Dominic Behan (added verses David Stocker)

Come all you young rebels and list while I sing
For the love of ones country is a terrible thing
It banishes fear with the speed of a flame and
And makes us all part of the patriot game.

I’ve aimed my machine gun at women and kids
My mind fills with terror at things that we did
For the fear that was banished, I’d gladly regain
My humanity lost to a patriot game.

I’ve the same name as you, I’m just home from Iraq
Five pieces of shrapnel are lodged in my back
Put there by a people who just don’t agree,
With the home of the brave and the land of the free.

We take what we want then we steal what we need
Replacing our freedom with corporate greed
Where no one must answer and no one’s to blame
As the world pays the cost of our Patriot game.

The true heart of Justice is now masked and veiled
Once neighbors and friends are deported and jailed
Our own bill of rights lies all twisted and lame
It’s just the first taste of the patriot game.

I dreamed of a world where all people lived free.
I stood up for justice and true liberty.
I look at my children, how can I explain
Where we all went wrong in our Patriot’s Game.

An Afghan, a Haitain, Iraqi or Kurd
A yank or a Briton, no matter the word
An Act or a Missile, it all is the same
All players beware the new Patriot game

David Stocker is a teacher and member of One Drum