The Charlie Daniels Band's "This Ain't No Rag, It's a Flag" is a tribute to American resilience in the wake of the September 11 attacks. Released as a track on their 2001 album "Live!," this anthem stands out as a defiant response to a tragedy that shook the nation.
Penned solely by Charlie Daniels, the song was released in November 2001. With its peak position at number 33 on the US Country charts, it became Daniels' highest-charted single since 1989's "Simple Man." The song's patriotic fervor struck a chord with audiences during a time of national mourning and reflection.
The song first gained attention when CMT refused to allow Daniels to perform it at the Country Freedom Concert that was staged in Nashville.
The chart performance of "This Ain't No Rag, It's a Flag" further underscores its impact, debuting at number 51 on the U.S. Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks in the week of November 10, 2001.
"This Ain't No Rag, It's a Flag" is not just a song; it's a rallying cry, an anthem of defiance, and a testament to the enduring spirit of a nation in the face of attack. Charlie Daniels and his band deliver a powerful musical statement that resonates as a symbol of unity and strength during one of America's most challenging moments.