{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.
