I resonate with the sentiment, but I'm really tired of Lee Greenwood's "Proud to be an American." Anyone else?

CH (MAJ) Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 09 Aug 2015 05:08:49 -0400

I am a patriot. I did over three years in combat in a 5 year stretch. I am proud of my country, and proud to serve. I'm also really tired of Lee Greenwood's song "Proud to be an American." Perhaps it reminds me of way too many memorial ceremonies. Perhaps people making play lists for patriotic events only know Lee Greenwood and Toby Keith. Either way, am I wrong for wanting a break from this song? I'm sure I'll get over it, but Lee and I need to break up for a while.

Response by SSgt Alex Robinson made Aug 9 at 2015 5:47 AM

SSgt Alex Robinson — Sun, 09 Aug 2015 05:47:25 -0400

I'm a Toby Keith. "American Soldier" guy.

Response by GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad made Aug 9 at 2015 6:19 AM

GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad — Sun, 09 Aug 2015 06:19:20 -0400

I'm very proud to be an American but, years ago, I got so damn sick and tired of that song that I quit listening to the radio altogether!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 9 at 2015 6:41 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 09 Aug 2015 06:41:18 -0400

it was a good song back in the 80s, and after 9/11 it really hit home.. but it is overused and over played. no that it is not a great song, but the fact that it is every where all of the time at all national holiday events makes it annoying.. kind of like mmm Bop by Hansen..

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 9 at 2015 7:00 AM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 09 Aug 2015 07:00:09 -0400

I think you have a point about these songs being overplayed at memorials and some other somber events, but I don't have the same reaction. I can respect where youa re coming from, and I think the overplaying comes from a lack of popular songs expressing a love of our beautiful country. Perhaps some new popular artists will create some patriotic songs in the upcoming years.

Response by Cpl Jeff N. made Aug 9 at 2015 9:37 AM

Cpl Jeff N. — Sun, 09 Aug 2015 09:37:22 -0400

The song has been overplayed for sure but that isn't Lee Greenwood's fault. The lyrics are pretty solid from a content perspective but I can certainly understand that is it overplayed in some venues and events. I don't hear it that much anymore so when I do, it takes me back. It was released in 1984 just before I left the military. I was surprised when I looked it up that it only made it to #7 on the billboard charts back then.

For some it has a strong connection. Serving in the military post Vietnam up until maybe 1991 the military was largely ignored by many. Pride and patriotism were not flowing very strongly back then. When it came out it was almost a breathe of fresh air with sentiments not spoken for many years in such a format.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Aug 9 at 2015 11:18 AM

CAPT Kevin B. — Sun, 09 Aug 2015 11:18:41 -0400

Saturation is what does it. We tend to not like stuff that gets hammered into us. That said, I don't listen to that genre of music so when PRCA rodeo comes around and I get my yearly dose of that, The Duke, etc., well it does make me proud to be an American.

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 9 at 2015 11:34 AM

SCPO Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 09 Aug 2015 11:34:15 -0400

No, can't say as I am. But I've only heard it once in the last three or four years. I'd rather listen to it, though, than most of the crap on the radio. That's why I have Sirius/XM.

Response by CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 9 at 2015 11:45 AM

CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 09 Aug 2015 11:45:47 -0400

Since it was played excessively during Desert Storm, that is with what I affiliate it. It had its second season after 9-11 for sure.

Great song, immense sentiment. I don't hear it as much, so when it comes on, I get a recharge of patriotism! :)

Go to a military-adjacent bar, have a few drinks, sing intently with the masses--you'll get that loving feeling back! Lol

Response by SSG(P) D. Wright Downs made Aug 9 at 2015 1:57 PM

SSG(P) D. Wright Downs — Sun, 09 Aug 2015 13:57:08 -0400

I do not like Lee as a person. He is arrogant and very self centered. He got an honorary Doctorate when I got a degree at Cumberland University in TN. My husband took video of it. Lee did a concert near my family's home in WNY. My family told him about it and he was very interested in it. We sent one to his Brentwood home. Never heard from him. Send one to his recording label. Never heard from him.Went to a concert near where we live and told his people we had a copy of the ceremony with us for him and he sent a message back to us he was too busy to see us but to give the video to his people. I wrote a note with my e-mail and mailing address...I had enough of playing games with a short guy feeling tall.
In the early days of his career, before his song, I will say that he was popular in German. He and his crew would drive around and stop in and chat and sing if he saw soldiers on side of the road , or in a field site. He did a good morale trip. A little bit of fame blew him away.

Response by CH (LTC) Robert Leroe made Nov 6 at 2015 2:36 PM

CH (LTC) Robert Leroe — Fri, 06 Nov 2015 14:36:58 -0500

I don't thank my "lucky stars"; I thank the Lord above.