Johnny Cash Shows Patriotism And Respect For Old Glory In ‘Ragged Old Flag’

Johnny Cash

Johnny Cash was proud to be an American, and he was definitely proud of our nation’s flag and all it represents.

Cash reveals his admiration for the American flag in his single “Ragged Old Flag,” which he composed himself for his 1974 album of the same title. The song is in spoken-word style , so Cash actually speaks the lyrics more than he sings them.

When the narrator of the song says something to a man about the town courthouse’s flag looking ragged, the man proceeds to tell the narrator why he is proud of the flag anyway. He details everything the flag has been through over the years, from crossing the Delaware with Washington, to being burned by protesters.

Cash was inspired to write the song in an attempt to revive patriotism in the country following the Watergate scandal. Many of the other songs on the album also address political topics, including “Don’t Go Near the Water,” a song Cash wrote about the issues with the environment at the time. 

Prior to kick off of Super Bowl LI in Houston, Texas, Fox Sports aired a patriotic tribute that featured Johnny Cash’s “Ragged Old Flag.”

By combining Cash’s song with a touching video, even more meaning is given to an already powerful song.