Alan Jackson- Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning)

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“Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning)” is a poignant song by Alan Jackson that captures the emotions and reflections following the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

Background and Inspiration

“Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning)” was written by Alan Jackson in response to the September 11 attacks. The song expresses the shock, sorrow, and confusion that many Americans felt in the wake of the tragedy. Jackson reportedly wrote the song in the early morning hours, channeling his emotions and thoughts about the event.

Lyrics Overview

The lyrics of “Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning)” reflect on the personal and collective experiences of people on September 11, 2001. The song poses various questions about where people were and what they were doing when they heard the news, capturing a wide range of human responses and emotions.

“Where Were You When the World Stopped Turning” by Alan Jackson stands as a poignant tribute to the victims, survivors, and heroes of the September 11 attacks. Its enduring impact and continued resonance make it a powerful reminder of the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

Lyrics
Where were you when the world stopped turnin’That September day?Were you in the yard with your wife and childrenOr workin’ on some stage in L.A.?Did you stand there in shock at the sight of that black smokeRisin’ against that blue sky?Did you shout out in anger, in fear for your neighborOr did you just sit down and cry?
Did you weep for the children, they lost their dear loved onesPray for the ones who don’t know?Did you rejoice for the people who walked from the rubbleAnd sob for the ones left below?Did you burst out with pride for the red, white, and blueAnd the heroes who died just doin’ what they do?Did you look up to heaven for some kind of answerAnd look at yourself and what really matters?
I’m just a singer of simple songsI’m not a real political manI watch CNN, but I’m not sure I can tell youThe diff’rence in Iraq and IranBut I know Jesus and I talk to GodAnd I remember this from when I was youngFaith, hope, and love are some good things He gave usAnd the greatest is love
Where were you when the world stopped turnin’That September day?Teachin’ a class full of innocent childrenOr drivin’ down some cold interstate?Did you feel guilty ’cause you’re a survivor?In a crowded room did you feel alone?Did you call up your mother and tell her you love her?Did you dust off that Bible at home?
Did you open your eyes and hope it never happenedClose your eyes and not go to sleep?Did you notice the sunset for the first time in agesAnd speak to some stranger on the street?Did you lay down at night and think of tomorrowGo out and buy you a gun?Did you turn off that violent old movie you’re watchin’And turn on I Love Lucy reruns?Did you go to a church and hold hands with some strangersStand in line to give your own blood?Did you just stay home and cling tight to your familyThank God you had somebody to love?
I’m just a singer of simple songsI’m not a real political manI watch CNN, but I’m not sure I can tell youThe diff’rence in Iraq and IranBut I know Jesus and I talk to GodAnd I remember this from when I was youngFaith, hope, and love are some good things He gave usAnd the greatest is loveI’m just a singer of simple songsI’m not a real political manI watch CNN, but I’m not sure I can tell youThe diff’rence in Iraq and IranBut I know Jesus and I talk to GodAnd I remember this from when I was youngFaith, hope, and love are some good things He gave usAnd the greatest is love
And the greatest is loveAnd the greatest is love
Where were you when the world stopped turnin’On that September day?

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