Johnny Cash’s “Ragged Old Flag” Plays In Super Bowl Video Honoring Old Glory, 9/11 Victims

Johnny Cash’s “Ragged Old Flag” Plays In Super Bowl Video Honoring Old Glory, 9/11 Victims | Classic Country Music | Legendary Stories and Songs Videos

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“Ragged Old Flag” By Johnny Cash Plays In Video Used For 2020 Super Bowl

The Johnny Cash song “Ragged Old Flag” was exposed to an audience of millions when it was connected to the Super Bowl in 2020. But before we get into that, it’s time to understand some of the history behind the song.

The Watergate Scandal, which resulted in the resignation of President Richard Nixon, created a time of turbulence in the USA. This trying time inspired Johnny Cash to write a song. That song became what we now know as “Ragged Old Flag.”

"Ragged Old Flag" by Johnny Cash was featured in a Super Bowl video in 2020
Johnny Cash / YouTube

Released in 1974, “Ragged Old Flag” is done in a spoken style. Cash serves as the story’s narrator. He talks about meeting an old man outside a courthouse, and the man starts talking about their tattered flag and all it represents.

The man discusses the many battles and wars the U.S. had been through. He explains how the flag has been shot, stabbed, and burned, yet still remains a symbol of strength.

To sum it up, the man says he is “mighty proud of that ragged old flag.” He emphasizes how it should be treated with respect.

“Ragged Old Flag” was a fairly popular song, and claimed the 35th spot on the country chart. But its legacy has gone far beyond The Man in Black’s lifetime.

“Ragged Old Flag” Earns A Prominent Spot Before The “Big Game” On Two Occasions

Prior to Super Bowl LI in Houston, Texas in 2017, FOX aired a spot that featured “Ragged Old Flag.” The video was as patriotic as they come, and was praised by viewers for celebrating the U.S. and its flag.

When 2020 rolled around, it was once again FOX‘s turn to air the Super Bowl. Just like it did in 2017, the network paid tribute to the American flag before the Big Game, and “Ragged Old Flag” was used in the video.

The video seems to serve as an updated rendition of the 2017 tribute. This time, we see “The First Ladies of the NFL,” the women who owned NFL teams across the nation.

But the person with the most prominent role is Kyle Carpenter. He is the youngest living recipient of the Medal of Honor.

The clip is a patriotic celebration of everything the  U.S has been through since inception. It also pauses to honor those we’ve lost, particularly the victims of the 9/11 attacks.

Families of 9/11 victims are seen in the tribute. The video ends at the 9/11 Memorial in New York City.

We’d go on describing the tribute for you, but think it’s best if you witness how it unfolds by tuning in to the video below. And if you already watched the video during the Super Bowl, then you know it’s worth seeing a second time.

FOX used “Ragged Old Flag” for a third video in 2023, which you can see here.

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