'' Ragged Old Flag '' was written in 1974 while Cash was in Binghamton , New York , during a time of political turbulence in the United States that had forced the resignation of President Richard Nixon during the Watergate scandal . Although Cash had publicly supported Nixon 's candidacy , he had started to question the wisdom of Nixon-era policies concerning the Vietnam War . He wrote '' Ragged Old Flag '' to " reaffirm faith in the country and the goodness of the American people . " The song tells a story of an old man in a town square describing what the flag and country have been through together . '' Ragged Old Flag '' is typical of Cash 's particular style of patriotism characterized by his appreciation for the land , people and complexities of the United States . Although some considered the song too jingoistic and sentimental , it was largely popular with Cash 's audience . Despite its popularity during live performances , its success was short-lived and the song only reached number 31 on country music charts . It has been contrasted to country songs that espoused a more black and white view of patriotism such as Merle Haggard 's '' Okie From Muskogee '' and '' The Fightin ' Side of Me '' . . The song 's popularity has increased after the September 11 attacks
September 11 attacks
September 11 attacks
Ragged Old Flag (song)