Here's my transcription from the Little Steven Van Zandt recording.

I AM A PATRIOT
(Little Steven Van Zandt)

And the river opens for the righteous (5 times)
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 heads* 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
I am a patriot....

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"

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
And I ain't no republican
I only know one party
And its name is freedom

I am, I am, I am
I am a patriot...

And the river opens for the righteous
And the river opens for the righteous
And the river opens for the righteous
And the river opens for the righteous...

(c)1984 BLUE MIDNIGHT MUSIC (ASCAP)

Recording by Little Steven Van Zandt https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YHCAI7QEj9A
Live 1984 performance: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nzguf7WBIM0



There is no indication that Little Steven is related to Townes Van Zandt.

Jackson Browne recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yTBjdvBN718

*Brown sings "backs."