The top 5 military-themed songs that aren’t written by Toby Keith
Music is such a powerful tool in our society. It is absolutely crazy how lyrics on top of a melody can turn our brain into a mental time machine. For me, I can never listen to "Cherry Pie" by Warrant and not go back to that dive bar in Ohio where I slow danced the night away with a girl I assumed was my next ex-wife.
For many of us veterans, hearing a song might take us back to when we served or where we deployed. I spent many days in 2005 sitting by my tent in Iraq, enjoying one of those cold, delicious, non-alcoholic Busch beers while enjoying some fine tunes.
Music artists have usually gone out of their way to release one song "for the troops!" While many are not nearly as good as country music superstar Toby Keith when it comes to producing a 'Murican tune, some have succeeded. Today we will honor 5 of those artists whose names don't rhyme with Kobe Teeth.
You gotta be careful listening to this one, especially after watching the music video. Sometimes I think I'm Maverick and I'm getting ready to do a lot of cool things in an F-14. Then I look down at my Prius speedometer and see that I'm only doing 55. Kenny nails this song though. You cannot listen to it and not think of Tom Cruise and those other handsome flyboys in Top Gun.
2. Dixie Chicks — Travelin' Soldier
Alright, before you go getting outraged and calling for my head because I included the Dixie Chicks on this list, hear me out! If you listen to the lyrics in this song and don't get a little misty eyed, YOU might not be American! This is one of the greatest love songs ever written about the love between a deployed soldier and his lady back home. This is also one you have to be careful listening to. You might end up singing it at the top of your lungs while sitting in traffic, and it's embarrassing the first four times it happens.
3. Creedence Clearwater Revival — Fortunate Son
I don't even have to explain how great this song is to all members of the military. As an Iraqi veteran I am insanely jealous that this masterpiece was released during the Vietnam era. This is the song I listen to right before I get ready for an intense night of ping pong.
4. Johnny Cash — I Won't Back Down
The Man in Black brilliantly covered this Tom Petty song which saw heavy radio play following the Sept. 11th terrorist attacks. Rumor has it that if you listen to this song three times in front of the mirror, you will actually re-enlist. You will probably also fail the urinalysis too which should have been expected if you were sitting in front of a mirror in your bathroom listening to this song.
5. Toby Keith — Brought To You Courtesy of The Red White and Blue (The Angry American)
OK, I just couldn't do it. I couldn't make a list of military themed songs without listing Toby Keith. I mean it's Toby Keith! Anyways, let's get to the last, bonus song on the list.
BONUS: Lee Greenwood — God Bless the USA
This is the song every veteran should be listening to at their local Waffle House every single Veteran's Day when they're enjoying those sweet sweet waffles. If this song doesn't hit you right in the feels then I just don't know if there's a place for you in this country.
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