User:ToddMillerKSU/sandbox

Song: Ragged Old Flag

Artist: Johnny Cash

Analysis:

Foriegn Policy Analysis-

A patriotic song, this song has been referred to as the ‘anti-Flag Burning song’ which honors and advocates military presence overseas. While in the first part of the song discusses the wars the ‘ragged ol’ flag’ has been through on US soil. Cash then goes beyond to the places around the world it the flag has been. From Flanders in World War I to Europe, Africa, and Asia during World War 2 and then to the more recent events to when the song was released (1974) Korea and Vietnam. After discussing how the flag waves on US ships across the seas and a symbol of American pride and force abroad, it laments the dissatisfaction and dishonor Cash perceives the flag to be getting from American citizens.

What Cash is calling for is a return to the sentiment and pride of the US flag, which has been through so much and been so many places. To remain true to the trust that Americans can make it through any crisis as they are at that time in the 70s between Vietnam and Government controversies of the Nixon Administration.

Reception to the Song

Backstory of the Song

Lyric breakdown