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Brian Kelley is kicking off the Fourth of July weekend with a true tribute to first responders and service members — particularly, his “Poppy (John Edward Kelley) and Uncle Mike who both served,” the country artist shared on his social media channels earlier this week.
Kelley dropped “American Spirit” on Friday (July 1). It’s a heartfelt song that serves as “a tribute to my Poppy and Uncle Mike who both served, and all of our service members & first responders who keep us safe and protect our freedoms! Past, present & future.” He added in a statement: “I love our great country and will always support our brave defenders.” Kelley previously shared, in honor of Memorial Day, that his Poppy, who served in the U.S. Army during WWII, “made it out alive after being a POW in Germany. Others were not so lucky. So many have paid the ultimate price for our freedom, laying their lives on the line.”
“Oh, in every big city in all the small towns/ Hats come off when the flags come out/ Every mom-and-pop shop is flyin’ ‘em proud/ Because you can’t take down
“American spirit, that red, white and blue/ It’s flyin’ for freedom for me and for you/ It’s what I believe in, this country I love/ That American spirit runs in our blood”
Kelley confirmed earlier this week that he would release “American Spirit,” drumming up anticipation among fans. Quickly after its release on Friday morning, listeners have been loving the new song and applauding the release in time for the holiday weekend. The lyric video includes cover art that was hand-painted by Steve Penley, “one of America’s most celebrated artists with works exhibited worldwide,” according to a press release announcing the song’s debut. Listen to “American Spirit” here: