Johnny recorded as a member of the 1980's southern rock band The Johnny Van Zant Band which released albums in 1980, 1981 and 1982. The band shortened its name to Van Zant for the release of its fourth album in 1985, the eponymous Van Zant, which saw some chart success with "You've Got to Believe in Love" and "I'm a Fighter". However, this band was not the same as the current version of Van Zant and did not include brother Donnie.
Johnny released another album under his full name in 1990, but spent most of his time in that period singing for the Lynyrd Skynyrd reunion group. He joined up with Donnie, and they revived the Van Zant name to release an album in 1998, which led to a follow up album in 2001. They have also released two albums to the country music format: 2005's Get Right with the Man and 2007's My Kind of Country. Overall, the group has had two singles on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks charts (the prior incarnation of Van Zant also had two), and six on the Billboard Hot Country Songs charts.
These Colors Don't Run
Van Zant Lyrics
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And one on the chrome post flyin' in my yard
I got a patch on my jacket says, 'A Hundred And First'
And a sticker on my bumper says, 'Don't Mess With Her'
These colors don't run, I hold them dear to my heart
With all of my might I stand up and fight for every star and every stripe
Yeah, I'm a proud supporter of the men and the women
We're still number one and these colors don't run
I pledge allegiance to this nation and eagle flyin' high
I'm the first to shoot off fireworks on the 4th of July
And God bless the people who love this great land
Ah, when it comes to freedom united we stand
These colors don't run, I hold them dear to my heart
With all of my might I stand up and fight for every star and every stripe
Oh, I'm a proud supporter of the men and the women
Who risk their lives for our cause, let me tell you, son
We're still number one, these colors don't run
These colors don't run, these colors don't run
Oh, I'm a proud supporter of the men and the women
Who risk their lives for our cause, let me tell you, son
We're still number one, these colors don't run
We never will, we never have and you better be glad
These colors don't run
The Van Zant song These Colors Don't Run is a patriotic anthem that celebrates the American flag and all it symbolizes. The lyrics describe the pride the singer feels for the flag and the country it represents. He displays the flag in his garage and yard, wears a patch on his jacket representing his military unit, and has a bumper sticker warning others not to mess with his flag. The singer is a proud supporter of men and women who risk their lives for the country and its citizens. The song also expresses the sentiment that Americans will never back down and will always defend their country, making these colors not run.
The song is a tribute to the US flag and the values it represents. The lyrics reference the pledge of allegiance, the bald eagle, and the Fourth of July, which are all traditional symbols of American patriotism. The song's message is that the US is a strong and patriotic nation that will remain steadfast and resolute in the face of any threat.
Line by Line Meaning
I got old glory hangin' out in my garage
I proudly display the American flag (Old Glory) in my garage.
And one on the chrome post flyin' in my yard
I have another American flag flying on a post in my yard.
I got a patch on my jacket says, 'A Hundred And First'
I have a patch on my jacket that represents the 101st Airborne Division of the US Army.
And a sticker on my bumper says, 'Don't Mess With Her'
I have a sticker on my car bumper that warns others not to mess with America.
These colors don't run, I hold them dear to my heart
I deeply cherish the red, white, and blue of the American flag and would never let them be disgraced.
With all of my might I stand up and fight for every star and every stripe
I will defend every aspect of the American flag with all my strength.
Yeah, I'm a proud supporter of the men and the women
I am a dedicated advocate for the brave soldiers who serve our country.
Who risk their lives for our cause, let me tell you, son
These soldiers willingly put their lives on the line to defend America.
We're still number one and these colors don't run
America is still the best and most powerful country, and our flag will never be dishonored.
I pledge allegiance to this nation and eagle flyin' high
I swear loyalty to this great country and its symbol, the eagle.
I'm the first to shoot off fireworks on the 4th of July
I am enthusiastic about celebrating America's independence on July 4th by launching fireworks.
And God bless the people who love this great land
May God bless and reward all those who cherish and care for America.
Ah, when it comes to freedom united we stand
Americans are united in their belief in freedom and will always stand together.
These colors don't run, these colors don't run
The American flag will never be humiliated or dishonored.
Oh, I'm a proud supporter of the men and the women
I am proud to stand behind the brave military members who serve America.
Who risk their lives for our cause, let me tell you, son
Soldiers willingly put their lives on the line to defend America, and that must be honored.
We're still number one, these colors don't run
America is the best country, and our flag will never be dishonored, no matter what.
We never will, we never have and you better be glad
We have never let the American flag be dishonored, and we never will in the future. And you should be grateful for that.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: DONALD N. VAN ZANT, JOHNNY ROY VAN ZANT, TONY CARL MULLINS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind