For Those Who Came Before

John here. In November, when the band usually reflects on how grateful we are for our fans, our families, the venue owners, and other important supporters, we are always deeply touched by how the support we receive is bountiful and sincere. We ask ourselves “How did we get so lucky?” Although we are eternally humbled by this love and appreciation, this year, I also want to express thanks for someone different: our ancestors.

Not all of our ancestors mind you, though we owe them gratitude as well. I am talking about our ancestors who left the old world to come here to America. They made the great leap of faith and we, along with all of our brothers and sisters, cousins, aunts and uncles, and parents, are all beneficiaries of this great act of moving to a new life. 

I had the honor of accompanying my future son-in-law while he took his citizenship test to become an American. He was born in Cuba and since age 13 has been in the US as a legal resident. He has longed to get his US Citizenship and I wanted to let him know that we support his quest. As we sat in the waiting room, we were surrounded by people from all over the world who were doing the same thing. They were from Central and South America, the Caribbean, Africa, Europe, and Asia. They were different religions, different economic backgrounds, different ages. They all wanted the same thing, though: To become Americans.

I felt enormous pride both in the idea that I was already a citizen of this great country, and that the country still attracts bright, optimistic, and energetic individuals from all over who want to call themselves American. 

Good is one of those things you can never have too much of. You can have too much sugar, exercise, alcohol, travel, whatever. But good only keeps getting better when you add more to it. I was in a room full of good people who by their nature will add to the good that already is here.

My future son-in-law passed the test. He has his Citizenship Ceremony in December. He starts the path that my great and great-great grandparents started more than a century ago. His children and his children’s children will look back and thank him for making this journey, a distinctly American journey. 

Do you want to know what it was like for your ancestors who made the journey from Ireland to come to America? Find out on our Leaving Home: Clover’s Revenge Tour Of Ireland 2026. We are already filling up so let us know if you want more information.

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