I keep the love
And I keep the hate
I keep the Tennessee at bay
I keep all the reasons why
So many millions
Have had to die
I keep the dreams
And I keep the fears
I keep it all
I keep the tears

The story:

I thought this song was about the American Civil
War since the Brandos did do a song called
"Gettysburg" and David Kincaid (lead singer) did
go on to record two civil war albums.

I first heard the keeper on on the live albumn
"David Kincaid and the Brandos live in Europe!"
where they did a concert in Germany and had songs
from David's two Civil War albums and some songs
from the Brandos.

I really thought he was saying "I keep the
Tennesee at bay" and thought he was singing about
someone who, in the American Civil War was trying
to fend of the Tennesee army for some reason.
Listening to the Brandos studio version, its
easier to make out the right words. Also on the
live version, he sounds like he says "And I keep
the hay" instead of "keep the hate"