Here we are in August and in a skeleton staff here at the magazine – I am currently the skeleton, lol. Everyone is off on their holidays, but I have just sat in the garden and watched the solar eclipse, the little cherry blossom tree providing me with cool shade in the heatwave, and I was enjoying an ice cream. What more do you need? Maybe a new single?
My music choice under the blossom tree was a Sabrina Carpenter album, but my choice for the evening review is Woody Bradshaw with his new track “Who’s Proud They’re From the USA?” – released as the US celebrates 250 years since the Declaration of Independence. I felt the need for GREAT Britain there, as we lost, of course!
The Press Release:
Somewhere along the way, one of the most recognizable symbols in the world became one of the most debated. The American flag. For generations, it represented sacrifice, freedom, and the promise of opportunity. Today, even saying “I’m proud to be an American” can spark debate, criticism, or division. That’s exactly why Nashville recording artist Woody Bradshaw wrote “Who’s Proud They’re From the USA.”
Not to divide. Not to campaign. Not to choose sides. But to ask a question he believes still deserves an answer. Who’s still proud they’re from the USA? At a time when conversations about identity, patriotism, and national unity dominate headlines, Bradshaw isn’t offering a political speech. He’s offering a song. And he hopes Americans of every background will sing it together.
Known for heartfelt country storytelling on songs like “The Last Thing You Do,” the emotional ballad “Why You’d Even Try,” and his tribute to the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, “The Blues Are Back in Town,” Bradshaw calls this the most meaningful release of his career, not because it’s his biggest production, but because he believes its message is bigger than himself.
Ironically, the inspiration didn’t come in a writing room. It came from a baseball cap. After seeing the official emblem celebrating America’s upcoming 250th anniversary, Bradshaw felt something stir. What started as a simple moment quickly became one of the fastest songs he has ever written. “‘Who’s Proud They’re From the USA’ came about more organically than any other song I’ve ever written,” says Bradshaw. “I’ve never served, but I’ve always been very patriotic, loved America’s history, and the older I’ve gotten the more I’ve appreciated what this country stands for, what sets us apart from other countries, and the freedoms we have.”
Once the idea arrived, the song poured out almost effortlessly. “I knew what I wanted to write about, and it poured out of me like opening a rusty faucet. I truly believe the inspiration was divine.” Driven by soaring guitars, arena-sized hooks, and lyrics honoring military service members, first responders, faith, and freedom, “Who’s Proud They’re From the USA” is designed to be sung loudly, whether at concerts, county fairs, sporting events, Fourth of July celebrations, or backyard cookouts.
But Bradshaw is quick to make one thing clear. This isn’t about politics. It’s about people. “This song isn’t meant to be partisan; I really want it to unite us as a nation. All I know is that it’s the biggest thing I’ve ever written—meaning, it’s bigger than me and my artistry.” His hope reaches far beyond radio. “My hope is that ‘Who’s Proud They’re From the USA’ will stir a movement from sea to shining sea, become an anthem for the ages, and inspire future generations of patriots.”
My review:
I was previously aware of a track called “The Blues Are Back in Town” from this artist, which I liked for its blend of country and rock. This new single is more country, a straighter genre fit! It was actually released on June 4, 2026, so is on all platforms now – it also shows how I am drowning in my emails!
The song lyrically celebrates the nation of America; it is one to sway along to while wearing the flag. Woody Bradshaw tells us he bleeds red, white and blue, and the little touches – the whistle and sound of the drums – hark back to earlier battles and struggles. The song is everything American: a celebration of the land and its people, a fight to retain identity and freedoms, and a clap-along summer festival song. It is a song for the South in America, a song to celebrate and look forward with.
But there is more to the lyrics than simply waving the flag. Bradshaw also takes aim at some of the things he believes have contributed to America’s divisions, “woke culture” for one. While the press release is very keen to stress that this isn’t about politics and isn’t intended to be partisan, the lyrics inevitably make it more complicated than that. From an outside perspective, America is going through a period of division and questions over its direction. This track’s answer is essentially to stop arguing, put the flag up and celebrate the country.
What can I say?! This is a song of the moment. It celebrates the nation while acknowledging – and occasionally directly attacking – some of the cultural changes and political arguments that have created those fractures.
“But here at home some twisted people
Yell at them and call ‘em names
It’s time we put “Woke” in its grave
Take back this Country
And the American way…”
Whether you agree with Bradshaw’s particular take is another question, but there is certainly nothing hesitant about his message.
Musically, this is straightforward, accessible country with a big, celebratory feel. It is not trying to reinvent the genre; it is trying to give people something they can clap along to, sing loudly and wave a flag to. I suspect it will work particularly well in the settings Bradshaw mentions: county fairs, sporting events, Fourth of July celebrations and outdoor festivals.
“Who’s Proud They’re From the USA?” knows exactly what it wants to be. It is patriotic country music, unapologetically so, and Woody Bradshaw isn’t hiding his politics behind the music – even if he would prefer to describe the song as being about people rather than politics. You don’t have to share the vision to recognise that the song is sincere, clearly delivered and designed to get its audience singing along.
“Who’s proud they’re from the USA
Do you feel a thrill when “Ol Glory” waves
If you bleed Red, White, and Blue
Then let me hear you say
I’m Proud I’m from the USA”
If you like your country music with a large helping of red, white and blue, a big chorus and absolutely no ambiguity about the message, this could well be the song for you. As for the rest of us? Well, we can listen from across the Atlantic, raise an eyebrow, and wish America every continued success for the next 250 years!
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Stream Music from Woody Bradshaw here
By Lorraine Foley
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