Ragged Old Flag

Johnny Cash

About Ragged Old Flag

Ragged Old Flag is a song by American country music artist Johnny Cash from the 1974 album of the same name.


Year:
2007
3:48
81 
#3

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I walked through a county courthouse square
On a park bench an old man was sitting there
I said, your old courthouse is kinda run down
He said, naw, it'll do for our little town
I said, your old flagpole has leaned a little bit
And that's a ragged old flag you got hanging on it

He said, have a seat, and I sat down
Is this the first time you've been to our little town?
I said, I think it is
He said, I don't like to brag
But we're kinda proud of that ragged old flag

You see, we got a little hole in that flag there when 
Washington took it across the Delaware
And it got powder-burned the night Francis Scott Key
Sat watching it writing say can you see
And it got a bad rip in New Orleans
With Packingham and Jackson tuggin' at its seams

And it almost fell at the Alamo
Beside the texas flag, but she waved on though
She got cut with a sword at Chancellorsville
And she got cut again at Shiloh Hill
There was Robert E. Lee, Beauregard, and Bragg
And the south wind blew hard on that ragged old flag

On Flanders field in World War one
She got a big hole from a Bertha gun
She turned blood red in World War Two
She hung limp and low a time or two
She was in Korea and Vietnam
She went where she was sent by Uncle Sam

She waved from our ships upon the Briny foam
And now they've about quit waving her back here at home
In her own good land here she's been abused 
She's been burned, dishonored, denied, and refused

And the government for which she stands
Is scandalized throughout the land
And she's getting threadbare and wearing thin
But she's in good shape for the shape she's in
'Cause she's been through the fire before
And I believe she can take a whole lot more

So we raise her up every morning
We take her down every night
We don't let her touch the ground and we fold her up right
On second thought, I do like to brag
'Cause I'm mighty proud of that ragged old flag

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Johnny Cash

John R. "Johnny" Cash (February 26, 1932 – September 12, 2003), was an American singer-songwriter, actor, and author, who has been called one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century. Although he is primarily remembered as a country music icon, his songs and sound spanned many other genres including rockabilly and rock and roll—especially early in his career—as well as blues, folk, and gospel. This crossover appeal led to Cash being inducted in the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and Gospel Music Hall of Fame. more »

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Written by: John Cash

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Release Date
"Ragged Old Flag" was released on June 5, 1974.
Genre
This Johnny Cash song represents the country and spoken word genres.
Album Information
"Ragged Old Flag" is the title track from Johnny Cash's 47th album.
Song Inspiration
Johnny Cash was inspired to write this song during a time of national unrest, specifically marked by the Watergate scandal and the Vietnam War.
Song Theme
The song prominently symbolizes American patriotism, national unity, and resilience during tough times.
Awards and Recognition
While it did not win any awards, "Ragged Old Flag" became a symbol of American patriotism and has been used in many patriotic celebrations since its release.
Performance
The song has been performed by Johnny Cash on various platforms, most notably on The Johnny Cash Show.
Lyric Composition
Unlike most songs, "Ragged Old Flag" is primarily spoken rather than sung. It tells the story of the American flag's journey through the country's history.
Notable References
The song was used in a 2017 Super Bowl commercial by Fox Sports, further promoting its patriotic appeal.
Chart Performance
"Ragged Old Flag" peaked at number 31 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart in 1974.

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