Album: Voice of America (1984)
Play Video
  • And the river opens for the righteous, someday

    I was walking with my brother
    And he wondered what's on my mind
    I said what I believe in my soul
    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, the people who understand me
    I've got nowhere else to go

    And the river opens for the righteous
    And the river opens for the righteous
    And the river opens for the righteous, someday

    And 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"

    And I ain't no communist
    And I ain't no capitalist
    And I ain't no socialist
    And I ain't no imperialist
    And I ain't' no democrat
    And I ain't no republican
    I only know one party
    And it is freedom
    I am, I am, I am

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

    And the river opens for the righteous
    And the river opens for the righteous
    And the river opens for the righteous, someday Writer/s: STEVEN VAN ZANDT
    Publisher: BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group
    Lyrics licensed and provided by LyricFind

Comments: 1

  • Jb from New YorkThis song is not about President Trump, Republicans, Democrats or everyone else in between, it’s about being an American. So let’s leave partisan position out of it.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Oliver Leiber

Oliver LeiberSongwriter Interviews

Oliver Leiber talks about writing and producing hits for Paula Abdul, and explains his complicated relationship with his father, the songwriter Jerry Leiber.

Bible Lyrics

Bible LyricsMusic Quiz

Rockers, rappers and pop stars have been known to quote the Bible in their songs. See if you match the artist to the biblical lyric.

The 10 Bands Most Like Spinal Tap

The 10 Bands Most Like Spinal TapSong Writing

Based on criteria like girlfriend tension, stage mishaps and drummer turnover, these are the 10 bands most like Spinal Tap.

Is That Song Public Domain?

Is That Song Public Domain?Fact or Fiction

Are classic songs like "Over The Rainbow" and "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" in the public domain?

Peter Lord

Peter LordSongwriter Interviews

You may not recognize his name, but you will certainly recognize Peter Lord's songs. He wrote the bevy of hits from Paula Abdul's second album, Spellbound.

What Musicians Are Related to Other Musicians?

What Musicians Are Related to Other Musicians?Song Writing

A big list of musical marriages and family relations ranging from the simple to the truly dysfunctional.