I'm Still American by Kelli Bruno | NPR Tiny Desk Contest 2021

What does it really mean to be "American"? This song was born the moment I learned about WWII Veteran Isaac Woodard Jr. His story is so important to remember when we consider what it means to be a true patriot, an "American". The second and third verses explore the perspective of a migrant mother who becomes a citizen, and that of a man recently released from prison struggling to reacclimate to society. Are they not also "American"? ~~ Lyrics below ~~
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I served my country, bled red, white and blue
World War battle star sealed my honor in truth
Many men were welcomed back with gratitude
But I was badly beaten left blind by those in blue

Raise me up or throw me out I’m still American
Tilt your cap or slam your fist, your hate won’t change my origin
I am proud of every day I fought for you

I crossed the border, my faith kept me strong
Baby on my back, brought my papers, sang songs
Passed the test and cried, though I did nothing wrong
But green cards don’t make people think you belong

Raise me up or throw me out I’m still American
Tilt your cap or slam your fist, I am your fellow citizen
I am proud I earned my right to live with you

I served my sentence, 10 years now I’m free
But freedom’s a lie, I’m still down on my knees
Check the felon box and they skip over me
What happened to the land of opportunity

Raise me up or throw me out I’m still American
Tilt your cap or slam your fist, I am my mother’s only son
I have made mistakes but I still bleed red white and blue

Raise me up or throw me out I’m still American
Tilt your cap or slam your fist, your hate won't change the fact that
I'm your kin

[jennamasi]

This is unbelievable!! So moving! The things you do with the loop pedal! Wowowow! I was singing along :)