Patriotic Departure

This song will only maybe be included in "Roses And Hope." It's got some hope in it. If it goes on, it'll be a new recording from the ground up. We'll see. But since tomorrow is the Fourth of July, here are the two versions that have been released already. The first is a studio version from the album "Front Porch Hymns & Humns," and the second is from a live concert with my sons a year ago at the University of Utah, captured on a CD called "5/10." Use headphones for both. Have fun comparing. Have fun having freedom.

I pledge allegiance to the sage and the columbine,
the ancient twisted pine against the sky.
I pledge allegiance to the colors in the wind,
the colors in our skin and the hopes that rise
in the soul of America.

I pledge allegiance to the maker of the land,
the shaper of the sand on the canyon rim.
I pledge allegiance to the rivers deep with dreams,
the silver singing streams--they sing for him
the song of America.

   We are on holy ground, we are the children of the dream.
   We are the ones who can make it all come true.
   We are on holy ground, and the lord of all we see
   has chosen me, and he's chosen you.

I pledge allegiance to the death of honest men
whose breath flows on again through the autumn field.
I pledge allegiance in these wild and wasteful years
to the child who breaks in tears and humbly kneels
in the soil of America.

   We are on holy ground, we are the children of the dream.

   We are the ones who can make it all come true.

   We are on holy ground, and the lord of all we see

   has chosen me, and he's chosen you.

   He's calling me, and he's calling you.

   He's watching me, and he's watching you.