About the song
“Ragged Old Flag” by Johnny Cash is a stirring and patriotic anthem that celebrates the resilience and enduring spirit of the American flag. Written by Cash himself, the song was released in 1974 as part of his album *Ragged Old Flag*. It quickly became one of Cash’s most iconic songs, resonating with audiences across the country and earning widespread acclaim for its powerful message.
In “Ragged Old Flag,” Cash uses the metaphor of the American flag as a symbol of the nation’s history and values, recounting the flag’s journey through various pivotal moments in American history. From the Revolutionary War to the Civil War, from the struggle for civil rights to the challenges of contemporary society, the flag serves as a silent witness to the triumphs and tribulations of the American people.
The song’s poignant lyrics, combined with Cash’s rich baritone voice, evoke a sense of pride, patriotism, and reverence for the flag and all that it represents. Cash’s heartfelt delivery brings to life the stories of sacrifice, courage, and resilience that are woven into the fabric of the nation.
“Ragged Old Flag” reached number 31 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart, reflecting its popularity and impact on listeners. Its enduring appeal has led to its adoption as a favorite among fans of Johnny Cash and American folk music alike.
For audiences of all ages, “Ragged Old Flag” serves as a reminder of the enduring values that unite Americans across generations: freedom, justice, and the pursuit of a better tomorrow. Its timeless message continues to inspire and uplift, making it a cherished part of the American musical landscape.
Video
Lyrics
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