't vote, boy, but man your battle stations
Or there'll be no need for votin' in future generations

So over and over again, you keep sayin' it's the end
But I say you're wrong, we're just on the dawn of correction

There are buttons to push in two mighty nations
But who's crazy enough to risk annihilation?
The buttons are there to ensure negotiation
So don't be afraid, boy, it's our only salvation

So over and over again, you keep sayin' it's the end
But I say you're wrong, we're just on the dawn of correction

You tell me that marches won't bring integration
But look what it's done for the voter registration
Be thankful our country allows demonstrations
Instead of condemnin', make some recommendations
I don't understand the cause of your aggravation
You mean to tell me, boy, it's not a better situation?

So over and over again, you keep sayin' it's the end
But I say you're wrong, we're just on the dawn of correction

You missed all the good in your evaluation
What about the things that deserve commendation?
Where there once was no cure, there's vaccination
Where there once was a desert, there's vegetation
Self-government's replacing colonization
What about the Peace Corp. organization?
Don't forget the work of the United Nations

So over and over again, you keep sayin' it's the end
But I say you're wrong, we're just on the dawn of correction
But I say you're wrong, we're just on the dawn of correction

So over and over again, you keep sayin' it's the end
But I say you're wrong, we're just on the dawn of correction

are camels herded?

the idea of the whole "living in caves" thing is to dehumanize & demonize, i think... also as you said to minimize the idea that actually houses, schools, hospitals, etc get bombed too

He lost me with "high tech GI Joe" -- no mention of the kung fu grip?

"Iraq 'N' Roll," an album by Uncle Sam.

Lyrics: Don Rumsfeld --
The purpose of terrorists is to terrorize

Ha-ha-haw-ha-haw-haw-ha

Haw-haw-haw-ha-ha-ha-ha

"JDAMN-ed"

In air force, I'm the main man, because I always bring the JDAM

Going downtown, downtown

Smashed your head on the wall

what about the leftie songs - Steve Earle, Le Tigre etc. vs Toby Keith et al.

personally I think they're all pretty terrible. No one knows how to write decent topical songs anymore, everything's so hamfisted and clumsy...

I just wonder if someday that Toby Keith tune will be seen as The Green Berets of music.

I like the 'answer' to 'Eve of Destruction'. Especially that they complain that McGuire focuses on the negative too much. It's a protest song!

Wait, didn't SSgt. Barry Sadler *already* do the "Green Berets" of music???

yeah with the flip side of "Letter from Vietnam!"

"We should do just fine out around Palestine"

I hate to be the one that points this out, but I'm not sure if Toby Keith knows what he's talking about.

what about "beer for our horses"? with willy nelson?!
is that a civil war quote or something?
google turns up pot smokers for kerry, hot lesbian teens, and a lot of rednecks using that as their signiture on message boards....

Well a 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

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 that

Justice is the one thing you should always find
You got to saddle up your boys
You got to draw a hard line
When the gun smoke settles we’ll sing a victory tune
We’ll all meet back at the local saloon
We’ll raise up our glasses against evil forces
Singing whiskey for my men, beer for my horses

We got too many gangsters doing dirty deeds
We’ve got too much corruption, and crime in the streets
It’s time the long arm of the law put a few more in the ground
Send ’em all to their maker and he’ll settle ’em down
You can bet he’ll set ’em down ’cause

Justice is the one thing you should always find
You got to saddle up your boys
You got to draw a hard line
When the gun smoke settles we’ll sing a victory tune
We’ll all meet back at the local saloon
We’ll raise up our glasses against evil forces
Singing whiskey for my men, beer for my horses

Justice is the one thing you should always find
You got to saddle up your boys
You got to draw a hard line
When the gun smoke settles we’ll sing a victory tune
We’ll all meet back at the local saloon
We’ll raise up our glasses against evil forces
Singing whiskey for my men, beer for my horses

nothing like a pro-lynching reference to pep things up...

t/s

"Beer For My Horses" vs "Strange Fruit"

never thought i'd hear willie nelson rallying for a stronger police presence. or does that "long arm of the law" refer to the long righteous arm of the shitkickin', good ol' boy vigilante law...

the opening of "I Raq & I Roll" seems pretty indebted to this old one:

The Fighting Side Of Me
Merle Haggard

I hear people talkin' bad
About the way we have to live here, in this country
Harpin' on the wars we fight
An' grippin' 'bout the way things oughta be

An' I don't mind 'em switchin' sides an'
Standin' up for things they believe in
When they're runnin' down my country, man
They're walkin' on the fightin' side of me

Yeah, walkin' on the fightin' side of me
Runnin' down the way of life
Our fightin' men have fought and died to keep

If you don't love it, leave it
Let this song I'm singin' be a warnin'
If you're runnin' down my country man
You're walkin' on the fightin' side of me

I read about some squirrely guy
Who claims, he just don't believe in fightin'
And I wonder just how long
The rest of us can count on bein' free

They love our milk an' honey
But they preach about some other way, of livin'
When they're runnin' down my country, hoss
They're walkin' on the fightin' side of me

Yeah, walkin' on the fightin' side of me
Runnin' down our way of life
Our fightin' men have fought and died to keep

If you don't love it, leave it
Let this song I'm singin' be a warnin'
When you're runnin' down my country, man
You're walkin' on the fightin' side of me

Yeah, walkin' on the fightin' side of me
Runnin' down our way of life
Our fightin' men have fought and died to keep

If you don't love it, leave it
Let this song I'm singin' be a warnin'
If you're runnin' down my country, man
You're walkin' on the fightin' side of me

I'm sorry, but every time Alan Jackson gets to the "I'm not sure I could tell you the difference in Iraq and Iran," I want to holler, "Well fucking LEARN, for fuck's sake! It's not that fucking hard! Use Google! Use Wikipedia! Buy a fucking book! In the time it took you to write and record this fucking song, you could've learned at least as much about modern Middle Eastern history as fucking Sean Hannity knows! Probably more! Quit bragging on your ignorance, you big dumb fuck!"

But he says that he watches CNN but he still can't tell I-raq from I-ran. It's a scathing indictment of cable news, not a celebration of his own ignorance. maybe.

This whole thread is why I prefer my country music to come from Anne Murray and k.d. lang.

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