"American Ride" is a bold and thought-provoking song by American country music artist Toby Keith. Released in July 2009 as the first single and title track from his album American Ride, this song stands out as the only track from the album not co-written by Keith himself. Instead, it was penned by Joe West and Dave Pahanish. The song swiftly climbed the charts, becoming Keith's 19th number one hit on the US Billboard Hot Country Songs chart for the week of October 10, 2009. A remix of "American Ride" was later featured on his greatest hits album, Greatest Hits: The Show Dog Years in 2019.
"American Ride" is an up-tempo track where the narrator highlights various politically charged issues in the United States. The song touches on illegal immigration, political correctness, frivolous lawsuits, rising gasoline prices, climate change, and the waning significance of religion. Despite these issues, the narrator expresses pride in being American, with the refrain, "Gotta love this American ride." The song also references Donald Trump's public criticism of Alicia Machado, the 1996 Miss Universe winner.
Originally titled "American Life" by its writers, West and Pahanish, the song captures the ironic and sometimes frustrating aspects of American life. Keith had the song on his iPod a year before he decided to record it, appreciating its humorous yet incisive commentary.
The music video for "American Ride," directed by Michael Salomon, debuted on CMT on August 13, 2009. The video employs an animated style akin to JibJab online cartoons, featuring Keith and three men riding motorcycles through various scenes illustrating the song's lyrics. Highlights include Pat Robertson riding on George W. Bush's back, Barack Obama being lifted by bankers on Wall Street, and Keith encountering foreign dictators disguised as pirates. The video concludes with Keith falling into a boat full of American flags, a nod to the chaotic yet resilient spirit of America. Keith mentioned that the video drew criticism from "blogger terrorists" but maintained that its humor targets everyone equally.
Toby Keith's "American Ride" remains a notable entry in his discography, offering a sharp, reflective look at contemporary American issues while maintaining an undercurrent of national pride. Its blend of humor and critique ensures its place as a memorable and impactful song in the country music landscape.
