I Am A Patriot (and the river opens for the righteous)
©Steven Van Zandt (Blue Midnight Music, 1983)


And the river opens for the righteous, someday

I was walking with my brother
And he wondered what was on my mind
I said what I believe in my soul
It ain't what I see with my eyes
And we can't turn our backs this time

I am a patriot and I love my country
Because my country is all I know
I want to be with my family
With people who understand me
I got nowhere else to go
I am a patriot

And the river opens for the righteous, someday

I was talking with my sister
She looked so fine
I said baby what's on your mind
She said I want to run like the lion
Released from the cages
Released from the rages
Burning in my heart tonight

I am a patriot and I love my country
Because my country is all I know

And I ain't no communist, and I ain't no capitalist
And I ain't no socialist
and I sure ain't no imperialist
And I ain't no democrat
ain't I ain't no republican either
And I only know one party
and it's name is freedom
I am a patriot

And the river opens for the righteous, someday




Available recordings by                 Recording name
Little Steven (Van Zandt)               Voice of America
The Burns Sisters Band                  Close To Home
Jackson Browne                            World In Motion
David Lindley                                Twango Bango Deluxe
Pearl Jam