‘Dreaming in Red, White, and Blue’: Brooks & Dunn’s ‘Only in America’

Musicians Brooks & Dunn perform at the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champions Week on Dec. 4, 2009 in Las Vegas. Rusty Jarrett/Getty Images

Founding Father Benjamin Franklin viewed America as a “land of opportunity.” Like many others, he firmly believed in the concept of the American Dream—that anyone in the United States, regardless of background or circumstance, could make something of themselves if they committed to a goal and worked hard enough.

Since America’s birth in 1776, the country has been viewed as a place of freedom and possibility by countless people around the world. In the fledgling years of the 21st century, country music duo Brooks & Dunn released a single that embodies the message of The American Dream to this day.

With their anthemic track “Only in America,” they scored a huge hit. They inspired Americans during one of the country’s darkest periods—a time when many thought patriotism was waning. Instead, they witnessed it grow to a fever pitch. “Only in America” was a part of that historic groundswell—a groundswell embodying love of country and a renewed belief in the power of the American Dream.

Inspiration Strikes in the Woods

Ronnie Dunn (L) and Kix Brooks of Brooks & Dunn from their 1991 album “Brand New Man.” Internet Archive. Public Domain

One day, Kix Brooks, one half of the Brooks & Dunn duo, spent a day in the woods with a few friends and fellow songwriters. He expected to have some fun four-wheeling and share a few laughs. He never anticipated their conversation would turn sentimental, with he and his buddies shedding tears. But when the topic of America came up, specifically, the group’s gratitude regarding living in such a unique and freedom-loving place, the men turned misty-eyed.

Belief in the American Dream can soften the most stoic heart. Brooks’s belief in it resulted in a hit song and worldwide recognition. It’s an anthem that continues to resonate with patriotic Americans nationwide.

“Only in America” became a No. 1 hit, and one of three consecutive top hits off their April 2001 album, “Steers and Stripes.” While it’s now considered one of Brooks & Dunn’s essential tracks, the song was a last-minute addition to the record. Brooks and his bandmate Ronnie Dunn had plans to record one last song for “Steers and Stripes,” but after Brooks pitched to Dunn “Only in America,” they knew they had to put it on the album as well. During an interview with AXS TV, later covered by American Songwriter, Brooks explained how the inspirational tune unexpectedly made it onto the track listing.

Album cover for Brooks & Dunn's "Steers & Stripes," 2001, featuring hit song "Only in America." Internet Archive. Public Domain

“We had an album that ended up being called Steers and Stripes, and Ronnie and I thought we were finished with it. And Joe Galante, our label head, came up with a song called ‘Nothin’ About You’ that he had found, [and he said] ‘I just want you guys to do me one favor and just record this to go on this album.’ We said ‘okay.’ So we set up a session. … We were gonna record one song.”

He explained that the night before they were scheduled to record, Brooks played his freshly written “Only in America” for Dunn before taking the stage for a performance:

“Well, you know, the songwriter in me, I’ve got this ‘Only in America’ thing half-done, so I spent all night in my hotel room. I finished the song, and we’re about to go onstage, and I pulled Ronnie over before we went on, I go, ‘Hey, I gotta play you this song man.’ And I played it and he goes, ‘That’s cool, better than anything I got.’ And I go, ‘You wanna cut it tomorrow, you wanna sing it?’ And he goes, ‘Yeah, I like it.’ So we cut those two songs.”

From Fun Anthem to Patriotic Symbol

The empowering tune features snapshots of different people living in America. From a bus driver and the starry-eyed children she’s transporting, to newlyweds looking ahead to a future full of possibilities, the individuals in the song are all connected by a common belief in achieving their own versions of the American Dream. As the song celebrates this connecting thread, it offers an important reminder. America is like no other place in the world. “Only in America” can “we dream as big as we want to.” “Only in America” does everyone “get a chance.”

Brooks & Dunn released the single in June 2001. By October, it climbed to the No. 1 spot on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart.

The song’s powerful message alone is moving. But mere months after its initial release, “Only in America” would become a song that etched itself into a far more important legacy than reaching number one status on a Billboard chart. Before the 9/11 attacks of 2001, the song was a fun, rock-tinged anthem perfect for a backyard BBQ atmosphere. Afterwards, it became a symbol of dogged perseverance in the face of uncertainty and turmoil.

With the opening phrase of the song, the vital message of hope is established. American Songwriter reported after 9/11, “with its opening line, ‘Sun comin’ up over New York City,’ it became an unofficial anthem of healing for the city and the entire United States.”

A Proud American Song

When Brooks came up with the concept for “Only in America” while reflecting on his love of country in the woods that day, he remembers telling the songwriters who joined him on the trip regarding the potential song, “We gotta write this, boys.” Songwriters Don Cook and Ronnie Rogers contributed to the composition.

Since its chart success in late October 2001, the song continues to be recognized as a top patriotic country hit. It has even been used in different presidential campaigns, from George W. Bush to President Donald Trump.

When the duo filmed the music video for “Only in America” in the summer of 2001, they included footage of Manhattan’s iconic twin towers standing tall among New York’s skyline, representing growth, opportunity, and hard work. Little did they know, like the song, the video would become a soul-stirring tribute to the greatness of America.

When reflecting on the success of “Only in America,” it’s still hard for Kix Brooks to vocalize how he feels about it. Brooks is usually comfortable letting his music partner, vocalist Ronnie Dunn, take the lead. After all, the talented singer has one of the most distinctive voices in country music. It’s hard for Brooks to take credit for the song’s enduring success even though he could.

Struggling to find the words, one day, he turned to his wife and asked, “What do you think?”

Her answer?

“I think you ought to be proud of yourself.”

A Dream Worth Pursuing

Musicians Brooks & Dunn perform at the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champions Week on Dec. 4, 2009 in Las Vegas. Rusty Jarrett/Getty Images

On May 30, Brooks & Dunn will take the stage along with country singer Jason Aldean for a summer concert at the historic Fenway Park in Boston. The duo plans to sing many of their most popular tunes, like their contemplative “Neon Moon” and playful “Boot Scootin’ Boogie.” There’s no doubt that their patriotic hit “Only in America” will be on the set list.

The single isn’t just a favorite among Brooks & Dunn fans and country music fans alike. It’s a relatable song, especially for those who have chased their dreams or realized the privilege of living in a free country. America recognizes everyone’s right to, as Thomas Jefferson wrote in the Declaration of Independence, “Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.”

“Only in America” reminds listeners of all walks of life, The American Dream is still very much alive. The American Dream is, and always will be, worth pursuing.

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