Songfacts®:

• Atkins said in the Augusta Chronicle that this patriotic song hit him the very first time that he heard it. He explained: "It's just one of those pick-you-up and make-you-pump-your-fists-and-sing-along kind of songs." Atkins added: "It has become kind of an anthem for folks struggling. I have seen people at shows pumping their fists and singing along with tears in their eyes and realized how real the lyrics are for some people."
• This was the 5th country #1 for Atkins. His previous four all came from the country singer's 2006 album If You're Going Through Hell.
• Old Dominion made their acting debut in the song's music video. We see some members of the band, who were just starting out at the time, piling out of a minivan at about 2:25. Their cameo appropriately coincides the bridge section "it's a kid with a chance... it's a rock n roll band!'"