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Country star Brad Paisely modifies 'American' song lyrics to support Ukraine, sparking cheers from WH guests

Country star Brad Paisley surprised his audience during a state dinner at the White House by changing the lyrics of his song "American Saturday Night".

Updated on: May 25, 2024, 18:18:31 IST
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Country star Brad Paisley, who has raised voice against suffering of Ukrainians as a result of Russia's invasion, surprised his audience during a state dinner at the White House by changing the lyrics of his song "American Saturday Night".

In a post on X, Emily Goodin shared a video of Paisley's performance at White House on Thursday, praising him for modifying the song's lyrics to support Ukraine. (Getty Image)
In a post on X, Emily Goodin shared a video of Paisley's performance at White House on Thursday, praising him for modifying the song's lyrics to support Ukraine. (Getty Image)

Biden hosted the state dinner to honour Kenyan President William Samoei Ruto and his spouse, first lady Rachel Ruto.

In a post on X, Emily Goodin shared a video of Paisley's performance at White House on Thursday, praising him for modifying the song's lyrics to support Ukraine. The star received a round of applause and cheers after he modified “American Saturday Night” to “Ukrainian flag hanging behind the bar”.

In the video, Paisely can be heard saying, “She's got Brazilian leather boots on the pedal of her German car. There's a Ukrainian flag hanging up behind the bar. Yes, she's going 'round the world tonight, but she ain't leavin' here. She's just going to meet her boyfriend down at the street fair. And it's a French kiss, Italian ice, Spanish moss in the moonlight."

Paisley modified the original lyrics of the 2009 song -- “Listenin' to The Beatles singin' ‘Back in the USSR.’” – in reference to Ukraine.

Also Read: From education to climate: Biden, Kenyan President William Ruto announce major deals and investments

Paisley joined a bipartisan delegation of US senators in April 2023 for a visit to Ukraine's capital, Kyiv. During his visit, he sang a Ukrainian-language folk song in front of Mikhailovsky Square, where wrecked Russian military equipment were placed. Paisley also performed an acoustic version of his song "Same Here", which was made in support of Ukrainians, featuring conversation between the star and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

After his Kyiv trip, Paisley spoked to The Washington Post, confirming that he spoke with Zelenskyy for the first time in person.

Calling it a “great 45-minute” talk, he stated that they discussed everything, including some details about their families. "It was a really eye-opening thing," he stressed.

Amidst the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, the US has been supporting the war-torn nation by providing financial and military assistance.

Dmitry Peskov, Russian President Vladimir Putin's press secretary, accused the US Congress of "not forgetting about themselves" while discussing a new foreign aid measure for Ukraine.

Biden admn declares ‘urgently needed’ $275M military assistance package for Ukraine

The Biden administration launched a $275 million military aid plan for Ukraine on Friday, which will give the war-torn country rockets, artillery rounds, and other "urgently needed" weapons and equipment to fight against Russia in the country's northeast.

The latest aid represents Kyiv's fifth tranche of assistance after Congress gave a bod to $60 billion in additional funding last month.

  • Shweta Kukreti
    ABOUT THE AUTHOR
    Shweta Kukreti

    Shweta Kukreti has over 8 years of experience in covering Indian and world politics. She joined the Hindustan Times in 2024 and is primarily assigned to the US desk. She currently works as Deputy Chief Content Producer and reports on a wide range of topics, including US politics, immigration issues (especially H-1B visa) and major global events. Shweta strongly emphasizes team operations, which encompasses monitoring news, delegating tasks, editing, developing comprehensive coverage strategies, and crafting engaging, and data-informed narratives. She received the Digi Star Award at the Hindustan Times within a year of joining for her broad coverage of US politics. In 2025, she earned both a promotion and a redesignation, a significant achievement recognising her contributions and the strong value she brings to the team. She has previously worked with the Indian Express, HTDS, ANI and Republic World. Seniors in all the media organisations recognised her work. Regarding education, she earned a BA (Hons.) in Political Science and a master's degree from Delhi University, and she pursued a PG Diploma in English Journalism from the Indian Institution of Mass Communication (IIMC). She also holds a diploma in Women's Empowerment and Development from IGNOU University and a French certification course from Alliance Française de Delhi. If not working, you can find her exploring the hills and engaging in adventurous activities in Rishikesh and Himachal Pradesh. She loves to play badminton, volleyball, and chess, and spend time with her friends and family. She also enjoys spiritual activities.Read More