When we were doing The Road To 250 recording for this Saturday, we had an outline of the things we wanted to cover, like the patriotic songs and speeches we wanted to include. But as we started one segment, out of the clear blue, I said to Todd: “have you seen all the World Cup visitors raving about America? Buc-ees, ranch dressing, barbeque, our roads, how nice everybody is, etc.?” We discussed that for a few minutes as you’ll hear on the national show, and I couldn’t quit thinking about it. People who have never been to America, many who had heard how terrible we were suddenly realized what a wonderful country we have. I asked the question aloud, “why don’t we see it?"
Suddenly it hit me, like it always does, and I started working on a new song. I decided to name it Why Can’t Everybody See it? Think about it for a moment. We live in the greatest country on the planet, and all we do is bitch about it. So many of the sweet people in our country to watch a soccer game see it, while we take it completely for granted. The beauty of the countryside as we travel from sea-to-sea is lost on us sadly. The freedom to speak freely, the ability to work hard and get ahead, the safety provided by our military and first responders. It is all taken for granted. Have you ever wondered what life would look like if you were born in a different country?
That is what this song is about. So, ladies and gentlemen, I give you the newest song I wrote, arranged, and produced. Feel free to share it with whomever you wish. Listen closely and if you wish, follow along with the lyrics and reflect on just how lucky we are to live in America.
Click on he photo below or here to listen to the song →
Lyrics:
[Verse 1]
They came from every corner, with their colors and their flags, Suitcases through airports, jerseys hanging from their bags.
They filled up all our stadiums, they walked our downtown streets, Took pictures of our sunsets, bought hot dogs and found their seats.
I’ve heard them say, “It’s beautiful,” I’ve seen it in their eyes, That wide-open feel of freedom underneath these American skies.
They came here for a soccer game, but found a whole lot more, And I keep wondering what some folks here have been looking for.
[Chorus]
Why can’t everybody see it? Why can’t everybody know? We’re living in a country Where the seeds of freedom grow.
No, it ain’t always perfect, But it’s still a precious thing, To stand here with the choices That so many never see.
Two hundred fifty candles, Still burning bright and true, Why can’t everybody see it Like those visitors do?
[Verse 2]
They marvel at our mountains, our highways and our plains, At little towns with courthouse clocks and cities built on dreams.
They notice simple kindness, the kind we pass right by, A welcome from a stranger, a flag against the sky.
Sure, we’ve stumbled plenty, and we’ve had our share of wrongs, But this is still the place the world keeps dreaming of.
[Bridge]
Maybe we’ve been here so long We forget what we’ve been shown, Like a man who owns a diamond And thinks it’s just a stone.
[Final Chorus]
Why can’t everybody see it? Why can’t everybody know? We’re blessed beyond the measure Of the headlines on our phones.
No, it ain’t always perfect, But I’ll gladly take my stand, For the dream that’s still alive here In this one-of-a-kind land.
Two hundred fifty candles, Still burning bright and true, Why can’t everybody see it Like those visitors do?
[Tag - soft ending]
Maybe it’s time we count our blessings Before the moment’s gone. Why can’t everybody see it? We’ve been standing in it all along.
.jpg?width=150&name=jerry-headshot.jpg%20(1).jpg)
