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Reclaiming the Past: The All-American Rejects Cover “Flagpole Sitta” as a Step Toward the Future


Four men standing in a circle. The camera is below them and they are all looking straight down. One man is holding up both hands, another is holding up an 'ok' sign
Photo: Andy Knight

The All-American Rejects had been teasing new music on their socials for days, leading fans—including myself—to anticipate an original track for their big comeback. Instead, they released a cover of Flagpole Sitta. At first, I was disappointed, but after reading a post from frontman Tyson Ritter, I realized there was more to this release than I initially thought.


Formed in Stillwater, Oklahoma, The All-American Rejects have been on the scene for 25 years, known for hits like Swing, Swing and Dirty Little Secret. Their last full-length album, Kids in the Street, came out in 2012, followed by occasional singles like There’s A Place and Sweat. However, the Send Her To Heaven EP marked a new chapter, as they brought in different producers and experimented with recording methods.


Although they’ve toured since, their last single release was in 2020. With no official breakup announced, fans feared the band might be nearing its end. Their Flagpole Sitta cover sends a different message: The All-American Rejects are still here. Keeping their signature sound, the band added their own spin to the Harvey Danger classic, staying true to the rebellious spirit of both the song and their own legacy.


About 12 hours after the song dropped, Ritter took to Instagram to explain the deeper meaning behind this release. He opened up about the band’s struggles with estrangement, doubts, and healing old wounds. Working on Flagpole Sitta helped rekindle their love for making music and was a full-circle moment—transforming a song that brought them joy in their youth into a tool for reconnecting and mending relationships.


A three-paragraph caption discussing what this release means to the band


Ritter explained that choosing a cover over new material gave the band the freedom to explore their sound without the pressure of a "big comeback."


Though Flagpole Sitta brings a sense of nostalgia, it also symbolizes the band's effort to rebuild relationships. The sentiment on their website remains clear: The All-American Rejects “never broke up, never compromised, and always stayed true to their artistic vision,” and, as Ritter's post suggests, they’ll keep doing things their way.


What started as disappointment evolved into understanding. Flagpole Sitta is more than just a cover—it’s a declaration that The All-American Rejects are still evolving, experimenting with their music, and rediscovering their joy in making it together.


For all things All-American Rejects, click here.

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