World Cup is over and I’m sure all of our guests have returned to their homelands. I have never watched much soccer before but watched many of these games and I must say, I am a fan. I have respect for the physical abilities of the players and the stamina they showed. All indications are our foreign guests were respectful and in awe of America. What a joy to see them celebrate their victories and to genuinely have a good time. I believe they all think differently about America today than before they got here.
This prompted my first song on our soccer guests: Why Can’t Everybody See It asked the question: If the people from all parts of the world can see what a great country we have, why can’t WE see the same thing? If you missed that song, you can hear it here:
LISTEN: Why Can't Everybody See It →
I published that one on June 26th and as the games started to wind down to the World Cup Championship, I did a follow-up song titled: They Came Here For The Soccer. The motivation behind this one was simply that these visitors came to America, but we were the ones who learned from them. Perhaps we learned we take things for granted, the little things we don’t even notice. Blessings they saw, but we ignore every single day. Let that sit with you for a minute and reflect as you read the lyrics I wrote:
[Verse 1]
They came here for soccer from a hundred flags away, with backpacks full of jerseys and maps of where to stay.
They stepped out into summer like they’d found a brand-new place, and we saw our own hometowns reflected in their face.
They took pictures of our sunsets, our skylines and our streets, then asked where they could find the kind of food with smoke and meat.
They came here for the matches, for the cheering and the score, but they showed us our own country like we’d never seen before.
[Chorus]
They came here for soccer, but we learned a thing or two. They saw the best of America Like we forgot to do.
Barbecue and kindness, big hearts and big blue skies, Ranch dressing on the table and cold drinks packed with ice.
They came here for soccer, but before the games were through, they reminded us how lucky we are to always have this view.
[Verse 2]
They said, “Your people smile a lot,” “Your highways sure are wide,” “Your portions are ridiculous,” and we said, “Yes, that comes with fries.”
They found out ranch goes with pizza, wings, and anything that lands, and watched a brisket disappear like some magician’s sleight of hand.
They cheered inside our stadiums, then when the games were done, some fans from Japan cleaned up their rows before the next folks come.
We watched them do that quietly, and maybe learned right then, Respect is one more souvenir we ought to bring back in.
[Bridge]
Sometimes it takes company to make you see your place, and all the little blessings We overlook each day.
You see what they’ve been seeing, and finally understand, there’s a lot we take for granted in this proud and lovely land.
[Final Chorus] They came here for soccer, but we learned a thing or two. They saw the best of America Like we forgot to do. From tailgates down in Texas to the lights of Tennessee,
From ice-cold drinks to strangers Saying, “Sit right here with me.” They came here for soccer, but they left us with the truth: Sometimes guests can teach the host to love the house we grew.
[Tag]
Yeah, they came here for soccer, but the lesson came for free: America looks pretty good through everybody else’s eyes, you see.
Here is the link, do wish it as you wish. Feel free to share it with anyone you think might enjoy it or perhaps needs to realize what a great country we live in.
This is my gift to you:
Click above or here for the song and lyrics →
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